Tap Water Safety Information for European Countries

One of the most common causes of sickness for travelers on the road stems from being exposed to contaminated food and water. And one of the easiest ways for these bacteria and parasites to enter your body is through the local tap water. One thing you should definitely research before every trip is whether the tap water is safe to drink—it's something so simple, but so important for staying healthy.

While the majority of countries in Europe do have safe drinking water, there are few where you'll need to take precautions and some, where you'll want to avoid the water at all costs. In general, Western Europe has safe tap water and Eastern Europe is a place to be wary of the water. If you're unsure, take the time to ask a staff member at your hotel or hostel if the water is safe to drink.

When you're visiting any of the countries without safe drinking water, you should either rely on bottled water or you can take a look at how you can purify contaminated water on the road. 

Albania 

You should not drink the tap water in Albania. Instead, buy bottled water and use the tap water for brushing your teeth and cooking. 

Andorra 

The tap water in Andorra is perfectly safe to drink. 

Austria

You can drink the tap water in Austria—it's some of the best in the world! 

Belarus

You should not drink the tap water in Belarus. Instead, buy bottled water, and use the tap water for brushing your teeth and cooking. 

Belgium

You can drink the tap water in Belgium.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The tap water is safe to drink in Sarajevo, but you should avoid drinking it outside of the capital. 

Bulgaria

The tap water is safe to drink in all the main cities and towns. If you'll be visiting more rural areas, it's best to avoid it. Just ask the staff at wherever you're staying if you're unsure. 

Croatia 

The tap water is safe to drink in Croatia. 

Czech Republic

The tap water is safe to drink in the Czech Republic. 

Denmark

The tap water is safe to drink in Denmark. 

Estonia

The tap water is safe to drink in Estonia.

Finland

The tap water is safe to drink in Finland.

France

The tap water is safe to drink in France.

Germany

The tap water is safe to drink in Germany. 

Gibraltar

The tap water is safe to drink in Gibraltar but has been chlorinated so don't expect it to taste very nice. It's a bit like drinking water from a swimming pool. 

Greece

The tap water is safe to drink in Athens and many of the major cities in Greece. Avoid drinking it on the islands, though, as it's rarely safe there. If in doubt, ask a local.

Hungary 

The tap water is safe to drink in Budapest but you should avoid it outside of any major cities. 

Iceland 

The tap water is safe to drink in Iceland. 

Italy 

The tap water is safe to drink in Italy.

Ireland 

The tap water is safe to drink in Ireland. 

Liechtenstein

The tap water is safe to drink in Liechtenstein. 

Lithuania 

The tap water is safe to drink in Lithuania. 

Luxembourg 

The tap water is safe to drink in Luxembourg. 

Macedonia 

The tap water is safe to drink in Macedonia. 

Malta 

The tap water is safe to drink in Malta.

Monaco 

The tap water is treated with chlorine in Monaco.; though it is safe to drink, it may cause stomach pain so it's advised to drink bottled water.

Montenegro

You should not drink the tap water in Montenegro. Instead, buy bottled water, and use the tap water for brushing your teeth and cooking.

The Netherlands

The tap water is safe to drink in The Netherlands. 

Norway

The tap water is safe to drink in Norway. 

Poland 

The tap water is safe to drink in Poland. 

Portugal

The tap water is safe to drink in Portugal. 

Romania

The tap water is safe to drink in all major cities in Romania. Outside of the cities, you'll want to be a little more careful and stick to bottled water. Ask your hotel or hostel owner if you're unsure whether you can drink it.

San Marino

The tap water is safe to drink in San Marino. 

Serbia

The tap water is safe to drink in all major Serbian cities. If you'll be heading out into the countryside, it's best to stick to bottled or purified water.

Slovakia

The tap water is safe to drink in Slovakia. 

Slovenia 

The tap water is safe to drink in Slovenia. 

Spain

The tap water is safe to drink in all Spanish cities. 

Sweden

The tap water is safe to drink in Sweden. 

Switzerland  

The tap water is safe to drink in Switzerland.

United Kingdom 

The tap water is safe to drink in the United Kingdom, and London's water is on the Top 10 list of the cleanest water in the world.

Ukraine 

Ukraine has the worst water quality in Europe. You should not drink the tap water in Ukraine, and you should also avoid using it for brushing your teeth.