GermanyWhat is the right of way by necessity (Notwegrecht)?
It's a legal right allowing a landowner with no direct access to a public road to cross a neighbor’s property to reach it — but only if absolutely necessary and with fair compensation.
What the Law Says
The right of way by necessity (Notwegrecht) is a statutory easement under German civil law that ensures landlocked properties remain usable. It arises automatically by law — not by agreement — when strict conditions are met.
Under BGB § 917, a landowner may demand passage across a neighboring property only if their own plot lacks a necessary connection to a public road for ordinary use. This is not about convenience — it must be objectively indispensable.
The neighbor whose land is crossed cannot refuse, but they are entitled to ongoing monetary compensation (a 'Geldrente') — not a one-time payment. The amount and terms follow rules similar to those in §§ 912(2), 913, 914, and 916 BGB, which govern other servitudes and compensation for land use restrictions.
If the parties disagree on the route or extent of use (e.g., width, vehicle access, maintenance), a court can decide these details. The right ends once the landowner gains alternative public access — for example, via a newly built road or official easement.
Statutory TextFehlt einem Grundstück die zur ordnungsmäßigen Benutzung notwendige Verbindung mit einem öffentlichen Wege, so kann der Eigentümer von den Nachbarn verlangen, dass sie bis zur Hebung des Mangels die Benutzung ihrer Grundstücke zur Herstellung der erforderlichen Verbindung dulden. Die Richtung des Notwegs und der Umfang des Benutzungsrechts werden erforderlichenfalls durch Urteil bestimmt.
— BGB § 917 (1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDie Nachbarn, über deren Grundstücke der Notweg führt, sind durch eine Geldrente zu entschädigen. Die Vorschriften des § 912 Abs. 2 Satz 2 und der §§ 913, 914, 916 finden entsprechende Anwendung.
— BGB § 917 (2) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts confirm that Notwegrecht is strictly limited to cases of genuine necessity — not mere economic or practical preference.
The court upheld the landowner’s right to a Notweg where no public road access existed, clarified that compensation must reflect long-term use value (not just construction cost), and emphasized that the route must cause minimal burden to the servient estate.
What to Do
Confirm your property truly lacks any legally sufficient access to a public road — consult a surveyor and local building authority.
Formally request the Notweg from your neighbor in writing, specifying the proposed route and offering fair compensation based on expert valuation.
If refused or disputed, file a claim at the local Amtsgericht to determine the right, route, and rent — citing BGB § 917.
Keep records of all communications, surveys, and evidence showing lack of alternative access.
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.