Slinningsbålet bonfire in Ålesund

Slinningsbålet is known for holding the world record as the tallest man-made bonfire. It achieved a Guinness World Record in 2016, reaching an impressive height of 47.4 metres — though the record has since been surpassed. Nonetheless, Slinningsbålet remains a spectacular sight, and the building process — carried out without tools or machinery — is truly unique. Perhaps most impressive of all is the fact that the builders are teenagers.

In Ålesund, there used to be many bonfires, with each neighbourhood competing to build the tallest and most impressive one.

But for the past decades, Slinningsbålet has reigned as the king of all bonfires — not just in Ålesund, but across Norway. People from around the world come to see it being constructed and to witness it being set alight. But for the teenagers who build it, the motivation lies in teamwork, community spirit, and preserving a cherished tradition.

What makes the bonfire so unique is that it’s built entirely by hand by local youth, without cranes or specialised tools.

Every year on 1 May, a group of local youngsters aged approximately 13 to 22 from the Hessa peninsula in Ålesund begins construction. The bonfire is built from single-use pallets that local companies would otherwise throw away — but instead donate for this purpose.

The teenagers work on the bonfire every evening after school, in all kinds of weather, until it’s completed on the Saturday closest to St. Hans (23 June). It requires hard work, discipline, and knowledge — skills passed down from generation to generation.

There is always a leader — or “bonfire boss” — in charge, usually the person with the most experience.

The bonfire is lit on the Saturday closest to 23 June at 9:00 pm. It takes a while for the flames to spread through the entire tower, and when it finally collapses, the crowd reacts with loud cheers and amazement. And hundreds of boats in the fjord sound their horns in excitement.

The tradition of lighting bonfires at midsummer originates from ancient pagan celebrations of the summer solstice. Later, it merged with Christian celebrations of Saint John (called Sankt Hans in Norwegian). The fire was believed to ward off evil spirits and symbolised purification and the forces of nature.

In more recent times, the tradition has become a social event, with dancing, games, and food shared around the fire. Gathering materials in the weeks beforehand is part of the experience.it.

The bonfire is built on a small island by Slinningsodden, located on the Hessa peninsula in Ålesund. You can see it from many places around town — for example, from the south side of the town centre at Volsdalsberga (near the football stadium), or from Mount Aksla.

Watching the fire from a boat cruise is also a memorable experience — but must be pre-booked. Contact the local tourist office in Ålesund for details.

Important practical information:
If you want to experience the bonfire from Slinningsodden, please note that there are no food service or other facilities available, and that parking is not permitted for non-residents. Portable festival toilets are usually set up by the bus stop.Please remember to take your rubbish and any belongings with you when you leave. No camping allowed.

How to get there:
Slinningsodden is 6.5 km from the town centre. There is a bus approximately once an hour, or every other hour. Please note that bus schedules may be different on the day the bonfire is lit. See frammr.no for more information. The best option is to walk or cycle, as buses tend to be full on the day of the bonfire.