So what is the deal with drinking tap water in Germany?
No matter if you are visiting Germany for a solo trip, business, to see family or something completely different, you are going to have the best time!
With the Autobahn, tasty Currywurst and amazing Christmas markets, Germany has a lot of great things –but is its tap water one of them?
Even if you have visited once or 500 times, it is so important to travel safely and avoid getting sick. And one of the easiest ways to get sick when travelling is by drinking unclean water.
As a former chemist at a water company and avid traveller, I have seen the very worst of what can happen when you drink unclean water (so let’s make sure this doesn’t happen to you on your trip!)
This guide will answer all the questions you have about drinking water in Germany so you can travel there safely and confidently.
✅ To guarantee the water you are drinking is 100% safe, take a LIFE STRAW on your trip with you!
Can you drink tap water in Germany? Overview
If you’re travelling to Germany, you might be wondering about the safety of tap water. Can you drink it? Is it safe?
The answer is yes, you can drink the tap water in Germany!
In fact, it’s some of the cleanest and safest water in the world. The German government has strict regulations about water quality, and the country has an excellent water treatment infrastructure.
Of course, if you’re not used to drinking tap water, it might take some getting used to.
The taste might be different from what you’re used to at home. There are a few ways to help you get used to drinking water when you are travelling and making sure you do not get sick.
👉 I always take a Lifestraw to Europe to guarantee any water I drink is safe
This is the best and cheapest way to filter your water on the go and avoid getting sick. And you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of Germany’s water supply wherever you are!
Water Quality in Germany
So the overall water quality in Germany is high so no matter where you visit you can drink the tap water all over Germany.
The German Federal Environment Agency has been monitoring the quality of water since 1957 and they have found that the water is consistently high quality.
In fact, Germany has some of the best drinking water in Europe. (The most important federal law is the Federal Water Act or otherwise known as the Wasserhaushaltsgesetz).
So what makes the water so clean in Germany? One reason is that the country has strict environmental laws that require utilities to regularly test the water and treat it if necessary. There are also a lot of natural sources of water in Germany, such as rivers and lakes, which help to keep the water clean.
Of course, even with high-quality water, it’s always a good idea to drink filtered or bottled water if you’re not sure about the quality of the tap water in your area. But in general, you can feel confident that the water in Germany is safe to drink.
Do I need to filter the water in Germany?
Honestly, there is no need to filter the water in Germany. Unless you don’t like the taste or you are worried about getting sick.
There are lots of ways to do this when visiting Germany and Europe so I am positive you will find something that fits your every need.
✅ But I always use and recommend a Lifestraw when I’m drinking water that isn’t the best quality and it has never let me down!
The #1 way to filter tap water when visiting Germany? A LifeStraw Filter Bottle– Keeps you hydrated and filters your drinking water!
Tap water in German restaurants
When you are on a trip to Europe and visiting local restaurants, you will notice some offer free tap water with your meal, while others don’t.
So you are probably wondering Is tap water free to order in German restaurants?
Restaurants in places like the United States and UK always giving out free tap water upon request. In Germany, however, this is not always the case. While some restaurants will give you a free glass of tap water if you ask, others will expect you to order a bottle of water instead and pay.
The resturants and bars you visit in Germany are most likely going to make you pay for any water you order- so be prepared!
How to ask for tap water in Germany
Even though tap water may not be free in the restaurant or bar you are visiting in Germany, it’s a good idea to get some anyway.
To ask for water in Germany ask your waiter for wasser, trinkwasser or Leitungswasser.
Or you can try the phrase Können wir bitte etwas Wasser für den Tisch haben? Which means Can we have some water for the table please?
Can I drink water from the bathroom sink in Germany?
The water that comes out of all taps in Germany is safe to drink, even in the bathroom.
If you are ever worried about the water coming out of the tap, let it run for 30 seconds and only drink from the cold tap.
The water you drink should be clear and odourless.
If it is not, boil it, filter it or just avoid drinking it.
In what locations in Germany can you drink tap water?
Before your trip, its a good idea to double check if you you can actually drink the tap water in your chosen destination.
To help you out, here is a list of the most popular places to visit and if you can drink the tap water there:
Is it OK to drink Berlin tap water?
✅ You can drink the tap water in this part of Germany with no issues.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Munich?
✅ You will be happy to know it is completely safe to drink the tap water in Munich, Germany.
Can you drink tap water in Cologne?
✅ Cologne is a great place to visit and you will have no issues with drinking the tap water here.
Can you drink tap water in Frankfurt?
✅ Frankfurt is another place in Germany where you can drink the tap water with no issues.
Can you drink tap water in Stuttgart?
✅ Absolutely with no problems at all!
Can you drink tap water in Dusseldorf?
✅ The tap water in this part of Germany is not only safe to drink but really high quality.
Final Thoughts surrounding can you drink tap water in Germany?
I hope this post has helped you feel confident about the drinking water in Germany. No matter where you decide to visit, you can expect high water quality throughout the Country.
But if you want to guarantee that the water will not make you sick, or you don’t like the taste of tap water, make sure you get a Lifestraw before your trip.
To help you have the ultimate visit to Germany, here are some related articles:
27 Must-Have Travel Items For Europe (From A European)
7 Best Holocaust Tours In Germany
What To Wear In Europe (+ What You Should Avoid Wearing): The Guide For All Seasons
The Best Cabin Baggage For Ryanair Flights
Can You Drink The Water In Iceland?
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
