Germany is a well-liked European nation due to its abundance of culture, beauty, and history. Yet, is Germany safe for tourists despite all these claims? Yes, Germany is generally a secure nation to travel to. However, despite its high levels of cleanliness, effectiveness, and safety, some people are starting to question this due to terrorist attacks and petty crimes gaining ground.
This European nation has had terrorist attacks, and petty crimes are gaining ground quickly. You might simply be concerned about traveling to Germany, more especially if you’re a solo or female traveler traveling alone there. It could also be that you’re considering moving there and want to know if it’s safe to do so.
Whatever it is, this guide will give you all the details, as well as travel tips for Germany.
Why Visit Germany
There are many reasons to explore Germany but the most common one is to experience the festivals. You should make extensive preparations and mark the calendar for yearly celebrations if you want to take part in Germany’s traditional festivals. The Oktoberfest in Munich is a well-known event that starts from the last week of September to the first week of October.
Germany is the seventh-largest nation in Europe and in the center of the continent. This means it’s surrounded by nine borders you can easily cross to enter a different country and is the perfect place to begin your European tour.
You also won’t be disappointed if you like hiking or camping because you’ll find cliff-faced mountains, undulating plains, and dense forests throughout Germany.
Is Germany Dangerous?
No! Germany is viewed as a country with strong laws and regulations. A lot of people are aware that Germany even ranks among the safest nations in the world. It was recognized as the 16th safest nation in the world by the World Population Review in 2022.
On the Global Peace Index, Germany has a rating of 1.480, so it’s one of the world’s most peaceful places. So, Germany should definitely be on your bucket list if you’re looking for a peaceful, safe environment. Having said that, there are a few areas that you’d likely need to avoid or visit with more caution.
Dangerous Areas in Germany
Frankfurt
With much over 760, 000 people, Frankfurt is the most populous town in the German state of Hesse. With that many individuals, it also has a higher crime rate of 16, 292 acts per 100, 000 people.
The town has a crime index of 44.52, which is much higher than the average for the region at 37. 52. Frankfurt, however, can hardly be called a violent capital, especially when compared to other major European cities. Despite Frankfurt’s large overall criminal rate, there’s only a small chance of being a victim of an armed robbery or assault.
Bremen
Bremen, a lesser-known destination in Germany, is extremely comparable to Frankfurt in terms of crime rates. It is most known for its contribution to maritime trade, however, you should also prepare for some level of theft, vandalism, and drug usage.
While Bremen doesn’t have particularly high rates of any kind of crime, it is one of the riskier cities in Germany due to its medium risk across several crimes like vandalism and drug use.
On a daily basis, it is just as safe as any other German city, and at a crime index of 45.17, walking during the day is significantly safer than in London, Naples, or New York.
Is it Safe to Live in Germany?
Most individuals feel comfortable in Germany, and many foreigners love living there. The social system is partly to credit for this. The majority of people have excellent standards of living and strong healthcare, education, and social security systems. Additionally, compared to other nations, there is a stronger feeling of communal social duty.
People don’t mishandle or steal items only for the fun of doing so. Germans are always watching out for you, pointing out things like your open handbag or the fact that it’s cold outside and you should wear a scarf, according to several expats. The vast majority of the individuals here are only looking out for you.
Safe Areas in Germany
Berlin
Berlin is a family-friendly city and one of Germany’s safest. There are several exhibitions, eateries, and other monuments there that are ideal for people of all ages.
The best part is that most of these sites are free to visit, so there are no costs involved. You need not be concerned about kidnapping or mugging if you wish to take a walk in evening or call a taxi.
However, stay away from questionable personalities by staying off of the dark streets and allies.
Friedrichshain district, which is great for artistic types and partygoers because it is full of entertainment, is among the safest places in Berlin. Charlottenburg and Mitte are other neighborhoods that you can explore.
Hamburg
Compared to other major cities in Europe, Hamburg is a safer place to visit. You can move easily at night, and if you get lost, you can ask the locals for directions. The individuals in Hamburg are very friendly, making it an excellent spot to make new friends. Also, there are many things to do in the beautiful city and for all age groups.
You’ll enjoy life in this area, from seeing their historical sites to dining on their shrimp and taking part in their activities. The only drawback is that Hamburg has a higher cost of living than Berlin and most of the country.
Munich
One of the best places to live in Germany is definitely in Munich. According to stats, Munich has a much lower crime rate than Berlin since it has a crime index of 20.79, compared to Berlin’s 43.83 rating.
Walking alone at night gives you the creeps when you’re in a strange town, but Munich is a truly secure town to wander around, so there’s no need to get partnered up inside.
Because Munich is a posh area, you should always be careful and abstain from going into any dark alleys at night. Get a cab or suburban train if needed because the subway train station is not always in service.
Warnings & Dangers in Germany
Petty theft is the most frequent type of crime you could experience in Germany and this involves scams, bag snatching, and pickpocketing.
Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of filing a police report or replacing stolen belongings during their vacation. So, keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings to prevent any potential theft.
Reports claim that pickpockets frequently work in coordinated gangs and go after populated areas like train stations, tourist hotspots, bus routes, and Christmas markets. When it’s not so busy, watch out for people rubbing up against you and those attempting to divert your attention.
Overall Travel Risk (3/10)
Traveling to Germany is generally safe, and although some countries issue travel warnings, the possibility of terrorist attacks during your visit is low.
Instead, more everyday issues like fraud and small-time theft affect tourists the most. Like any congested site, popular tourist areas here draw pickpockets and bag snatchers. German cities do experience violent crime, and some districts are particularly unsafe at night. For example, Berlin’s Görlitzer Park draws groups of aggressive drug users at night, so it is best to avoid them after dark.
Beggars
These are widely available in the majority of German cities. Some beggars would do anything to get money from you, while others are harmless and mind their own business around the city.
Dangerous beggars are frequently con artists holding signs with their sob tales written on them in a number of different languages. Even if you give them money, they will still try to steal from your bag while you’re distracted to gain more from you.
Credit Card Fraud
In Germany, ATM skimming is on the rise as crooks exploit cash registers to steal PIN cards and withdraw cash.
There are ways to identify them, although you can’t usually be 100 % sure. If something on the machine feels soft, you can check for adhesive residue surrounding the card reader. Secondly, look around to see if there is anything that a hidden cameras may be inserted into. On top of the device, there can be a pamphlet or even an empty cigarette pack. As an extra precaution, use ATMs located inside banks if all of this seems a little intimidating.
Train Scam
The only way to get a ticket is to buy it at the station, which you then validate by stamping in a machine. You can use most kinds of transportation to travel in one direction for two hours after validation.
However, there are persons who would try to sell you already validated tickets for less money than usual. You might not even have enough time to inspect the time and date on the ticket carefully, and before you know it, the vendor has vanished, leaving you with a worthless ticket. If authorities catch you buying a card from these people, you’ll be in a lot of trouble.
Fake Ticket Inspector
Several travelers have warned about fake ticket inspectors. Although most of them wear casual attire, they always display their badges so you may verify their legitimacy.
Scammers allegedly use false IDs to trick tourists into thinking they must pay the charge immediately. Real inspectors will let you print out a penalty notice to pay at a later date.
Tips for Staying Safe in Germany
Before traveling to a new country, it’s important to research safety precautions and cultural norms. In the following section, you will find helpful tips to ensure a safe trip in Germany.
- Respect the rules: When in Deutschland, it’s important to follow the rules as the locals value them highly. Jaywalking may result in disapproving looks and even a lecture on setting a good example for children.
- Don’t be too drunk in public: You become a target for opportunistic thieves and muggers while you’re intoxicated, and you can also get into fights you would have avoided if sober.
- Use common sense: Never leave baggage unattended in public areas, as a general rule. Keep significant amounts of cash out of your pockets. When not in use, keep valuables locked up at your hotel.
- Memorize important numbers: When traveling in Germany, it’s important to know that the emergency number is 112.
- Learn a bit of German: Even though many people understand English, learning a little German might be quite helpful if you plan to go outside the major cities.
Is Germany Safe | Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Prepare for a German Trip?
It’s essential to research the places you plan to visit before your trip. Read up on the history, culture, and customs of the locations you’ll be visiting. Additionally, familiarize yourself with travel necessities like health and travel insurance, which can be helpful when traveling.
It’s also important to dress for the weather. Even in the summer, Germany can get rather chilly, so if you’re traveling there in the winter, don’t forget to pack a coat, hat, and gloves.
What Should I Know About German Culture?
Punctuality is highly regarded in Germany, and not being on time when you have a meeting with someone is regarded as impolite. Immediately notify the other person if you anticipate being late. Germans tend to be quiet and reserved, especially in public, so remember to be mindful of your loudness when you’re out.
They’re also renowned for their love of logic and reasoning. In fact, many people consider this to be one of what makes German culture unique.
Is Germany Expensive to Tour?
Germany is more expensive than eastern nations like Romania or Bulgaria due to its central location on the continent. However, it is still less expensive than wealthy Western nations like France or Spain. So, it is undoubtedly possible to tour Germany on a tight budget. Germany has cheaper food prices than the majority of the EU nations and the state is home to a considerable number of supermarkets and farmers’ markets.
Are Germans Friendly to Tourists?
Many tourists think Germans are aloof, heartless individuals due to clichés, which is simply untrue. The people are actually nice, helpful, and courteous. However, It’s easier when you start the conversation and ask for assistance if you want to get a glimpse of this side of the Germans.