German company offers mechanical anti-theft protection for campervans

Organizers of the Nature One 2026 festival at the former Pydna missile base in Kastellaun have published a detailed camping guide. Three zones are available: CampingVillage (lively, with vehicle access for motorhomes, caravans, and trailers up to 3.5 t), SilentCamp (quiet, with night silence from 10 p.m., no vehicle access on site but separate parking), and EasyCamp (pre-pitched tents by FestiTent). Prices: CampingVillage tickets from €25 to €50 plus €10 garbage deposit; SilentCamp €109 per person; caravan pitch in SilentCamp €159. Strict rules apply: no open fires, drones, weapons, or pyrotechnics; sound systems limited to 3 kW and 95 dBA; generators allowed only in CampingVillage.

Several spa towns in Thuringia are responding to rising demand for health-related stays in motorhomes. Bad Salzungen combines parking spaces with therapeutic offerings and short distances to medical facilities.

German manufacturer Westfalia has launched a special edition of the Sven Hedin camper van to mark its 50th anniversary. Based on the MAN TGE (5.98 m long), it features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 163 hp and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes the Premium package, multimedia system, 120 Wp solar panel, two 100 Ah lithium batteries, a 90-liter fridge, and water tanks (100 L fresh, 84 L grey). Price in Germany starts at €99,990.

Audi has unveiled the fifth-generation A6 allroad. The model is now available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time. It retains all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance.

Knaus has announced the new Nordwind series, positioned above the Südwind line. The range includes three floorplans: 600 UE with twin beds, 660 PXB with a full-width rear bathroom, and 660 UDF with a corner bathroom and French bed. All models come standard with an Alde heating system, underfloor heating, a 40-liter insulated waste water tank, and protected water pipes. The caravans are built on a 2.5-meter wide chassis with a maximum weight of 2,500 kg and likely a tandem axle. Production models are set to debut at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2026.

From July 7, 2026, all new motorhomes, campervans, and self-converted vans registered in the EU must be equipped with a set of mandatory safety systems. These include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, reversing assist, intelligent speed assist, driver drowsiness detection, alcohol interlock preparation, and tire pressure monitoring. Market observers estimate the added cost at €1,000–€3,000 per vehicle. The rules also apply to DIY van conversions, which may be treated as new registrations and must meet all factory standards.