Vanlife: from dream to disappointment — three stories of life in motorhomes

Herbertz has announced a range of products for camping, vanlife, and trekking. The lineup includes the Opinel Picnic+ set (€24.95), Thermacell MR-BP Backpacker repellent (€74.95), CJH Outdoor Kochmesser folding knife (€39.95), and a children's knife with a star motif (€17.95). All items emphasize compactness and functionality.

Dürrwang-Mörlein, a motorhome dealer and rental company in Dortmund, has published guidelines for choosing the right type of vehicle for travel. Panel vans (Kastenwagen) are suitable for short trips and city maneuverability, semi-integrated models (Teilintegriert) for family vacations of up to two weeks, and fully integrated models (Vollintegriert) for long journeys with maximum comfort. The choice depends on trip duration, number of passengers, and travel style.

A Jayco Seismic Wave 355W from 2017, a fifth-wheeler measuring 12–12.7 m in length and weighing 7,484 kg, is listed in Germany for €95,000. It features three slide-outs, a 3.8 m garage for vehicles that converts into living space, and a drop-down rear door that creates a terrace. Equipment includes 14 kWh lithium batteries, 2,300 W solar panels, five heaters, three air conditioners, and water tanks (552 L fresh, 329 L gray and black). A CE driving license is required to tow it.

German manufacturer Bürstner has unveiled the Habiton 2026, based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The camper van is under 6 meters long. Its key feature is a patented sliding bathroom that frees up living space during the day and returns to its original position at night to allow full deployment of the beds. The interior includes two separate beds, a semi-dinette, and a kitchen. An optional pop-up roof is available. Base price starts at €74,999.

A queen bed accessible from three sides offers enhanced comfort for couples but is typically found in more expensive models. With a budget of up to €35,000, 11 caravans from Bürstner, Caravelair, Dethleffs, Hobby, LMC, and Sterckeman are available. Eight models cost under €30,000, while entry-level versions from Caravelair and Sterckeman start below €20,000.

A Tiny House with a fish farming facility and a fishing shop is planned in Gerhof. The Ellenberg municipal council unanimously approved the project, which had previously been halted by the district office due to construction starting without a permit. The plans were adjusted multiple times to comply with nature conservation regulations and a building prohibition zone along the L1070 road.