As we look ahead to planning our holidays in 2022, Premier Inn has researched travel-related search terms from 593 cities and towns in Germany since 2018, and compared this to each location’s land size to reveal the most popular ‘hidden gem’ holiday destinations in the country.
The study revealed that historical salt manufacturing town Luneburg was the most popular destination in Germany amongst travellers, receiving 28.1 searches per km² every month. Located in northern Germany, the medieval old town boasts beautiful red brick Gothic-style buildings, perfect for a picturesque stroll.
Following Luneburg in second position was riverside town Heidelberg, with 18.7 searches per km². Making up the top five most popular German holiday destinations were Bavarian capital city Munich, with 17.5 average monthly searches per km², Stuttgart with 14.5 searches per km² and Hamburg with 13.7 searches per km².
Capital city Berlin narrowly misses out on a spot in the top ten, ranking as the 14th most popular holiday destination, with 8 searches for each square kilometre of its 891 km² total land.
Top 10 most popular holiday destinations in Germany
- 28.1 searches per km² for Luneburg
The most popular destination on the list, Luneburg, sees 28.1 average searches each month per square kilometre. With a beautiful medieval town centre, and historic attractions (having once been one of Germany’s biggest salt mining towns), there’s lots to do in this picturesque destination. - 18.7 searches per km² for Heidelberg University town Heidelberg takes second position in the rankings with 18.7 average searches each month per square kilometre. The town is located on theNeckar River, providing those who visit with lots of beautiful views and pretty walks across the Old Bridge and into the town centre.
- 17.5 searches per km² for Munich Bavarian capital Munich ranks in third place with 17.5 searches per km². The city is known for it’s annual Oktoberfest celebration and famous beer halls which attract thousands of visitors each year.
- 14.5 searches per km² for Stuttgart
Stuttgart, one of the most populated cities in Germany, receives 14.5 searches per square kilometre, ranking in fourth position overall. As the largest city in the Baden-Wurttemberg state, its key attractions include the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and the Schlossplatz – also known as the Palace Square – providing visitors with some beautiful green space and benches to relax on after a long day exploring. - 13.7 searches per km² for Hamburg Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany by population, ranks in 5th place with 13.7 searches per km² every month. The city is home to famous landmarks such as the St Michael’s Church and the Speicherstadt, providing visitors with lots of attractions and views to snap during their visit.
Dresden, Trier, Koblenz, Taxi Frankfurt Airport and Bremerhaven also make the list.
A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented:
“Germany is a great option for anyone looking to take a holiday in 2022, with lots of bustling cities, beautiful medieval architecture and serene countryside. By comparing search data with the land size of different destinations, our research has allowed us to unveil some hidden gems, helping you to escape the usual tourist traps and explore towns and cities that are a bit more off the beaten track.”
A full breakdown of the most popular holiday destinations in Germany can be found at: https://www.premierinn.com/de/de/sleepblog/die-top-25-destinationen-in-deutschland.html