Grilling in Germany: Where Is It Allowed?
How to check local rules and enjoy grilling responsibly in Germany.
Grilling in parks and public spaces
Grilling is popular in Germany during summer, but it is not automatically allowed in every park or public green space.
Rules are usually set locally and can differ between cities and individual parks. Some places have designated Grillplätze, while others do not permit grilling at all.
Before planning a barbecue, check the official website of your Stadt or Gemeinde. Useful searches include:
Grillplatz + city name
Grillen + city name
Also check the rules displayed at the park or Grillplatz.
Temporary restrictions can be introduced during periods of heat, drought or increased fire risk. This means that even a designated Grillplatz may temporarily be unavailable.
Before you light the grill
- Check whether grilling is permitted at the location.
- Check whether a designated Grillplatz must be used.
- Look for current fire or weather-related restrictions.
- Follow the rules displayed at the location.
- Dispose of charcoal, ash and rubbish safely.
Grilling at home
If you want to grill on a balcony, terrace or in a garden, different considerations apply.
Check your Mietvertrag and Hausordnung first. If your Mietvertrag explicitly prohibits grilling, you must follow that rule.
You should also consider your neighbours. Smoke should not enter neighbouring apartments or cause unreasonable disturbance.
Private gardens and terraces may provide more flexibility, but fire-safety requirements and rental or property rules can still apply.
Never use an outdoor grill indoors
An electric tabletop grill designed for indoor cooking is different from a charcoal grill or another outdoor grill that burns fuel.
Never use a charcoal grill or another outdoor combustion grill inside your apartment, house, garage or other enclosed space.
Burning charcoal can produce dangerous carbon monoxide, which cannot be seen or smelled.
Useful German words
- der Grillplatz — designated barbecue area
- grillen — to barbecue / grill
- erlaubt — permitted
- verboten — prohibited
- die Hausordnung — house rules
- der Mietvertrag — rental agreement
- das Grünflächenamt — manages municipal public green spaces
- das Ordnungsamt — checks compliance with local public-order rules
Official information
For rules about public grilling, always check the official website of your Stadt or Gemeinde, because the applicable rules depend on where you live.