Biikefeuer Schobüll

What is Biikebrennen?

The Biikebrennen is an ancient Frisian custom celebrated on the eve of St. Peter's Day (February 21st). "Biike" means "signal fire" in North Frisian — historically, the fires were lit to help bid farewell to whalers returning home. Symbolically, the fire marks the end of winter and the start of spring work. UNESCO recognized Biikebrennen as part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage in 2014.

Schobüll — The Unique Location

The Husum district of Schobüll has a special feature: it lies on the only dyke-free section of the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast. While the coast is otherwise continuously protected by a main dyke, in Schobüll, the mudflat beach transitions directly into the meadows. At this spot — at the Schobüller Steg (pier), accessible via Nordseestraße — the local cultural association of Schobüll lights its Biikefeuer. The fire thus burns directly by the water, without any dyke or embankment disturbing the view.

Organizers and Schedule

The Ortskulturring Schobüll (Schobüll Local Cultural Association) organizes the event annually:

• 6:00 PM — Event start with an address
• 6:30 PM — Lighting of the Biikefeuer
• Followed by a communal walk around the fire with traditional songs
• Hot drinks and snacks from local associations
• Festivities wind down in a relaxed atmosphere

Part of the Husum Bay Initiative

Schobüll is one of about 60 Biikefeuer that are lit simultaneously every year in North Frisia and Schleswig-Holstein on the evening of February 21st. Several fires burn in Husum Bay alone — Schobüll is the location with the most maritime character. The town of Husum coordinates the list of locations and accompanying information via the tourism office.

In the District of Nordfriesland

Schobüll is a district of Husum in the Nordfriesland district of the state of Schleswig-Holstein. With about 1,300 inhabitants, Schobüll is a comparatively small, quiet residential area — the Biikefeuer event is one of the most defining activities of the year for the local associations.