f.re.e survey: Bavaria is the federal state with the highest recreational and leisure value

Whether hiking or winter sports, swimming or customs: Bavaria has a lot to offer and is by far the federal state with the highest recreational and leisure value. This was the result of a representative survey commissioned by Bavaria's largest leisure and travel trade fair f.re.e from the opinion research institute YouGov. According to the survey, 29 percent of Germans attribute the highest recreational value to Bavaria, followed by Baden-Württemberg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (9% each). If only Bavarians are asked about their favorite federal state for travel and leisure, the results are even clearer. Almost two thirds voted for Bavaria (65%), with Berlin a distant second (4%).

Mountains and sea: Bavaria's top 3 travel destinations

f.re.e, which takes place from February 19 to 23 this year, is placing a special focus on eastern Bavaria. The partner region for 2025 is the Bavarian Forest and its diverse vacation and sports opportunities. But those who are drawn further afield will also get their money's worth at the trade fair. Advice, insider tips and information will also be available at f.re.e for Bavaria's top 3 travel destinations. After Germany, these are Italy (13%), Austria (9%) and Croatia (5%). By the way: Italy is also in first place in Germany as a whole but has to share it with Spain (7% each).

Focus on sustainability

“f.re.e. offers a comprehensive travel and leisure experience,” says Project Manager Katrin Leideritz. “Visitors can look forward to information and hands-on activities on travel, caravanning & camping, cycling, water sports and outdoor & fitness. The topic of sustainability will play a greater role at the trade fair than ever before. Not only will our partner region, the Bavarian Forest, present its commitment to sustainability, but together with Munich University of Applied Sciences, we have also organized a virtual reality experience on the topic of ecology and travel for the first time.” The f.re.e survey impressively demonstrates that sustainability is an important criterion for the general population when choosing a vacation destination. For 49 percent of Germans, sustainability is a relevant factor; in Bavaria, the figure is slightly lower than the national average at 43 percent.

Car is the number 1 means of transportation

The car remains the preferred means of transportation to get to the vacation destination. 50 percent of Germans use their own car, while 16 percent opt for an airplane. Three percent of respondents use their camper or caravan, while two percent use their bicycle or e-bike. Once Germans have arrived at their vacation destination, 47% prefer to stay in hotels or guesthouses (62% in Bavaria), followed in second place by vacation apartments, e.g. via AirBnB with 22%. According to the f.re.e. survey, Germans seem to be divided when it comes to the question of whether vacation travel has become expensive for them. While 34% are of the opinion that they are not spending any more money on leisure and travel than in previous years, 28% are of the opinion that this is indeed the case.