The sun’s out, the beers have been cracked open, and all you can think about is taking a bite of that deliciously charred hamburger that’s been cooking on the grill. Summer is definitely here. 

But wait a second – where can you actually fire up a grill in Geneva without accidentally breaking a dozen unwritten rules? And yes, there are certain rules and regulations you may not know about when it comes to setting up your grill in the city, in true Swiss style. We’ll share the important deets for grilling both in private and public spaces, so you can enjoy your barbecue this summer sans stress.

• Part 1: Grilling in your own private space
• Part 2: Conquering public BBQ spaces
• Part 3: Your Essential Public BBQ Checklist

Part 1: Grilling in your own private space (balcony, terrace, garden)

If you have your own outdoor space for a grill, first of all congratulations (we’re officially jealous). Second of all, can you legally grill there? Unlike public parks, Swiss law doesn’t universally prohibit BBQs on private balconies or gardens. However, your freedom to grill is often affected by a few important factors:

1. Review your lease & building rules (the most important first step!) – Dig out your lease and take a look at those overlooked ‘règlement de maison’ (house rules) or ‘règlement d’immeuble’ (building rules). Many leases will explicitly ban charcoal grills on balconies due to smoke and fire risk. Check and double check.
   
2. Minimize nuisance to neighbors – The Droit du Voisinage (Neighborly Law) is real and taken seriously in Switzerland. Even in your own private space, you must minimize nuisances (excessive noise, smoke, smell, etc) for your neighbors. You can bet neighbors will make a complaint if a steady stream of charcoal smoke is drifting into their living room! Don’t forget the Swiss aversion to noise either, nobody loves noise late at night, no matter how good the food smells.
   
   Communication is key – if you’re planning a BBQ party, give your neighbors a friendly heads up. Better yet, extend the invitation for them to pop over for some food! People are usually much nicer when they feel that you’ve given them some thought, and especially if you’re offering them some sausages.
   
   Grill Type Matters – Generally, electric and gas grills are a much better option as they generate much less smoke aka less likely to cause a fuss! Make sure you have proper ventilation, especially on balconies, and be careful about ash and soot getting everywhere. At the end of the day, all these rules are put into place due to fire safety concerns. So a little respect will go a long way.

Part 2: Conquering public BBQ spaces

The Rules, Rules, Rules (and Why They Exist)

There are so many beautiful green parks in Geneva, it would be so easy to just bring a portable grill and start the own party. But the reality is, grilling in public parks in the city of Geneva is prohibited outside of designated areas. Why you may ask? Primarily for fire safety (again), but also for protecting the city’s stunning green spaces from scorch marks and minimizing nuisance for other people to enjoy the parks. It’s nicer to think of it as a collective responsibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the public spaces equally. 

During dry spells, it’s even possible that the canton of Geneva will issue a fire ban, meaning no BBQs allowed anywhere – even in the designated areas – until the ban is lifted! Fire safety is no joke.

And yes, the police can fine people for grilling outside the designated areas. We heard that the fines can range from CHF 100-300+, and significantly more if you cause damage. Consider it the most expensive hot dog you’ve ever eaten!

Where can I go then?

While some secret or remote spots are only known to seasoned locals, we’ve compiled a list of known BBQ areas with fixed grills. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should be a good starting point! 

• Fixed Grills in the City of Geneva: The city of Geneva has two designated areas with fixed grills where barbeques are allowed: Perle du lac and Parc la Grange.
  🔥 Hot tip – these spots are incredibly popular areas given their location, and are often occupied. You should definitely arrive early in the day to claim a spot.
• More options in surrounding communes: There are a bunch more BBQ options in the other communes just outside of Geneva city, like Lancy, Meyrin, and more! These places often have more space and likely liss crowded than the hot spots in the city.
  🔥 Hot tip – It’s worth doing a quick search with keywords like “espaces de grillades” + commune to get a more comprehensive list. 
• Rural & Countryside Spots: For more rural (aka countryside) spots in Geneva canton, we direct you to Discovery Countryside Geneva. They have compiled a great list of BBQ spots and what to expect in those more remote areas.

Part 3: Your Essential Public BBQ Checklist

Since you’ll be using fixed public grills, you won’t need to haul a massive BBQ, but here’s what you will need to bring to ensure a smooth, stress-free grilling session:

• Grill Fuel & Fire Starters: Charcoal/briquettes, firelighters, and a long lighter/matches.
• Grilling Tools: Tongs, spatula, and a wire grill brush (public grills might need a quick clean!).
• Food & Drinks: All your delicious meats, veggies, salads, bread, condiments, and chilled beverages. Bonus if you have a cooler!
• Serving Gear: Serving plates, eating plates, cutlery, cups, napkins.
• Comfort Essentials: A picnic blanket or extra chairs, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent (especially near the lake!).
• Crucial Cleanup Kit:
  • Multiple trash bags
  • Wet wipes/hand sanitizer.

Now you’re armed with all the necessary grill knowledge for a fabulous, stress free BBQ in Geneva. It might seem like a bunch of rules, but now you know, which means you can relax and enjoy these long summer days. Go forth and grill responsibly!