Posts mit dem Label Munich Auto Days werden angezeigt. Alle Posts anzeigen
Posts mit dem Label Munich Auto Days werden angezeigt. Alle Posts anzeigen

Sonntag, 15. Februar 2026

February 18–22: Munich Auto Days 2026

Munich Auto Days at the 2026 Travel and Leisure Fair


Munich Auto Days 2026 – a major car sales fair / THE partner event of the annual Travel and Leisure Fair and the IMOT motorcycle show


Munich Auto Days will take place from February 18 to 22, 2026, at the Munich Trade Fair Center in Riem (EspañolDeutschEnglishItalianoFrançais)


Munich. It's that time again: the Munich Auto Days invites you to marvel, test drive, and even buy directly. From February 18 to 22, 2026, Germany's largest car sales fair will occupy Hall C6 of the Munich Trade Fair Center, offering around 200 current models from approximately 30 manufacturers. Compact city cars, family cars, premium vehicles, pickups, and even commercial vehicles and vans can be test-driven here. You can experience all models live on-site, and after a test drive, they can be purchased at a discounted price during the Munich Auto Days. The Munich Auto Days are a partner event of the Travel and Leisure Fair (February 18-22) and the International Motorcycle Exhibition (February 20-22): One ticket grants access to all three fairs! The Munich Merkur and tz newspapers organize the Munich Auto Days. Website: www.muenchner-autotage.de
Author: Helga Waess

A Mustang "Ride the Pony" brings back memories of past Munich Auto Days, Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive)


This is how active economic development works in Munich!


At the car sales fair organized by the Munich Merkur and tz newspapers, we were repeatedly surprised by the loudspeaker announcement:

"And another car has been sold!"

Soon, the loudspeaker at the Munich Auto Days will announce again: "And another car has been sold!" The sports cars, family cars, and special editions, as we experienced at the Auto Days, are selling like hotcakes.

Test drives are available on-site, and every car buyer received a celebratory bottle of schnapps from the organizers upon signing the contract!

Munich Auto Days, Mustang, under the hood, Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive)


The Munich Auto Days: An Event for the Whole Family


Last year, attractions included a driving simulator for children and a test track for bicycles and soapbox cars.

More than 50 dealers present over 30 car brands at the "Munich Auto Days" trade fair.

Simultaneously: Travel and Leisure Fair


The Auto Days are a companion event to the Travel and Leisure Fair, where visitors can discover many new vacation destinations.

In addition to culinary delights and beverages from various countries around the world, culture and people are showcased. The range of options extends from independent travel with a backpack and sleeping bag to luxury hotels.

Location: Munich Trade Fair Center, Riem

Munich Auto Days, Mustang, under the hood, Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive)


Here's the Mustang again: 317 hp and EcoBoost engine (2.3-liter turbo)

At the time, 4,000 units were produced for the German market. A true American muscle car, not just a myth. And above all, not a US import, but an officially introduced model on the German market, offered here starting at €35,000 for the base model.

Munich Auto Days, Mustang, "Ride the Pony"— we took that literally, Photo: A. Waess (Press Photo Archive)



February 18-22: Travel and Leisure Fair in Munich 2026

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, Travel and Leisure Fair Motorcycle Exhibition and Auto days  (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
 
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."
 
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.

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.

Freitag, 16. Januar 2026

February 18-22, 2026: Travel & Leisure Fair, Motorcycle Exhibition and Munich Auto Days

 Munich Tip: From February 18, 2026: f.re.e Travel & Leisure Fair, International Motorcycle Exhibition, and Munich Auto Days


3 fairs for one ticket! Three spring trade fairs in Munich invite you to relax and dream: from travel and leisure activities to mobility with new motorcycles and automotive innovations, everything is there.


From February 18 to 22, 2026, the Munich Exhibition Center invites visitors to three major public fairs: the f.re.e Travel & Leisure Fair, the IMOT International Motorcycle Exhibition, and the popular Munich Auto Days (DeutschEnglish, Français, Italiano)


Munich in February. The Bavarian capital is looking forward to three fantastic fairs that will simultaneously present the topics of travel and leisure, motorcycles, and cars. From February 18 to 22, 2026, the f.re.e Travel & Leisure Fair promises exciting encounters all about travel and leisure time – from hobbies to sports. With Crete as a partner region and the experience partnership with Upper Bavaria, the trade fair offers a particularly diverse and engaging program. 

SUP in Upper Bavaria: Stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Starnberg with the Alps as a backdrop - view towards Seeshaupt, photo: Helga Waess
 

The IMOT - International Motorcycle Exhibition showcases new and classic models from world-renowned motorcycle brands, insider tips on tuning, an accessories market, safe and stylish motorcycle clothing, and, in the tourism section, new ideas for a biker trip – where you can discover the latest motorcycle models, trends, and technological innovations. And at the Munich Auto Days, manufacturers bring their newest automobiles to Munich: test drives, trials, and purchases at special prices are on the agenda.

Test drive a Mustang - Munich Auto Days, Photo: A. Waess (Archiv)



DATES:


  • The f.re.e 2026 travel and leisure fair will take place from February 18 to 22, 2026, in the halls of Messe München (Munich Trade Fair Center).
  • The IMOT - International Motorcycle Exhibition 2026 will run there from Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • And the popular Munich Auto Days - the major car sales fair - will open its doors there from Wednesday, February 18 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.


The 55th f.re.e Travel and Leisure Fair


Topics include travel, caravanning & camping, water sports, outdoor & fitness, and everything related to cycling.

Visitors will gain a comprehensive market overview in these areas, can book trips directly, and test and purchase products on-site. A diverse supporting program promises additional information and entertainment.

Information: free-muenchen.de

T2 - VW Camper Bus, Photo:  Helga Waess (Pressearchiv)




The Munich Auto Days


At this large trade fair, regional dealers showcase current vehicle models, which can be experienced through test drives.

Information: münchner-autotage.de


The IMOT International Motorcycle Exhibition


takes place from February 20-22, 2026, at the Munich Trade Fair Center and features motorcycles, scooters, electric vehicles, custom bikes, trikes, quads, and much more.

Information: imot.de

Autotest für die Kleinen, Foto: Helga Waess


55 Times

f.re.e

An Anniversary Full of Leisure and Travel Moments


Since 1970: "Back then, tourism and leisure as we know them today were still in their infancy," says f.re.e project manager Katrin Leideritz. "Air travel was only just beginning to become affordable, and leisure activities as an important part of life were also largely a new phenomenon. But one thing hasn't changed: Anyone wanting to discover the latest trends in travel and leisure is in good hands at f.re.e."

Mediterranean Joy at the End of Winter: Partner Region Crete


While Greece was still unknown as a travel destination for many 55 years ago, the country has long since established itself as a popular destination. At f.re.e 2026, the country's largest island will be presented as a partner region: Crete stands for cultural diversity, Mediterranean joie de vivre, culinary delights, and impressive nature – from historical sites to spectacular mountain ranges and dreamy beaches.

The full diversity of Upper Bavaria in the exhibition halls


f.re.e 2026 has also entered into an experience partnership with Upper Bavaria. The region is bringing the full spectrum of its nature, culinary, and leisure offerings to Munich, making Upper Bavaria tangible directly in the exhibition halls – from mountain and lake landscapes to cultural traditions and family-friendly excursions and activities.

"We are delighted about the experience partnership with f.re.e,"
says Oswald Pehel, Managing Director of Tourism Upper Bavaria. "It offers us a unique platform to make the diversity of Upper Bavaria's strong destinations and experience partners directly accessible in the immediate vicinity of f.re.e – from our Alpine landscapes and numerous leisure facilities to our cultural traditions. Our goal is to inspire people to seek out authentic, sustainable, and regional experiences."

Paddling, diving, climbing: Action and participation areas at f.re.e


In 2026, the approximately 900 exhibitors at f.re.e will once again offer a wide range of activities, experiences, and information. Key themes include travel, caravanning & camping, cycling, water sports, and outdoor & fitness. Visitors can discover new things in the seven exhibition halls and try out many activities through hands-on exhibits. These include the bicycle and mountain bike course, the water basin for canoes and stand-up paddleboards, introductory scuba diving sessions, the climbing tower, and many other outdoor and fitness activities.

An extensive stage program with lectures, panel discussions, shows, and live music – including the f.re.e stage powered by Radio Arabella – complements the trade fair experience and provides valuable tips, inspiration, and entertainment.

Volvo sent two security guards through the exhibition hall at the Munich Auto Days. Photo: Helga Waess (Archiv)



For just one ticket, you can experience three events at the Munich Trade Fair Center:


  • The f.re.e travel and leisure fair,
  • the IMOT,
  • and the Munich Auto Days.


A special advantage for all guests:

A single ticket grants access to all three events.

Reserved area - Photographer - at the classic car meet, photo:  Helga Waess (Pressearchiv)

 TERMINE: 
  • Die Reise- und Freizeitmesse f.re.e 2026 findet vom 18. bis 22. Februar 2026 in den Hallen der Messe München statt, 
  • die IMOT - Internationale Motorradausstellung 2026 läuft ebendort von Freitag, 20. Februar bis Sonntag, 22. Februar 2026  
  • und die beliebten Münchner Autotage - die große Autoverkaufsmesse - öffnet dort von Mittwoch, 18. Februar bis Sonntag, 22. Februar 2026 die Türen. 

 

Die 55. Reise- und Freizeitmesse f.re.e 

Themen sind Reisen, Caravaning & Camping, Wassersport, Outdoor & Fitness sowie alles rund um das Fahrrad.

Besucher erhalten einen umfassenden Marktüberblick in diesen Bereichen, können Reisen direkt buchen und Produkte gleich vor Ort testen und erwerben. Zusätzliche Information und Unterhaltung verspricht das abwechslungsreiche Rahmenprogramm.

Informationen: free-muenchen.de