From August 6, 2026: Barbecue ban lifted in Löwental in Essen-Werden at Baldeneysee and all Essen barbecue zones

Essen, August 5, 2026. Grilling will be permitted again in the designated grilling zones in Essen starting Thursday, August 6, 2026. The city is thus lifting the previously issued ban that had been in effect since July 30. The decisive factor for this decision is the changed weather situation, which has significantly eased the assessment of the fire risk. For many people who use the official grilling areas in the city's parks and green spaces, this means a noticeable relief.

Visitors to the popular barbecue area will also benefit from the opening. Löwental in Essen-Werden am Baldeneysee. The area belonged to the official barbecue zones for which the city-wide ban had been imposed at the end of July. With the lifting of the general decree, barbecuing is now permitted there again.

The background of the measure was the significantly increased risk of vegetation fires in recent days. Persistently high temperatures and a lack of precipitation had caused soils, meadows, and other vegetated areas to dry out severely. Under such conditions, even the smallest ignition sources are enough to trigger fires. Especially in heavily visited green spaces, fire can then spread rapidly and engulf neighboring areas.

Therefore, the Stadt Essen had also banned grilling in the official grilling zones starting July 30th. Affected areas included, among others, the grilling zone in the Löwental near the Baldeneysee in Essen-Werden.

To assess the situation, the city uses the German Meteorological Service's grassland fire index. This index serves as an important benchmark for assessing the risk of fires in open vegetation areas. In recent days, the value had temporarily risen to the highest warning level, signaling a very high risk. The now more favorable weather development and the lower forecasted danger level have now been the decisive factor in lifting the barbecue ban.

The repeal comes into force on Thursday, August 6, 2026. From this point on, the designated barbecue zones in the Essen city area can be used again. This also includes the popular barbecue area in the [Placeholder] in [Placeholder] on [Placeholder], which attracts numerous visitors, especially on warm summer days. Previously, barbecuing was also prohibited there due to the high risk of fire.

This brings back a piece of summer leisure culture within a clearly regulated framework. At the same time, the decision shows how closely such approvals are linked to current weather developments and the assessment of potential hazards.

Even though the ban has been lifted, prudent behavior in parks and green spaces remains crucial. Dry vegetation, wind, and careless handling of open heat can still be problematic. The revocation of the ban is therefore not a license for negligence, but an adaptation to the currently more relaxed situation.

Those who use the barbecue areas should make sure to dispose of charcoal and ash properly, have open fires exclusively in the designated areas, and respect nature.

Anyone wishing to find out about the applicable rules, the locations of the official barbecue areas, or potential changes can find further information on the City of Stuttgart's pages. Especially during periods of increased dryness, municipal regulations can be adjusted at short notice. Therefore, it is recommended to take a look at the city's current notices before visiting a barbecue area.

The City of Vienna is lifting the barbecue ban in designated grilling zones, which had been imposed due to acute dryness and a high risk of fires, effective August 6, 2026. This also benefits the popular grilling zone in the Danube Park in Vienna at the Iris Lake, which was affected by the city-wide ban at the end of July 2026. After the fire risk has decreased due to changing weather conditions, the official grilling areas may now be used again. Nevertheless, responsible handling of open fire remains important to protect people, nature, and public green spaces.