«Der Camping-Check»: Two New Episodes on German Campgrounds

With Europe experiencing its second-largest burned area on record in 2026, travelers in motorhomes and caravans are urged to take precautions. The consumer advice center of North Rhine-Westphalia (Verbraucherzentrale NRW) has issued recommendations on trip preparation, insurance coverage, and emergency procedures. Key advice includes checking routes for fire warnings, keeping documents and digital copies accessible, and reviewing insurance policies, including comprehensive and contents coverage.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated Marco Polo camper featuring a two-layer aluminium pop-up roof that increases interior height by 100 mm. Three diesel engines up to 174 kW, a 9-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive are available. European sales start after August 5.

The Mercedes Marco Polo (447 series, 2015–2019) remains sought-after on the used market due to its premium interior and driving comfort. Fully equipped examples start at around €40,000, while three-year-old vehicles with up to 50,000 km cost at least €60,000. The OM651 and OM654 diesel engines are known for AdBlue system issues and NOx sensor failures, and timing chain wear may occur after 200,000 km.

Mercedes has unveiled the updated Marco Polo camper van with a pop-up roof offering 100 mm more headroom, optional panoramic glass, and upgraded features. European sales begin August 5; price TBA.

VARIOmobil has unveiled the luxury motorhome Vario Perfect 1200 QS Platinum, built on a Mercedes Actros 2553 LLL chassis. Price: €2.2 million. Length: 12 m, weight: 26 t, power: 530 hp from a 12.8-litre diesel. Living area with slide-outs: 35 sq m. Interior includes a living room, separate dining area, kitchen with dishwasher, bathroom, and king-size bedroom. An integrated garage can hold a car, including an EV, with a charging station. Each unit is custom-built.

Alpencamper has introduced the Eco Slide Out, a bicycle trailer featuring a lateral slide-out module that expands interior space when parked. When folded, the trailer measures 2.14 m in length, 97 cm in width, and 1.30 m in height; after extension, it provides a bed measuring 1.40×1.96 m, suitable for two adults. Under the bed there is a 270-litre storage compartment and space for a portable dry toilet. The trailer weighs 52 kg and is built from aluminium and composite materials with thermal insulation. It is priced at 8,350 Swiss francs (approximately 8,900 euros), but the project's future is uncertain due to the company's recent financial difficulties.