Can you drink the tap water in Berlin?
Yes: Berlin's tap water is safe to drink, and you can fill your bottle from the bathroom tap in your hotel. It comes from the protected groundwater of the Berlin region and is subject to the German drinking water regulations; the water company, the Berliner Wasserbetriebe, tests it every month at many sampling points. It is fairly hard (high in lime): the taste is neutral, but it leaves limescale in kettles. This guide shows where to find free water in the city, what you will be served in a restaurant and how to avoid paying for bottled water. Information checked in October 2026 with the City of Berlin (berlin.de) and the Berliner Wasserbetriebe.
Drinking fountains in the street
Since 2018 the state of Berlin has financed new drinking fountains: the city reports more than 200 in service (224 in the figures we consulted), up from 45 at the time. What to know:
- they are free and the water is drinkable;
- from May to October the water flows continuously, day and night; outside that period, service is not guaranteed;
- most are in parks, on squares and near playgrounds, for example around the Tiergarten or the Treptower Park;
- the Berliner Wasserbetriebe publish a map of the fountains on their website (search for "Trinkbrunnen").
The city also lists more than 600 free refill points, shops and public places that will fill your bottle on request. Do not count on a fountain out of season: carry a full bottle.
In restaurants and cafés
In Germany tap water is not served automatically. You will be brought bottled water, "still" or "medium / sprudel" (sparkling), and you pay for it. You can ask for "Leitungswasser, bitte": many places agree, some charge a small amount or refuse, and that is their right. Bottles carry a deposit: see our guide to the bottle deposit.
Bottle, filters and bottled water
- Reusable bottle: bring one, it is the most useful habit in summer, especially on long walking days.
- Filter: unnecessary for health; it only softens the taste or limits limescale.
- Bottled water: sold everywhere, cheap in supermarkets, dearer in Spätis (see Spätkauf).
- Babies: tap water is generally fine; if in doubt, ask your paediatrician.
Going further
For prices in general, see our budget for Berlin; for a bearable summer, read Berlin in summer; and if you need a toilet as well as water, our advice on public toilets is waiting.
