European Football Championship in Leipzig: Hotels largely fully booked, alternatives in the surrounding area

Almost two months before the start of the European Football Championship, hotels in Leipzig are almost fully booked on match days. On the day of the match between the Netherlands and France on June 21, for example, there are basically no more beds available, said Axel Erhardt, Chairman of the Leipzig Hotel Alliance. For the matches between Portugal and the Czech Republic (June 18) and Croatia and Italy (June 24), a few rooms are still available.

Numerous events ensure high demand

The month of June is generally a very popular month - due to numerous trade fairs and congresses and the annual Bach Festival. "There will definitely be bottlenecks in the city area," says Erhardt. Guests must also be prepared for high accommodation costs. According to the Leipzig Hotel Alliance, beds could cost between 30 and 100 percent more - depending on demand and the occupancy situation. "You should book as early as possible," advises Erhardt. He considers it risky to rely on last-minute offers.

The Hotel Alliance is an association of 18 large hotels in the city, which offer a total of 4068 rooms.

Campsites and Leipzig's surrounding area as an alternative

According to some operators, however, there should still be enough places for soccer fans on the nearby campsites. However, the Kulkwitzer See campsite in the west of Leipzig, for example, has already received many bookings from Dutch people around match days. However, this is not unusual.

The managing director of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) in Saxony, Axel Klein, is confident that places in the Leipzig area will also benefit from the European Championships. Visitors could also consider the surrounding towns and communities in the Leipzig castle and lake district. "I am confident that everyone will find a place to stay overnight," said Klein. Especially as Leipzig is well connected to the region.

Leipzig is one of the ten German cities hosting matches at the European Football Championship. In addition to the three group matches in June, one of the round of 16 matches will be played in the Leipzig stadium on July 2.