Traveling to Germany for Leisure Purposes
In 2019, Germany welcomed nearly 90 million international visitors, with approximately 72% of these stays originating from Europe. Overnight stays by train account for approximately 9% of all international stays, while other means of transport, such as buses, account for a mere 3%.
Business trips make up 22% of the distribution of trips to Germany from Europe, but it's vacation trips that dominate, accounting for the majority of international overnight stays. Overnight stays by other means, such as private cars and buses, account for approximately 20% of all international stays.
When it comes to transportation, the majority of Europeans traveling to Germany prefer cars and airplanes. Around 48 million trips are made by car, and approximately 32 million trips are made by airplane.
European tourists flock to Germany for a variety of reasons. The most popular tourist attractions include iconic cities, historic sites, natural landscapes, and theme parks. Among the top attractions are:
- Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, the world's largest model railway exhibit and top-ranked amusement spot.
- Europa-Park in Rust, one of the biggest and most visited theme parks in Europe, particularly popular for family travel.
- Phantasialand near Cologne, another acclaimed theme park offering diverse attractions.
- Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale castle near Hohenschwangau, famous across Europe as a quintessential Bavarian landmark.
- Berlin, the capital city, is highly visited for its rich history, especially the Berlin Wall remnants, Brandenburg Gate, and the cultural scene.
- Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and a cultural highlight of western Germany.
- The Black Forest, favored for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
- Munich, famous for its Old Town architecture, beer halls like Hofbräuhaus, and major festivals such as Oktoberfest.
- Historic towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bamberg, popular for their medieval charm and well-preserved old quarters.
- Therme Erding, Europe's largest thermal spa, offering relaxation experiences.
- Saxon Switzerland National Park and Bavarian Alps, offering dramatic natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
- Lake Constance (Bodensee), with Mainau Island and the UNESCO-listed Reichenau Monastery a draw for visitors interested in nature and heritage.
Cultural cities such as Dresden, Heidelberg, and Freiburg, as well as landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Nürburgring racing circuit, also feature on top visitor lists.
In sum, European tourists typically seek a combination of Germany’s historical landmarks, natural regions, theme parks, and dynamic cities known for cultural events and distinctive architecture.
Germany's cultural lifestyle, characterized by its historic landmarks, dynamic cities, theme parks, and natural regions, attracts millions of international tourists each year. Many Europeans traveling to Germany prefer a mix of exploring the world-renowned attractions like Miniatur Wunderland, Europa-Park, Neuschwanstein Castle, Berlin, Cologne Cathedral, and others, before immersing themselves in the local lifestyle during their vacation trips.
