Camping site in Rheurdt: 170 permanent campers suddenly need a new home

German company Sealander has unveiled the world's first caravan that can float and move on water like a small boat. The 469 cm long and 166 cm wide model weighs only 750 kg, allowing it to be towed by a standard car without a special license. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic hull with double bottom is designed for calm waters with waves up to 30 cm and winds up to 4 Beaufort. Inside, there are two seats, a table, and a double bed (205×151 cm), plus options: stove, sink, sound system, solar panels, grill, chemical toilet, and shower. The base price is €39,750, excluding the outboard motor (recommended 5–10 hp), which is sold separately. Orders are open in Europe, with first deliveries expected this autumn.

German company Sealander has introduced a trailer that can be used as a camper and as a boat. The trailer, measuring 4.69 meters in length and weighing 750 kg, can be towed by a small car. On water, it reaches about 10 km/h with a 5-10 hp motor. The base price in Germany is 39,750 euros, excluding the motor.

Phoenix will present two new models at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (August 28 – September 6): the flagship Top Liner 9000 BMLX on a MAN TGL chassis and the all-wheel-drive Star 7200 RSL on a Mercedes Sprinter 519 CDI. The Top Liner 9000 BMLX features a refreshed design and starts at €416,000, while the Star 7200 RSL with a rear lounge and bike garage starts at €225,900. Both models come with new LED lighting and a bright interior.

A study by Autotrader identified the three best European road trips for traveling with a dog. The top spot goes to Spain's Costa Brava (125 km, 50 rest stops, 13 open areas, 11 dog parks), followed by the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland (120 km, 23 rest stops, 17 open areas, 2 parks) and Germany's Romantic Road (286 km, 36 rest stops, 29 open areas, 6 parks). It is noted that dogs must be secured in the vehicle using a harness, grille, or carrier.

Florian Lill, a 31-year-old programmer, has been living and working in a converted Peugeot Boxer camper van since 2022. He travels across Europe from the North Cape to Greece, spending about 1,500 euros a month. Lill says he feels lonely more often in cities than in nature and urges fellow travelers to respect the freedom of movement.

Overnight stays in a motorhome are permitted under certain conditions during travel, but the line between allowed rest and unauthorized camping is easily crossed, with potential legal consequences. Not every publicly accessible area falls under public law, which can result in fines.