Record Camping Nights in Germany Despite Rising Prices

At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, new products for motorhomes were presented, including electric models, photovoltaic awnings and gas equipment. The event annually gathers manufacturers from Europe and beyond. Electrification in the motorhome segment is progressing more slowly than in passenger cars, but demand for solar panels is growing. A photovoltaic awning was proposed as a solution for limited roof space.

The Moselhöhe campsite in Heidenburg, Germany, is for sale at €1.4 million. The approximately 35,000 sq m site has 104 pitches with electricity, water and wastewater connections, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, an operator apartment, a small pool, a playground and a large residential building. Owners Erik and Monique van Dijk have run the site since 2010 and plan to retire; the price is based on an appraisal by Prof. Dr. Heinrich Lang, an expert in camping and holiday park economics.

German manufacturer Sealander has unveiled a hybrid camper that combines the functions of a caravan and a motorboat. The trailer can be launched on water in winds up to 4 Beaufort (11–16 knots) and wave heights up to 0.3 m; propulsion is provided by an outboard motor of 5–10 hp. It measures approximately 4.70 m long, 1.66 m wide and 1.92 m high, with a permissible total weight of 750 kg, allowing it to be towed by a passenger car at speeds up to 100 km/h without a trailer licence. The base price is 39,750 euros, with an outboard motor costing an additional 1,700–7,500 euros depending on the model.

At the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, an electric motorhome based on a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 truck with a Bliss Mobil camper module was presented. The project, a collaboration between Daimler Trucks, Bliss Mobil and Tobias Wagner, aims to complete a 45,000-km circumnavigation in 80 charging stops. Range is estimated at up to 1,000 km per charge, aided by a reduced gross vehicle weight of 15,500 kg and hypermiling techniques. The 4.1-m Bliss Mobil module is all-electric, featuring a 400-Ah lithium battery and 1,000 watts of solar.

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.

German company Sunlight, part of Erwin Hymer Group, has presented the Vanlife Class B motorhome based on the Fiat Ducato, measuring 5400 mm in length. The camper features a pop-up roof with a second-level sleeping area, an isolated cab, a rear lounge with two sofas and a folding table, a kitchen module with a 64-litre refrigerator and a bathroom. It is designed for two passengers while driving and offers sleeping space for four. Standard equipment includes an awning, a 95 Ah battery and fresh and waste water tanks of 100 and 90 litres respectively. The starting price is 58,999 euros.