Interforst 2026 in Munich, Germany

Interforst 2026 — a leading international exhibition for forestry and forest technology, held every four years, bringing together the industry at Messe München.

The Interforst 2026 format includes a multi-sector exposition, a business program, live demonstrations of machinery, and practical showcases on open-air grounds.

History of Interforst: Half a Century of Forestry Technology Evolution

The first Interforst took place in 1970 and quickly became a hub for manufacturers of machinery, equipment, and forest-related services.

In 2018, the exhibition attracted around 50,000 visitors and over 450 exhibitors across an area exceeding 75,000 m² — a benchmark for industry events.

In 2022, despite a condensed format, 353 companies from over 20 countries exhibited, with approximately 31,000 attendees, focusing on forest restoration, Forest 4.0, and forest protection.

Video: The Interforst Atmosphere in a Few Minutes

A short video featuring demonstration zones, heavy machinery, and innovative booth displays.

About the Interforst 2026 Event: What Happens On-Site

Topics: forest restoration and care, forest protection, timber harvesting and transportation, wood processing, wood-based energy solutions, digitalization and IT, and occupational safety.

Formats: forums and congresses, the DLG ForstPraxis demonstration arena with live showcases of harvesters, forwarders, and specialized equipment, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS shows, and practical workshops.

Audience: forest owners and forestry agencies, contractors, machinery manufacturers and dealers, municipalities, wood processing companies, research centers, and industry associations.

Advantages of Interforst: Numbers and Logistics That Drive Deals

• Messe München — 18 halls and approximately 200,000 m² of indoor space plus 414,000 m² of open-air areas: ample room for heavy machinery and test zones.
• Expectations for 2026: 17,000 m² of halls + 58,000 m² of open-air exposition, 450 exhibitors, and up to 40,000 professional visitors.
• Proof points from past years: 2018 — ~50,000 visitors, 450+ exhibitors; 2022 — ~31,000 visitors, 353 exhibitors.
• Focus on practice: demonstrations at the DLG ForstPraxis Arena and applied content — a fast track from interest to pilot projects.

Companies to Look for at Interforst

• John Deere Forestry. Showcases lines of harvesters and forwarders alongside a digital services ecosystem. In past editions, the brand stood out both on the testing grounds and in open-air expositions.
• STIHL. Beyond professional felling and maintenance systems, the brand traditionally supports captivating TIMBERSPORTS performances — a great draw for booth and show zone traffic.
• Husqvarna. Chainsaws, battery-powered tools, protective gear, and arborist solutions. In Munich, the team emphasizes safety and ergonomics.
• Ponsse. Specialists in forwarders and harvesters for various felling conditions. At Interforst, they typically showcase new configurations and telemetry updates.
• Komatsu Forest. Full-line harvesting machines; live demonstrations in the arena focus on fuel efficiency and productivity analysis.
• Palfinger Epsilon. Crane solutions and control systems for forestry logistics; past years featured demos of “smart” joysticks and operator assistants.

The exhibitor lineup varies with each edition; the full list is published on the official Interforst 2026 website closer to the event date.

Product and Service Categories

• Machinery and equipment: harvesters, forwarders, skidding, lifting and transport equipment, saws, and accessories.
• Wood processing: splitters, mobile sawmills, inspection and metal detection lines, wood chips, and pellets.
• Energy solutions: wood-fuel boilers and systems, fuel logistics, and waste recycling equipment.
• Digital services: Forest 4.0, sensors and telemetry, AI analytics, cartography, and forest management software.
• Safety and occupational health: PPE, training, and risk reduction methods.
• Nurseries and forest restoration: planting stock, breeding, and care and protection systems.

Recommendations for Interforst 2026 Visitors

• Plan your day around demonstrations: start with the DLG ForstPraxis Arena, then visit booths relevant to your needs (harvesting, logistics, IT).
• Bring a “spec sheet”: land plots, volumes, tree species, and equipment requirements — this ensures targeted recommendations on-site.
• Allow time for open-air areas: transitions between the testing grounds and pavilions take longer than they appear on the map.
• Don’t miss thematic sessions: discussions on regulations, climate agendas, and subsidies directly impact ROI.
• Transport: U2 to Messestadt West/Ost; for cars — Messe München parking near the entrances.

How to Participate in Interforst 2026 as an Exhibitor

Follow these steps: submit an application, select your space (pavilion or open-air), order technical services (electricity, internet, suspensions), plan sample logistics and demonstrations, and prepare a back-office for leads.

Want an exhibition booth without stress? ESBAU will design and build an exposition tailored to your goals: from a compact demo corner to a complex open-air installation.

Have your own design but no production? ESBAU offers turnkey implementation or an exhibition stand rental with quick customization — ideal for a first-time Interforst 2026 appearance.

Need flexibility? Choose a modular stand from ESBAU with furniture and a media zone — transparent budgeting and ready for demonstrations from day one.