Camping in Germany

From the North Sea and Baltic Sea to the Alps

Year after year, statistics show that Germans prefer to go on holiday in their own country. And why not? From Saxon Switzerland to the Lüneburg Heath, from the North and Baltic Sea coasts to the mountains, Germany's campsites offer something to suit everyone's taste. The variety of landscapes is complemented by further amenities: A short journey on well-maintained roads, good value for money and staff who speak the same language are clear advantages of camping in Germany.

The most popular campsites in Germany

Whether it's a weekend trip or a caravan tour lasting several weeks, anyone travelling in Germany will never have to search long for a place to stay. The country is dotted with campsites all over the country. However, Germany's most popular holiday regions are spread along the edges, for example along the North Sea and Baltic coasts in Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Most of the highest category campsites can be found there, especially on the coast of the Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn. The scenic regions around the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Lüneburg Heath between Bremen and Hamburg also attract many guests to camping in Germany every year.

Active holidaymakers use the campsites in Germany

Germany not only has an excellent road network, but also a well-developed system of cycle paths and hiking trails. Accordingly, Germany's campsites are ideally suited for active holidaymakers - and many regions have long since adapted to this. The service often goes far beyond the usual maps available at reception. Guided tours are often offered, and e-bikes are also available for hire. Campsite operators are also aware that cyclists and hikers on multi-day tours often only arrive with the bare essentials. Many campsites in Germany therefore have special areas for tent campers. If you don't have your own sleeping accommodation with you, many campsites in Germany offer original rental accommodation such as sleeping barrels.

Wellness and camping: no contradiction in Germany

Whether it's active holidaymakers who want to relax after a strenuous tour or guests who are looking for maximum relaxation on holiday and are travelling here specifically for this purpose: The demand for wellness offers at campsites in Germany has increased steadily in recent years - and it is also being diligently catered for. Many campsites in Germany now have extensive facilities, such as saunas, bathing areas, fitness rooms and beauty treatments, which ensure a relaxed feel-good atmosphere.

Families with children and pensioners right next door

Hikers, cyclists and other active holidaymakers are an important target group in many regions. However, camping in Germany is also particularly popular with pensioners and families with children. On the one hand, this is due to the good price-performance ratio: there is hardly any other country where you can camp so cheaply in comparable quality categories. On the other hand, the wide range of leisure activities on most campsites in Germany ensure that periods of bad weather can be easily endured, even with small children.

Camping in Germany: The renaissance of the tent

Many campsites in Germany have distinct areas for permanent campers, which occasionally has an impact on the overall ambience. Rental accommodation is generally on the rise - the authorisation procedures in Germany are complicated. Fortunately, the rules for setting up mobile homes for hire have recently been relaxed, especially in the northern federal states. As a result, many camps are still proper campsites, at least in part. For some years now, camping has even been back in fashion. New technical developments have resulted in spacious tunnel and dome tents with separate living and sleeping areas, in which families can comfortably populate Germany's campsites in many places.

The most beautiful regions for camping in Germany

Deep forests, rough seas or rugged mountains: from almost anywhere in Germany, you can be in the region of your choice within a few hours. The landscapes are as varied as the activities on offer. Here is a brief introduction to three particularly beautiful regions:

North Sea and Baltic Sea

Whether white sand on Sylt or chalk cliffs on Rügen. The North and Baltic Seas always have their charm. Those who like wind in their hair, a rough climate and high waves are better off on the North Sea coast. Families with children can build sandcastles and search for amber on the tranquil Baltic Sea.

Saxon Switzerland

On the border with the Czech Republic and Poland, the Elbe Sandstone rises up from the vast Saxon forest in impressive formations. Between the numerous gorges and ravines, nature lovers get their money's worth in the national park, whether on a leisurely walk or a steep climb on the via ferrata.

Allgäu

Lush green vegetation, clear, cold mountain lakes and high peaks: King Ludwig II, who had his fairytale castle Neuschwanstein built above Hohenschwangau near Füssen, fell in love with this Alpine region in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Today, the region is an Eldorado for mountain bikers, hikers and mountaineers.

Camping in Germany is changing

For a long time, Germany's campsites were mainly populated by permanent campers. However, the frugal long-term guest is generally on the decline when it comes to camping in Germany. However, thanks to well-developed roads and a stable economic situation, the number of motorhome campers is steadily increasing. Many site operators are ready for a reorientation: more and more sites are creating stand areas with service stations and investing in modernisation. In many places, there are new sanitary areas and comfort pitches that are also suitable for large camping vehicles due to their dimensions and offer plenty of privacy. There is also a growing awareness of the need to operate campsites in an ecologically responsible manner. More than 200 campsites in Germany now carry the Ecocamping label.

Tips for camping in Germany

Camping - in whatever form - is very popular in Germany. And not just for multi-day holidays. If you want to stay at one of Germany's campsites at the weekend, you should therefore ask in advance whether there is still space available. This applies above all to the classic tourist regions, but also especially around North Rhine-Westphalia. Many passionate campers live there who enjoy spending their free time on the campsites in the immediate vicinity. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it is also worth clarifying the payment arrangements before travelling. More and more campsite operators want to be paid in advance - if you leave early, it can be difficult to get your money back.