Bernau near Berlin: Tourism is booming – 67 million euros in sales in 2024!

Bernau near Berlin: Tourism is booming – 67 million euros in sales in 2024!

In Bernau near Berlin, tourism is anything but a shadowy existence. The latest study, carried out by Bernauer Stadtmarketing GmbH (BeSt) in collaboration with the German Economic Institute for Tourism (dwif), sheds light on the economic effects of tourism in the region for the year 2024. This commitment shows that Bernau is not only a popular excursion destination, but also an important economic factor in the Barnim district.

Bernau, the gateway to the Barnim Nature Park and Barnimer Feldmark Regional Park, particularly attracts guests interested in culture. The city scores with its exciting history, impressive architecture and multifaceted exhibitions, such as in the Galerie Bernau. The good access to cycling and hiking trails as well as untouched nature ensures that over 90 percent of the days spent are spent by day tourists. In 2024, Bernau counted an impressive 2.4 million day visitors who spent a total of 67.4 million euros in the city Barnim Current reported.

Economic dimensions of tourism

Overnight tourism also plays an important role. In Bernau, around 145,000 overnight stays were registered in commercial establishments in 2024, while private accommodation recorded an additional 15,000 overnight stays. These guests spent around 24.3 million euros in the region. For comparison: The entire Barnim district recorded a total of 859,000 overnight stays in commercial establishments in 2022, which generated 136.9 million euros in sales.

The hospitality industry in Bernau benefits most from tourism. It accounts for almost 41 percent of the total 91.7 million euros, followed by retail and the service sector. After deducting VAT and advance payments, around 45 million euros remain locally, which remain in the community as wages and salaries. This economy directly relates to around 1,650 jobs in the region, such as the Brandenburg tourism network reported.

Trend in the industry

The statistical data from Brandenburg also shows a continuous increase in overnight stays. The region recorded a total of 1,506,634 overnight stays in accommodation establishments in 2024, and the numbers are also increasing for 2025. In January, for example, there were 638,580 overnight stays and a significant increase in the following months, as shown on Statisticsportal.de is presented.

The importance of tourism is undisputed. Not only does it generate considerable income and provide jobs, but also tax revenue of around 8.6 million euros from income and VAT, supplemented by income from property and trade taxes.

The complete study on the economic situation and the effects of tourism in Bernau is available for download at www.bernau-visien.de and gives anyone interested a deeper insight into the trends and developments in local tourism.