Rises in fees at certain camping spots - Rise in Fees at Certain Camping Sites
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While camping remains an affordable holiday option in Thuringia, prices for overnight stays have increased on some campsites this season. This marginally higher cost is attributed to increased operational expenses, particularly higher labor costs and electricity bills, as confirmed by campground operators.
Thuringia, despite the price hike, continues to be one of the most cost-effective states for campers, with the average cost for two people, accounting for pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax, increasing by approximately 4.2% compared to 2024. On average, campers are expected to pay 24.21 euros. Comparatively, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with its popular Baltic Sea coast sites charges 33.20 euros, while the national average stands at 28.86 euros.
Personnel expenses are a significant concern for campsite operators in Thuringia. A spokesperson from the campsite at Lütschesee near Oberhof indicated that attracting and retaining staff necessitates competitive pay sets. As a result, overnight prices have been increased on the 150-pitch campsite. Similarly, the business manager of campsite Hohenfelden, located in the Weimar region, confirmed increased personnel costs as a key factor behind the higher overnight stay prices this year.
At campsite Meyersgrund near Ilmenau, prices for tourists have remained steady, but costs for long-term campers have risen. The pricing structure varies among sites, with some inclusive of showering, electricity, and waste disposal fees, while others charge separately for these services.
peak travel seasons, such as Ascension and Pentecost weekends, remain popular among campers. Manuela Zanker, co-owner of campsite Meyersgrund, reported that these weekends are already fully booked this year. The favorable calendar, with relatively late Easter and the combinable 1st of May offering ideal spring weather, has contributed to the strong turnout at campsites. According to Schniz, the booking situation for the holiday period is also positive.
Camping has witnessed a boom in recent years, with the number of overnight stays in Thuringia increasing by 6.1% in 2024, to over 846,000. Nearly 314,000 holidaymakers stayed at the nearly 100 camping and caravan sites in Thuringia, with an average stay of 2.7 days.
As for why camping prices have increased specifically in Thuringia, there is no specific information available. However, factors such as inflation, economic conditions, demand and supply, investment in facilities, and regulatory changes could contribute to price increases in the camping industry. For more detailed insights, it's best to consult local tourism boards or campsite management.
- The community policy in Thuringia, recognizing the significance of vocational training, has been encouraging campsite operators to invest in training programs for their staff, thereby aiming to enhance the lifestyle and professional skills of the workers and creating a harmonious home-and-garden environment for their guests.
- As more people opt for a rural camping lifestyle and the popularity of home-and-garden activities like fishing and hiking increases, vocational training opportunities in Thuringia have emerged, offering courses in non-traditional areas such as ecotourism and sustainable gardening, aligning with the region's eco-friendly focus and commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
