Camping offers scenic tranquility and a sense of accomplishment, making the experience worthwhile amidst its rugged beauty.
Camped out in Thuringia
Thuringia has long been a hub for camping enthusiasts, but it hasn't reached its full potential yet. After the pandemic, the camping craze is stronger than ever!
The virus brought feelings of despair and a major shift in our lifestyle choices. Even in leisure time, we've adapted to new habits.
Years later, some of these changes are still here to stay. The entire camper van market experienced an explosion during the pandemic, as vacationing abroad became impossible. Domestic destinations, like Thuringia, suddenly became the new hot spot.
The camping dream is going nowhere
Although travel restrictions have eased, the camping boom persists. Even the baby boomers are fueling this growth with their financial means, good health, and ample free time.
Camping comes in many forms - from roughing it with a backpack tent, to living the high life in a luxurious mobile home. A camping holiday isn't exactly cheap, but it's generally still less expensive than a traditional vacation. The dream – escaping the mundane, relaxing in breathtaking landscapes, living close to nature – remains alive. Ultimately, it's all about finding a balance between reality and our desires. And Thuringia offers plenty of beautiful spots in woodlands and by bodies of water.
Worth a peek
Camping Central: Thuringia's Rising StarIn the fierce competition for guests who travel within Germany, Thuringia has an edge over other states due to its prime location. And this advantage is even more significant due to the comparatively lower costs. The key is to make the most of it.
Key Points
- Shift to Local and Nature-Based Holidays: Many travelers prefer domestic trips and nature-focused stays, like camping, as safer and more adaptable alternatives to international or city tourism, a trend that continues in 2025 despite financial concerns and altered budgets for some Germans[5].
- Proactive and Confident Reservation Habits: The market's durability is supported by early bookings and increased consumer confidence. Germans have been spending more on package holidays, with a substantial portion of summer and winter vacation bookings made well ahead of time, suggesting strong demand for camping holidays[5].
- Thuringia's Appeal: Known for its stunning sceneries, dense forests, and nature parks, Thuringia appeals to camping enthusiasts seeking relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Growing Tourism Sector: Thuringia has experienced rapid growth in tourism within Germany, with a 6.1% increase, demonstrating its growing popularity among domestic travelers who dominate the camping market[5].
- Attracting International Campers: While domestic tourists drive the market, Thuringia also attracts international campers thanks to its infrastructure supporting motorhome and campervan use, which is popular across Germany[1].
In essence, Thuringia's camping market boom post-pandemic is driven by a persistent preference for safe, nature-focused vacations, proactive booking habits, and the region's natural allure combined with growing investment in the tourism sector. These factors combined make Thuringia an appealing destination for campers from all over Germany and beyond[1][5].
- The camping dream, fueled by an increased desire for local and nature-based holidays, especially after the pandemic, is setting Thuringia apart as a rising star in home-and-garden and travel industries.
- The camping fervor continues stronger than ever, with baby boomers contributing to the boom and finding Thuringia's beautiful spots in woodlands and by bodies of water a perfect lifestyle choice for escaping mundane reality.
