The hottest summer event in the Alps

It is the hottest summer event in the Alps - when dusk settles over the Zugspitze on 20 June, the Tirolean Zugspitz Arena becomes the centre of the spectacular fire display. Over 8,000 individual fires on the coarse rock faces of Zugspitze, Grubigstein, Sonnenspitze and Marienberg create impressive pictures expanding over 200 metres in altitude.

The preparations are already running at full speed weeks before the event. 700 kilo bags filled with rapeseed oil or sawdust are brought to the mountain and anchored into the rock at high altitudes. When they are set alight on 20 June from 10 pm onwards, thousands of spectators enjoy the display from the valley below the Tirolean Zugspitze Arena.

The mountain flames originate from an ancient tradition in the Alp region. Since the 14th century summer solstice fires are burned on St. John’s Eve on the mountain peaks to symbolize the sun and to ward off demons. However, the fires burning in the Tirolean Zugspitz Arena today are unique – as a result of the particular location of the valley the fire display offers 360 degree views.

For further information and bookings see zugspitzarena.com.