Where in Germany Was National Lampoon’s Vacation Filmed?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic 1983 comedy film “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you might be curious to know where some of the iconic scenes were filmed. While the movie is set in various parts of the United States, several scenes were actually shot in Germany.

The Autobahn Scene

One of the most memorable scenes from the movie takes place on Germany’s famous Autobahn. The scene shows Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) trying to pass a slow-moving truck while driving a rental car on the Autobahn. This scene was actually filmed on a stretch of highway near Frankfurt, Germany.

The Hotel Scene

Another memorable scene from “National Lampoon’s Vacation” takes place at a hotel in Germany. In this scene, Clark and his family check into a hotel that turns out to be much less desirable than they expected. This scene was filmed at the Hotel Flora in Munich, Germany.

The Oktoberfest Scene

One of the most hilarious scenes in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” takes place at Oktoberfest in Germany. In this scene, Clark and his family get very drunk and cause chaos at the festival. This scene was actually filmed at Bavaria Film Studios in Munich, rather than at an actual Oktoberfest event.

The German Countryside Scene

In another scene from the movie, Clark and his family are seen driving through what appears to be rural German countryside. This scene was actually filmed on location near Kassel, Germany.

The Bottom Line

While “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is set primarily in the United States, several key scenes were actually filmed on location in Germany. From the Autobahn to Oktoberfest and beyond, these scenes help make the movie a classic comedy that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

If you’re a fan of the movie and ever find yourself in Germany, you might consider taking a trip to some of these filming locations to see them for yourself. With their stunning scenery and rich history, these locations are definitely worth a visit.