Church bells in Dresden-Bühlau: Too loud at night despite attempts to silence them!

Church bells in Dresden-Bühlau: Too loud at night despite attempts to silence them!

The church bells of St. Michael's Church in the Dresden-Bühlau district continue to cause disputes among residents. Despite noise reduction measures already taken, the nightly tolling of bells remains a major nuisance. A spokeswoman for the city confirmed that noise pollution could not be sufficiently reduced even after the bells were converted. This problem has been going on for several years, during which we have repeatedly received complaints from residents.

In April 2023, the Environment Agency carried out new sound level measurements. These became necessary after the State Environment Agency recorded a sound level of 59 decibels during measurements near Cunewalder Straße in August 2020. For comparison: the guideline value for mixed areas is a bearable 45 decibels. However, residents report that subsequent measures, such as installing brass bolts to reduce noise and reducing the chime height of the bells, have not brought significant improvements. “The nocturnal clock continues to disturb our sleep,” explains a resident.

Latest measurements and their effects

A new measurement took place on April 22, 2025, which determined a noise level of 52 decibels. However, the measurement only lasted one and a half hours and took place at a different location, which limits the comparability of the results. The Environment Agency said that noise pollution had fallen by at least three to four decibels. However, this is not enough as the guideline value of 45 decibels is still exceeded. In addition, the environmental agency lacks the technical equipment for long-term measurements, which further complicates the problem.

The city plans to hold talks with the church council to discuss new options for reducing noise pollution. It would also be conceivable to retrofit the bells, although this would cost between 3,000 and 4,000 euros. Here, however, the church council seems hesitant so as not to endanger tradition and religious freedom.

Religious and legal aspects of bell ringing

The ringing of bells is a traditional part of church life, but is also subject to legal requirements. According to the regulations on pollution control, church bells themselves do not require approval, but must avoid significant environmental impact. In Germany, sacred bells are largely viewed as a reasonable inconvenience. This means that residents usually have to learn to live with the noises while ensuring the right to physical integrity. Initial legal disputes show that it is certainly possible to set limits for church bells, but there is still no nationwide regulation ( Worldview law ).

The challenges surrounding the ringing of bells are not only current in Dresden. More and more residents in Germany find the nighttime bells annoying and are calling for noise limits to be checked. Discussions between municipalities and parishes are therefore essential in order to clear up misunderstandings and find solutions that are acceptable for both sides. It remains to be seen whether this solution will be found in Dresden-Bühlau.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the freedom to practice religion is given great relevance by the Basic Law, which makes it necessary to weigh up the traditional ringing of bells and the residents' need for peace and quiet. A balance is needed here, especially in times when over 50 percent of the population is no longer considered religious.

There is still a lot to be done for Dresden's parishes and their bell ringers to meet the demands of the public without endangering religious traditions. What the city will do next is of great interest, not least for the affected residents who are longing for more peace and quiet.