Germany is one of Europe's most visited destinations – whether you're exploring Berlin, cycling through Bavaria or hiking in the Black Forest. With Watrify, you can find all drinking fountains and water refill spots on one map. Free, sustainable and perfect for travel, cycling and outdoor adventures.
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Drinking water in Germany – what you need to know
Germany has some of the best tap water in Europe. It is rigorously tested, heavily regulated and safe to drink straight from the tap virtually everywhere in the country. Public drinking fountains are increasingly common in cities, parks and along cycling and hiking routes. Knowing where to look means you can travel lighter, spend less and avoid plastic bottles entirely.
Is tap water safe to drink in Germany?
Yes – without question. German tap water meets some of the strictest quality standards in the world, regulated under the Trinkwasserverordnung (Drinking Water Ordinance). It is tested far more frequently than bottled water and is safe to drink in every major city, town and village across the country. There is no need to buy bottled water in Germany. Public fountains, hotel taps and restaurant water are all safe.
Where to refill your bottle on the go
Public drinking fountains are increasingly available across German cities. You'll find them in parks, squares, near train stations and at popular tourist spots. In smaller towns, look for fountains in the market square or near the town hall. Many modern cycling and hiking routes have been equipped with dedicated refill points in recent years. Planning one or two stops into your day keeps you hydrated without carrying heavy bottles.
Berlin, Munich, Hamburg – drinking fountains in Germany's major cities
Germany's biggest cities have invested significantly in public drinking infrastructure in recent years. Here's what to expect in each.
Berlin
Berlin has an expanding network of public drinking fountains managed by Berliner Wasserbetriebe. You'll find them in parks like Tiergarten and Volkspark Friedrichshain, near major tourist attractions and along the city's cycling routes. The city has been actively adding new fountains each year. Tap water in Berlin comes from groundwater and surface water sources and is of excellent quality.
Munich
Munich is one of the best cities in Germany for public water access. The city's tap water comes directly from alpine springs in the Bavarian Alps – it is soft, cold and often cited as among the best-tasting tap water in Europe. Public fountains are found throughout the Englischer Garten, near Marienplatz, along the Isar river and at most parks and squares across the city. Munich has officially listed many of its drinking fountain locations in its open data portal.
Hamburg, Cologne and Frankfurt
Hamburg has fountains along the Alster lakes, in Stadtpark and near the harbour. Cologne has public water points near the cathedral and along the Rhine promenade. Frankfurt has fountains throughout Stadtwald and in the city centre. All three cities have safe, high-quality tap water – drinking straight from the fountain is perfectly fine.
Black Forest, Rhine & Bavaria – refilling while hiking and cycling
Germany is outstanding for active outdoor travel. Whether you're cycling the Rhine, hiking through the Black Forest or touring the Bavarian Alps, water access is generally excellent.
Black Forest and Baden-Württemberg
The Black Forest has a dense network of villages, each with communal fountains in the main square. Long-distance hiking routes like the Westweg and Mittelweg pass through towns with reliable water access. In Freiburg, the city's famous Bächle – small water channels running through the streets – are a cultural landmark, though drinking fountains are what you're looking for. These are easy to find in parks and near the Münster.
Rhine cycle path and western Germany
The Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15) is one of Europe's most popular long-distance cycling routes, running from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea. Along the way, towns like Mainz, Koblenz, Bonn and Düsseldorf all have public fountains in their centres. Most riverside promenades have refill points within easy reach.
Bavarian Alps and southern Germany
In the Bavarian Alps, mountain huts (Almhütten) almost always offer fresh water, and many trail starting points have community fountains. Towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden and Füssen are well equipped. Water quality in this region is exceptional – fed directly by alpine springs. The Lake Constance cycle route is another well-served option, with fountains in towns along the lakefront.
Vanlife & camping in Germany
Germany is well set up for campervan travel. Most campsites and many sosta-style parking areas offer free fresh water. Cemeteries and sports facilities almost always have outdoor taps. In towns, the market square is usually the most reliable spot for a public fountain. In rural areas, filling up in the nearest village before heading into the countryside is always the smart move.
One practical advantage of Germany for vanlifers: supermarkets, bakeries and petrol stations are easy to find and staff are generally happy to let you fill a bottle. But with Watrify, you rarely need to ask – the next free water point is usually closer than you think.
Train stations and airports in Germany
Major German train stations have drinking water access near the toilets or service areas. Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Munich Hauptbahnhof, Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof all have water points available. At airports, bring an empty bottle through security and fill it at a fountain or drinking water dispenser on the other side. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC) and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) all have refill options past security.
Heading to another country?
Watrify covers drinking fountains and refill spots across Europe. If you're travelling beyond Germany, check our guides for drinking fountains in Italy or use the map above to find water wherever your trip takes you.
Conclusion: Germany's water is excellent – and mostly free
Germany has outstanding tap water and a growing network of public drinking fountains. There is no reason to buy bottled water here. With a reusable bottle and a quick check on Watrify before you head out, you can stay hydrated all day for free – and skip the plastic entirely.
The water is there. You just need to know where to find it.
Frequently asked questions about drinking water in Germany
Yes, completely. German tap water is among the most rigorously tested in the world and is safe to drink everywhere in the country. There is no need to buy bottled water in Germany.
Mostly personal preference and habit. Some people prefer sparkling water, which tap water doesn't provide. Tap water quality in Germany is excellent – the preference for bottled water is cultural, not safety-related.
Yes. All public drinking fountains listed on Watrify are free to use. No registration, no payment, no app required beyond finding them.
Yes, though restaurants are not legally required to serve free tap water. Many will provide it on request – ask for "Leitungswasser bitte". In cafés and bakeries, staff are usually happy to fill a bottle for free.
Hi, I'm Jan – technology enthusiast, outdoor person and the solo developer behind Watrify. I built Watrify because I kept asking the same question on every hike, bike trip and road trip: where can I refill my water bottle? The answer was always out there – it just wasn't easy to find. Watrify changes that.