Biikebrennen on Amrum — Nebel

Frisian Winter Tradition with UNESCO Status

The Biikebrennen is one of the oldest Frisian traditions — and has been recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014. Every year on February 21st, high wood fires are lit in the Frisian villages of North and North Frisia. They symbolically bid farewell to winter, and in the past, also to the whalers who set out to sea.

Nebel — The Island's Largest Bonfire

On the island of Amrum, Biike bonfires are lit in all five island villages: in Norddorf, Nebel, Süddorf, Steenodde, and Wittdün. The bonfire in Nebel is located in the geographical center of the island and is one of the largest and most visited. The venue: the designated Biikeplatz Nebel, an open field on the outskirts of the village.

The Course of the Biike Night

As darkness falls, around 6:00 PM, the fire is lit. The woodpile burns several meters high into the Frisian night sky. Before or during this, speeches are held — often in Frisian — and old songs are sung. The atmosphere is cozy and festive at the same time: families stand shoulder to shoulder around the fire, children in warm woolen hats, adults with steaming mugs of mulled wine.

Kale Dinner as the Second Course

After the bonfire, it's time to warm up: the island inns serve traditional kale with Pinkel sausage, Kassler (smoked pork), and fried potatoes in the evening — the traditional North Frisian winter dish that is inextricably linked to the Biikebrennen. Reservations at the inns are highly recommended.

Amrum — Island of Frisian Customs

Amrum, along with Sylt and Föhr, is one of the three major North Sea islands of Schleswig-Holstein. While the island is populated by beach vacationers in the summer, February belongs entirely to the locals and the few guests seeking a quiet island life. The Biikebrennen is the most important winter event of the year — and can be experienced particularly impressively in Nebel.