Travel safety concerns in Germany

Please define "not safe".

Do you mean gun crime or car wrecks or avalanches or what?

What difference does he see between Brussels and wherever he wants to go in Germany?

Where are you coming from, and what parts of Germany (it is a big place) are you intending to go?

A bit more information and we can help, Amy...

amybailey22 If you live in any mid to large sized metropolitan area in the US there is likely more crime and danger you face in ONE DAY than in Germany in an entire year. I think any worry on this is completely misplaced. Don't worry. Germany is a very safe country.

Good questions. This is my first forum!
In Brussels we are with friends so my husband feels secure. Also, in the US we hear so much about refugees and violence that it has made many unsure about travel in Europe. Although here we have so much violence!
We plan to tour the Rhine And Mosel river areas staying in Cochem and then taking a train to Munich and doing organized day trips there.
He’s concerned about traveling on the trains, walking around towns at night, encountering one on one terrorism- knives, trucks running over crowds etc.
We have traveled abroad many times but always on organized tours- this would be our first exploring by ourselves.

Germany unsafe? Because of some isolated incidents which - because they are so rare - got the headlines? In European eyes the USA are unsafe with a homicide rate which is five - 5 - times the European average.

Germany is generally pretty safe. Assault and violent crime rates are admirable on the whole. There has been a large uptick in street crimes like pickpocketing, however, in some of the larger cities, around train stations, and in zones frequented by tourists. Some cities (like Berlin) have issued advisories for residents and visitors... the maps on this page indicate pickpocket hot spots where it's probably wise to be extra-alert. Berlin's tourist office offers this safety advice for visitors. Perhaps you should look to see what Munich authorities advise (if anything.)

You'd be very wise to use your money belt faithfully while you're in Germany and to keep your wits about you in busy places. But I see no reason at all to check it off your list entirely. You are more likely to lose your valuables yourself than to have them stolen, IMHO. The Rhine and Mosel Valleys are particularly peaceful places IME. Just enjoy your trip.

I've been to the areas of Germany you mention, and I can't imagine any more safer places than those in the US.

If you read through the blogs you will notice that the biggest crime you might encounter is pickpocketing or valuables being stolen. Bigger crimes are not as prevalent as in the US. If you are trying to be 100% safe then stay inside and lock the door. I've travelled 6 times to Europe and I never felt unsafe. The concern he feels might be due to being in an unfamiliar place with no guide. Go, tour Germany and have fun.

The World Economic Forum's international statistic of the year:

Number of Americans killed annually by:

Islamist jihadist immigrants: 2
Far right-wing terrorists: 5
All Islamist jihadist terrorists (including U.S. citizens): 9
Armed toddlers: 21
Lighting: 31
Lawnmowers: 69
Being hit by a bus: 264
Falling out of bed: 737
Being shot by another American: 11,737

We have traveled abroad many times but always on organized tours- this
would be our first exploring by ourselves.

It sounds like this fear is not coming from any real threat or knowledge, but perceived threats (due to outsized media coverage of high-impact, but rare events) and sheer inexperience and nervousness about being on your own. The common thread in what you wrote is that your husband "feels" safe when you're around family/friends or an organized group, and less safe otherwise. Once you get out of your comfort zone successfully by completing your first solo trip, I think these fears will subside immediately. Millions of people travel daily on trains and walk around towns at night. There's nothing you can do to prepare for totally unlikely, random acts of terrorism so I would not make life decisions based on extreme, low probability events. All you can do is limit your risk from low-level mundane stuff like pickpocketing.

Germany is as safe or unsafe as any other European country. If you are from the US let me tell you this: life in any big city in the US is much more dangerous than life in Europe and especially in Germany. For me it's funny to know that quite a few Americans think life in the US is safer than life in Europe/Germany. Have a look at the statistics and you know what I mean. Americans often ask for hotels in safe neighborhoods. In Germany there are hardly any unsafe neighborhoods. When you drive or ride on a train through the country you will see there are no run down areas like in the US. Psychologically speaking the danger you imagine seems much more dangerous than the everyday danger you live with. Driving a car is much more dangerous than anything else, for instance.

What's really fascinating is this concern about safety in Germany while not seeming to be even aware of Brussels having so many issues recently regarding terrorism.

amyb, you probably live in a reasonably safe neighborhood at home, right? And you want to be equally safe traveling abroad, right?

That's completely understandable. The overall US homicide rate is irrelevant. I assume you don't live or travel in Chicago's south side (or like places that drive up US homicide rates.) But on your trip to Germany, your "exposure" to new environments will probably still be greater than it is for you at home. You will be on the move frequently and in unfamiliar surroundings where there may be large crowds. You will probably look a bit disoriented (since you are) and probably will "stick out" to some extent as a tourist, someone who is probably carrying around some valuables, someone who could be distracted momentarily if a thief or pickpocket happens to be in the crowd. That's about all you can concern yourself with. Read and follow Rick's safety advice and you will greatly tip the odds of an enjoyable trip in your favor.

My husband and I were just in all those areas last September. While you seem more concerned about Germany because you will be with friends in Brussels, we were more cautious in Brussels. Brussels wasn't scary but we had the sense that we needed to be more cautious there. You will love the Mosel and the Rhine. We stayed in Cochem on the Mosel and Bacharach on the Rhine. Since you'll be staying in Cochem be sure to go to Burg Elitz. We trained from Cochem to Moselkern and then hiked to the castle. It was wonderful

Amy, Your husband's concerns are completely understandable considering the fact that the news media tend to highlight that which is sensational. In all sincerity, you will probably be safer in Germany than in most medium to large U.S. cities. As long as you take reasonable precautions against pickpockets, exercise reasonable awareness of what is going on around you, and avoid obviously seedy areas you should be fine. No one on this forum would tell you it is safe if we, together with hundreds if not thousands of days in Germany did not believe it to be safe.

Considering there was a attack on the Brussels airport and Metro, I fail to see the fear in Germany. The refugees there have dwindled due to tightening laws and honestly most are trying to rebuild their lives.

Be as aware and cautious as you’d be in NYC and you should be good.

"Immigrants" probably do not get a fair shake in the media and do not deserve the level of suspicion they get, IMO. They sometimes get caught up in the group of "non-Germans" in discussing the criminal element in Germany. Most immigrants indeed are not in the crime business and are trying to get on with their lives. They are a sub-set of non-Germans residing in the country - but as a group, non-Germans, which include illegal migrants, failed asylum seekers, etc., make up a disproportionate part of the criminal activity, according to Germany's Criminal Police Office (BKA.)

2016 Crimes by German citizens: 1,407,062 (60% of all crimes)
2016 Crimes by foreigners: 953,744 (40% of all crimes)

The problem is that the foreigners make up only 12.5% or so of German residents. Instead of committing 12.5% of crimes, their crime rate is 3 times what you'd expect. It's a shame that the legal immigrants get lumped in with all the others.

Most of the problems have been Germans attacking refugees, not the other way around.

I feel very unsafe when visiting the states. Burglaries, shoot-ups, random mass shootings, drive-by shootings, rapes. In Germany I don't have those fears and I feel safe walking everywhere, night or day.

amy,

There are no guarantees for absolute safety, whether travelling abroad or whether staying home. Generally speaking, Europe is much safer than many places in the U.S.

If this is your first trip to Europe, you may find it helpful to read Europe Through The Back Door, as that provides a good idea on the types of things you'll encounter in Europe. Knowledge will dispel apprehension. If you don't want to buy a copy, you should be able to find that at your local Library.

As the others have said, there is petty crime such as pickpocketing throughout much of Europe so you'll have to be vigilant. Keep a small amount of daily expense cash in an easily accessible location, and wear Money Belts for "deep storage". Do Not access Money Belts where others can see!

I'd also suggest having a look at the Rick Steves Germany guidebook, as that will provide a lot of information on touring the sites that you're interested, as well as good listings for hotels, transportation details, etc. You may also want to learn a few of the "polite words" in German (Good Morning, Good Evening, etc.) or pack along a small German phrasebook (the one available on this website is one you could look at).

You may also want to have a look at the U.S. State Department website for information - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/germany-travel-advisory.html .

For comparison purposes, also have a look at the Canadian government website, which provides slightly less severe warnings - https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/germany .

I think you'll find that all the people you encounter in Germany (and elsewhere in Europe), regardless of their country of origin, will be kind and helpful.

Amy, your husband may also be concerned about maneuvering on trains and public transit, since most Americans are wedded to their cars. German transit is efficient and organized, and announcements are often repeated in English. The only time I felt unsafe in a Germanic country was when a rowdy crowd came our way -- but it turned out it was not a political group, merely fans celebrating a football win.

We'll be there in May and have absolutely no worries. I have always felt much more safe in Europe (most recently England) than I ever have in the US. If he's worried because you won't have friends with you in Germany plan your trip out well and you'll be fine. Happy Travels!!

We were in Germany last summer. We went to Frankfurt, Hannover (2 hours from 12 midnight to 2 AM), Berlin, Cottbus, Leipzig, Munich. We saw a few migrants. Our friends in Cottbus had negative comments. We really saw no migrants, or if we saw them, we couldn't determine that they were migrants. Yes, there are a lot. No, they are not a problem. If you are concerned, ask at the Tourist Info office where they might congregate. In Germany, we have always found a great level of safety.

I know more about this than many, and am not concerned about travel.

Hi,

In May I'm fortunate enough to be back in Germany plus other countries in the itinerary. The ticket was booked in early Jan. It is the 24th trip, again solo. The issue of safety in Germany is basically a non-issue, agree with most comments here. Concerns on personal safety are groundless. Do I think about that when I am there? No. I don't drive in Germany, get around by train day or night routes.

In the summer one sees tons of tourists in Germany from all over the world, tour groups, individual travelers, Spanish-speaking, Indians, tons of Asians, etc etc. Look at the train stations, in the Reisezentrum, hotel check-ins, at breakfast. I wonder if they are concerned with safety in Germany.

I have been to Germany on multiple trips: 2006, ~2009 or so on business, 2014. I would not remotely be concerned. I think you are as likely, or probably more likely, to encounter an extraordinary threat (e.g. mass shooting) in the U.S. than you are having a terrorist event or similar in Germany.

Please don't let anyone belittle your husband's concerns. There really isn't much reason to be concerned, but that doesn't mean worrying about what's new is silly. And while the chances of violent crime are lower in Europe, the chances of petty theft, especially for tourists are higher, just not so much higher that you need to do more than be vigilant.

I can only speak to Munich on your list, but we really fell in love with that city. Your biggest dangers will probably be people riding bicycles and potential pickpockets in heavily touristed areas.

We felt perfectly safe walking around the city, even when we got lost. Just exercise the same common sense precautions you would in any large city in the US. Stay aware of your surroundings. Don't put your purse down. And let bicycle riders have the right of way.

We live in a city with woefully few public transportation options. So whenever we travel anywhere with good public transport, we make a point of making at least one trip that way (vs. taking a cab or walking) just to get a feel for it. It always feels a little awkward at first because we're not used to doing it, but by the time we disembark I feel like a pro. ;-)

I hope you go on your adventure, and I hope you have a wonderful time!

I traveled solo in Germany for my first trip to Europe last year. I used all public transportation (its excellent) and never once felt unsafe. I was in Berlin, Bamberg and Munich (and Salzburg for the day). I found people to be helpful and wouldn't hesitate to go back again. Enjoy your trip.

In 2002 my job entailed working with reconnaissance satellites and required a high level security clearance. We were required to report any planned trips outside the country to the head of security and to attend a briefing before leaving. At my briefing was one other worker. The head of security started with me and handed be about 7 printed pages of instructions. Mostly it was the addresses of American consulates in various German cities, plus a page of common-sense rules, like lock your door when you go out, don't go around with $50 bills hanging out of your shirt pocket, that sort of thing.

Then he got to the other guy, who was going to Mexico, Cancun, I think.

He handed him a pile of pages that must have been an inch thick. He gave the worker advice like, if you want to go out by taxi, don't just hail one on the street. Ask the hotel clerk to call a taxi for you from a reputable company and verify when it arrives that the driver is indeed from that company.

I normally steer clear of these topics since they can go south quickly but in this case I have some experience that is relevant.

On our trip to Munich this past Oktober two people in our group had the same worries as your husband. It turns out most of their worries were coming from reports that talked about the increases in the crime rates. For example this latest article from the BBC. The headlines might be true but you have to look a little further to see the full picture. What is missing from most of the articles is that the crime rate in Germany is so much lower than the US that even small increases in crimes make the increase in crime rates look high.

For example if the 2011 murder rate in Germany goes from 2.7 per 100,000 to 3.0 per 100,000 that is an 11% increase. The same 0.3 per 100,000 increase in the US for 2011 would have been 4.7 to 5.0 or only a 6% increase. Rather than focus on the crime increases it is best to just keep in mind the overall crime rates. By this measure Germany is still incredible safe with crime rates 3-6x lower than the US depending on year and crime category.

Or another way to look at it, the US crime rates are higher than Germany's by the same amount Haiti's are higher than the US! I wonder is Haitian are worried about crime when they come to the US (sadly they might be)?

In short are crime rates up? Yes, in certain categories. Are they approaching the level of crime we are used to in the US? No, not even close. I hope this help your husband look past the news headlines and focuses on the overall rates and puts his mind at ease. Use the same judgement you would use in the US and you will be fine.

DJ

"What is missing from most of the articles is that the crime rate in Germany is so much lower than the US..."

According to the US Department of State,

Crime rates throughout Germany have been comparable to those in most
first-world countries, including the U.S.

But who is right really isn't important, IMO... My question is this... Do these country-to-country crime rate comparisons say anything at all about the relative safety of Americans traveling in Germany? I really cannot see how.

• I live in the US, but the US crime rate is largely irrelevant to my day-to-day life. I spend 95+% of my life where I live and work. The types of crime and the crime rates here are not "average" at all - it's quite safe here IMHO. When I travel to Germany, it's for pleasure... I'm looking for a care-free experience, and I seek the same level of safety I have at home or better - definitely better than what's "average" in either country. In 3-4 weeks, I cannot visit "Germany" - I visit specific destinations. Crime rates vary from place to place. Cottbus has a lot more crime than Bacharach. If the crime rate matters to you at all, it's the crime rate for specific towns and for specific neighborhoods within larger cities that matter.

• But even in one city, the overall level of "crime" doesn't predict one's "safety." Some crimes are safer than others. Frankfurt's somewhat high crime rate is influenced disproportionately by financial crimes, for example, so its crimes are likely "safer" than they look on paper. In other cities, assault rates may comprise a bigger piece of the crime pie, even if overall crime is relatively low.

• But no matter the local crime rate or type, tourists are not locals... Crimes occur more often between relatives and parties who know each other; in Germany, German citizens are often in conflict with refugees who share the same neighborhood 24/7/365. Tourists have no role to play at all in local domestic violence and neighbor conflicts. Tourists spend more of their time in different circumstances... they're surrounded mostly by strangers in hotels, restaurants, museums, subways, trains, cars, airports, public streets. So... crimes that are common in these places - like pickpocketing, luggage theft, etc. - are naturally more likely to impact tourists. You'd need to check statistics that focus on street crime or crime that occurs in public environments or for very specific crimes for crime data to be more relevant to tourists.

• Even then, the numbers will not tell the whole story... tourists face more risk in these environments than locals because they "stick out"... in the same way that an injured animal sticks out to buzzards. Locals can't be counted on to have passports, cash, or credit cards on their person - but if a buzzard is around, disoriented, map-reading tourists in their funny clothes with their big suitcases can be tempting.

To my mind, the key is simply to be aware of when you are vulnerable, and where you are vulnerable. The most vulnerable moments are when you have a lot of luggage, and are thinking about something else, like catching the train or the plane. In those situations, you need to be aware of things. There are well-known tourist scams - the escalator pile-up, crowds at the the HBH. So, keep your eyes open for those. I am more and more thinking that taking a taxi or car from the airport/train to the hotel makes sense.

Also, if you are concerned, as at the TI about locations of special issues for tourists. Most cities don't have these. However, we took a hotel in Frankfurt using booking.com, and it was in the "red-light district", Moselstrasse. For us, it was not a problem, since I am a relatively large guy. I wouldn't recommend this area for families or young women, however, as there were plenty of dodgy characters around. When we came home one night about 11-12 PM, there was an active drug scene going on, that we simply avoided. I don't think we were in danger. A young woman alone? Possibly.

True, I would say Moselstraße is pretty dumpy, reminds me of places in SF near Civic Center as urban blight. However, Moselstraße has a coin laundry facility, (Wäscherei), if you need that. If you want Mandarin Chinese cuisine, there is a " hole in the wall place" on Moselstraße (certainly not a tourist attraction) but authentic!

Very accurate on the presence of "doggy characters" on Moselstraße.

The Mosel strasse is only dodgy for 2 blocks, the rest of the street is fine with nice restaurants. The Kaiser strasse is the dividing line. Even then it isn't unsafe. I walk down here all the time without any kind of fears. The junkies don't bother anyone, they are busy with themselves and there is too much police presence in this area (due to the neighboring RLD which Rick has you walk thru on his walking tour of Frankfurt. As tho this was a zoo!) for it to be dangerous.

My wife and I actually found the Moselstraße to be interesting. Of course, the notion that the "top girls" were there (this was one of the ads for one of the girly bars) was our Frankfurt joke. The girls that were there were certainly "top girls", but in what decade? Not the current one. Yes, I agree with Fred and Ms. Jo that it is not a dangerous place, but again, for some it might have been. My main point is simply to know where you are going.

True, not dangerous just "dumpy" looking and seedy, and it was those two blocks. When you're used to seeing these "lovely spots" in SF and downtown LA, Moselstraße is not still Kindergarten . I was passing through there mid-afternoon.