Home » Austria Travel News » Germany Joins The International Wave Of Visitors From UK, Italy, US, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, And Portugal As Oktoberfest 2025 Sets New Booking Records
Published on
September 3, 2025
Germany is leading the charge for Oktoberfest 2025, with a remarkable surge in bookings, followed closely by travelers from the UK, Italy, the US, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and Portugal. This year, the iconic Bavarian festival has expanded beyond its local roots, attracting visitors from around the globe who are eager to experience its rich tradition, food, music, and sense of community. The increase in international bookings highlights Oktoberfest’s growing global appeal, with travelers from across Europe and the United States joining Germans in what promises to be one of the most internationally attended Oktoberfest celebrations ever. As the festival gains momentum, it solidifies its position as a must-attend event for culture enthusiasts worldwide.
Oktoberfest 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most international celebrations in the event’s history. According to the latest hotel booking trends from RateGain, a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, the festival has transcended its Bavarian roots and is now a global spectacle. This year’s data reveals significant growth in international bookings, highlighting the event’s appeal beyond Germany, attracting travelers from across Europe, the United States, and even further afield.
The surge in international visitors is led by tourists from Portugal, who have shown a staggering 141% increase in hotel bookings for Munich over last year. Portugal’s newfound love for the event is indicative of the growing international interest in Oktoberfest. Following close behind are Austria (+83%), the United Kingdom (+76%), and Switzerland (+60%). These countries have long been connected to Oktoberfest through cultural and historical ties, but this increase in bookings signals a heightened appreciation for the event’s cultural significance. Additionally, Italy (+48%) and Israel (+53%) are also showing impressive growth in interest, with travelers eager to experience the famous Bavarian celebration.
Zooming in on the specific cities fueling this international surge, Lisbon is a standout performer, with a jaw-dropping 250% increase in bookings. This dramatic rise makes Lisbon one of the most unlikely but notable contributors to Oktoberfest’s growing global popularity. Vienna (+137%), Milan (+119%), and London (+103%) are also experiencing significant spikes in interest, suggesting that Europe’s larger cities are rallying around this cultural event. Other cities like Zurich, known for their proximity to Munich, are also seeing strong showings as visitors take the opportunity to travel to the German city for the world-renowned beer festival.
On the domestic front, Germany is experiencing impressive growth in bookings as well, further proving that Oktoberfest has become a nationwide event. Cities like Düsseldorf (+200%), Berlin (+140%), Nuremberg (+150%), Bremen (+100%), and Hamburg (+68%) have all posted strong year-over-year booking increases. This momentum highlights how Oktoberfest has evolved from a regional celebration into a major national event that attracts both locals and tourists from other parts of Germany. As German cities continue to contribute to the growing numbers, Oktoberfest solidifies its place not just as a cultural tradition, but as a key part of the national travel calendar.
Looking beyond Europe, the United States remains the leading source of international visitors, despite a slight decline of 6% in bookings. This decrease, while modest, may point to shifting trends in global travel, as other regions gain in prominence. Travelers from India (-14%) and Australia (-27%) have also seen drops in their bookings, suggesting that this year’s Oktoberfest may be slightly more focused on European visitors and cities with strong air connectivity to Munich. However, the U.S. continues to be a dominant force in international bookings, and cities like New York, Atlanta, and Houston are witnessing an uptick in interest. These cities are replacing the previously popular Chicago, which saw a 41% decline in bookings this year, with travelers opting for other major U.S. hubs.
This increased global interest in Oktoberfest is attributed to several key factors. Improved air connectivity and lower airfare prices have made it easier for international travelers to access Munich. Once a distant destination, Munich is now more accessible than ever, thanks to budget airlines and expanded flight routes from capitals and secondary cities around the world. Additionally, travelers are seeking more authentic cultural experiences, and Oktoberfest offers the perfect mix of tradition, food, music, and community—a combination that appeals to visitors looking to immerse themselves in local German culture.
Oktoberfest’s appeal as a cultural and community event continues to grow year after year, as evidenced by the diverse group of travelers coming from countries like Portugal, Austria, and the United States. While it remains a celebration of Bavarian culture, the event now represents a melting pot of global travelers all coming together to enjoy a singular experience. Oktoberfest is no longer just about beer—it’s about shared experiences, cultural exchange, and the joy of uniting people from around the world in celebration.
In 2025, Oktoberfest is not only set to see larger numbers of international visitors but also more diverse groups than ever before. Whether it’s a traveler’s first time raising a stein or their fifteenth, the festival continues to offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Munich is proving to be more than just a city for Germans to enjoy their local beer; it is now a destination for people from all over the world to come together and celebrate in true Bavarian fashion.
Germany leads the way for Oktoberfest 2025, with a significant increase in bookings, followed by strong growth from the UK, Italy, the US, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and Portugal. This surge in international interest highlights Oktoberfest’s transformation into a global celebration, set to draw visitors from around the world.
As the world moves closer to 2025, it’s clear that Oktoberfest’s global appeal will only continue to grow. The world’s eyes will be on Munich, and travelers from every continent will make their way to the heart of Bavaria to enjoy this iconic festival. From the United States to Portugal, the world is arriving in Munich in bigger numbers than ever before, and Oktoberfest 2025 promises to be an unforgettable, truly international celebration.
