October 1, 2025, 9:52 am | Read time: 4 minutes

A long walk in the woods presents a small challenge for people with a weak bladder. Deep in nature, one thing is hard to find: public restrooms. However, few see this as a “problem,” because theoretically, one could take care of their necessary business between trees and bushes and remain unnoticed. But beware if not!

Urinating in the woods can be costly

TRAVELBOOK checked the German fine catalog. According to it, so-called “wild urination” is a misdemeanor, whether it occurs in the woods or “by the roadside,” and can result in a fine ranging from 35 to 5,000 (!) euros. The actual amount is determined by individual regions–with Erfurt, Hanover, and Stuttgart being particularly strict against wild urinators.

Also interesting: Why it’s okay to urinate in the sea

Understanding and hiding can reduce fines

If the understanding “offenders” can convince them they were in an emergency, officers usually impose only a warning or fine, according to the publication. They are apparently not as strict if the urination occurred discreetly, such as behind a large tree. In other words, circumstances matter. Depending on the case, it can even be considered a criminal offense.

Jail time for public urination

If public urination constitutes the offense of causing a public nuisance, it can be punished with a very high fine or even up to a one-year prison sentence. This would be the case if others were negligently or intentionally exposed to the sight. This could be broadly considered a sexual act.

Also interesting: Never urinate in a pool!

More on the topic

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Tips for Hikers Am I Allowed to Do My “Business” in the Woods?

What about people who can’t hold it?

This article is not about intentional provocation of onlookers. After all, there are people who, due to health conditions (such as chronic bladder weakness), cannot or can hardly hold it.

Such a case caused a stir in Austria in 2018. A man had to park his car at a rest area and urinate in a bush nearby because it was so urgent that he couldn’t make it to the public restroom a few meters away. The “Kurier” reported on this at the time. His justification of suffering from severe bladder weakness did not hold up in the regional administrative court–the man had to pay a fine. The reasoning: He had the opportunity to relieve himself four kilometers earlier and therefore acted “at least negligently.” Whether he was possibly stuck in traffic is not clear from the report.

Medical certificate can prevent charges

TRAVELBOOK inquired with the Berlin police. According to an officer, the case would likely have turned out differently in Germany. Here, health conditions are grounds for justification and exclusion from punishment. His assumption: “A misdemeanor report would be filed, but likely dismissed upon presentation of a medical certificate.”

Also interesting: Is it permissible to do a “big business” in the woods?

The forestry office sometimes looks the other way

The Tegel forestry office shows similar understanding. As TRAVELBOOK learns upon inquiry, the authority does not prioritize pursuing potential wild urinators. If someone discreetly relieves themselves because they simply can’t help it, they sometimes look the other way. “The condition is, of course, that no one feels disturbed by it,” emphasizes the forester.

Urinating in the woods is prohibited for environmental reasons

Besides people who “go” in the woods in absolute emergencies, there are, of course, numerous dogs. And it’s hardly possible to train them not to urinate publicly. However, animal (and human) excretions contain substances like nitrogen, sulfur, and potassium, which disrupt the nutrient supply of plants when repeatedly exposed. Urea is toxic, and together with the chloride it contains, it can literally cook trees over time.

In summary: As long as possible, please hold your urine!