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How Many Tourists Visit Germany Each Year?

Alison Adams       Wed, Oct 15, 2025

4 Mins

Germany Tourism Statistics

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.
  • 202437.4 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.

Julia Simpson

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.

Julia Simpson

WTTC

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%
Petra Hedorfer

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.

Petra Hedorfer

German National Tourist Board (DZT)

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
Sören Hartmann

We are a growth market — provided the framework conditions are right.

Sören Hartmann

Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW)

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.

Looking forward to a trip to Germany today? This has been made easier for you to select and book best MICE locations and events via www.micegermany.de