These Are the Rules for Residents
Homeowners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their properties, also if there is a grass strip, ditch, fence or wall between sidewalk and property. Sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice by 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and by 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and public holidays. Stadtreinigung Hamburg (SRH) is responsible for major roads and certain bike paths.
This is a brief overview of the responsibilities of homeowners and residents:
- Sidewalks in front of homeowners' property must be cleared and gritted to a width of at least one meter.
- Street corners must be cleared up to the curb of the intersecting street. Access ways to traffic lights and pedestrian crossings must also be cleared up to the edge of the road.
- Stair sets must be cleared and gritted across their entire width.
- In areas with traffic-calming (German: verkehrsberuhigter Bereich), a strip for pedestrians must be secured on each side of the path (outside parking areas).
- Drains and gutters must be cleared of snow and ice so that meltwater can drain away properly when snow and ice thaw.
For more information, see the press statement by the Hamburg Senate (published 5 January 2026): Behörden erinnern an Räumpflicht der Gehwege (German only)
Ban on De-icing Salt on Roads Lifted
Salts for road de-icing, which are not normally allowed, may be used for snow and ice removal until Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Snowfall is forecast to continue over the coming days, combined with brief thaws during the day and subsequent freezing. This creates particularly slippery conditions that cannot be adequately addressed using conventional methods such as snow shovelling. Everyone is asked to help keep the roads are as safe as possible, while using de-icing salt sparingly to protect the environment.
For more information, see the press statement by the Senate (published 6 January 2026): Verkehrsbehörde hebt das Verbot von Tausalz auf Nebenflächen in Hamburg ab sofort bis zum 21. Januar auf (German only)
Danger on Lakes and Ponds
A layer of ice has already formed on several bodies of water, but it is often only a few centimetres thick and therefore very fragile. There is a risk of falling through after stepping onto the ice, which can be deadly. Parents are asked to warn their children of these dangers. Please also keep an eye on your dogs.
Caution in Woods and Parks
The environmental authority warns of snow breakage in forests and parks. Due to the enormous weight of snow in the treetops, there is a serious risk of branches falling and trees toppling over. The environmental authority advises against visiting forests and walking under trees in parks at the moment. Entering forests and public parks is strictly at your own risk.
For more information, see the press statement by the Senate (published 6 January 2026): Lebensgefahr auf Gewässern und Warnung vor Betreten von Wäldern (German only)
