Biikebrennen Risum-Lindholm

A Frisian stronghold in February

Risum-Lindholm, with just under 2,000 inhabitants in the district of Nordfriesland, is a twin municipality of special cultural significance. Here, North Frisian – more precisely: Mooring Frisian – is still spoken as an everyday language, in schools, in associations, on street signs. Anyone experiencing the Biikebrennen in Risum-Lindholm is not just seeing a fire, but a living language and identity.

Three associations, one festival

The Biikebrennen is organized by a trio of Frisian organizations:

• Friisk Foriining – the umbrella organization of Frisian associations in North Frisia, based in Bredstedt
• Frasche Feriin for e Ååstermååre e.V. – the Frisian women's association Ostermoor
• Frisia Historica – a historical association that researches and conveys old Frisian culture

The evening's schedule

The venue is the Üülje Browäi – a traditional meeting place in the Risum district. The program begins with the children's bonfire at 6:00 PM: smaller fires are lit here, and children grill sausages and stick bread over the flames. At 7:00 PM, the large bonfire of Frisia Historica is lit. This is followed by the Biikerede, held in 2026 by Arno Ulrichs, and a play in the Frisian language by the group Rökefloose with the piece Scharp as kniwinge (approx.: Sharp as a knife). Afterwards, DJ Dirk Bork (Radio Magic Music) takes over and lets the festival culminate in a night of dancing.

Kale soup afterwards

The traditional kale meal takes place at the Restaurant Fraschlönj in the Risum district – here, the famous Frisian kale soup is served according to a homemade recipe. Those standing at the Biike site have already reserved their meal or join the community at the restaurant after the fire.

An authentic Frisian tradition

Unlike the large Biiken in Husum or Sylt, the Risum-Lindholm Biikebrennen is a community event by Frisians for Frisians, not a tourist format. Visitors are warmly welcome but should respect the atmosphere – this is a celebration of cultural identity for one of Germany's last living language communities. The UNESCO recognition as intangible cultural heritage applies here more than anywhere else.