Travel and Leisure Fair "Free"
A major leisure fair in Munich will showcase how the desire for travel has changed, starting February 18th – Crete will be the partner country in 2026
From February 18th to 22nd, 2026, at the Munich Trade Fair Center in Riem (Español, Deutsch, English, Italiano, Français)
Munich. The major travel and leisure fair "Free" has been held for 55 years and will launch on February 18th, 2026, concurrently with IMOT (motorcycle show) and the Munich Auto Days at the Munich Trade Fair Center. Over 900 exhibitors from 50 countries will present the latest innovations from all areas of leisure, including camping, cycling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), climbing, and diving. The fair will also address the desire for new forms of travel, helping with vacation planning. As surveys – a representative YouGov survey commissioned by the travel and leisure fair – show, the desire for "nature and tranquility when choosing a vacation" is a central theme this year. The beautiful island of Crete will be highlighted as the partner region of the travel fair this year. From February 18th to 22nd, 2026, the inspiration and orientation platform for relaxed, exciting, and individual leisure and vacation planning will attract many visitors to Munich-Riem. Homepage: free-muenchen.de
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| Lake Starnberg – View from Ammerland towards Seeshaupt and the Alps, Photo: February 11, 2026, A. Waess – Press Photo Archive |
A closer look at the survey
- Wellness and relaxation trips have seen particularly strong growth. 22 percent of those who wouldn't have booked such a trip 10 years ago now appreciate them.
- Cruises (18 percent), camping and van life (17 percent), as well as solo trips and city breaks (15 percent each) are also now popular with many who would have ruled out such trips previously.
- For almost 40 percent of respondents, budget and price trends are the most important factors influencing their future travel and leisure activities.
- Around a quarter cite the desire for more nature and tranquility as a key driver.
"The results clearly show that travel behavior is becoming more individualized and is no longer a fixed ritual," say Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Managing Directors of Messe München. "Depending on one's life circumstances, needs change. f.re.e offers precisely the guidance and comparison that people are looking for today. As the leading travel and leisure fair, it has been delivering genuine experiences and new ideas for 55 years."
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| Art and Culture Blog Cover: Lake Starnberg with its Alpine panorama – Bavaria offers everything from water sports to alpine climbing and cycling tours, Photo: A. Waess (February 11, 2026) – Press Photo Archive |
Partner Region Crete
Half of those surveyed know that Crete is the largest island in Greece. However, its diverse landscapes and climates are often underestimated.
While around a third associate Crete with one of the oldest and healthiest cuisines in Europe, only 29 percent are aware of its different climate zones – from the high mountains to the Mediterranean coast.
The 2026 Leisure Fair will specifically highlight this multifaceted nature.
It will present Crete as a travel destination that combines active holidays, nature experiences, and culinary delights – making it an ideal fit for the fair's thematic areas.
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| Lake Starnberg with its Alpine panorama – Bavaria offers everything from water sports to alpine climbing and cycling tours. Photo: A. Waess (February 11, 2026) – Press Photo Archive |
Travel and Leisure Fair "Free"
Location: Messe München, Messestadt East/West
Dates 2026: February 18–22 (Wed–Sun)
Getting there: U2 subway to "Messestadt Ost" or "Messestadt West".
Highlights 2026: The IMOT(motorcycle exhibition) and Munich Auto Days will take place concurrently.
