Climate walk in Freising: This is how we fight the heat!

Climate walk in Freising: This is how we fight the heat!

In the late afternoon of June 22, 2025, numerous interested parties gathered at Marienplatz in Freising to take part in a special “climate walk”. This was organized by Agenda 21 and the Urban Nature Working Group in collaboration with the Weihenstein-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT). With rising temperatures and near-still air, the occasion became all the more urgent. “Climate protection and improved urban infrastructure are needed here,” explains Stefanie Burger from the Federal Nature Conservation Association South Germans reported.

The walk was accompanied by HSWT students who documented the conditions on site with measuring devices and thermal imaging cameras. The aim was to collect valuable information about temperature, wind, humidity and radiation. The participants also had the opportunity to fill out questionnaires, the results of which will be incorporated into the seminar events on the topic of “City as a Social Space”.

Heat in German cities

The current heat stress in many German cities is particularly alarming: according to a study by German Environmental Aid, over 12 million people are affected. As part of the 2025 heat check, 31 of 190 cities received a “red card” and are therefore under particularly strong heat pressure German environmental aid reported. Chilling out and feeling good is often not possible due to extreme temperatures, especially in cities with a high level of sealing and little green space.

In these tense conditions, cities like Mannheim and Ludwigshafen are the most affected, while others like Kiel and Wilhelmshaven are fortunately coping with less heat stress. The demand for mandatory minimum green areas for properties and public spaces is becoming increasingly louder in order to improve the quality of life.

Pressure to adapt and solutions

There is growing pressure on cities to take quick and effective measures to adapt to heat stress. This is also the aim of the climate walk in Freising. The “3 – 30 – 300” rule is also presented, which sheds light on the influence of trees in urban spaces: visibility of trees, the proportion of tree crowns and the distance to parks are crucial for cooling the urban climate. At the first station, the Asam courtyard, the participants experienced impressively how the shadows of old buildings can cause temperature fluctuations.

The city is intended to be enhanced through innovative approaches such as green facades, water features and oversized pots with trees as insect habitats. The concept of the “sponge city” is also required in order to better counteract the dangers of flooding. The need to create connected green spaces that benefit both people and animals is becoming clear. Urban gardening projects, such as those in raised beds on the Wörth, also help to loosen up the cityscape.

A look into the future

In a world that is becoming increasingly urbanized, parks and green oases are essential for well-being. Participants in the walk are encouraged to take detours through such places - after all, they contribute to relaxation in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. The big goal remains: a city that is blue, green, cool and worth living in, with access for everyone and in the spirit of environmental and intergenerational justice.

The Rose Island in Freising is an example of a cross-generational park, but caution is advised here too: the risk of gentrification in new green spaces must be kept in mind. The “3 – 30 – 300” rule, according to which green spaces are not a luxury, should be a guide for all future planning in German cities.

A rethink is necessary so that well-being returns to urban spaces and cities remain livable for everyone. Everyone can take action here and promote the demand for more greenery and heat adaptation measures.