Rise in fees for specific camping spots - Campsite fee hike observed at certain locations
Increased Costs on Some Camping Sites in Thuringia Affect Vacationers
Vacationers planning camping trips in Thuringia might find themselves paying more for overnight stays and additional costs during the current season. This applies to long-term campers as well, according to reports from site operators. The increase in operating costs for the site operators is the primary cause, with heightened personnel costs and energy expenses being the main factors.
Despite the price hikes, a camping vacation remains a budget-friendly option compared to other accommodation types in Thuringia, asserts Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Association of Thuringian Camping Industry. According to camping.info, the average costs for two people, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax, have risen by approximately 4.2% compared to 2024, with an average of €24.21 due. Thuringia ranks among the more affordable states for campers, as the cost stands at €33.20 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the national average is €28.86.
Camping site representatives attribute the expanded personnel costs as the primary reason for the price increase at specific locations. For instance, a spokesperson for the camping site at Lütschesee near Oberhof mentions that substantial wage enhancements are necessary to secure and retain staff. Consequently, overnight prices have been raised this year for this site, which accommodates motorhomes, camping trailers, and tents.
Over on the camping site Hohenfelden (Weimarer Land), overnight costs have gone up this year, varying depending on the season. Once more, increased personnel costs are noted as the primary contributor, according to Nadin Frey, the site's businesswoman. The costs for tourists on the Meyersgrund camping site near Ilmenau have stayed the same thus far but have risen for long-term campers. Pricing differs from site to site, with some locations providing inclusive packages that cover showering and electricity, while others charge separately for these services and waste disposal.
Popular long weekends, such as Ascension and Pentecost, continue to attract campers, with many sites being fully booked. Manuela Zanker, co-owner of Meyersgrund, highlights the full capacity of their site during these traditional camping favourites. The favorable calendar for camping enthusiasts has already yielded impressive visitation, according to Schniz, with a successful turnout during the early part of the season.
The boom in camping has been prevalent for several years, with Thuringia recording an increase of 6.1% in overnight stays in 2024 compared to the previous year, totaling over 846,000, as reported by the Statistical Office of Thuringia. Around 314,000 vacationers opted for overnight stays on the nearly 100 camping and caravan sites in Thuringia, averaging about 2.7 days per visit.
- Given the rising costs at camping sites, some vacationers might consider alternatives for their lifestyle, such as vocational training programs in home-and-garden or travel industries, to offset the increased expenses on camping trips.
- As the camping industry sees increased costs due to heightened personnel costs and energy expenses, it might be beneficial for long-term campers to explore vocational training opportunities in vocational training, home-and-garden, or travel sectors, aligning their lifestyles with their vocations, thereby potentially reducing their dependency on camping and subsequent expenses.
