I have many fond childhood memories of summertime in Alberta. Long days and being able to stay out until the sun went down which was after 10 pm! Spending hours on the bike with my friends roaming the alleyways eating wild raspberries by the handful from the hundreds of plants that lined the fences. Running in the grab slices of bologna with mustard and rolling them up on a toothpick to take outside and of course, drinking water from the garden hose anytime I got thirsty. It was always so cold and fresh.

I have to admit, I wouldn't do that where (and when) I am now. I'm sure the tap water here is pretty good, and if absolutely necessary I would drink it but it definitely has a chemical taste. That is why I have a really good filtration system in my fridge. There are many places in the US where the water is outright dangerous to drink, sadly.

Throughout Canada most of the places you would go, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Yes, some areas do have their problems though and these are predominantly rural areas and often include First Nation communities such as the Neskantaga in Ontario, where residents have had to boil their water for 20 years! There is also risk at just the household level where some older homes may still have lead pipes but, for the most part, you can drink the tap water without worry in any Canadian urban center.

So where am I going with this? On several trips to Finland over the years I always marvel at how good their water is to drink. There are fountain stations in hotels and restaurants that give either chilled tap water, or even sparkling tap water. I love it!

Unfortunately traveling around the world often means relying on bottled water to ensure safety and quality. This is an often overlooked cost that adds up not to mention it contributes to our ever growing plastic pollution problem.

Some people resort to items like the LifeStraw as a reusable solution but most will likely just buy a plastic bottle of purified water, or perhaps they'll look for a glass bottle alternative if they have sustainability in mind. That being said, several countries boast tap water so pure and delicious that bottled water becomes unnecessary. Here is a look at some of them.

Switzerland: The Gold Standard of Tap Water

Switzerland is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional tap water quality. The country's water, sourced from pristine lakes, rivers, and glaciers, is subject to stringent regulations that ensure its purity. Swiss tap water often surpasses bottled water in quality and taste, making it a refreshing and safe option for all.

Main Cities: Zurich, Geneva, Basel

Some Points of Interest (Zurich):

• Lake Zurich: Enjoy boat rides and scenic views around this beautiful lake.

• Old Town (Altstadt): Explore historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming cafes.

• Uetliberg Mountain: Hike or take a train to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
  

Iceland: Pure Glacial Elixir

Iceland’s dramatic landscapes of volcanoes and geysers are complemented by some of the cleanest tap water on Earth. The water is sourced from glaciers and geothermal springs, ensuring it remains pure and uncontaminated. Icelandic tap water is often compared to bottled spring water for its purity and taste, making it a point of pride for locals.

Main Cities: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur

Some Points of Interest (Reykjavik):

• Hallgrímskirkja Church: Visit this iconic church with its unique architecture and observation tower.

• Harpa Concert Hall: Explore this architectural marvel and cultural venue.

• The Blue Lagoon: Relax in the famous geothermal spa (as long as it isn't closed due to lava!)

• Read about the Blue Lagoon and other hot springs in our post about Sauna culture around the world

Norway: A Taste of Nature’s Finest

Norway’s tap water is sourced from natural springs and glaciers, providing exceptionally clean and fresh drinking water. The country's rigorous testing and maintenance protocols ensure high safety and purity standards. Norwegian tap water is renowned for its clarity and refreshing taste, reflecting the nation’s commitment to preserving its natural environment.

Main Cities: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim

Some Points of Interest (Oslo):

• Vigeland Sculpture Park: Discover the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist.

• Oslo Opera House: Admire the modern architecture and enjoy performances.

• Akershus Fortress: Visit this medieval castle with stunning views of the harbor.

Sweden: A Scandinavian Delight

Sweden’s tap water is sourced from both surface water and groundwater, treated with advanced filtration systems. The country’s commitment to environmental sustainability ensures that its tap water is clean, great-tasting, and safe to drink. Swedish tap water is consistently high in quality, making it a reliable choice for travelers.

Main Cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö

Some Points of Interest (Stockholm):

• Gamla Stan (Old Town): Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

• Vasa Museum: See the well-preserved 17th-century warship.

• Drottningholm Palace: Visit the royal residence and its beautiful grounds.

• Skansen Open Air Museum: See how people in different parts of rural Sweden lived before the emergence of an industrialized society and check out the super cute reindeer there!

• Read about our weekend in Stockholm!

New Zealand: Crystal Clear from Nature’s Bounty

New Zealand’s tap water is sourced from abundant natural resources and is subject to stringent environmental standards. The country's water is renowned for its clarity and fresh taste, especially in rural areas. New Zealanders and visitors alike can enjoy safe and delicious tap water straight from the tap.

Main Cities: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

Some Points of Interest (Auckland):

• Te Papa Tongarewa Museum: Discover New Zealand’s national museum with interactive exhibits.

• Wellington Cable Car: Take a ride for great views of the city and access to the Botanic Garden.

• Zealandia Ecosanctuary: Explore this urban eco-sanctuary dedicated to native wildlife.

• If you are in New Zealand and are a LOTR fan you've got to go to Hobbiton

Finland: Nature’s Refreshment

Finland’s tap water is sourced from the country’s numerous lakes and rivers, treated to maintain high standards of purity. The water is rigorously tested, ensuring it remains safe and clean. Finnish tap water is celebrated for its refreshing taste and clarity, reflecting the country's natural beauty and conservation efforts.

Main Cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere

Some Points of Interest (Helsinki):

• Suomenlinna Fortress: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site on a group of islands.

• Helsinki Cathedral: Admire the stunning neoclassical architecture.

• Market Square: Experience Finnish culture, food, and crafts at this bustling market.

• Read about the Christmas Village in Rovaniemi!

Austria: Alpine Freshness

Austria’s water is sourced from natural springs and alpine regions, providing fresh and pure tap water. The combination of natural sources and meticulous water management results in some of the best tap water in Europe. Austrian tap water is both safe and refreshing, making it a pleasure to drink.

Main Cities: Vienna, Graz, Linz

Some Points of Interest (Vienna):

• Schönbrunn Palace: Tour the former imperial summer residence and its gardens.

• St. Stephen's Cathedral: Visit this gothic masterpiece in the heart of Vienna.

• Belvedere Palace: Enjoy the art collections and beautiful baroque architecture.

Denmark: Groundwater Goodness

Denmark’s tap water is sourced primarily from groundwater, which is naturally filtered and treated to maintain high quality. The country’s advanced water treatment systems ensure that the tap water is clean and free from contaminants. Danish tap water is safe, pleasant to drink, and reflects the nation’s commitment to environmental protection.

Main Cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense

Some Points of Interest (Copenhagen):

• Nyhavn: Stroll along the colorful waterfront and enjoy its cafes and restaurants.

• Tivoli Gardens:  On August 15, 1843 the garden gates were opened for the first time and the guests were awestruck by the elegant and exotic gardens. Since then it has evolved into a blend of gardens and amusement park.

• The Little Mermaid Statue: See the iconic statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.

Germany: Consistent Quality

Germany’s tap water is known for its high quality and safety, maintained through stringent regulations and modern filtration methods. The tap water across Germany is consistently clean and refreshing, making it a reliable choice for both residents and visitors.

Main Cities: Munich, Berlin, Hamburg

Some Points of Interest (Munich):

• Marienplatz: Visit the central square with the New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel.

• Nymphenburg Palace: Tour this baroque palace with extensive gardens.

• English Garden: Relax in one of the largest urban parks in the world.

• Munich Christmas Market: This traditional market, with roots dating back to the 14th century, is considered to be the original among Munich's Christmas markets.

Canada: Fresh from Nature

As noted in the introduction, Canada’s vast freshwater resources provide excellent tap water quality, particularly in urban areas. Canadian tap water is known for its freshness and clarity, reflecting the country’s dedication to maintaining its natural resources.

Main Cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal

Some Points of Interest (Vancouver):

• Stanley Park: Enjoy the natural beauty and scenic views in this urban park.

• Granville Island: Explore the public market and artisan shops.

• Capilano Suspension Bridge: Walk across this famous bridge and enjoy the surrounding park.

• Check out our post on Family Fun in Calgary

Singapore: Technological Marvel

Singapore employs advanced water treatment and purification technologies to ensure its tap water is exceptionally safe and clean. The city-state’s tap water meets high safety standards, thanks to a blend of desalination, water recycling, and rigorous testing. Singaporean tap water is reliable and of top-notch quality.

Main Cities: Not Applicable. (i.e. Singapore is a city-state, so the city and country are the same)

Some Points of Interest:

• Gardens by the Bay: Admire the futuristic gardens and Supertree Grove.

• Marina Bay Sands: Visit the iconic hotel with its rooftop infinity pool and observation deck.

• Sentosa Island: Enjoy the beaches, attractions, and Universal Studios Singapore.

Luxembourg: Spring-Fresh Quality

Luxembourg’s tap water is sourced from natural springs and treated with modern filtration systems. The country’s commitment to maintaining high water quality standards ensures that the tap water is pure, safe, and refreshing. Luxembourg's tap water is comparable to spring water in its taste and clarity.

Main Cities: Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange

Some Points of Interest (Luxembourg City):

• Old Quarters and Fortifications: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its historic architecture.

• Bock Casemates: Visit the underground tunnels of this historic fortification.

• Grand Ducal Palace: See the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Summary

Water is essential to life, obviously, and having a clean and safe source always available is such a privilege. It is a shame that it is not this way throughout the globe, but sadly in the majority of countries this is not the case. There we must rely on bottled water, or boiling processes, or other devices that make the water safe to drink.

I appreciate it greatly when places I visit go to lengths to ensure a source of good clean water to drink. This comes in the form of hotels offering free bottles of water in places like Mexico, to hotels in New York that have installed a water filtration system in each room. That being said, I am always so happy to travel to one of the above countries just knowing that when I am thirsty, refreshing clean water is only a tap twist away.

Il Digestivo

Thirsty for more? Maybe some of these items will help quench that desire for when you are on the go.

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle

One of the best selling water bottles on Amazon, I love this Hydro Flask. Admittedly, I love all things Hydro Flask!

Great for the gym, hiking, and it fits perfectly into my bicycle water holder. 24 hours cold, 12 hours hot with TempShield️ double-wall vacuum insulation. I love how well it seals when closed as it is totally leak proof. Durable stainless steel and BPA-Free. Available in 18, 21, and 24 ounce sizes in a range of colors.

CamelBak Crux 3-Liter Water Reservoir

Need something a bit bigger than your standard portable water bottle? Pop this into your backpack when you go for those long hikes, especially if you are hiking somewhere hot. This 3 Liter Hydration Bladder has a faster water flow rate for bigger sips, it is leak proof with an ergonomic shape and is BPA-Free. Great for hiking and biking alike!

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

I mentioned this product in the article so here it is. There are a lot of people who swear by this handy device. Great for emergencies and when hiking in areas where you may need water. As some users have noted, it is not practical if you aren't near any source of water, which makes sense, but as long as you can get to a source this item will protect against 99.99% of bacteria (including E.coli, Salmonella), parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), and particulates such as micro-plastics, dirt, sand etc. Note, it does not protect against water borne viruses such as hepatitis A but most illnesses from water are caused by bacteria so this will proved good protection against that. Will filter up to 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons) of water.

LifeStraw Go Series – BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle

The folks at LifeStraw apparently realized the dilemma that occurs when you are hiking and are not going to be able to access a water source consistently. Thus they introduced this bottle series so that you can fill up your bottle with a liter of water whenever you can get to a water source and take it on the go. It has the same straw as the original built in so that you'll get the same filtration effects.

For those who are curious, no you cannot use these straws to drink your own wee like Costner does in Waterworld. The company expressly states as much on their site indicating that the straw does not remove dissolved salts which urine has an abundance of. By the same token, it also cannot be used to safely drink sea water so you better know how to make a solar still if you are stranded at sea.

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