looming price surge in the Free State region!
Camping Costs in Thuringia Increase Ahead of Holidays
With inflation and rising costs affecting various sectors, German holidaymakers face additional expenses this season, particularly in Thuringia. According to recent reports from campsite operators, camping holidaymakers will encounter higher overnight fees and additional costs this year.
The surge in costs is due to increased operational expenses, primarily higher personnel costs and increased electricity expenses, which campsite operators are passing on to campers. Camping holidays, however, still remain more affordable compared to conventional accommodations and options abroad, assures Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association.
Based on data from camping.info, the average cost for two people, including a pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax in Thuringia has increased by approximately 4.2% this year compared to 2024, amounting to €24.21. This places Thuringia among the most affordable federal states for campers, with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's average at €33.20 and the German average at €28.86.
The rising demand for camping sites, fueled by both economic factors and the appeal of Thuringia's natural attractions, has contributed to the increase in prices. To retain staff in the competitive job market, campsites are offering fair wages, escalating overnight charges. For instance, the overnight rates at Luetschesee camping site in Oberhof have been increased this year, following similar price adjustments at the Hohenfelden campsite in Weimar region.
At the Meyersgrund campsite in Ilmenau, prices for tourists remain constant for now, with the exception of increases for long-term campers. Notably, the upcoming long Ascension and Pentecost weekends are traditionally popular among campers, with many sites already booked out for these periods.
The heightened popularity of camping, driven by an increased interest in affordable, nature-based travel options, and the booming numbers of overnight stays in Thuringia contributed to the rise in costs. In 2024, the number of overnight stays in Thuringia increased by 6.1% compared to the previous year, surpassing 846,000. Approximately 314,000 vacationers stayed at the nearly 100 camping and caravan sites, with an average stay of 2.7 days.
Thuringia offers natural treasures, such as the Hainich National Park and primeval beech forests, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, thereby also driving demand for camping in the region. However, both the increasing demand for campsites and the rising operational costs contribute to higher prices for campers.
- With the surge in operational expenses within the camping industry, such as heightened personnel costs and electricity expenses, many campsite operators are passing these increased costs onto their patrons, affecting the affordability of camping holidays.
- Despite the increases in costs, camping holidays in Thuringia continue to be a more affordable option compared to conventional accommodations and those abroad, according to Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association.
- The booming demand for camping sites, both due to economic factors and the allure of Thuringia's natural attractions, has led to increased prices in the finance sector, with popular sites like Luetschesee camping site in Oberhof and Hohenfelden campsite in Weimar region raising their overnight rates.
