No, open carry of firearms in Germany is generally prohibited under the Weapons Act (WaffG) and Federal Weapons Act Regulations (WaffV), with rare exceptions for licensed hunters or historical reenactors under strict permits.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Germany
- Prohibition Principle: §10 WaffG bans the public display of firearms unless explicitly authorized, such as for professional hunting or state-approved events. Unlicensed open carry risks immediate confiscation and criminal liability under §53 WaffG.
- Permit Requirements: Open carry demands a Waffenbesitzkarte (WBK) with a “Waffenführerschein” (firearm license) and justification (e.g., hunting, sport shooting). Local Ordnungsamt or Bundespolizei must approve permits, subject to 2026 EU-wide harmonization rules.
- Regional Enforcement: Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg enforce stricter controls via Polizeidienstverordnungen, requiring additional background checks. Violations may trigger Gefährdung der öffentlichen Sicherheit charges under §34 WaffG.