Camper van test: The best compact motorhomes

German brand Weinsberg has unveiled a new generation of its CaraCompact Edition [Pepper] motorhome, featuring a revised interior layout without increasing external dimensions. The range gains a 580 MEG version measuring 6.38 m; the 600 MF and 600 MEG are 6.75 m long. It offers two longitudinal single beds over two metres long that convert into a King Size sleeping area, a 153-litre compressor fridge (83 litres in the 580 MEG), an extendable kitchen worktop, a swivelling washbasin that turns the washroom into a shower, and a standard Truma Combi 6 heater. Grey water capacity is 95 litres, fresh water ranges from 90 to 110 litres depending on version. Price is around 70,000 euros.

IMTEST tested five compact camper vans measuring between 5.40 and 6 metres at a campsite in northern Germany. The models included the Forster Livin' Up V 599 VBL, Hymer Free 600, Sunlight Cliff 540 RT Adventure Edition, Volkswagen Grand California 600 and Weinsberg CaraTour 600 ME. The test assessed equipment and connectivity, driving and safety, as well as living and sleeping areas. Prices for new camper vans start at around 45,000 euros, while models such as the Volkswagen California 6.1 can reach 100,000 euros.

German manufacturer Kleox presented the Festival mini caravan at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf 2026. With an unladen weight of 220 kg and a gross vehicle weight rating of 750 kg, it measures 3.20 m long, 1.80 m wide and 1.60 m high. The 4 m² interior accommodates a 210×126 cm double mattress and includes felt lining, storage nets and opening windows, but no kitchen, water tank or bathroom. Pricing starts at €6,590, the same as the Shelter Travel, which can also serve as a utility trailer.

In Bielefeld, motorhomes and caravans left parked for extended periods are reducing parking space and obstructing traffic. According to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, 211,809 motorhomes were registered in North Rhine-Westphalia as of 2025, with 3,654 in Bielefeld itself. In March 2026, the CDU faction in the Gadderbaum district council asked the administration about measures against permanent parking on Bollbrinkersweg and Bodelschwinghstraße. The administration's response, based on the StVO, stated that parking is permitted if the vehicle can be returned to traffic, but using it for residential purposes constitutes unauthorized special use. Caravans, as trailers, may remain in one spot for a maximum of 14 days.

Westfalia has unveiled the Jules Verne camper based on the Mercedes Vito. At 5.14 m long and under 2 m high, it offers four seatbelts and four berths, plus a separate wet room with shower and toilet. Pricing starts at 77,890 euros (as of September 2026); in 2022 a similar model cost from 61,000 euros. A 190 hp top version with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is available from 89,040 euros.

The Kassner couple from Stuttgart live in a motorhome and travel across Europe, staying where the weather is best. They visit Zwickau once a year, which has been a fixed point on their routes for years. They travel with their dogs and e-bikes.