I’m ordering some stuff in Germany, and the website has the option to deliver to a “packstation”.
e.g.
Packstation 197
Eisenbahnstr. 6
79761 Waldshut-Tiengen
From what I can tell, these are DHL collection points.
What I can’t figure out is if I need to have an account with DHL before ordering? Or do I just rock up with my ID?
Also, does anyone know if there is a charge for using these, or are they like the amazon lockers?
Not used the German ones, but frequently, going back at least 15 years, had stuff delivered to French ones, known as Points Relais, and just used any old ID, Swiss driving licence usually. Sometimes via DHL, sometimes Amazon, sometimes miscellaneous other parcel services. Also used them for returns, with pre-printed labels.
Never needed any sort of account, the idea seems ludicrous now I think about it. And no, there should be no charge; they’re paid for by the shipper.
So I think you’ll be safe.
It depends on the place.
Some of them require registration and some don’t.
Some charge a fee and some don’t.
Some places have a maximum size restriction and some don’t.
The German ones seem to work differently than the french ones.
It is easy to set up an account with DHL then you can collect your orders from any German Post office.
If Amazon is showing you the Packstation as an option then it’s probably OK to use without an account.
Looking at google streetview - these look exactly like the amazon lockers - but in yellow with DHL logos.
Which sadly means it won’t work for me, as what I’m ordering will NEVER fit in one of those 
Sad, but I still will look into using them in future…
Las Burg is very popular and accepts larger parcels.
There is a fee but it’s not much.
Loads of my friends in Basel use them.
Ended up ordering to my usual spot (Swiss Paket in Waldshut) - they accept pallets for about 25 euro; so was the easiest option in the end.
I was under the impression one had to have a German home address to register with DHL?
Not for three years, no longer needed