Anticipated price surge in the Free State!
Hitting Your Wallet Hard: The Soaring Costs of Camping Holidays in Thuringia
The recent news is flooded with stories about skyrocketing prices, and Thuringia isn't spared. As the festive season approaches, campers are bracing for another blow to their wallets. With prices creeping up, Thuringia still manages to keep a semblance of affordability compared to other spots.
Camping Holidays in Thuringia: Now More Expensive Too
Campers in Thuringia are set to shell out more for their holiday getaways this season. Long-term campers are feeling the pinch most, due to increased operational costs, chiefly personnel expenses and rising electricity costs. Reinhard Schniz, chairperson of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association, reassures us that Thuringia's camping holidays, despite the price hike, remain a budget-friendly option compared to other accommodation types and even international destinations.
According to camping.info, the average cost for two people, including a pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax, has risen by around 4.2% in Thuringia this year, amounting to approximately 24.21 euros. This compares favorably with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at 33.20 euros and the German average at 28.86 euros.
Employees Demand Fair Compensation
Staff shortages are a common issue, according to a spokesperson for the Lütschesee campsite near Oberhof. To retain them, workers need to be paid "fairly." This year, the campsite has had to raise its overnight prices. Similarly, the Hohenfelden campsite (Weimar region) has also upped its prices, with variations between peak and off-peak seasons. The main factor behind the price increase? Soaring personnel costs.
At the Meyersgrund campsite near Ilmenau, prices for tourists have remained stable, with increases only for long-term campers. Pricing inconsistencies exist across campsites; some include showering and electricity in a comprehensive package, while others charge extra for these services.
"Completely Booked Out"
The long Ascension Day and Pentecost weekends are traditionally popular among campers. "We're completely booked out," said Manuela Zanker, co-owner of Meyersgrund. This year, the calendar is favorable for camping enthusiasts, with late Easter and the 1st of May combined with a bridge day boosting attendance at campsites, as reported by Schniz. "The booking situation for the holidays is also looking good."
Camping has been gaining popularity for several years. In 2024, overnight stays in Thuringia increased by 6.1 percent compared to the previous year, reaching over 846,000, as reported by the Statistical Office of the Free State. Around 314,000 vacationers stayed on the almost 100 camping and caravan sites, with an average stay of 2.7 days.
Whether you're planning a camping holiday in Thuringia or other regions in Germany or international destinations, budget- conscious travellers should consider factors such as seasonality, regional variations, and amenities offered. Camping costs in Europe and beyond can vary significantly, with Western European countries possibly having higher costs compared to Eastern European countries and other international destinations. It's important to weigh your options to find budget-friendly yet enjoyable camping experiences.
To accommodate rising personnel and electricity costs, camping holidays in Thuringia will cost more this season, making travel expenses a significant part of the lifestyle for campers. In comparison to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the German average, Thuringia remains a more budget-friendly option for camping holidays.
