Photo: The Canadian Press

Some 500 far-right extremists began a march in Berlin on Saturday in honour of the 30th anniversary of the death of top Nazi Rudolf Hess.

About 500 counter-demonstrators gathered nearby the parade in the Spandau district, separated by hundreds of heavily armoured police.

Berlin police spokesman Carsten Mueller told The Associated Press that authorities have imposed a number of restrictions on Saturday's march to ensure it passes peacefully.

Police have told organizers they can march, but they're not allowed to glorify Hess, who died at Spandau prison. The neo-Nazis are allowed to bring banners: but only one for every 50 participants.

Such restrictions are common in Germany and rooted in the experience of the pre-war Weimar Republic, when opposing political groups would try to forcibly interrupt their rivals' rallies, resulting in frequent violence.

Police say they generally try to balance protesters' rights to free speech and free assembly against the rights of counter-demonstrators and residents.

Left-wing groups expect about 1,000 people to attend the counter-protests.