Question 1

Can I grill on the Neckarwiese?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only in the marked grilling zones on the Neuenheim side (the bank facing the Altstadt). The zones are marked with paving stones set into the lawn. Grilling anywhere else on the meadow is a fineable offence (at least €55). When the forest-fire danger level reaches 4 or higher, grilling is not allowed even in the zones.

Question 2

Are disposable grills allowed?

Accepted Answer

Disposable grills (Einweggrills) must not be used directly on the grass — set them on the paved area inside a grilling zone. Put used coals in the containers provided once they are fully out, never on the lawn or in a normal bin.

Question 3

Until when can I play music?

Accepted Answer

Loudspeakers, Bluetooth boxes and any sound-playing device are not allowed on the Neckarwiese between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. People live directly behind the meadow, so quiet at night is the one rule the city enforces most. The noise-complaint hotline is 06221 58-22222.

Question 4

Is glass banned, and what about my rubbish?

Accepted Answer

There is no outright glass ban, but broken glass is the meadow's biggest hazard and the reason the lawn is swept every morning — take your bottles home or to a bin. In summer the city empties up to about 100 bins across the meadow and cleans it seven days a week, but only if people use the bins. To report broken glass, litter or dumping, call 06221 58-29999.

Question 5

Can I swim in the Neckar here?

Accepted Answer

Be very careful. The Neckar at Heidelberg is a working shipping channel. Swimming is forbidden within 100 metres of bridges, weirs, harbours and the passenger-boat moorings, and it is risky anywhere near the shipping lane: a freighter cannot stop quickly, has a long blind spot in front of its bow, and passing boats throw sudden waves and currents at the shore. If you go in at all, stay well clear of the channel and the bridges.

Question 6

What about dogs and staying overnight?

Accepted Answer

Dogs must currently be kept on a lead on the Neckarwiese, with an off-lead window in the early morning (about 6 to 9 a.m.) — this rule has changed a few times, so check the current sign. Camping or staying overnight on the meadow is not permitted.

Question 7

Who do I call about a problem on the meadow?

Accepted Answer

The city's Kommunaler Ordnungsdienst (KOD) handles order on the Neckarvorland: the non-emergency number is 06221 58-32600. For a genuine emergency, call 112 (fire/ambulance) or 110 (police).

Question 8

Is there a glass or alcohol ban for the school-leaver (Abitur) weekends?

Accepted Answer

The late-July break brings extra patrols by the city, police and youth-protection teams (alcohol is taken from under-age drinkers), but there is no standing blanket glass or alcohol ban. Any extra measures are decided summer by summer, so check the city's current notices around then.

On the Neckarwiese

On the Neckarwiese