Camping fees rise at specific locations - Campsite cost hike noticed at selected locations
Rising Costs Push Up Tent and Caravan Prices on Some Thuringia Camping Sites
Campers in the German state of Thuringia are facing higher prices for overnight stays and additional costs at some camping sites this season. This situation also affects long-term campers, as reported by site operators in response to dpa inquiries. The cause of this price increase is escalating operating costs for the site owners. Primarily, increased labor costs and surging electricity costs are being incurred.
Despite the price hikes, a camping vacation in Thuringia remains more affordable compared to other forms of accommodation within the state and abroad. Reinhard Schniz, the chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association, confirmed this, stating that camping sites offer a cost-effective option for vacationers.
According to the "camping.info" online portal, the average costs for two people, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax, have increased by approximately 4.2 percent in Thuringia compared to next year. The current average cost is 24.21 euros. In comparison, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with its popular coastal locations, charges 33.20 euros, while the national average stands at 28.86 euros.
"It's challenging to secure staff," reported a spokesperson from a camping site on Lake Luetschesee near Oberhof. To retain their employees, they must offer competitive wages. Consequently, overnight prices have risen at this site, which accommodates over 150 motorhomes, caravan trailers, and tents. Similarly, overnight stays are more expensive this year on the camping site Hohenfelden in the Weimar region, with the main factor being higher personnel costs, as confirmed by business manager Nadin Frey.
However, prices for tourists on the Meyersgrund camping site near Ilmenau have remained unchanged thus far. Nevertheless, there are price increases for long-term campers, with pricing varying from site to site. Some sites provide showering and electricity as part of a comprehensive package, while others charge for these services separately along with waste disposal.
traditionally attract campers, such as the Ascension and Pentecost weekends. "We are fully booked," said co-owner Manuela Zanker of Meyersgrund. This year, the calendar is favorable for camping enthusiasts, with relatively late Easter and the 1st of May coupled with a bridge day, providing excellent weather for spring camping. "The booking situation for the holidays is also good," reported Schniz.
The number of overnight stays in Thuringia increased by 6.1 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the State Statistical Office. Around 314,000 vacationers spent the night on the nearly 100 camping and caravan sites, with an average stay of 2.7 days.
- Due to increased labor costs and rising electricity bills, some community policies in Thuringian camping sites have been adjusted, leading to higher costs for vocational training, such as providing competitive wages for seasonal staff, thereby impacting the overall prices for overnight stays.
- Despite the increment in prices for certain camping sites in Thuringia, the modest cost of a camping lifestyle still makes it a more feasible and budget-friendly vacation option compared to other forms of accommodation, both within the state and abroad, especially for travel-conscious individuals seeking a cost-effective vacation choice.
