European Commission Reveals Outcomes of Environmental Year's Influence
In 2022, a whopping 13 million Germans declared their love for camping! They can't get enough of this affordable, sustainable, and nature-oriented vacation style - whether it's with a motorhome, caravan, or camper.
The Allure of Adventure and Nature
The reasons why camping is so popular among the Germans center around flexibility, affordability, sustainability, and safety, as well as the opportunity to connect with nature. This trend has led to a boom in camping tourism.
A survey among those interested in caravanning revealed some key findings:
- Freedom: Self-determination and independence are highly valued by campers.
- Close to Nature: Experiencing the great outdoors is one of the main attractions of camping.
The search for adventure and the chance to get away from daily life makes camping an ever more popular vacation choice in Germany.
Comfort and Safety Key for Germans
In addition to independence, comfort and safety are of utmost importance to Germans when camping.
Who's Camping the Most?
The average camper in Germany is 39 years old, lives in a three-person household, and is an employee. men make up the majority of campers (56%), but women also have a high demand for camping fun (44%).
Sharing the Joy of Camping
Campers are social beings who prefer to share the camping experience with their partners or family rather than traveling alone.
Planning and Frequency
When it comes to planning, most Germans don't finalize their vacation arrangements six months in advance. Instead, they often make decisions within a month before their trip, making them more spontaneous than one might think. The majority of campers go on vacations two to four times a year.
Pricing for Camping Sites in Europe
According to statistics, the most expensive camping sites can be found in Switzerland and Italy, with average overnight prices of 54 euros per night. In contrast, the cheapest camping sites are located in Sweden and Germany, where campers pay around 35 euros per night.
Number of Camping Sites in Germany
Germany has 2,862 camping sites with a total of 209,103 available pitches. The federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg have the most camping sites.
Travel Preferences
When traveling, 70.8 percent of Germans prefer to use a camper van, while 14.2 percent prefer a motorhome, and 7 percent go for an overlander. Most camping enthusiasts spend between 10,000 and 30,000 euros on their travel vehicle.
The Impact of Corona on Caravanning
The Corona crisis has led many newcomers to discover camping for themselves, resulting in increased demand for caravans and motorhomes in Germany. In 2021 alone, 25,000 caravans and 82,000 motorhomes were newly registered.
Hygiene While Camping
A survey revealed that among 1,215 campers surveyed, 56 percent said they don't pay much attention to personal hygiene while camping, while 44 percent follow the same hygiene routine as at home. Many campers prefer to use their own sanitary facilities rather than those on campsites. The sanitary facilities on campsites were generally rated as satisfactory to poor by respondents.
Popular Camping Destinations in 2023
According to a survey, most campers will travel in Europe in 2023, with 629 deciding to camp in Germany, and 361 staying in the region. This suggests that people are planning trips close to home due to the ongoing pandemic.
Sustainable Camping
Sustainability remains an essential topic in 2023, and camping can contribute to the environment if certain factors are considered. A study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg (ifeu) indicates that camping can be made more sustainable with deliberate actions.
In conclusion, camping's flexibility, affordability, connection to nature, and sustainability continue to make it increasingly popular in Germany. With growing demand and a greater focus on sustainable practices, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
- Many Germans, drawn by the allure of adventure and nature, are choosing camping as an affordable and sustainable lifestyle option, embracing it for its flexibility, independence, and close-to-nature experiences.
- Home-and-garden lovers seeking a change of scenery might find the travel aspect of camping appealing, as Germans often prefer to travel with their families or partners rather than alone, transforming their camping trips into a home-away-from-home experience.
