Enjoying Time Off in Germany
Germany, with its rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, attracts millions of tourists each year. In 2024, a staggering 411 million visitors from abroad set foot in the country, with the majority being fellow Europeans (approximately 72%).
The popular ways to travel to Germany from other European countries include trains, cars, and flights. Germany is well-connected to neighbouring countries via high-speed and regional trains, making rail a convenient and scenic option. Renting a car allows for flexible road trips through Germany and across borders, with popular routes like the Northern Germany coast and scenic castle trails. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt have international airports that connect easily with other European capitals, providing quick access especially for longer distances.
Tourists primarily come for the mix of historic cities, fairy-tale castles, natural scenery, and world-class cultural experiences. Historical sites like Cologne Cathedral and Neuschwanstein Castle (which inspired Disney’s castle) attract many visitors. Cities such as Berlin offer history and modern art scenes, while Munich is famous for Bavarian charm, beer gardens, and events like Oktoberfest. The Rhine Valley and Mosel River regions offer picturesque landscapes, medieval towns, and castles like Burg Eltz that showcase Germany’s medieval heritage.
The country’s rail system and road network facilitate touring a mix of castles, nature, museums, and charming towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Nearly half of the 68 million tourists visiting Germany from Europe arrive by car.
While vacation trips are the primary reason for Europeans visiting Germany (58%), business trips account for 22%. Unfortunately, the text did not provide specific details about the remaining 28% of tourist nights spent by foreigners from Europe.
It's worth noting that the number of tourist nights spent by Germans within the country was not specified in the text, nor was the distribution of tourist nights between different regions in Germany. Regardless, Germany continues to be a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
On Germany.de, one can find comprehensive travel information advising tourists on the best ways to explore the country's lifestyle, from picturesque landscapes and charming towns like Rothenberg ob der Tauber, to historical cities and fairy-tale castles that inspire awe. For those planning to travel to Germany, renting a car offers the flexibility to tour a mix of castles, nature, museums, and towns, making up nearly half of the 68 million tourists visiting Germany from Europe.
