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

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.

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).

Another reason why the barbecue licence can be withdrawn is the weather.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.

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.

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.

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

The Görlitzer Park has a designated barbecue area on the meadow opposite the artificial turf sports pitch.

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

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

Barbecues are allowed on the Rudolf-Mosse-Platz on Mecklenburgische Straße.

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

In the popular Mauerpark, a designated area near the entrance on Bernauer Straße is open for barbecuing. Barbecuing is permitted there in June and September between 12 noon and 8 pm, and in July and August from 12 noon to 9 pm.

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

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.