Every Year, the Tirol Mountains in Austria Are Set Ablaze For the Summer Solstice
Midsummer inspires many cultures around the world and in Austria, the solstice is welcomed with various celebrations. The most spectacular and unusual tradition is the bonfires that are lit annually in the Tirolean Alps. Read on to discover more about this curious event.
Brief history
The solstice bonfires that light up the night sky of the Tirolean Alps every June have their roots in the Middle Ages when the tribes of that time believed that fire was a symbol that showed appreciation towards the earth. Tirol has always been known for being an area that celebrates the closing of summer in the most extravagant way, with huge bonfires being lit – it truly is a beautiful display.
Where best to see the fires
Tirol’s quaint capital, Innsbruck, also puts on an impressive display for midsummer – lighting up the Nordkette mountain range at night (the cable car runs until 11 pm) and putting on various other events, including musical performances and feasts made up of traditional cuisine.
The fires from afar
However, the fires are best seen from afar, when their entire shape is visible on the mountainside. Cruises along Lake Achensee are a popular way to experience the magic of the mountain fires from a distance. Setting off from Pertisau at 9 pm, the two-hour cruise takes you along some of the most picturesque areas, which become ‘bathed in light’. More details can be found here.
Summer solstice in Austria generally falls in mid-June. Check out this page for updates on how you can see the bonfires.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
