Skyrocketing campsite fees for motorhome users along the Elbe River - Skyrocketing expenses at Elbe River motorhome parking lot
In a surprising turn of events, camping prices in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have seen an upward trend, with popular destinations like Geesthacht, Sylt, and Rantum experiencing price hikes. This increase is primarily driven by a surge in travel demand, despite economic pressures such as inflation and rising living costs.
Holiday spending by Germans is projected to rise by approximately 6% in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating a stronger intent to travel, including camping vacations. This heightened demand has caused campsite operators to respond, leading to increased prices.
Year-round camping popularity is on the rise, with November and December booking spikes of 22.2% and 12.4% respectively, suggesting that camping is no longer just a summer activity. This increase in demand contrasts with some lifestyle cutbacks by travellers in other areas, demonstrating that camping remains a travel priority for many Germans.
Improvements in amenities at campsites, such as shaded pitches, playgrounds, sports grounds, and nearby water access, may also justify the higher pricing. While exact price changes year-on-year for specific campsites like those in Geesthacht, Sylt, and Rantum are not available, the overall trend in the region aligns with a broader surge in demand and holiday expenditure.
In Westerland, prices for motorhomes and caravans have risen to a range of 18.50 to 25 euros, compared to 14.50 to 25 euros last year. The increase is due to the comprehensive renovation of the campsite by the operator. In Rantum, prices now range between 16 and 31.50 euros, an increase from the previous range of 14.50 to 31.50 euros.
The motorhome campsite at Kappeln North Harbour on the Schlei now charges 20 euros for an overnight stay, including supply and disposal options, with an additional 5 euros for a trailer. On the "Insel Rügen Caravan Park" on the outskirts of Bergen, prices remain unchanged at 20 euros per night for a motorhome or caravan with two vacationers, including disposal, with an additional 5 euros for electricity.
At the Westhafen Campsite in Wismar, prices remain stable at 15 euros per motorhome for 24 hours, including disposal and waste. The "Havelberge Camping Resort" in Userin now charges motorhome owners 31.20 euros for their pitch in the main season, including electricity, an increase of 1.20 euros.
It is worth noting that the motorhome campsite in Geesthacht (Herzogtum Lauenburg district) has not had a price increase mentioned in the current data. Similarly, the Schäfer campsite in St. Peter-Ording, Schleswig-Holstein, has not had a price increase mentioned. The operator of the Schäfer campsite in St. Peter-Ording has kept prices stable for at least three to four years, but it's unclear if this will continue next year due to high property tax.
This combination of sustained travel enthusiasm amid economic pressures appears to be the main reason behind campsite price increases and a departure from any prior stagnation or decline in camping costs. The price increase is based on a resolution of the city council.
References: [1] Statista (2022). "Holiday spending in Germany". Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1166899/holiday-spending-in-germany/ [2] Camping.info (2022). "Camping in Schleswig-Holstein". Retrieved from https://www.camping.info/de/camping/schleswig-holstein/ [4] Camping.info (2022). "Camping in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern". Retrieved from https://www.camping.info/de/camping/mecklenburg-vorpommern/
- As Germans prepare to increase their holiday spending by 6% in 2025, the demand for community aid, such as campsites, is rising, which has prompted an increase in prices for camping vacations, with some campsites in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern seeing price hikes.
- Despite economic pressures like inflation and rising living costs, lifestyle choices indicate a strong intent to travel, including camping, as evidenced by the continued demand for year-round camping, even in off-peak seasons like November and December, thus justifying increases in research and development for improved camping facilities and amenities.
