Easter fires are a cherished tradition in Hamburg, much like colorful eggs and chocolate bunnies. However, for 2026, these fires are subject to strict regulations, particularly concerning animal welfare and fire safety in private settings. Here are the most important questions and answers regarding Easter fires.
Do I need a permit for a private fire?
Yes, an Easter fire in your own garden is not a given. A permit from the property owner and the responsible district office is required. According to the Hamburg environmental authority, neighbors must not be disturbed, and compliance with nighttime quiet hours is mandatory.
What environmental protection requirements apply?
Piles of brushwood and wood are popular retreats for animals such as hedgehogs, beetles, or nesting birds. To prevent the Easter fire from becoming a deadly trap, the environmental authority gives strict instructions:
- Rearranging is mandatory: The stacked wood must be carefully rearranged or tapped immediately before lighting to allow animals to escape.
- Substrate: The wood should ideally be stacked on sandy or sealed ground.
- Distance: The fire department advises sufficient distance from trees, hedges, and bushes.
Fire Safety: These safety rules apply
The Hamburg fire department emphasizes that safety is paramount. The following minimum distances apply to private fires:
- 100 meters from residential buildings
- 200 meters from particularly fire-hazardous objects such as thatched-roof houses
Maximum size: The woodpile must not exceed a height of 5 meters and a diameter of 8 meters.
Important for fuel: According to the fire department, only natural wood may be burned. Only straw is permitted as a fire accelerator. Gasoline, spirits, or the burning of waste such as car tires and used oil are strictly prohibited. In addition, all access roads for emergency vehicles must be kept clear at all times.
Dates: Public Easter fires in the region (Holy Saturday)
For those who do not want to light a fire in their own garden, numerous public events can be found in the north.
Hamburg
- Blankenese (Elbe beach): In the evening, the fires Viereck, Knüll, Osten, and Mühlenberg will be lit. The exact times depend on the weather and will be announced at short notice.
- Stellingen: from 7:00 PM at Stellingen Church (Molkenbuhrstraße 8)
- Bramfeld: from 6:00 PM at Bramfelder Kulturladen (Bramfelder Chaussee 265)
Schleswig-Holstein
- Flensburg: from 2:00 PM at the harbor tip (Am Kanalschuppen)
- Sylt (Hörnum): from 8:00 PM at the campsite (Rantumer Str. 31)
- Fehmarn (Petersdorf): from 6:00 PM at Galgenberg
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Wismar: from 5:00 PM at Professor-Frege-Straße 65
- Stralsund: from 4:00 PM at the beach bath (Sundpromenade 5)
- Warnemünde: from 6:30 PM directly on the beach near the Teepott
Contact Information and Resources
For further information on regulations and permits, please contact the Hamburg environmental authority or your local district office. In case of emergencies, always call the fire department.
Stay safe and enjoy the Easter festivities responsibly!
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-03/30/osterfeuer-in-hamburg-worauf-jetzt-zu-achten-ist
