Berlin Park Chaos: Residents Outraged by BBQ and Party Nuisance in Friedrichshain
Berlin, May 30, 2026 – Every weekend, partygoers from across Berlin descend upon Volkspark Friedrichshain, firing up their grills and blasting music, creating a nightmare for local residents. What was once a place for relaxation has transformed into a massive open-air event, leading to widespread frustration among those living nearby.
Unbearable Conditions for Residents
Residents report that cars transport beer benches, tables, loudspeakers, karaoke equipment, grills, and large quantities of meat into the public green space. Thick smoke billows, forming a dense cloud over the park and surrounding streets, while hundreds of revelers dance to loud rave music.
Petra G. (70), a local resident, describes the situation: “They bring half-meter-high, super loud music boxes. The bass rumbles through my apartment.” Maria L. (48), another resident, adds: “These are masses of people; the situation is uncontrollable, the party never stops. We are constantly exposed to noise and smoke. I can’t open my windows; the whole apartment is filled with smoke, the stench is unbearable. I can only fall asleep after midnight.” She often flees with her son to friends’ houses.
Another resident laments: “I can’t even use my balcony anymore. The air is acrid. My eyes water. Plumes of smoke gather in my apartment. Sleep is impossible.” A different woman states: “We call the police at 4 AM.” A 37-year-old father of two children points out: “Rubbish is piled meters high. Human excrement is everywhere.”
Initiative Demands Grilling Ban and Earlier Closing Times
Affected residents have formed the initiative “Anwohner Neuer Hain” (Residents of New Hain) and sent an urgent letter to District Mayor Clara Herrmann (41, Green Party). They demand a ban on grilling in Volkspark, even in designated areas, arguing that no one adheres to the rules, and grilling occurs everywhere. Additionally, 8,700 people have signed a petition by the initiative, calling for a ban on large events and the clearing of areas by 10 PM.
Political Criticism and District’s Response
Marita Fabeck (39), from the CDU faction in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, criticizes: “The current conditions are unacceptable for park visitors and residents. It’s pure escalation!” An application from her faction for rule enforcement and noise protection was rejected by the Green, Left, and SPD parties.
Tino Schopf (51), an SPD politician from the neighboring district, who advocates for residents of affected areas in Pankow, states unequivocally: “Rules are ignored, warnings are ineffective, and consistent intervention is not apparent. In my opinion, the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district has lost control of the situation.”
According to the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district office, 81 grilling complaints have been received this season. In response to a BILD inquiry, Annika Gerold (40, Green Party), City Councillor for Green Spaces and Public Order, referred to grill area tenants and park rangers as responsible for enforcing rules. However, she also stated that her staff had conducted 98 inspections this year and announced: “On several weekends, there will again be joint patrols by district park management, the public order office, and the police.”
Residents remain frustrated. “We constantly have to fight,” they say, adding: “The privilege of grilling apparently outweighs the right to breathe normally.”
Source: BILD.de
