But even for those who don’t have an outdoor space for a barbecue, there are still plenty of options for grilling out with friends and family. Grilling is basically allowed at many public places in Bonn, with some exceptions. There are also a few important things to consider when grilling out. Safety for people and protecting the environment are the main priorities. Smoke, smell and flying ashes should not annoy or endanger those in your immediate vicinity.

In February of 2017, the city council decided to allow barbecues outside of specially designated places. “It’s generally allowed in public spaces that are green, but not in public squares and streets,” stresses Isabel Kotz from the City. In the Rheinaue Park alone, there are 12 designated grilling places. These are open fire pits with a grate. Within site of these grilling spots are waste containers for trash. However, it is expressly prohibited to grill in the Japanese Gardens, the Rose Garden, or the Garden for the Blind, as well as on the dog meadow or in the small shelter huts. There are further grilling spots managed by the “Waldfreunde in Duisdorf” (Forest friends of Duisdorf), at the sports field in Lyngsberg, at the shelter in Ennert called “Am Hardtweiher” , and in Wachtberg, Königswinter, Alfter and Rheinbach. Some places are absolutely off-limits for grilling, for example, on all playgrounds and football fields.

As well, it is not allowed in the nursery park Oberkassel, in the park at the Dottendorf town square, on the “Apfelallee” on the Venusberg, “Am Hölder” in Röttgen, in the Drachenstein Park in Mehlem, in the Panoramapark in Rüngsdorf and in Bad Godesberg in the Redoute Park, and in the city park. The University of Bonn has generally banned grilling on its premises, including the Hofgarten, Poppelsdorfer Allee, Juridicum and Poppelsdorf Castle. It is also important, according to the city, that there is a distance of 100 meters to the edge of the forest and 25 meters to any residential development. If the grill is under a tree, two meters from the treetop must be maintained. If you are grilling on public green areas, you may only use grills that are on stands (not disposable grills), so that there is enough distance to the ground. This is because the ground must not be scorched or burned during grilling.

Also, only common commercial charcoal should be used, lighting fluids are prohibited. A spokesperson for the city also warns that the grill fire must be under constant supervision. Since the beginning of April, officers have been on duty in the Rheinaue Park to enforce the regulations. They are out until 2am - on Thursdays before public holidays, on Fridays from 8pm, Saturdays from 4pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am. They also patrol along the shore. "Anyone who does not abide by the rules or does not completely extinguish the barbecue fire when leaving or in strong winds is not following regulations," says Isabel Klotz. "This can be punished with a fine of up to 1000 euros."

Orig. text: Gabriele Immenkeppel. Translation: ck