Germany is a small country, and it’s easy to reach most cities by train or car in just a few hours. That means you’ll have the chance to explore many different places in just a few days or weeks. While safety issues will vary from city to city, there are certain things to keep in mind when considering Germany safety.
Is Munich Safe?
When it comes to Germany safety, Munich is, by far, the safest city in the country. Violent crimes against locals and tourists are extremely rare. While petty crimes like theft still occur in busy touristy areas, it’s far less common than other cities in Germany.
When you think of traditional German culture, you probably think of images of jolly oompah music, lively beer gardens, and festive lederhosen and dirndls. However, this is predominately only found in Bavaria, the southernmost region of the country. And as Bavaria’s capital, Munich is a must-see city on yourGermany itinerary.
But when traveling to Germany’s beer-loving capital, you should exercise extreme caution when drinking or going out. German beers are refreshing and easy to drink, especially in the warm summer months. This makes it a little too easy to get drunk and lose track of your belongings.
If you’re visiting Munich during Oktoberfest, remember that the alcohol content of beer at the festival is much higher than in restaurants. During the festival, leave your valuables at the hotel. And, make sure you know how to get back using the public transportation system or by taking a taxi.
But in general, you probably won’t encounter any serious problems in Munich. Your biggest concern will be dealing with that hangover the next morning!
Is Berlin Safe?
Pickpocketing is probably the biggest issue you’ll run into in Berlin. Petty crime has increased over the years, especially near Kottbusser Tor in Kreuzberg and the RAW Gelände in Friedrichshain. For this reason, you should be aware of your surroundings and leave any expensive valuables in your hotel.
As the political and historical center of Germany, Berlin is one of the most eclectic cities in the world. Whether you’re visiting the remarkable Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie or hitting up famous underground nightclubs, Berlin has something for every interest.
Nightlife is a big part of the culture in Berlin, though, so you should be especially careful when drinking and partying in Berlin. Pickpockets tend to target drunk party-goers as they walk to and from the clubs. To stay safe, don’t venture down dark alleys, and try to stay with a friend or someone you trust when walking alone at night.
Illegal drugs and substances are also prominent in Berlin club culture. It’s important to remember that taking or possessing drugs is a severe offense in Germany, and can be punishable by hefty fines and imprisonment.
Not only are there legal issues with taking drugs in Germany, but there are also several health concerns. There have been reported cases of people getting sick from drugs made or laced with dangerous substances.
Besides the nightclubs, drug dealers are also present in many of Berlin’s public parks. In fact, some parks even have designated dealer zones, to avoid territory fights with gangs. To stay safe, don’t walk through Berlin’s parks at night and avoid talking to anyone that offers you illegal substances.
Is Frankfurt Safe?
For Germany, Frankfurt has the highest level of crime and violence. However, many people still consider Frankfurt to be a safe place to visit, especially compared to other countries like the US and UK.
Frankfurt is a unique city that’s scenically different than most places in Germany. That’s because this financial hub is one of the only places with a modern, metropolitan skyline. From towering skyscrapers to urban high rises, Frankfurt’s central location makes it one of the first stops on most travelers’ trips.
Most crime is concentrated in just a few seedy areas, like Elbestrasse and Taunusstrasse. These streets are centered around Frankfurt’s red-light district, which is comprised of sex shows, strip clubs, casinos, and sometimes a few bad characters.
It’s also recommended to stay away from the eastern side of Frankfurt’s central train station, or Hauptbahnhof. This area is one of the biggest hangouts for drug dealers and smugglers in Frankfurt.
And this should go without saying, but try to avoid purchasing or buying illegal substances from these dealers. Being in possession of drugs is a major offense in Germany, and if you’re caught,you may be deported or sentenced up to five years in prison.
Is Hamburg Safe?
Hamburg is a charming harbor town that’s not just beautiful, but also a safe place for tourists to visit. Germany’s second most popular city is filled with historic architecture, trendy neighborhoods, and friendly locals. It’s also one of the country’s most musical cities and boasts a culturally diverse music scene.
However, there are certain neighborhoods in Hamburg where you should take extra precaution. With late-night clubs, live sex shows, and live entertainment—Reeperbahn is Hamburg’s bustling red-light district. While there are plenty of tourists out and about, Repperbahn also tends to attract shifty drug dealers and pickpockets.
Safety in Germany can also be a concern near Hamburg’s main station. If you’re arriving or leaving by train, keep a close eye on your suitcases and personal belongings. Petty theft is more common near the train station but can happen anywhere in one of Hamburg’s major tourist areas.
Hamburg is also one of Germany’s biggest cycling cities. Most streets have designated bike lanes; however, cyclists may still ride on the sidewalks and streets. If you aren’t looking where you’re going, you may get into an accident with a speeding cyclist.
Is Leipzig Safe?
Crime levels in Leipzig are low, and most travelers should feel safe during their visit.
Considered by many to be the next Berlin, Leipzig is a quaint town that was once the home of both Johann Sebastian Bach and Richard Wagner. Its historic renaissance city center is lined with colorful houses, sprawling plazas, and traditional restaurants and shops.
As home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, Leipzig is teeming with students and international visitors. Many students travel by bike, making Leipzig the third most bicycle-friendly city in Germany.
Unfortunately, the vast number of bikes results in extremely high theft rates. Even if the bike is locked, it’s not uncommon for advanced thieves to take off one wheel or steal other parts of the bike.
If you’re driving in Leipzig, you should be extra cautious of cyclists. Although bikes have their own lane, many cyclists speed through lights or don’t pay attention to others on the road. In addition, pedestrians should stick to the sidewalk and avoid walking in the bike lanes.
Is Cologne Safe?
Cologne has seen an increase in crime over the last few years, but it’s not considered a dangerous city.
From the ornate Cologne Cathedral to the charming cobblestone allies in the Altstadt, Cologne attracts visitors from around the world. This riverside city was heavily bombed during the war but has since transformed into a bustling metropolis in the middle of Germany’s Rhineland.
The main train station is centrally located right next to the Cologne Cathedral, one of the biggest attractions not just in Cologne, but in all of Germany. For this reason, you’ll find tons of locals and tourists out at all hours of the night.
Each year, Cologne hosts the largest Carnival festival in Germany. During this time, the city is flooded with visitors dressed in strange, hilarious, and sometimes downright bizarre costumes. Unfortunately, the large groups of tourists make Carnival a prime target for scammers and pickpockets.
To stay safe during Carnival, make sure not to carry any expensive personal items like jewelry or large amounts of cash. And while drinking is part of the fun, stay extra cautious as thieves tend to target drunk party-goers.
If you’re renting a bike yourself, then you should also make sure to lock it up against a post or tree. Bike theft is common in Cologne, and the last thing you want is to pay the renting office for an entire bike!
Is Dresden Safe?
Dresden is no different than other cities in Germany, or in the United States for that matter.Therefore, you should feel comfortable visiting the city center and tourist destinations in Dresden.
Dresden is one of Germany’s secret gems. This historic city is filled with impressive architecture and funky neighborhoods. The government invested time and energy into making Dresden the beautiful city that stands today after it was destroyed during WW2.
But despite Dresden’s fast transformation, many people still have concerns when traveling to Eastern Germany.
The truth is, Dresden remains a socially and politically conservative city. Although there have been reports of racial tensions and anti-immigration protests in the past, this hasn’t been limited to Eastern Germany.
Millions of tourists visit Dresden each year, and it’s very common to see the city flooded with visitors of every nationality and race.
You should avoid any political demonstrations or rallies taking place in the city. And if you feel threatened or targeted, notify the local authorities or police station as soon as possible.
