Germany is more than just Oktoberfest and bratwurst — it’s one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic destinations.
Ranking among the top 10 most visited countries worldwide, Germany welcomed ~37.4 million international visitors in 2024 and recorded over 496 million overnight stays, setting a new all-time record.
From the buzzing streets of Berlin and Munich to fairy-tale castles and Rhine vineyards, tourism here is both a cultural highlight and an economic powerhouse.
How Many Tourists Visit Germany Each Year?
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 39.6 million international arrivals.
- 2022: 28.5 million arrivals during recovery.
- 2023: 35.5 million international arrivals, 487 million overnight stays.
- 2024: 37.4 million international arrivals (+7.5% year-on-year) and 496.1 million overnight stays (+1.9% vs. 2023).
- Of these, 85.3 million overnight stays were by international guests, a 5.4% increase over 2023.
How Many Tourists Visit Germany Each Day?
With 37.4 million international arrivals in 2024, Germany hosted an average of ~102,000 foreign visitors per day. When adding domestic travel, the daily volume rises to nearly 1.36 million overnight stays, showing how deeply tourism is embedded in everyday life.
This is a landmark year for Travel & Tourism in Germany. To break records across every major measure – international and domestic spend, GDP contribution, and jobs – is a stunning achievement.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Germany?
- In 2023, tourism generated an estimated €331 billion in total economic impact.
- Preliminary data for 2024 suggests higher revenue, thanks to both increased arrivals and record overnight stays.
- A booming segment is camping & caravanning tourism, which generated €20.8 billion in 2024, with around 74 million overnight stays.
Which Countries Visit Germany the Most?
Germany attracts tourists from all over the world, but neighboring countries remain its strongest source markets.
| Country | Share of Visitors |
|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 13% |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 8% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 8% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 7% |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 6% |
| 🇫🇷 France | 5% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 4% |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | 3% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 3% |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2% |
City and cultural tourism is the trend topic for European travelers in 2024… In this context, Germany scores with a wide range of historic heritage and a very vibrant creative scene.
What Are Germany’s Most Visited Attractions?
From castles to cathedrals and cultural icons, Germany’s landmarks attract millions annually.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors |
|---|---|
| Cologne Cathedral | ~6M |
| Neuschwanstein Castle | ~1.5M |
| Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) | ~1.2M |
| Museum Island (Berlin) | ~3M |
| Brandenburg Gate | ~12M (foot traffic) |
| Europa-Park (Rust) | ~6M |
| Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg) | ~1.4M |
| Zugspitze (Germany’s highest peak) | ~500K |
| Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam) | ~400K |
| Oktoberfest (Munich, event-based) | ~6M visitors |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Germany? (Seasonality)
Germany’s tourism peaks in summer (June–August) and in December, thanks to its world-famous Christmas markets.
| Month | Visitors (Overnight Stays) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ~30M | Winter, city breaks |
| February | ~32M | Carnival in Cologne & Mainz |
| March | ~36M | Trade fairs begin |
| April | ~38M | Easter tourism |
| May | ~42M | Spring holidays |
| June | ~45M | Start of summer season |
| July | ~50M | Peak summer |
| August | ~52M | High summer |
| September | ~45M | Oktoberfest in Munich |
| October | ~40M | Autumn holidays |
| November | ~34M | Lower season |
| December | ~55M | Christmas markets peak |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Germany?
Germany is home to some of the world’s largest festivals, fairs, and sporting events.
| Event | Annual Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oktoberfest (Munich) | ~6M | World’s largest beer festival |
| Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) | ~500K | February |
| Carnival (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz) | ~2M | February |
| Frankfurt Book Fair | ~300K | October |
| Stuttgart Beer Festival (Cannstatter Volksfest) | ~4M | September |
| Wacken Open Air (Metal Festival) | ~85K | August |
| Leipzig Book Fair | ~275K | March |
| Hanover Messe | ~200K professionals | April |
| Berlin Marathon | ~45K runners + 1M spectators | September |
| German Christmas Markets (nationwide) | ~85M visitors combined | December |
We are a growth market — provided the framework conditions are right.
How Does Tourism Impact Germany’s Economy?
- Tourism contributes nearly €330+ billion annually to the German economy.
- It accounts for about 9% of GDP and employs over 3 million people.
- Germany remains Europe’s leading business travel hub, with trade fairs in Frankfurt, Hanover, and Berlin drawing millions each year.
FAQ – Germany Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Germany each year?
About 37.4 million international arrivals and 496 million overnight stays in 2024 — a new record.
What is the most visited attraction in Germany?
The Cologne Cathedral, with around 6 million visitors annually.
Why is Germany so popular with tourists?
Its mix of historic cities, castles, Christmas markets, cultural events, and business fairs appeals to both leisure and business travelers.
Which country sends the most tourists to Germany?
The Netherlands is the largest source market.
When is the best time to visit Germany?
Summer (festivals and city tourism) and December (Christmas markets).
Is Germany expensive for tourists?
Germany is moderately priced: cheaper than France or Switzerland, but pricier than Eastern Europe.
Is Germany English-friendly?
Yes — English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
Sources
- WTTC — Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector to break all-time records in 2025
- German National Tourist Board (DZT) — Press releases (City & cultural tourism trends 2024)
- DRV – German Travel Association — ITB Berlin statements 2025 (booking trends & early bookings)
- BTW – Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry — Tourism Summit remarks (framework conditions & growth)
- DEHOGA Bundesverband — Press statements on VAT increase and industry impact (2025)
- RoadGenius — Germany Tourism Statistics (arrivals, spending, trends)
- CampingBusiness.eu — Germany: new record for tourist overnight stays in 2024 (+1.9%)
- CampingBusiness.eu — Caravanning in Germany 2024: record overnight stays & €20.8B revenue
- Europe-Data — Germany’s tourist accommodation industry hits record high in 2024
- World Tourism Forum (news) — Germany’s top tourist cities in 2024 – comprehensive comparison
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