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15-minute city: The surprising truth about our surroundings!
A new study shows that in many German cities everyday destinations can be reached within 15 minutes, which strengthens quality of life and neighborhoods.
15-minute city: The surprising truth about our surroundings!
A current report from the Federal Institute for Urban and Spatial Research finds: The “15-minute city”, a concept that ensures that all important everyday destinations can be reached on foot or by bike within 15 minutes, is more widespread in Germany than previously assumed. The study, which was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction, was published on July 7, 2025 and offers interesting insights into the urban structures of many cities in the country. According to Deutschlandfunk, everyday destinations such as supermarkets, schools, playgrounds and restaurants can be found not only in large cities, but also in many communities that have compact settlement structures.
Dr. Brigitte Adam, project leader of the study, emphasizes that the probability of having such destinations nearby increases with population density. The results show that in the top-rated cities, the average accessibility of these destinations is only between six and eight minutes, making people's everyday lives much easier and at the same time helping to strengthen neighborhoods. In addition, good accessibility also brings benefits for the environment - less car traffic means fewer exhaust fumes and pollutants in the air.
The advantages of the 15-minute city
In times of traffic jams, air pollution and social isolation, concepts like the 15-minute city, developed by urban researcher Carlos Moreno, are more important than ever. Everyday mobility is improved through mixed urban planning, in which living, leisure and work areas are brought closer together. City marketing impressively describes the advantages of the model: less car traffic, improved air quality, strong social ties and integration of disadvantaged groups. This model also makes it possible to establish new economic sectors and increase the quality of life in the long term.
It is also exciting to see that these principles are also being implemented in Austria: in Graz, Vienna and Innsbruck it is possible to reach the essential facilities, with impressive rates of up to 92%. Initiatives such as the “Master Plan for Walking” in Linz or the “Smart Climate City Strategy” in Vienna show that the trend here is also towards more environmentally friendly mobility.
Challenges and critical voices
Of course, there are also critical voices about this concept. Some experts, such as Vittorio Loreto, warn that not all cities are equally suitable for implementing the 15-minute city. Older, car-centric cities may find it difficult to bring about the desired changes. Nevertheless, the basic idea of dissolving social and spatial barriers in cities and redesigning urban spaces remains a promising perspective for the future.
The comprehensive analysis of all German municipalities shows that on average around three quarters of the population in Germany are able to reach a variety of facilities within 15 minutes. Continued improvements in the infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists could further increase this number and contribute to the implementation of the goal of a livable urban space.
While the concept of the 15-minute city is not without its challenges, one thing can be said: it offers valuable approaches to improving life in our cities and promoting sustainability and social interaction. Especially at a time when the challenges posed by climate and environmental issues are becoming more pressing, there is a good chance that more and more cities will take up the idea of the 15-minute city.