Rest rooms

"Are the public restrooms free or is there a charge?" The only places without a charge are some of the WC-only rest stops (ie, no restaurant or petrol station) on the autobahn. Otherwise, it varies from about 30 to 70 cents. At the larger rest stops, a company called Serways operates the WCs. Their standard fee is 70. If the WC has an automated turnstile, the machine will give you change and a coupon to use in the restaurant or store. If there's only an attendant, you may not get change unless you ask.

Museums will have free toilets, as will restaurants where you are dining. Dept. stores are a good place, but they often have attendants who expect some kind of tip. The amount is up to you. Train stations have toilets too, but here you will need to use change, .70 € to get into them. Fast food places, cafes, and bars have facilities too, but they are usually just for customers.

Additionally, they are spotless - clean way beyond our US standards. Had a bout with upset stomach and used the public restrooms a lot. Not typically a subject for the forum but the restrooms made a lasting impression on me. From Germany to Italy, the restrooms were below our normal standards.
Enjoy Germany and all it's porcelain beauty.

Do you have a copy of RS Germany Guide Book yet? If so, great. If not, you should get one and read it as it has lots of good information that we used to plan out trip to Germany this coming August.