Scouts light beacons on Ulriken, Løvstakken, Sandviksfjellet and Lyderhorn. An atmospheric conclusion to Constitution Day.
At 23:00, beacon fires light up Bergen’s mountains. Scouts light beacons on Ulriken, Løvstakken, Sandviksfjellet and Lyderhorn, bringing an atmospheric close to Constitution Day in Bergen.
A long tradition in Bergen
Lighting beacon fires has long been part of the city’s Constitution Day celebrations. As early as 1827, a celebratory bonfire was lit on Sydneshaugen. Bergen’s city encyclopaedia also mentions later beacon fires on the mountains, and the Hordaland district of the Norwegian Scout Association describes the 23:00 event on the four peaks. The sources do not give a definite starting year for the custom.
From warning signals to community
Historically, burning beacons were visible warning signals. Fires could signal danger from one mountain summit to the next. Norway had a coastal warning system of beacons on mountain tops. On Constitution Day, the fire is a peaceful symbol of community and tradition.
The four mountains
The beacons are spread over four mountains. There is no single public assembly point. If you plan to walk in the mountains after dark, arrange safe access and follow information from the organisers. The beacon lighting may be affected by weather and current fire restrictions.
Read about the scouts’ Constitution Day event · Constitution Day in Bergen — Bergen city encyclopaedia.