Thuringia Takes Third Place in ADAC Camper of the Year 2026 Final

The 65th CARAVAN SALON 2026 took place in Düsseldorf from August 28 to September 6, drawing over 259,000 visitors. A record 834 exhibitors from 41 countries participated. Among the premieres were the Dethleffs C.Core concept with expandable solar panels producing up to 600W and a water recycling system, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, and the premium Westfalia Columbus Liner with a three-level layout. The next edition, CARAVAN SALON 2027, is scheduled for August 27 to September 5, 2027, in Düsseldorf.

Promobil compared kitchen areas in seven caravan models designed for couples. The article notes that caravan kitchens generally offer more space than those in motorhomes: almost always a three-burner cooker and a larger sink, with optional gas oven, microwave, and sometimes an extractor hood. The comparison considered worktop size, fridge volume, cutlery drawers, and storage for cookware and spices. The review covers models from budget entry-level to luxury flagship with front kitchen.

At the Caravan-Salon in Düsseldorf, five trends in camping are on display. In the lower price segment, new caravan models are more compact and lighter, while motorhomes forgo some equipment, including fixed bathrooms. In the premium segment, autonomy is growing with higher-capacity lithium batteries, large solar arrays and inverters, and all-wheel-drive expedition motorhomes are booming. For some holidaymakers, motorhomes are being replaced by modular solutions based on ordinary cars, including roof tents. Electric drive remains a niche: Volkswagen is presenting its first fully electric California variant, the ID.California Cruise. According to the European Commission, Europe recorded around 413 million overnight stays at campsites, accounting for 13.4% of all tourist overnight stays in the EU; over ten years, the figure rose by 28.5%.

A motorhome disappeared from a parking lot on Hauptstrasse in Oybin on Wednesday afternoon. Between 13:30 and 15:45, unknown perpetrators took a white Citroen Jumper along with bicycles mounted on the rear carrier and personal items from inside. Damage is estimated at around 65,000 euros. Police have launched a search, including across borders, as such a vehicle could be quickly moved or taken abroad.

Warendorf police are searching for the driver of a motorhome with a trailer who was traveling on Flurstraße toward Sassenberger Straße in Warendorf on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at around 9:45 a.m. and collided with an 18-year-old cyclist. The incident occurred at the junction with Jacobowskistraße, where the cyclist was riding toward Flurstraße. The cyclist fell, and the motorhome driver continued without providing assistance. Police are asking witnesses to call 02581/94100-0 or email.

German manufacturer Bürstner has unveiled the Signature SMT 7.0 motorhome on a Mercedes Sprinter AL-KO chassis. Previously, the Signature series was based on the Fiat Ducato AL-KO. The new model measures 7.35 m long, 2.27 m wide and 2.80 m high. The base price starts at €96,090, including a 150 hp engine, 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, MBUX multimedia system, reversing camera and a 15 Ah lithium battery. Options include the Free-Gas pack with a two-burner induction hob, two 540 Ah lithium batteries, two 110 W solar panels and a 3600 W inverter, as well as Truma 6E or DE and Alde heaters. The Signature range now comprises four models: SMT 7.4 and 7.5 with a central bed (without and with a drop-down bed, respectively), and SMT 7.0 and 7.1 with twin beds (without and with a drop-down bed).