Football fans from all around the world enjoy German football teams matches and thousands of football fans are plotting their visit to Germany.
When it comes to public safety, Germany is considered a very straightforward and organized country. Still we have to keep in mind some of the factors of important football matches. Massive crowds will be marching around the stadiums and city streets, including fans who started drinking way too early and way too much, not to mention the inherent nationality factor that is always present.
To help supporters, and indeed anyone else traveling alongside their friends, family, or loved ones who may not be fanatical fans but are looking to enjoy the trip to Germany as something of a holiday, we’ve come up with some useful travel safety advice.
Transportation Safety
Driving is generally a very safe experience in Germany – although this will obviously depend on the driver! Typically, driving standards are high in the country, and the roads are well-maintained. Both Ubers and traditional taxis are also considered very safe to use in Germany, with the latter being particularly stringently regulated.
The public transport system in Germany is excellent, and you can expect a comfortable, safe journey if you choose to travel by train, bus, tram, or coach to reach the Bundesliga stadiums or travel between cities. Of course, it’s vital to take common-sense precautions, such as keeping your eye on your belongings when you’re traveling for sports events. Many German buses offer a night service, which is typically a safe way to get home from an evening match.
Health and Medical Issues
In good time before your trip to any football match in Germany, like a Fortuna Dusseldorf match, make sure you’re up to date with any required vaccines, and ensure you’ve got enough of any medication you take along to see you through the whole time you’ll be away.
It’s also crucial, especially if you are pregnant or have an existing medical condition, to confirm whether the destination is able to provide the health care you could potentially need. Also, be sure to arrange appropriate travel insurance that will cover both local treatment and an unexpected medical evacuation.
If you have a medical emergency while you’re in Germany, dial 112, which is for fire and medical emergencies. The number 110 can be used for emergencies that require police attendance.
Staying Safe
Accommodation in Germany is generally considered safe, but as when traveling anywhere, it’s sensible to take some steps. These include using a hotel safe for valuables if one is provided in your room, not leaving anything of value out and visible in your room, and carefully checking past reviews if you’re booking an Airbnb.
Keeping passport
While it’s not compulsory to carry your passport with you while in Germany, it’s a good idea to do so. If you’re asked to show your passport, and you don’t have it with you, a member of the police force may accompany you to where it’s kept in order to show it to them. This would be a really annoying reason to miss the start of a football team match.
Travelers are also advised to be aware of the possibility of terrorist attacks, the risk of which has increased in recent years. Travel advice is for visitors to remain vigilant to the threat at all times.
Have copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents – just in case.
Stadium Safety Instructions
As well as staying generally vigilant to potential threats, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the safety procedures of each of the world-class stadiums you’ll be visiting in Germany. This includes making sure you’re aware of the fire escape routes and what to do if you spot a suspicious-looking or unattended bag or item of luggage.
Family – Kids Safety
As a very safe, family-friendly country, traveling with kids to Germany for a sporting event is likely to be a comfortable, fun experience. Family waiting rooms and bathrooms are available in the majority of airports and large train stations in the country, and long-distance trains boast family compartments. Even the sidewalks are stroller-friendly in Germany!
Using smart watches or GPS trackers for your kids can be also a good idea. With the tips at staying connected while traveling, you can have internet all the time. In case of losing each other in crowded places, these tools will help you to find each other easily. Getting a German SIM card to enable you to check local maps and news and stay in contact with family and friends as necessary.
Crime Levels
Crime levels in Germany are relatively low, and it’s generally considered to be one of the safest countries in Europe. However, here, as everywhere, it’s important to avoid being mugged, pickpocketed, or having a bag snatched by, for example, never leaving valuables unattended in public and being especially vigilant in places like rail stations, airports, and public gatherings.
Additional German Travel Safety Tips
As well as taking into account the advice above, use these tips to stay safe during your trip to Germany for Bundesliga matches:
- Be particularly vigilant when using an ATM – if possible, use an ATM located inside a bank or store.
- If a pedestrian crossing is on a red light, don’t cross: it’s illegal to do so everywhere, but in Germany, you may actually get a fine.
- Wear a money belt when out and about to stay safe from pickpockets.
- Learn a few German phrases to help up level your experience and stay safe. Apart from the main tourist attractions in the country, it is sometimes hard to find English speakers.
- Avoid lingering around train stations.
Enjoy the Trip…Responsibly
On the whole, Germany is a great place to visit, but that doesn’t mean you should go on this trip blind. Sticking to the basic ground rules detailed above, not skipping the pre-trip safety plan, and avoiding any situations that can escalate rapidly, will pretty much keep you on the safe side.
Always remember you are a guest in this Country and only here to enjoy an amazing football celebration. Be responsible and err on the side of caution, especially at night and when in the vicinity of opposition fans, though on the whole, the trip is sure to be one that you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
