18. August 2025

For greater security: weapons and knives now banned from Bonn city center under police order For greater security: weapons and knives now banned from Bonn city center under police order

In the interest of greater security to make the public feel safer, the Bonn police have declared Bonn city center a weapon and knife-free zone. The ban applies from noon Fridays to 3 am Mondays, and from noon on days preceding public holidays to 3 am on the day following the holiday[HE1] . The zone extends from Bonn Central Station (Thomas-Mann-Straße) to the Central Bus Station (ZOB), Kaiserplatz and the Hofgarten at the University Main Building, which are on campus. Also included in the zone are Poststraße up to Münsterplatz and Wesselstraße up to Martinsplatz.

Symbolbild - Die Hofgartenwiese vor dem Uni-Hauptgebäude. © Foto: Yehdou/Uni Bonn

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Under the new partial ban, police have expanded authorization to stop and check individuals to find whether they are carrying any weapons or dangerous objects, even without reason of suspicion. This is to enable potentially dangerous situations to be identified and prevented early on. This sends a message that weapons have no place in public spaces—especially crowded, popular areas.

What is exactly is banned? Carrying weapons and dangerous items within the zone, including certain knives, tear gas and impact tools, is prohibited. Violations are punishable by fine and other measures.

For further information, a detailed zone map and the text of the legal ordinance visit the website of the Bonn Police at: https://bonn.polizei.nrw/artikel/waffen-und-messerverbotszone-in-bonn