Baltic Sea loses top camping spot to Black Forest among foreign tourists

Phoenix Manufaktur from Aschbach presented the new Star 7200 RSL at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. The motorhome is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI with a 140 kW (190 hp) engine, 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It measures 7.70 m in length, has a gross vehicle weight of 5,500 kg and a payload of 740 kg. The interior features a rear lounge seating area (2.20×1.76 m), a kitchen with a 100-litre refrigerator, a separate bathroom with shower, two longitudinal single beds in the alcove (2.00×0.82 m each) and a 2.20 m deep garage. The starting price is €225,900.

On Saturday evening on the A9 motorway in the German state of Thuringia, a camper driver failed to notice a traffic jam and collided with several vehicles. The chain-reaction crash injured 34 people, including 11 children with special needs and their caregivers. All sustained minor to moderate injuries; none are life-threatening. Nine vehicles were damaged, and material losses are estimated at €350,000. The Berlin-bound lane was closed for 5.5 hours.

On July 24, 2026, a motorhome in Bad Salzungen leaked a large amount of fluid while driving. The driver did not notice the leak despite attempts by a photographer to alert him. The trail extended from a railway crossing through several streets to an industrial area.

German manufacturer Vario Mobil has unveiled the Perfect 1200 QS Platinum, a luxury motorhome priced from €2.2 million, capable of carrying a classic car.

As part of the CARAVANING long-term test, a Hobby De Luxe 460 UFe caravan was equipped with E-Trailer sensors for gas level, nose weight, and tyre pressure. The system also alerts via app if a roof window is left open. The Basic starter kit costs €250, gas sensor €130 (adapter €50), E-Load system €290, E-Pressure tyre sensors €130 per pair, and E-Switch window sensors €90 per pair. Accuracy of the nose weight measurement was questioned during testing.

Westfalia unveiled the Columbus Liner at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, based on a 6.36 m Fiat Ducato. Instead of extra sleeping berths, the focus is on the roof: a pop-up tent with mosquito net creates a 'Sky Lounge' accessible via the rear king-size bed. An optional SkyBar coffee machine is available. The model offers 4 seats and 2–4 berths, a kitchen with induction hob and 90-litre compressor fridge, plus a heated double floor. Prices start at €83,900 and go up to around €115,000.