Rise in fees for certain campgrounds - Rises in campsite fees at specific locations
Article:
Rising Costs Lead to Higher Fees at Some Camping Sites in Thuringia
Camping vacationers in Thuringia are faced with increased fees for overnight stays and additional costs at select sites this season. This includes some long-term campers, according to operators' reports obtained by dpa. The hike in prices is due to surging operational expenses for the site owners, with higher personnel costs and electricity bills being the primary culprits.
Despite the price increase, camping remains a relatively affordable accommodation option in Thuringia, compared to other choices and foreign destinations, as per Reinhard Schniz, chairman of the Association of Thuringian Camping Industry. The "camping.info" portal recently disclosed that the typical costs for two people, including pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax in Thuringia have risen by about 4.2% compared to 2024 this year. On average, 24.21 euros are charged, placing Thuringia among the most cost-effective states for campers. For comparison, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with its popular Baltic Sea coast destinations charges 33.20 euros, while the national average is 28.86 euros.
Personnel costs have proven to be a challenge for campsite operators. A representative from the Luetschesee campsite near Oberhof stated it was hard to obtain staff and retaining them required fair compensation. Consequently, overnight stay prices have been raised at the campsite with 150 pitches for motorhomes, camping trailers, and tents this year. Similar increases have been instituted at the Hohenfelden campsite (Weimarer Land), where overnight stay costs have been adjusted according to season.
At the Meyersgrund campsite near Ilmenau, tourist rates remain constant for the moment, but there have been price hikes for long-term campers. Pricing varies across sites, with some offering showering and electricity in a comprehensive package, while others levy separate charges for showering, electricity, and waste disposal.
During the long Ascension and Pentecost weekends, campsites are typically fully booked, as reported by Meyersgrund co-owner Manuela Zanker. This year has been particularly favorable for camping enthusiasts, with a combination of late Easter, May Day, and a bridge day providing ideal spring weather and drawing a good number of tourists. The booking situation for holidays is also positive, according to Schniz.
Camping has seen a boom in recent years, with the number of overnight stays in Thuringia increasing by 6.1 percent compared to the previous year to over 846,000 in 2024, as reported by the Thuringian Statistical Office. Nearly 314,000 vacationers stayed on the almost 100 camping and caravan sites, averaging a stay of 2.7 days.
Factors Contributing to Price Increases
Increased personnel costs, higher electricity and energy prices, maintenance and upgrade expenses, and general inflation are factors contributing to price surges at campsites, though data specific to Thuringia was not provided in the search results. Each of these factors can drive up expenses for campsite operators, who must pass these additional costs onto consumers through higher fees.
- In light of rising costs, some community policies might need to address the affordability of vocational training for locals working in the home-and-garden, travel, or vacation industries, given the increased expenses at campsites and potential impact on their income.
- Amidst the growing popularity of camping and rising fees, individuals considering vocational training in the hospitality or travel sector could explore lifestyle options that prioritize home-and-garden based careers, which may offer lower costs and a more steady income.
