Hamburg Achieves Record-Breaking Tourism Figures in 2025
Hamburg, February 25 – The Hanseatic city of Hamburg has set a new tourism record in 2025, with a total of 16.5 million overnight stays. This was announced by the Senate in its tourism report on Tuesday. The figure represents an increase of approximately 330,000 overnight stays compared to the previous year, solidifying Hamburg’s position as a premier travel destination.
Guest Arrivals Also Reach Historic Levels
The number of guests visiting Hamburg also reached a record high of 7.96 million. The summer months proved to be the most popular time for visitors, with July being the strongest month. In July alone, Hamburg recorded over 800,000 arrivals and 1.63 million overnight stays. January saw the fewest visitors, with 486,000 arrivals.
High Occupancy Rates for Hamburg Hotels
Hotels in Hamburg experienced an average room occupancy rate of 77 percent, an increase from the previous year. This places Hamburg at the top among major German cities for hotel occupancy and among the leading European metropolises.
International Visitors Contribute to Growth
On average, guests stayed 2.1 nights per visit. Approximately three-quarters of all overnight guests came from Germany. Among international visitors, the largest groups were from Denmark (381,430 overnight stays), Switzerland (313,545), and Austria (311,208). However, the number of tourists from the USA (246,378 / -7.3 percent) and Great Britain (248,424 / -5.5 percent) saw a decline.
“Water, Openness, and Cosmopolitanism” – Hamburg’s Appeal
Michael Otremba, head of tourism, expressed optimism about the future, stating that Hamburg is gaining global appeal. “The overnight figures represent people who have a special connection to Hamburg: people who like this city because they feel free here, because they experience water, openness, and cosmopolitanism.” The international business magazine Forbes also listed Hamburg among the eleven must-visit cities for the year, citing, among other reasons, that the city has more bridges than Venice.
Christmas Markets Boost Hotel Occupancy, but Spending Habits Shift
Christmas markets, in particular, contributed to high hotel occupancy rates. However, there is a noticeable trend of visitors spending less money on gifts.
Ongoing Infrastructure Developments and City Initiatives
Hamburg continues to invest in its infrastructure to support its growing tourism sector. Plans for new railway bridges over the Norderelbe were presented on Tuesday by the transport authority and Deutsche Bahn, with construction expected to begin in the early 2030s. These developments aim to further enhance the city’s accessibility and appeal.
Furthermore, the city is actively addressing various urban challenges. Recent announcements include a planned Hochbahn strike from Friday to Sunday morning, which will impact U-Bahn and bus services. The city also held commemoration events for the four-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, with a wreath-laying ceremony by the Bürgerschaft and a demonstration in the city center.
The Hamburg tourism sector’s robust performance in 2025 underscores the city’s successful efforts in promoting itself as a vibrant and attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers. With continuous development and a strong focus on visitor experience, Hamburg is poised for continued growth in the years to come.
