Biikebrennen Rodenäs

Biikebrennen — The Ancient Frisian Tradition

The Biikebrennen (Frisian "Biike" = beacon fire) is one of the oldest customs on the North Frisian coast. Historically, the Frisians used it to bid farewell to their whalers, who set sail in March and were away for months. Over the centuries, the ritual of departure, pagan spring fire, and the Christian St. Peter's Day merged into the Biikebrennen we know today. In 2014, UNESCO recognised the Biikebrennen as part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage.

Rodenäs in Wiedingharde

Rodenäs is a very small municipality in the far northwest of Germany, right on the Danish border, in the North Frisia district of the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The Wiedingharde — an old Frisian landscape between the Hindenburgdamm causeway to Sylt and the Danish border — cherishes the Biikebrennen with particular devotion: almost every village community lights its own fire.

How the Festival Unfolds

The meeting point on February 21st is the Rodenäs community centre. FCWH Holzbein (local shooting club) and the Rodenäs volunteer fire brigade organise the fire. After a brief welcome, the Biike fire is lit, after which the village community gathers for the traditional kale supper (Grünkohlessen) at the community centre.

What You'll Experience

• A genuine village Biikebrennen — not a tourist show
• Direct interaction with the Wiedingharde village community
• Traditional kale supper afterwards
• A UNESCO cultural heritage in its original form