🇩🇪 Germany — OpenVan.camp
The Neue Scheune campsite in Ferch, municipality of Schwielowsee, is up for auction with a starting price of 395,000 euros. The approximately 41,850 sq m site includes six mobile homes of 20 to 29 sq m, sanitary and utility buildings, and around 86 permanent and 25 short-term pitches. About 17,467 sq m are privately owned, while 24,383 sq m are held under a heritable building right valid for 66 years, extendable by 20. The current owner will continue operating the campsite until at least 31 December 2026. Annual revenue is around 200,000 euros. The auction is conducted by Deutsche Grundstücksauktionen AG on 24 September at Hotel MOA Berlin.
Promobil has published an overview of mini caravans weighing up to 750 kg and slightly above, equipped with outdoor kitchens. The selection includes models currently available for order, among them the Caretta 1500 with a rear kitchen under a pop-up fiberglass hatch, a stainless steel work surface, and a 40-liter cooler on a pull-out tray in the 2024 model.
shz.de has published a guide to motorhome pitches in the region between Flensburg and Schleswig. The overview includes paid sites with views of the Schlei, a free stop in Flensburg city centre, and farm locations. The article is behind a paywall: the first month costs 99 cents, and an annual subscription is 2.75 euros per week.
At Caravan Salon 2026, Eura Mobil unveiled its new Vancona camper van series. The range is available in two lengths (5.95 m and 6.35 m) and three layouts: 595 HB, 635 HB, and 635 EB. The interior features indigo blue cabinets and panels with copper accents, plus light wood panels. The kitchen includes a Corian worktop with integrated sink and pull-out tap, two gas burners, and an 84-litre compressor fridge. The bathroom has a swivelling washbasin wall that rotates over the toilet to create a shower area. In Germany, the smallest model, the Vancona 595 HB, starts at €57,540; Dutch pricing, including VAT and BPM, has not yet been announced.
Since 2023, Germany has applied a zero VAT rate to the purchase of photovoltaic systems and their essential components, including stationary lithium batteries. However, this exemption does not apply to batteries used in motorhomes, even if they are connected to roof-mounted solar panels. When ordering online, buyers often confirm eligibility, which can lead to tax evasion. Tax authorities require proof of stationary use.
Northern Germany's largest camping fair, "Caravan und Co.", opened in Rendsburg. Schleswig-Holstein's Minister of Economic Affairs and Tourism Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) emphasised the industry's importance for the state.
The Caravan und Co show in Rendsburg presents three approaches to creating a camper: series off-road models, individual DIY conversions, and interior upgrade solutions. The event showcases various concepts for holidays on wheels.
German manufacturer Eriba, known for its caravans, has introduced the Car 600 based on the Volkswagen Crafter. The vehicle, 5.99 m long and 2.07 m wide, features convertible furniture: the sink folds against the wall, the kitchen worktop extends, and the transverse bed lifts to free space for long items. The base price is 86,990 euros, while the show car with optional equipment costs 103,970 euros plus delivery charges.
In Germany, motorhomes, caravans and campervans require mandatory third-party liability insurance covering damage to others. Optional partial comprehensive covers theft, fire, marten bites, storm and hail, while full comprehensive also covers at-fault accidents and vandalism. Premiums depend on vehicle age, value, usage and deductible; discounts exist for motorhome club members and vehicles with GRP roofs. Breakdown assistance policies help with towing, hotel costs and replacement vehicles, but some only cover vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Foreign coverage may apply in Turkey, Morocco and the Balkans, but post-Brexit travel to the UK requires separate arrangements. Insurance for electric campervans is often more expensive due to battery damage, charging cable theft and flat battery risks. Contents insurance protects valuables inside the motorhome, but cash and jewellery are typically excluded.
The Sealander caravan has been introduced, capable of operating both on land and on water. It measures 4.69 m long, 1.66 m wide, 1.93 m high, with a maximum weight of 750 kg. The body is a fibreglass-reinforced waterproof monocoque, the chassis is galvanised, and wheel bearings are sealed. On water, it reaches speeds up to 10 km/h with an outboard motor of up to 10 hp, has a draft of 47 cm and a payload of about 382 kg. It is classified as a Category D vessel, limiting use to sheltered waters. The interior includes a 205 × 151 cm bed, kitchen, shower and toilet (optional).
At the Caravan Messe Düsseldorf trade fair, Bürstner and Ford presented the Lineo C 590 Electric, a concept electric motorhome. The prototype has a range of 370 km, can charge to 80% in 35 minutes using a specialised socket, and takes about 8 hours for a full charge from a standard mains supply. Heating and cooking run on gas; the prototype's weight has not been disclosed. There are no plans for series production, and widespread adoption in Russia remains a distant prospect.
Josef Peter and his family have converted a former pigsty in Dillendorf into a village tavern. The tavern is scheduled to open in spring. A campsite with exclusive sanitary facilities is planned next to the tavern.
The Caravan und Co camping and outdoor show has opened in Rendsburg. From 24 to 27 September, more than 100 exhibitors are presenting new motorhomes, caravans and camper vans, along with accessories. A key feature is the Vanlife Village, where experienced self-builders give practical advice on converting vans. Organisers expect up to 30,000 visitors over four days.
German retailer Tchibo has released three camping products: a foldable wash basin for €8 (instead of €9.99), a dish brush with dispenser for €3 (instead of €7.99), and a string light with power bank for €14.99. The basin folds flat, holds about 10 liters, and withstands water up to 90°C. The brush has a built-in 50 ml detergent tank. The 9-meter string light runs up to four hours on a charge, has IPX4 protection, and a magnetic box that doubles as a power bank. Prices are as of September 24, 2026.
Camping Willam, located in Markelfingen and part of the municipality of Reichenau, has been ranked 10th in a Europe-wide 2026 campsite ranking by a camping portal. Owner Christian Willam said the result confirms his management approach. Guests from Rheinstetten near Karlsruhe, visiting the site for the first time, said they chose it based on positive online reviews, which they found to be accurate.
German Ford camper van specialist Nugget Schmiede has launched a high-roofed Nugget Twin, offering a winter-ready camper van with four solid walls and space for four people. Unlike Ford's own high-roof Nugget, it is available in all-wheel drive. The roof will also be offered for Volkswagen vans and campers, though not for the California. The insulated, lined roof with bed starts at €11,000, and an upgrade kit adds €3,950. The complete Nugget Twin First Edition is priced at €95,980, with base models starting at €89,680.
In Unterjesingen, Baden-Württemberg, Stefan and Sibylle Quint had their motorhome stolen after travelling across Europe in it for two years. According to SWR, a new alarm system intended to deter thieves in future is mentioned in the report. The exact date of the theft is not specified.
Jeroen and Lisanne van Meerveld are leaving the Bootshaus campsite in Beverungen after six years as tenants. The couple from the Netherlands took over the site during the coronavirus pandemic and are now moving to the Eifel region.
Vanyx has unveiled the Core, a camper based on the MAN TGE 3.180 4x4 with all-wheel drive, differential lock and up to 40 cm of ground clearance. It has a kerb weight of 2,900 kg against a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg, leaving a payload of around 600 kg. Prices start at €190,400, while a four-person version with a pop-top roof starts at €225,900. Optional carbon parts include a bonnet from €5,700 and a sliding door at €9,800.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced the world premiere of the fully electric camper ID. California Cruise at Caravan Salon 2026, opening on 28 August in Germany. The model is based on the all-electric ID. Buzz and becomes the first member of the California family with an electric drivetrain. The company positions it as a first step toward electrifying the California line and plans to gradually expand a new generation of fully electric campers by 2028. No photos of the ID. California Cruise have been released so far.
Germany