Tourism in Germany

Germany is the eight-most-visited country in the world, with many visitors each year. In 2012, there were over 400 million overnight stays by both international and local travelers. Many tourists come from countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

International tourism helps Germany a lot. In 2012, over 30 million visitors came and brought in billions of dollars. The tourism industry supports many jobs and adds to the country’s wealth. Each year, the ITB Berlin takes place, the world’s leading tourism trade fair.

People visit Germany for many reasons. They enjoy its rich German culture, beautiful outdoor spaces, lively holidays and festivities, and interesting cities and countryside. Germany is also known for being a safe and welcoming place for travelers from around the world.

History

The history of tourism in Germany began when people visited cities and landscapes to learn and relax. From the late 1700s, famous cities like Dresden, Munich, Weimar, and Berlin were popular stops on trips across Europe called the Grand tour.

Spas and seaside resorts, especially along the North and Baltic Sea like Rugia and Usedom islands, grew in the 1800s as train routes were built. After World War II, tourism grew as visitors came to see Germany’s history and beautiful landscapes. Today, Germany has many national parks, biosphere reserves, and nature parks, along with charming old towns known as Altstadt.

Statistics

Germany is a very popular place for visitors. In 2017, many people stayed in Germany for overnight visits. Most visitors came from other countries.

Bavaria was the most visited area. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern had the most visits compared to how many people live there.

Countryside

See also: List of spa towns in Germany and List of seaside resorts in Germany

Many visitors to Germany like to stay in special towns for relaxation. These towns are often near natural hot springs. They offer treatments using mineral water and other therapies. Some famous places are Bad Wiessee, Baden-Baden, Wiesbaden, Aachen, Travemünde and Westerland.

Germany has many beautiful areas to explore. Popular spots include islands like the East Frisian and North Frisian Islands, coastal areas along the Baltic Sea, and famous regions such as the Rhine Valley, Black Forest, and Bavarian Alps. These places attract many tourists all year.

See also: Geography of Germany and List of national parks in Germany

Since the 1930s, Germany has created special roads called theme routes. These roads show different areas and their unique culture and scenery. Some well-known routes are the European Route of Brick Gothic, European Route of Industrial Heritage, Harz-Heide Road, Bertha Benz Memorial Route and Bergstrasse.

See also: List of ski resorts in the German Alps and List of ski resorts in the German Central Uplands

Germany's winter sports areas are mainly in the Bavarian Alps and other mountain regions. These places are great for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. During the Advent season, many towns and cities hold Christmas markets.

Cities

See also: Metropolitan regions in Germany

Many people visit Germany's big cities. Between 1995 and 2005, travel to these cities grew fast. Visitors come for culture, learning, or business. As cities improved their services, more international visitors came.

The ten most visited cities in Germany in 2012 are listed in a table. Other popular cities include Rostock, Hannover, Bremen, Cuxhaven, Bonn, Freiburg, Münster, Lübeck, Wiesbaden, Essen and Regensburg.

Berlin

See also: List of sights in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most visited cities in the European Union, with many day visitors each year. In 2012, Berlin had many hotels with lots of beds. That year, millions of people stayed in Berlin hotels.

Munich

See also: Category:Tourist attractions in Munich

Munich is the capital of Bavaria. It is known for its history, culture, and beautiful buildings. The center of the city is Marienplatz, where the Neues Rathaus has a Glockenspiel show every day. Nearby is Frauenkirche, Munich’s big cathedral. The Munich Residenz is a museum that was once a royal palace.

Munich has many museums, such as the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne. Families enjoy the Deutsches Museum, a big science and technology museum. The city also has big green spaces like the Englischer Garten, where people can relax.

Hamburg

See also: Category:Tourist attractions in Hamburg and List of museums and cultural institutions in Hamburg

In 2007, Hamburg had many visitors who stayed for nights. Tourism is important to the city, providing jobs and bringing money. Visitors often see the city hall, the big church St. Michaelis, the old warehouse district, and the harbour promenade. Many people also take boat tours of the harbor. Hamburg is also home to a famous zoo, Tierpark Hagenbeck, which opened in 1907.

Events

The table below shows some of the largest events held every year in Germany:

Trade fairs

Germany is home to some of the world's largest trade fairgrounds. Every year, many trade fairs, conventions, and congresses are held in Germany. In 2008, many people visited the biggest trade fairs, and many of them came from other countries. The table below shows some of the most visited trade fairs.

Most visited

Protected areas

Some of the most visited protected areas in Germany include:

• Bavarian Forest National Park
• Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park
• Berchtesgaden National Park
• Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park
• View from Mt. Lusen in the Bavarian Forest over the Alpine Foreland
• Swabian Jura
• Mainau
• The Kölpinsee, Jabelscher See and Fleesensee in the Mecklenburg Lake Plateau
• View over the Moselle and past the village of Dorf Bremm to the Calmont in the Eifel
• Wilseder Berg in the Lüneburg Heath
• Lilienstein at Saxon Switzerland
• The Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park

Landmarks

Germany has many famous landmarks that attract visitors. The Cathedral of Cologne is the most visited landmark in the country. Other popular spots include the Reichstag building in Berlin and Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty's Castle. The Zwinger in Dresden is also a well-known attraction.

Theme parks

Germany is home to many popular theme parks and related facilities, though this list focuses only on the largest ones in selected categories. The full list may not include every park.