Is Germany Safe to Visit? 5 Things to Know

Germany is a popular European country because it offers a lot of culture, scenery, and history. But with all its popularity, is Germany safe?

The answer is yes – Germany is a safe country to visit. While there are always areas that are more dangerous than others, overall, Germany is a very safe place. The crime rate is low, and the German government takes measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. So if you’re looking for a safe country to visit, add Germany to your list!

Germany’s overall safety index:

Germany is often thought of as a country of strict rules and regulations. But many people don’t realize that Germany is also one of the safest countries in the world. In 2021, Global Finance ranked Germany as the 20th safest country in the world.

And on the Peace Index, Germany ranks 1.480- meaning it’s one of the most peaceful countries in the world. If you’re looking for a safe and peaceful travel destination, Germany should definitely be on your list!

Violent crimes in Germany:

According to Nation Master, the violent crime rate in Germany was 6,386 (per 100 thousand people) in 2020, putting it below France and the United Kingdom on the international list of violent crime rate-by-country. No country is completely free of crime, so taking some basic precautions when traveling is still important.

For example, always keep your belongings close to you and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Following these simple guidelines can help ensure your trip to Germany is enjoyable and safe.

Germany murder rates:

The murder rate in Germany is 0.86 (per 100 thousand people), which again is below France and UK.

Germany safety as a tourist:

Overall, Germany isn’t the safest place for a woman traveling alone, but it’s still safer than most other countries.

Just use precaution and common sense if you decide to visit Germany.

What are the most dangerous cities in Germany?

The most dangerous city in Germany is Berlin, followed by Bremen. The index was last updated the index on January 27, 2022, by Statista, with data from 2020 showing that the crime level declined from 2015 to 2020. Property crimes, household burglaries, and car thefts are the most common crimes.

In general, you’re safe if you don’t leave your belongings unguarded in public places and if you don’t leave your car unlocked. Violent crimes are not very common, but there’s a slight increase in the chance that you might get mugged or assaulted in big cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen. You must be careful only on the roads at night (and not because of drunk drivers, though, mostly due to petty crimes).

See Related: Best Hotels in Berlin, Germany

What are the safest cities in Germany?

1. Munich
2. Karlsruhe
3. Heidelberg
4. Freiburg im Breisgau
5. Mannheim

These are all small to medium-sized cities with fewer than 500,000 people. They’re considered very safe, and you’re unlikely to encounter any problems there, provided you don’t go looking for them.

Generally speaking, the larger cities, the higher the crime rate. But as long as you know your surroundings and take the usual precautions, you should be safe in any German city. Avoid walking around at night in dodgy areas.

See Related: Best Health Insurance for Visitors to the USA

Public Transportation Safety in Germany

German trains are usually considered very safe, but monitoring your belongings when using public transportation is still a good idea. The national rail network in Germany is called Deutsche Bahn, one of the largest in the world. There are also regional and city-specific networks, so it’s best to check the website for your destination.

Most major German cities have an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and subways. You only need to be careful of pickpockets and petty crimes. The subway and bus systems are safe – However, you should be careful with your luggage on the more convenient buses or trains, particularly in large cities.

In reality, subway lines are rapid but also costly. Buses, trams, and specific City Centres often have overnight services. The overnight “last train” runs until late and is usually the only method at night. I believe it to be a secure public transportation system that efficiently serves Europe. Getting around may be easily done, safely, or inexpensively between cities.

See Related: What is Germany Known For?

Local Authorities in Germany:

The local police force in Germany is called the Polizei. They’re responsible for law enforcement and maintaining public safety. You can contact them in an emergency or need help while in Germany.

There’s also a special emergency number that you can call to get help in any language – 112. This is a common emergency number in many European countries, and it works from any phone, even if you don’t have a SIM card.

The police and other emergency services can also be contacted via the usual methods: 110 for the police and 112 for the ambulance and fire department. The emergency services in Germany consist of a large number of different organizations. You’ll likely encounter the police, land-rover fire service, ambulance, rescue helicopter service, and more.

These are all free services funded by the state through taxes. As such, they also provide services to citizens of other European Union countries, even if they’re not in Germany then.

When you call an ambulance anywhere in Europe, they can help no matter where or who you are. The emergency services (like police and ambulance) all work together throughout Europe. They’re all linked up through a common European emergency number – 112. But again, make sure you only dial 112 in an emergency.

If you need an ambulance in Germany, call 112; they’ll send one to your location. The ambulance service in Germany is free to use, no matter how sick or injured you are. There are several different ambulance services in Germany, but they all follow the same basic procedures.

The paramedics in the ambulance will assess your situation and determine what to do next. If your injury or illness requires more than they can give, you may be taken to a hospital in an emergency helicopter.

See Related: Emergencies while in Germany

Traveling general safety tips to Germany

• Monitor local media for updates. Whenever you’re traveling to a new country, it’s always good to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events. This is especially crucial when it comes to safety and security. By monitoring local media outlets, you’ll better understand what areas to avoid and what types of crimes are common. 
• Make sure to have travel insurance, which may be helpful when emergencies occur. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies and hospital visits to stolen or lost items. It’s not mandatory, but having just if you run into any issues is good.
• Know local laws and customs. One of the most important things you should do before traveling anywhere is learn about the local laws and traditions of the country, like speed limits when driving.
• Be alert in crowded places like Christmas Markets and other significant events.
• Use common sense. If it seems unsafe, then there’s probably a reason for that.
• Avoid flashing money or jewelry.
• Avoid leaving your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Always carry your passport when traveling around cities, so it’s not left in the hotel room.
• Seek emergency consular assistance regarding travel documents issues or emergencies.

See Related: What is Travel Insurance? Here is the Definition + Examples

Is travel insurance useful?

Travel insurance is useful if you are going on a long trip. It can also be used in emergencies, especially when traveling to foreign countries where your government cannot immediately help you.

Overall, Germany is a very safe country. Most of their cities are much safer than other European cities. Like in any other country or your own country, some dangers should be avoided, especially in major events and crowded places.

FAQ

Related Resources

• Dangers and Cautions in Germany
• Common Misconceptions of Germany
• Best Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
• German Travel Phrase Guide
• Best Things to Do in Mannheim, Germany