Europe
Is Germany safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Germany safe?
Low violent crime. Pickpockets at stations, festivals and Christmas markets are the main issue, plus rough scenes around some big-city main stations at night.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-12.
- Homicide rate: 0.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 3.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally comfortable walking alone at night in cities; take care around main stations late at night and in dense festival crowds.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets at stations, Christmas markets and festivals
- Bike theft in cities; use a solid lock
- Drug and drinking scenes around some main stations at night
Common scams
- Clipboard 'petition' collectors at Berlin landmarks distract for pickpocketing
- Shell games (Hütchenspiel) on tourist streets are rigged
Laws visitors break by accident
- Riding public transport without a valid ticket costs a €60 fine; inspectors are often plain-clothes.
- Nazi salutes and symbols are crimes, even as a joke.
- Crossing on a red pedestrian light can be fined and is frowned upon.
Safety by place in Germany
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Munich | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Heidelberg | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Stuttgart | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Nuremberg | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Freiburg | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Rothenburg ob der Tauber | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Garmisch-Partenkirchen | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Bremen | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Berlin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Hamburg | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Frankfurt | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cologne | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dresden | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Düsseldorf | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leipzig | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Germany safe for tourists?
Low violent crime. Pickpockets at stations, festivals and Christmas markets are the main issue, plus rough scenes around some big-city main stations at night.
Is Germany safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable walking alone at night in cities; take care around main stations late at night and in dense festival crowds.
What is the emergency number in Germany?
Police 110 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Federal Foreign Office: visas
- Make it in Germany: self-employment
- Deutsche Bahn: Deutschland-Ticket
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Germany
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.