Grilling Areas in Berlin

As soon as it's warm outside, the barbecue is brought out. But grilling, Berliners' favourite pastime in the summer, can be expensive if you set up your BBQ in the wrong place.

Barbecuing is one of the most popular leisure activities in Berlin. But it can be expensive if you don't follow the rules.

Barbecues in Berlin: Where Are They Allowed?

There are designated barbecue areas in Berlin where barbecues are permitted by the authorities. These are usually designated areas in parks, green spaces and recreational areas. The BBQ spots are signposted accordingly. Where exactly are you allowed to barbecue and what do you need to bear in mind? We have the most important information for carefree barbecuing fun - from legal barbecue areas to the most important rules.

Barbecue Spots in Berlin: Not Every Park Is Allowed

Barbecues are generally prohibited in public parks and green spaces in Berlin in order to prevent fires or odour nuisance to local residents. Of course, there are exceptions: Barbecues are permitted in specially signposted areas, provided the district authority agrees. But be careful: the office can revoke the barbecue permit for the areas at short notice, which is why you should always check the barbecue permit at your favourite barbecue spot. Please enquire about designated barbecue areas at the relevant Grünflächenamt (Urban Green Space Planning Office).

Barbecue Bans Due to Drought

Another reason why the barbecue licence can be withdrawn is the weather. If it is persistently hot and dry and the risk of fire is high, grilling in the designated areas is temporarily prohibited by the relevant district authority. The districts publish press releases on this. The ban is also publicised on notices in the parks. The park management checks whether the BBQ ban is being observed.

Consideration for People and Nature: BBQ Etiquette for Berlin

Even where barbecues are permitted, there are a few things you should be aware of. A long-standing problem in public parks is the rubbish and rats that are attracted by leftover food. Care should therefore always be taken not to forget empty bottles and packaging. Ashes and aluminium foil from barbecues must also be disposed of, but correctly - hot ashes can quickly set fire to plastic bins, so let them cool down first and then throw them in the designated waste containers.

There are always complaints from local residents about noise, unpleasant odours and smoke. Therefore, please be considerate, adjust the noise level and barbecue properly. Footless disposable barbecues and gas barbecues are generally not permitted due to possible damage to the turf or for safety reasons. Highly flammable liquids such as spirits and petrol to accelerate the fire are prohibited. Solid barbecue lighters, for example made of wax and wood wool, can be used instead.

BBQ Spots in Parks and Public Green Spaces

Charlottenburg:

In Charlottenburg, barbecues are only permitted on Goslarer Ufer near the old Charlottenburg gasworks.

Friedrichshain:

Grilling is permitted at the Neuer Hain in Volkspark Friedrichshain. Barbecue pitches must be reserved online in advance.

Kreuzberg:

The Görlitzer Park has two designated barbecue areas - on the meadow opposite the artificial turf sports field and opposite the toboggan hill. Blücherplatz offers BBQ areas on a meadow between Waterlooufer and Zossener Straße.

Lichtenberg:

Since October 2022, there has been a general ban on barbecues in all public green spaces in Lichtenberg.

Mitte:

In Monbijoupark, barbecuing is only possible in a small, signposted barbecue area on Oranienburger Straße.

Prenzlauer Berg:

In the popular Mauerpark, designated areas are usually open for barbecuing. However, barbecuing is no longer permitted in the designated barbecue area until early summer 2024, as this part of the park is being renovated as part of the qualification of the existing park and the lawn is being redesigned.

Treptow:

BBQs are no longer permitted in Landschaftspark Johannisthal.

Wilmersdorf:

Barbecues are allowed on Rudolf-Mosse-Platz in Mecklenburgische Straße and in Preußenpark in Württembergische Straße.

Großer Tiergarten:

Since 2012, there has been a general ban on barbecues in Berlin's Tiergarten.

Tempelhofer Feld:

The Tempelhofer Feld in front of the former Tempelhof Airport also offers BBQ facilities, but only in one of the three designated areas. They are located near the Tempelhofer Damm, Oderstraße and Columbiadamm entrances.

Barbecuing on the balcony

First things first: charcoal barbecues have no place on the balcony. Contact and electric barbecues are the appliances of choice here. Barbecue fans should not switch on the grill too often or for too long, i.e. no more than twice a month and only for as long as necessary. As a general rule, barbecuing on the balcony or in the backyard is not recommended, as this often leads to considerable smells and smoke for neighbours who may want to spend some undisturbed time on their balcony. However, grilling on the balcony is not prohibited in principle - unless it is expressly forbidden in the tenancy agreement or the smoke drifts into one of the neighbouring flats. This would be an offence that can be punished with a fine.