Ready for your next European adventure?
Take a look at some of Europe’s craziest rules. They are downright wild!
From getting a late-night knock on the door for flushing a toilet to fines for snacking by a fountain, these laws might make you wonder what you have gotten yourself in for!
They’re often there to protect culture, history, or just keep the peace, but they can trip up travelers who aren’t in the know.
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Switzerland – Quiet Down, Toilet!
Picture this: you’re chilling in a cozy Swiss apartment, it’s just past 10 p.m. and you really need to go to the bathroom
In some buildings, especially in cities or older places with noisy pipes, late-night flushes are frowned upon during Ruhezeiten (quiet hours, usually 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). It’s not a country-wide law, and you’re not likely to get fined unless you’re driving folks up the wall repeatedly
But the same applies for parties, music, or any other “loud noise” during these quiet periods. The Swiss take the quiet times very seriously.
Pro tip: Check your Airbnb or rental’s house rules and ease up on the noise late in the night.
Italy – No Gelato on Church Steps
Thinking about enjoying a delicious gelato while relaxing on church steps in Rome or Florence? Think again!
That’s a serious no-go! Cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome can slap you with fines—up to €500 in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square—for eating or drinking near monuments or fountains. They’re often a bit more relaxed, giving warnings first, but Venice is extra strict because of the tourist overload these days.
Pro tip: Find a cute café or bench to savor that creamy pistachio gelato. This rule keeps Italy’s historic spots shiny and clean.
Germany – Don’t Run Out of Gas on the Autobahn
Zooming down Germany’s Autobahn is a total thrill, especially with no speed limits, most of the time!
But running out of gas? That’s a crime, my friend!
It’s seen as sloppy driving that puts others at risk, with fines up to €70.
On top of that, Sundays in Germany are for chilling and quiet, just like the Swiss. Sonntagsruhe bans noisy stuff like mowing lawns or tossing bottles in recycling bins, especially in cities. Some bins even have “quiet hours” signs! So keep on your toes.
Pro tip: Fill up your tank before hitting the Autobahn, and save noisy chores for Monday. These rules keep roads safe and Sundays super chill.
Greece – Ditch the Heels at Ancient Sites
Planning to strut through the Acropolis like it’s a Paris runway for a fashion show? Think again!
Greece bans high heels at sites like the Acropolis, Delphi, or Olympia to protect those ancient stones, a rule in place since 2008. Try it, and you might get turned away or fined.
Pro tip: Enjoy your comfy flats for your ancient Greek ruins adventure. This law saves priceless history from getting scuffed up.
France – No Smooching Delays on Platforms
Here’s a juicy one: back in 1910, France tried to ban kissing on train platforms to stop trains from running late. It’s not enforced today—nobody’s fining you for a quick smooch—but it’s a funny reminder of France’s obsession with punctuality.
Pro tip: Yes, you can sneak in your goodbyes on the platform, so don’t stress too much. This old rule was all about keeping trains on time.
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Spain – Cover Up Off the Beach
Strolling through Barcelona in just your swimsuit? No, this is not Bondi Beach in Sydney!
Wearing bikinis or trunks in town can land you a €300 fine in touristy spots like Mallorca or Barcelona. Sleeping or camping on beaches is also a no-no in many places, especially after dark.
Pro tip:
Wear a cover-up when you head into town and stay at campsites for overnight stays. Spain keeps its streets classy and beaches tidy.
Portugal – Keep It Clean in the Ocean
Yup, you heard it—peeing in the ocean can “technically” get you in trouble in some Portuguese beach towns, like in the Algarve.
It made headlines in 2018, but don’t freak out; it’s barely enforced and more about keeping beaches clean. And let’s face it, how can you tell anyway? Not that I have ever tried it, even in a wetsuit (they say it’s great for warming them up).
Pro tip: Hit the beach restrooms to keep things cool and respectful. This rule’s about clean, happy coasts.
Denmark – Cycle Like a Pro
Denmark’s bike game is next-level, but mess up, and you’re in for a surprise!
Cyclists can get fined (up to 700 DKK, about €90) for not signaling turns or riding without lights after dark. Copenhagen’s bike lanes are busy, and they take safety seriously.
Pro tip:
Always signal your turns and make sure your bike’s got working lights at night. This keeps Denmark’s cycling scene safe and smooth.
United Kingdom – No Pigeon Parties in Trafalgar Square
Feeding pigeons in London’s Trafalgar Square? Bad idea!
It’s banned under local laws, with fines up to £500 aimed at stopping bird chaos and mess.
I also found an old 1839 law about “not carrying planks on sidewalks”, but that’s more for laughs than actual enforcement. So, maybe give the latter a try?
Pro tip: Skip feeding the birds in public squares to avoid a fine. This keeps city spaces clean and less… feathery.
Norway – Plan Your Booze Run
Craving a beer in Norway? Better plan ahead!
Supermarkets stop selling beer and wine after 8 p.m. on weekdays, 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and not at all on Sundays. Stronger stuff is only at state-run Vinmonopolet stores with limited hours. Bars and restaurants are fair game, though.
Pro tip: Grab your drinks early if you’re chilling at an Airbnb. Norway’s strict rules are all about keeping alcohol in check. And, from my experience, it’s one of the most expensive places to drink in the world!
Wrapping It Up
These quirky laws are pretty easy to dodge once you know the deal, and they show how much Europe cares about its culture, history, and chill vibes. Respecting them makes your trip smoother and earns you points with the locals. So, which law made you laugh the hardest? Drop your thoughts or any wild travel stories in the comments!
