Is it true that coloured umbrellas are banned in Bad Sooden-Allendorf?

Yes, certain spa and park areas in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, a small town in northern Hesse, enforce a local ordinance that controls umbrella colours. Only beige, pastel, or sand-coloured umbrellas are allowed, to preserve the spa facility's uniform appearance. If you use a coloured or black umbrella instead, you theoretically face a fine of up to €15,000. In practice, authorities rarely enforce the rule in full, but it shows how detailed German municipalities can be with local regulations—and how long such ordinances can stay in force unnoticed.