Biikebrennen
Biikebrennen on Sylt
Origin and meaning of the Biikebrennen
A North Frisian tradition on February 21
The Biikebrennen is a traditional North Frisian festival celebrated every year on February 21st , not only on Sylt, but also along the North Frisian coast and on the islands and Halligen . However, it was the Sylt chronicler CP Hansen who revived the centuries-old tradition of the Biikebrennen in the 19th century.
The origins of the Biike bonfire tradition lie far back in pre-Christian times and are likely rooted in pagan customs. Originally, the Biikes served as Germanic spring fires to drive away winter and evil spirits . The word "Biike" comes from Frisian and means "fire beacon" or "beacon." The Biikes were closely linked to the Petriting the following day, one of three court days of the year. Contracts were concluded, wills were written, and the time when the whalers would set sail was determined. Today, the Petriting on February 22nd is a true highlight in all the island's villages, where young and old celebrate together.
Today, the Biikebrennen (bonfire burning) is primarily celebrated as a cultural and communal festival that bids farewell to winter and symbolizes the deep-rooted connection people have to their homeland and history. In 2014, the Biikebrennen was even included in the list of intangible cultural heritage in Germany.
Course of the Biike on Sylt
Traditional rituals
The evening begins with a convivial gathering at the starting point of the torchlit procession in the village. There, fire barrels are set up for the torches to be lit. The procession then marches together to Biikeplatz, often accompanied by a band. Upon arrival at the fire pile, a German and a Frisian speech follow, often addressing political and social issues on the island.
Only with the Frisian cry "Tjen di Biiki ön" is the fire officially lit and the torches thrown onto the bonfire. While the flames blaze, warm punch is drunk and everyone waits with bated breath for the straw effigy, barrel, or cask, symbolically representing winter, to fall into the flames.
Afterwards, the traditional Biike dish is served in the island's restaurants: kale "with everything".
Live stream of the Biike
Can't be there this year? No problem, R.SH will be live streaming a Sylt Biike again this year – so you can experience the Biike feeling at home!
This is what Biike 2026 was like
Want to experience the Biike in Tinnum again from home, or missed it? You can watch the Biike fire here!
The exact times for all locations are usually announced at the end of January.
Checklist for your unforgettable Biike experience
Tips for preparation
Warm, weatherproof and old clothing
Our tip : sturdy boots with thermal insoles or warm rubber boots, wool socks, thick trousers, and ideally an old jacket that can withstand a few wax stains. Don't forget a scarf, hat, and gloves!
shilly-shally
Anyone wanting to fully enjoy the Biike experience should definitely bring a torch to the bonfire site. It's important, however, to protect the handle with a large piece of cardboard, as hot wax can easily drip down when lighting the torch, especially in windy weather.
Pay attention to wind direction
A bonfire on a windless day? That almost never happens. So always stand with the wind at your back, otherwise you won't see the bonfire for all the smoke. If in doubt, stand where the locals are.
Hot drinks
You'll be well catered for in terms of drinks. The fire department offers hot beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for a small fee. However, most Sylt residents insist on arriving in style with handcarts and thermoses. The islanders simply like to be self-sufficient.
Patience
The torch may only be thrown into the fire when the speaker gives the signal. Until then, keep your distance and wait patiently. The starting signal is: "Tjen di Biiki ön!" ("Light the Biike!"). Patience is sometimes also required for the end of the Biike. Strictly speaking, one may only leave once the Pidder or the barrel has fallen.
“Üüs Sölring Lön” song
Üüs Sölring Lön (translated: Our Sylt Land) is the Frisian anthem of Sylt. No one expects you to be able to sing along perfectly.
If you'd like to warm up your voice beforehand, you can print the song here . The melody is also great for humming along to.
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Torchlight procession to the Biike bonfire in Morsum -
Bravely participating – girls at the Biike bonfire on Sylt -
Torchlight procession to the Biike bonfire in Tinnum -
Preparations for the Biike bonfire in the Tinnumer meadows -
Waiting for the lighting of the bonfire -
Visitors capture the Biike bonfire on Sylt in pictures. -
Torch throwing at the Biikebrennen in Morsum -
Children light fires at the Biike bonfire.
Traditional Biike dish
Kale with everything
After the fire has burned down, the Biikebrennen (Biike burning) is a communal meal. All Sylt restaurants serve the traditional Biike dish: kale with fried potatoes and hearty meat side dishes such as pork cheek, smoked pork, and cooked sausage. Following the meal, aquavit is traditionally served.
Tip: It’s best to reserve your favorite restaurant in advance!
Sylt Biike Box
The Sylt Biike Box conveniently brings the traditional Biike meal to the homes of Sylt fans and islanders.
Each box for two people contains 500g of freshly cooked, locally sourced kale, two slices of smoked pork loin, four cabbage sausages, mustard, and a Sylt-style Frisian bread baking mix. You only need to add the potato side dish yourself.
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49,99 euros plus shipping costs
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Orders must be placed by February 15, 2026; after that, only collection is possible.
St. Peter's Day
Day after Biike on February 22
St. Peter's Day falls on February 22nd, the day after the Biike bonfire on Sylt. Once an important court day, it now focuses on music and dancing.
St. Peter's Day is a special holiday, especially for children and teenagers who have the day off school. Parents and grandparents traditionally give them St. Peter's Day coins, which the young people of Sylt can use to go to the St. Peter's Day dance and buy sweets.
You and your children are very welcome in the island community. Singing and dancing along are expressly encouraged!
Overview of the Petri Dances on Sylt
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Petritanz in the former elementary school, Landwehrdeich 1 in List
For kindergarten and primary school children from 14:30 pm to 17:00 pm -
Petri dance in the Hall am Kliff, Haus am Kliff, Wenningstedt
- For kindergarten children from 11:00 - 13:00
- For elementary school children from 14:30 pm - 17:00 pm
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Petri Dance in the Old Kursaal at the Town Hall Square in Westerland
- For kindergarten children from 10:00 - 11:30
- For grades 5, 6 and 7 from 15:00 PM - 17:30 PM
- For grades 8, 9 and 10 from 18:30 pm - 21:30 pm,
the upper school is cordially invited
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Petritanz in the Westerland Hall at the CCS in Westerland
For elementary school children from 14:30 pm - 17:00 pm -
Petri dance in the Biike restaurant (Hapimag) in Hörnum
For children from 15:00 pm - 17:00 pm -
Petri dance in the Muasem Hüs in Morsum
For adults at 18:00 PM (admission from 17:00 PM)
Plan your Biike holiday
Here you will find holiday apartments with crackling fireplaces
to hotels with saunas, suitable accommodation for your Biike break on Sylt.
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The largest selection of accommodation
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best offer at the best price
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book quickly & easily
Biike Specials
Special hotel and restaurant offers for the Biike bonfire festival
The Sylt Biikeplatz
This is where the Biike fires are lit island-wide.
