3. WHEN TO GO, WHERE TO STAY & HOW TO GET THERE

Timing: When is it and what exactly happens when?

When is it?

• Around the summer solstice (late June)

• In 2026: June 20, 2026 at 10:00pm (according to the official website)

  Although note that there is an alternative date (only if the original date is cancelled due to bad weather): June 27, 2026. Make sure you check the website!

What happens when?

• Fires begin lighting: ~9:30pm

• Full effect: 10:00–10:45pm

• Fade out: ~11:30pm

What actually happens:

• Fires don’t ignite all at once

• Designs slowly appear over time

• Some are obvious, others take minutes to recognise

Where to stay and where to base yourselves

Stay in Ehrwald if:

• You want the easiest experience

• You want walkable access to viewing

• You don’t want to overthink logistics

Others also recommend other towns such as Lermoos.

⚠️ We don't recommend driving as parking is limited and traffic leaving is slow.

👉 Where we stayed and recommend: Ehrwald, Austria

Our apartment we stayed at: Appartements Emilia

Affordable and it came with a kitchen which is what we prefer when traveling! It was a little out of town so longer walking distance but was doable if you are used to it! We stayed here for 3 nights in total.

⚠️ Remember to BOOK IN ADVANCE! Places get booked out as early as April!

Other accommodation options:

• Hotel Alpin - affordable, offers spa/sauna area and mountain views

• Appartements Al Castagno - affordable, apartment style, balcony, italian restaurant, middle of town

How to get there

Best way to get there

Option 1 (Best): From Munich, Germany

• 1.5–2 hour drive

• ~2–2.5 hour by train to Ehrwald

👉 Easiest + most flexible

Option 2: From Innsbruck, Austria

• 1–1.5 hour drive

• < 2 hour train

👉 Closest airport

We had a car and it was good to get around the town but you can also get around via local bus.

We book our train tickets via Trip or Omio.