Föhr and Amrum: New Year's Eve without fireworks-a real environmental protection!

Föhr and Amrum: New Year's Eve without fireworks-a real environmental protection!

The tranquil island of Föhr is experiencing a significant change in the New Year's tradition: From December 31, 2025, the sale and use of fireworks in the F2 category, i.e. rockets and firecrackers, will be banned on the island. This was decided by the retailers on Föhr after the Föhr-Amrum office passed a comprehensive ban on fireworks in March 2025. Andreas Hansen, the spokesman for the office, emphasizes that this ban was introduced in the sense of protection of the environment and the animals in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadden Sea. Only small and harmless New Year's Eve articles, such as sparklers, can continue to be sold.

An additional ban is expanding the regulations: The Office of the Office had already decided on March 13, 2025 that private New Year's Eve fireworks on Föhr will no longer be allowed all year round. The island thus draws clear boundaries for dealing with fireworks - a step that not only influences the tradition of the festival, but also contributes to the sustainability strategy of the islands of Föhr and Amrum. The need for protection against the environment and the animals is clearly in the foreground here.

environmental and animal protection in focus

The decision to ban is not just a local matter. There is currently a strong discussion nationwide about the circumstances around fireworks. According to a survey by Statista, around 64 % of Germans support a general ban on private fireworks to protect animals, environment and people. Also among the initiators of a petition for a nationwide ban are many who stand up for alternative celebrations - such as organized laser shows or drone shows. With such alternatives, environmental pollution from fine dust and toxic residues that arise annually through New Year's fireworks are to be countered.

fireworks are also notorious to trigger stress and fear in animals. Around 8,000 injuries with fireworks are registered annually, with children and adolescents often affected. The decision of the island of Föhr weighs all the more to do without traditional fireworks and to celebrate more responsibly instead.

Future of New Year's Eve

The island of Föhr shows with this decision a future -oriented example of how cultural traditions can be adapted to the conditions of our time. The absence of rockets and firecrackers could not only have a positive effect on human-environmental interaction, but also be useful as a model for other regions. The local retailers on Föhr are behind the decision and are ready to break new ground to make the celebrations more sustainable.

With the ban, not only the desire for relaxation and protection of animals and nature is reflected, but also the need for a gentler, more respectful way of celebrating. A rethinking is evident here - because especially in a fragile region as the Wadden Sea everyone has to question their own behavior and contribute to the fact that the next generations can also experience the beauty of nature.

For the islands of Föhr and Amrum, this step not only symbolizes a restriction, but rather a responsible handling of the environment and a sign of sustainable celebrations. The course for a quieter, more environmentally friendly New Year's Eve are set - and we can be excited to see how the traditions will develop in the coming years.

For more information about the ban and the goals behind it, you can read the details at NDR href = "https://www.insel-radio-foehr.de/silvester-boeller-bbrennverbot/"> Island Radio Föhr . If you are interested in a Germany-wide discussion about the topic, you will find valuable information on Change.org .