October 21, 2025, 1:01 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
When it comes to traveler safety, there are significant differences worldwide: In some countries, political unrest, natural disasters, or high crime rates pose increased risks. However, even within Germany, safety is not uniform. The annual Police Crime Statistics reveal which cities have the highest number of recorded crimes. TRAVELBOOK presents the German cities considered the “most dangerous” according to the statistics.
It’s important to note: “Dangerous” here doesn’t necessarily mean one should feel unsafe; rather, it refers to the frequency of reported crimes per 100,000 residents. Differences arise from factors such as city size, reporting behavior, or tourist hotspots.
Overview
These are Germany’s most dangerous cities
The Police Crime Statistics (PKS) are compiled annually by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). They are based on all crimes known to the police. The statistics only include crimes that are known to the police and have been fully processed–including attempted crimes. Crimes that are never reported or not pursued further are not considered.
What the statistics show–and what they don’t
The statistics do not provide an official ranking of the “most dangerous” cities. Instead, the dataset lists a frequency number for each city, indicating the number of recorded crimes per 100,000 residents.
Which cities were examined
The 2024 Police Crime Statistics included all German cities with more than 100,000 residents as well as the state capitals–a total of over 80 cities. The Federal Criminal Police Office calculates the frequency number for each of them.
This Hanseatic city is at the top
According to the 2024 Police Crime Statistics (BKA), the highest number of crimes per 100,000 residents was recorded in Bremen. With a frequency number of around 15,424, the Hanseatic city is clearly at the top. It is followed by Frankfurt am Main with about 14,600 and Berlin with around 14,252 cases per 100,000 residents. Also high on the list are Bremerhaven (approx. 13,717) and Hanover, which ranks just below.
At the other end of the statistics, some cities report significantly fewer crimes. According to the 2024 Police Crime Statistics, the safest include Erlangen, Erfurt, Düsseldorf, and Hagen. Their frequency numbers are clearly below the national average, indicating that people in these cities report or file complaints about crimes less often.
Overall, the statistics show: The differences between German cities are significant, and a high number of recorded offenses does not automatically mean one should feel less safe there.
This is the supposedly happiest city
While the Police Crime Statistics show where in Germany the most and least crimes were recorded, it’s also worth looking at the other side of city life. In a recent survey by the British magazine “Time Out,” reported by TRAVELBOOK, the magazine named the happiest cities in Europe–with Seville, Brighton, and Porto at the top.