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ČeštinaFire, Bells & Decorated Cows
Traditions in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena
When the mountains are ablaze in June, adorned cows descend into the valley in September, and Krampuses roam the villages in December, the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena reveals its most authentic side. Many traditions have been carried on for generations by associations and families – and guests are warmly welcomed.
2010Mountain Fires in UNESCO Heritage
approximately 10,000Individual Fires for the Summer Solstice
1694Guild of Builders
since 1977Sheep Herding in Ehrwald
Throughout the Year
The Tradition Calendar
January
Einscheller
Ehrwald
On the first weekend after New Year, the Scheller, Roller, witches, and the Goat Buck herald the Carnival season.
March 19
St. Joseph’s Day
Bichlbach
Guild celebration of the Brotherhood of St. Joseph in the only guild church in Austria.
June
Mountain Fires
Ehrwald · Lermoos · Biberwier
On the summer solstice, thousands of fires illuminate the mountain slopes – a UNESCO heritage.
September
Almabtrieb & Sheep Herding
Lermoos · Ehrwald
Decorated cows parade through Lermoos, while in Ehrwald, the sheep return from the alpine pastures.
December
Krampus & St. Nicholas
Biberwier · Lermoos · Ehrwald
Fur costumes, intricately carved masks, and the sound of bells – plus a St. Nicholas for the children.
© Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena / Bianca McCartyUNESCO Heritage
The Ehrwald Mountain Fires
Once a year, the rocky walls surrounding the valley transform into a radiant stage – the most renowned tradition of the region.
- Next DateSaturday, June 19, 2027, starting around 10 PM – in case of bad weather, Saturday, June 26, 2027 (according to the tourism association).
- The SpectacleSeveral hundred volunteer 'mountain fire starters' ignite thousands of individual fires up to around 2,000 m high, creating images, symbols, and words. The motifs remain a secret until the evening.
- HistoryThe roots trace back to the signal fires of the Tyrolean freedom fighters in the early 19th century; the current form has existed since 1948. Since 2010, the Ehrwald Mountain Fires have been listed in Austria's inventory of intangible UNESCO cultural heritage.
- Best ViewFrom the paths in the Lermooser and Ehrwald moors – arrive early, use official parking spaces, and do not enter the meadows.
- Heart of Jesus FireIn Berwang, special fires burn around the Heart of Jesus Festival in June – with its own date.
© Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena / Bianca McCartyWhen the Alpine Summer Ends
Almabtrieb & Sheep Herding
- Almabtrieb in LermoosUsually on the Saturday of the second weekend in September: Cows adorned with artistic headdresses made of branches, flowers, and ribbons parade through the village. The evening before, the Kulinarium features music and stalls.
- Sheep Herding in EhrwaldTypically on the second Sunday in September starting at 9:30 AM at Martinsplatz – since 1977. The sheep return from the pastures on Wetterstein and are sheared in front of an audience, accompanied by music and Ehrwald lamb roast.
- Good to KnowThe exact date depends on the weather and the alpine summer and may change at short notice.
© Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena / Nikola RadovicWild Figures
Krampus, St. Nicholas & Einscheller
- Krampus Parade in BiberwierIn early December, the 'Schluchtetuifl' with guest groups in fur costumes and hand-carved masks parade through the village – afterward, St. Nicholas visits the children.
- Krampus Run in LermoosAlso in Lermoos, Krampuses create goosebumps with fire, bells, and wild masks.
- St. Nicholas Entrance in EhrwaldFamily-friendly and festive: St. Nicholas arrives with Knecht Ruprecht and many angels, along with punch, roasted chestnuts, and Kiachl.
- Einscheller in EhrwaldIn early January, the Goaßeln make a ruckus: The Goat Buck in goat fur, witches with brooms, and Roller and Scheller with bells weighing up to 30 kg parade through inns and hotels, heralding the Carnival season.
Craftsmanship with History
The Guild of Bichlbach
1694Founding of the Guild
1.185Members in the year 1716
March 19Guild celebration on St. Joseph’s Day
As mining in the Außerfern came to an end, many men traveled as masons, carpenters, and plasterers through Europe. In 1694, the builders formed a guild based in Bichlbach and constructed a church for their patron saint, St. Joseph – the only guild church in Austria.
Today, the Brotherhood of St. Joseph maintains the baroque church and celebrates its guild festival every year on St. Joseph’s Day. A small museum in the guild house next door displays old tools and documents.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions about Traditions
When do the Mountain Fires take place?
Every year on a Saturday around the summer solstice, starting around 10 PM. According to the tourism association, the next date is Saturday, June 19, 2027, with a backup date in case of bad weather on Saturday, June 26, 2027.
Where is the best view of the Mountain Fires?
The best panoramic views of Wetterstein and Mieminger Chain can be enjoyed from the paths in the moor between Ehrwald, Lermoos, and Biberwier. Arrive early and use the official parking spaces.
When is Almabtrieb in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena?
The Almabtrieb in Lermoos usually takes place on the Saturday of the second weekend in September, while the sheep herding in Ehrwald usually occurs the following Sunday. The exact date depends on the weather.
What are the Ehrwald Einscheller?
A carnival group that, in early January, heralds the carnival season with whip cracks, large bells, and intricately carved wooden masks, visiting many inns and hotels in one evening.
Dates according to the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena tourism association, without guarantee – current dates can be found in the event calendar.
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