The Slinningsbålet 2025: Where the fire danced – and everything fell at once

The 2025 Slinningsbålet was a spectacular study in light, heat and timing – especially for us photographers. This year the fire developed unusually: the flames concentrated for a long time on one side of the tower, before the whole thing finally collapsed dramatically to the side. It provided unique visual opportunities – especially for those who waited patiently with their cameras ready.

Construction, light and dramatic composition

This year's bonfire rose almost 40 meters into the sky, built as always by young volunteers – but it was the light and the development of the flame that really set 2025 apart from previous years. The fact that the bonfire only caught fire properly on one side made it easier to control the exposure in photos, and created strong contrasts between burning and intact areas. It allowed for compositions with clear direction, asymmetry and depth.

As a photographer, it pays to know both the weather and the wind. This year, a breeze from the east caused the flames to lean west – creating a natural line in the images. With a tripod, telephoto lens and a longer shutter speed, I was able to capture the movement of the flames while still keeping the structure of the fire clear. The best moment? When the top came loose and fell in a cascade of sparks – perfectly captured with continuous shots and manual focus.

Light, contrasts and perfect times for photography

The ignition point was, as usual, around 9:30 PM, giving us photographers the magical intersection between golden hour and blue hour. The combination of cool sky and warm flames creates images with high visual tension. Use low ISO (100–400), preferably f/8–11 for depth of field, and a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake. Experiment with both wide sections and details in the glow and shine.

RAW shooting is essential: Fire offers extreme dynamics – highlights in the flames and shadows in the crowd. Adjust the exposure towards the brightest point and bring back details in post-processing. An ND filter can be useful if you want to use a longer shutter speed before darkness falls completely, and still preserve the structure in the flames without blowing out the image.

The Slinningsbålet is about more than fire – it’s about atmosphere, and that should be reflected in your photos. This year I took photos of people in the glow of the flames, reflections in the water, and the contrast between the calm of the crowd and the intensity of the bonfire. It’s often these photos that really tell the story, not just the biggest flames.

🔗 Recommended links

• Slinningsbålet on Wikipedia (Norwegian)
  Get an overview of history and past records.

• Visit Ålesund – What's happening in June
  Official tourist site with updated information about the Slinningsbålet bonfire and other events.

• NRK – Reports about the Slinningsbålet bonfire
  See previous reports, videos and interviews from the campfire.

• Yr.no – Weather forecast for Slinningen
  Check the weather before taking photos!