Vienna’s woodland areas are currently very dry because it has not rained enough for some time. To prevent wildfires, it is prohibited to hold barbecues or light campfires in public areas in Vienna.
The ban has been in place since 7 May 2026
- The following activities are prohibited in and near woodland areas:
- Smoking
- Handling open flames and light
- Lighting fires of any kind
- Using shishas (water pipes)
- The ban includes designated public barbecue zones and spots.
- It remains valid until further notice and will only be lifted once there has been enough rain.
Barbecues in private gardens are permitted if the garden is not located close to a woodland area and there is no risk of staring a wildfire. Please make sure to be extremely cautious when holding a private barbecue during a dry spell!
If you notice a fire, dial 122 immediately to call the fire brigade.
Strict enforcement of the barbecue ban
- The designated barbecue spots and zones on and around Danube Island are checked by the City of Vienna Department for Water Management (MA 45)
- In designated barbecue spots in or near parts of the Vienna Woods managed by the City of Vienna, the ban is strictly enforced by forest wardens from the City of Vienna Forestry Office (MA 49).
- At Draschepark in the 23rd district of Vienna (Liesing), the team of the City of Vienna Department of Parks and Gardens oversees compliance with the barbecue ban.
- Designated safety officers (Grillaufseher*innen) support the staff of the responsible City of Vienna departments in all public barbecue spots.