Osterfeuer Borgwedel

Easter Bonfire — Tradition from the North

The Easter bonfire is one of the oldest spring customs in Northern Germany. Originally of pagan origin, later reinterpreted by Christians as a symbol of resurrection, it marks the end of winter in April. In Schleswig-Holstein, and especially along the Schlei, the Easter bonfire is traditionally lit in numerous villages on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday — organized by the fire brigade, attended by the village community.

Borgwedel and its Schlei Villages

Borgwedel is a small municipality with under 1,000 inhabitants in the Amt Haddeby, district of Schleswig-Flensburg, located directly on the Schlei — Germany's longest fjord. The village is one of the "Schlei villages" on the South Schlei, in close proximity to the Viking World Heritage site Haithabu/Danewerk. The Dörps- und Sprüttenhuus is the community event house where village life has been organized for decades.

What awaits you

The Easter bonfire is set up in the late afternoon and lit in the evening around 6 PM. The Borgwedel volunteer fire brigade ensures safety and supplies — bratwurst, drinks, mulled wine on cold days, stick bread for the children. The atmosphere is familial, the fire burns for several hours, often accompanied by music from a sound system or a small live band.

Nestled in a Rich Region

Visitors to the Osterfeuer Borgwedel are just a few minutes away from the Viking city of Haithabu, the Museum am Danewerk, and the cathedral city of Schleswig. A perfect starting point for an Easter weekend in Schleswig-Holstein.