Solstice in the Montafon in Vorarlberg

21 June 2026

When the longest day and the shortest night meet, mountain fires are lit in many places.

Around June 21, mountain lovers climb up to the heights with torches and wood to celebrate this centuries-old ritual. Even in the Middle Ages, people gathered to hope for luck, blessings and healing in the glow of the fire. While today the focus is on the solstice, in the past it was mainly the night of June 24th, St. John's Day, when the fires were lit - a custom that is deeply connected to nature and the seasons.

The lord of the solstice fires

Walter Zudrell and his shining legacy

For almost 50 years, Walter Zudrell, known as "Felsa Walter", has ensured that the midsummer bonfires in the Montafon shine brightly. The ascent to the Hochjoch begins in the afternoon, where around 60 wax fires are prepared. However, the weather remains unpredictable - sudden thunderstorms can thwart the ritual.

If everything goes well, a magical spectacle unfolds as darkness falls. "You sit on a pulpit and look out over the surrounding mountain fires - it's simply wonderful," says Walter.

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A sustainable tradition

The custom remains, but the materials have changed. In the past, solstice fires were lit with kerosene and other fuels, but nowadays people rely on environmentally friendly alternatives. The firewood comes from sustainable sources, and hollow wax torches or torch pots made from natural wax burn without leaving any residue - keeping the tradition alive without harming nature.

© Johannes Netzer

Banned or forgotten for decades, the custom has enjoyed great popularity again since the 1970s.

As in other Austrian regions, the peaks in the Montafon are once again ablaze at the solstice. Shortly after dark, the first solstice fires are lit and illuminate the mountain scenery. There is a lot of work behind this extraordinary spectacle: all the fuel and equipment, from wood to torches, is laboriously carried to the summits. Many privately organized initiatives and associations ensure a breathtaking spectacle every year.

Mountain sunset in the Montafon

Good food, music and mountains on fire

Today, many clubs and privately organized groups make it their business to celebrate the longest day of the year with bonfires in the middle of the mountains when the weather is fine. These mountain restaurants in the Montafon allow you to experience the midsummer bonfire up close:

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