The most spectacular summer solstice fires in Tirol

The Sacred Heart of Jesus fires in Tyrol/Austria are a custom that is still practised today, especially in the Tannheimer Tal and Kartitsch in East Tyrol. It commemorates Tyrol's resistance against Napoleon's troops in 1796, when the defence of the country against the approaching army was entrusted to the "Sacred Heart of Jesus". As a result of the "Sacred Heart of Jesus Vow", the Tyrolean Landsturm received a large influx of volunteers and was able to surprisingly repel the French superiority. At the same time, the mountain fires also served as communication signals visible from afar to summon the Landsturm. Originally, however, the Sacred Heart of Jesus fires can be traced back to pre-Christian midsummer and St John's fires.

There are essentially two categories of mountain fires in Tyrol. The first is the solstice fires, which are the most common. They are lit in June at the solstice - or the weekend closest to it. Secondly, in a few regions there are the Sacred Heart of Jesus fires, which are usually lit around two weeks earlier. They primarily commemorate the Tyrolean Landsturm's resistance against Napoleon's troops in 1796. The Brixental Valley mountain bonfires, which take place every year in August, are out of the ordinary. What all mountain fires have in common is that they are of pre-Christian origin.

Solstice fires are associated with the summer solstice, while Sacred Heart fires are a religious tradition. Both customs have historical roots and are sometimes practised in parallel in Tyrol.

The fires are often set in symbolic shapes such as hearts, crosses or doves of peace. These motifs symbolise faith, cohesion and the cultural identity of the regions.

The tradition goes back many centuries and is one of the oldest customs in Tyrol. It has been passed down through generations and is still an integral part of regional culture today.

Mountain fires are lit on mountain slopes in many regions of Tyrol (Kitzbühel Alps, Tiroler Zugspitz Arena or in the Tannheimer Valley). They are particularly visible from valleys or vantage points, as the glowing motifs can be impressively recognised from there.