The view from the valley and the atmosphere on the mountain were unique, even though the traditional midsummer festivals at Ritzensee and Asitz were unfortunately unable to take place due to the pandemic.
Centuries-old traditions and a glowing edelweiss made of 800 torches
In Saalfelden Leogang, these bonfires are considered particularly beautiful and elaborate. Every year, members of the Alpine Club, the mountain rescue service, the fire brigade and the Friends of Nature put the Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinerne Meer in the spotlight with the many bonfires. The glowing outlines of the mountains and the many fire pictures can be observed particularly well from the valley. One of the most famous fire pictures is the edelweiss in the snow pit of the Steinernes Meer, between the Persailhorn, Mitterhorn and Breithorn. For over 50 years, the Saalfelden fire brigade has been drawing the 100 metre wide and 180 metre long edelweiss in the snow pit at over 2,000 metres using around 800 torches. The exact size of the effigy always depends on the current snow conditions. At 10.00 pm sharp, three red flares are shot from the valley as the starting signal for the lighting of the fires. The mountains then light up - pure magic!
According to an old tradition dating back to the 14th century, countless bonfires are lit in the Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinernes Meer on the shortest night of the year. According to Pinzgau folklore, the solstice fire drives away evil demons that cause illness, damage to livestock or hail. The fire symbolised the sun and was also believed to bring growth and fertility to meadows and fields.
