Every time I travel, I can't help but look at the toilets in the airports, train stations, public toilet, hotel rooms, restaurants, stores and on and on. Recently, we went to Helsinki, Tallinn, and Stockholm. As usual, there were none of the annoying automatic flushing ridiculously out of adjustment or broken toilets that we deal with every day over here in the US. Europe has a lot of class, and that's why I'm so fascinated with the toilet culture there.
In a good portion of Europe, there are pay toilets. You find them in touristy areas in any number of places. I've used them in buildings off of alleyways, in free standing huts along attraction areas (not to be confused with the tacky port-a-potty), in malls and train stations and so many other places. The cost is normally equivalent to half a Euro, but I have seen it as high as a whole Euro.
Do you always have to pay to pee when you're out and about? Absolutely not. Many malls, stores, restaurants, attractions, amusement parks and museums have them for free. It's just those few areas that you have to be aware of. It's not the end of the world.
I've found myself in discussions about the pay toilet many times over the years. What is my opinion on the subject?
For one thing, there are just those areas where people would gladly run in and out of your business without buying or eating a thing and only use the toilet. I try never to do that. The owner of the private business pays to maintain that toilet, supplies toilet paper, and pays that water bill. Should they be paying for the whole tourist world to pee? No. Be polite and buy something if you attempt to use the toilet in a store or restaurant. The locals will appreciate you.
What are the toilets actually like? As you can see, they all look a little different. That's another thing I find fascinating. Sometimes you have one button; sometimes two. This helps out with numbers one and two. Simple. Sometimes you find a sprayer with a short hose in the bathroom. Interesting, and capable of solving some issues. Maybe doubles as a bidet. Not sure.
The one thing that you almost never find is an automatic toilet. This goes along with other lifestyle themes in Europe. There are a lot less instructions on certain things, and there are a lot less devices that cater to more sedentary lifestyles. There are special paths, lights, and areas for bikes, pedestrians, scooters and on and on. There are handicap accessible areas. However, you are expected to use the correct path, use the steps if you don't need the elevator, and flush the toilet. It's just another thing I truly love about Europe. They don't promote laziness. Accessibility they're all over.
I don't know why, but my curiosity about European toilets began over 30 years ago. I have to take a peek when I'm over there. But Europe gets it in my opinion in so many ways. They expect people to flush a toilet. They expect people to act like responsible adults. I have never seen a warning label on a hairdryer over there. You don't see signs asking people to please do what they should already know to do in most cases, like flush the toilet. I've even been on roads in Switzerland with no guard rails. You should know not to drive off an Alp. It's just common sense, and I enjoy the environs that expects people to utilize it.
Just one more thing I like about Europe as a traveler.
So is it better to have to pay or not to pay? Since there are many places where you don't have to pay, I say it's perfectly all right. You can tap your card, so you don't have to carry the cash around. It's there for you if you don't have an alternative. I do know that I appreciate the kindness of the Europeans in placing pay toilets in areas where there aren't a lot of alternatives. I've used a few, but not a lot over the years. I say okay.
Just remember, when in Europe, you may have to pay. Always remember though, flush. Flush accordingly. Take notice of yet another form of art as you wander Europe in the art of the toilet. It's a window into the culture of a people, and don't forget that the largest toilet in the world is in Germany.
So, as you pack your bags for another adventure, be reminded that the toilet in Europe is just part of the adventure and enjoy!
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/toilet-tricks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/07/03/paid-public-bathroom-europe/
https://artofmanslife.com/2019/02/03/top-20-toilet-decor-in-europe/
https://fohomeceramics.com/what-is-the-difference-between-american-toilets-and-european-toilets/
https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466
Catch me soon for more informative and fun things about Northern Europe! Having a few family crises right now, but will be in full force soon! Check out that YouTube channel and like and subscribe!
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