Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

BERGEN

IN PICTURES: The story of Bergen’s famous Tønnebålet barrel bonfire

Every year on June 23rd, Laksevåg in Bergen, western Norway, transforms into a lively festival ground for St. Hans, attracting hundreds of visitors with its festive barrel bonfire, one of the largest in the world.

Published: 24 June 2024 11:49 CEST
Bonfire
The Tønnebålet barrel bonfire in Bergen is among Norway's most famous. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Many Norwegians gather annually on the evening of June 23rd to celebrate Sankthans, also known as Midsummer’s Eve, with festive bonfires.

Although the official date for Sankthans is June 24th, the celebrations kick off the night before, bringing communities together in anticipation of the day.

READ MORE: Sankthans: What you should know about Norway’s midsummer celebration

The origins of Sankthans can be traced back to the Christianization of Norway when the celebration was designated as a holy day honouring St. John the Baptist’s birthday.

Over the centuries, the day’s religious significance has faded, but the communal spirit and festive atmosphere remain strong.

Bonfires have always been a central element of the celebration, symbolizing the sun’s power during the long summer days and the triumph of light over darkness.

The Tønnebålet barrel bonfire in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is among the country’s biggest and most famous.

Bergen bonfire

The 2024 Tønnebålet was blessed with beautiful weather, a rare treat in Bergen, often dubbed “Norway’s Rain Capital.” Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

The Tønnebålet bonfire: A tradition steeped in history

The tradition of building fires in the area dates back to the 18th century.

The barrel bonfires’ origins remain uncertain, with some attributing them to Laksevåg’s archery brigade, Laksevågs Bueskyttere.

On the other hand, historical accounts suggest that bonfires in Nordre Vågen were being constructed by another local group, called Laxevaags Bataljon, as early as 1902.

The rivalry between the two groups was fierce. Both groups competed to build the biggest bonfire and amass the most barrels, often resorting to “collecting” barrels from around the fjord and occasionally stealing from each other.

The last bonfire in Nordre Vågen was built around 1935 before fires were banned in the area. Laxevaags Bataljon disbanded after the 1938 season, and the tradition was interrupted by World War II.

The archery brigade was left to uphold the tradition alone, and they have done so against increasingly challenging odds. In the early 20th century, multiple small bonfires dotted the area.

Today, the tradition has been consolidated into one large bonfire, sometimes accompanied by a smaller one (as was the case in 2023 and 2024).

A significant challenge in recent years has been the dwindling availability of barrels, which are no longer as easily obtainable as they were over a century ago. To keep the tradition alive, the archery brigades now often have to purchase barrels.

Bonfire crowds

The Tønnebålet is a family-friendly event that brings the local community together, attracting hundreds of visitors. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

The 2024 Tønnebålet celebration

In 2024, the June 23rd bonfire attracted a large crowd of hundreds of visitors. Tickets were priced at 220 kroner.

Hundreds of boats gathered at sea for the event, with people eager to witness the magnificent blaze from the water.

The bonfire was lit at 9 pm, to the cheers of the crowds gathered to witness the occasion. The bonfire was watered throughout the evening, ensuring a controlled fire.

Attendees enjoyed live music, a variety of food and drink options, and an unusually sunny day for Bergen, enhancing the festive mood.

Bonfire crowds sea

Dozens of boats gathered at sea, with people eager to see the bonfire from the water. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway
 
Bonfire pass

In 2024, event passes were priced at 220 kroner. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway
 
Music bonfire

Tønnebålet attendees are usually able to enjoy live music. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

PROPERTY

Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Of course not every home in Norway is identical but there are several major trends that are easily identifiable in most cities that might give you the impression that they all look the same.

Published: 25 June 2024 12:47 CEST
Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Before we explain the similarities there is plenty of variety among homes in Norway.

Different regions in Norway have their own styles, and people’s personal tastes and modern trends also play a role.

Furthermore, urban areas are way more eclectic compared to rural and more isolated regions, and at the same time, the biggest cities need to deal with population pressure.

READ MORE: What you need to know about the Norwegian housing model

However, it is undeniable that a few significant trends dominate the landscape in most of Norway’s towns and cities.

The traditional wooden house

The first trend is the traditional wooden house, which is often medium-sized and square.

These homes, painted in classic colours such as white, dark red, ochre yellow, or brown, are omnipresent across Norway.

While you will easily spot them in any smaller town, even the two largest cities – Oslo and Bergen – still boast many traditional wooden houses.

READ MORE: Oslo versus Bergen: Five big differences between Norway’s two largest cities

If you take a walk to Bergen’s Old Town, you’ll find an array of traditional wooden houses in the area behind the UNESCO-protected Bryggen Wharf. Many wooden houses can also be found in the centrally located Verftet neighbourhood on the Nordnes peninsula.

Their uniform appearance stems from historical building practices and the practicality of using wood as a primary construction material in a forest-rich country.

These homes not only serve as a testament to Norway’s architectural heritage but also adapt well to the country’s climate, providing insulation against the cold.

Additionally, local building regulations often dictate specific architectural styles to preserve the cultural heritage of Norwegian towns and villages – especially in neighbourhoods with a rich past.

Lofoten houses

Wooden houses in Reine, Lofoten Islands, northern Norway. Photo by Jonas Geschke on Unsplash

Modern Norwegian housing

The second trend includes more modern housing solutions, such as terraced houses, new builds, and apartment blocks.

These structures are increasingly common in urban areas where space is at a premium. Many construction projects in the outskirts of Bergen feature this kind of development as the city expands to accommodate its growing population.

This trend reflects contemporary architectural styles and is often designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind.

The uniformity here is driven by modern urban planning in cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Aker Brygge

The Aker Brygge wharf area in central Oslo. Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

Traditional vs modern: What advocates of the two styles say

Supporters of traditional Norwegian homes argue that these old structures are very durable. They point out that the wood used in homes from 40 to over 80 years ago comes from slow-growing trees, making it dense and rot-resistant.

Compared to modern building materials, which they often view as inferior, they claim that wood in these older homes ensures longevity – as long as the house has been adequately maintained.

READ MORE: What you should know before buying a house in rural Norway

Furthermore, the longevity of old wooden houses in Norway is well-documented. Many homes built in the early 20th century still retain their original structure despite multiple renovations.

As long as the wood remains dry, it can last for decades – or even centuries.

On the other hand, with advancements in building technology, modern houses are designed to minimise heat loss, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills – particularly relevant in the cost-of-living crisis plaguing Norway and Europe in recent years.

These homes often feature high-level insulation, double or triple-glazed windows, and advanced heating systems, which make them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Another key advantage of modern homes is their adherence to strict building codes and standards.

Today, Norwegian houses are built to high specifications, ensuring safety, comfort, and durability. Mandated ventilation systems improve indoor air quality and prevent issues like mould and dampness.

In addition to technical improvements, modern homes are also designed with contemporary lifestyles in mind. Open floor plans and larger windows create bright and adaptable living spaces.

SHOW COMMENTS