Martin Vaculík and Volkswagen Grand California 600: When You Don't Know Where to Touch

At the campsite of the Obstwiesenfestival 2026 in Dornstadt, several people suffered from itchy skin rashes. A camper criticizes the organizers for not warning attendees. The organizers have not yet responded.

At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, 12 new accessories for motorhomes and campers are being showcased. These include the Omnia Stovetop Pizza Oven for €99, the removable Perfect Van ReSi sink, enlarged versions of the Boxio XL toilet and washbasin, the GOK Caramatic GasControl electronic gas shut-off, the Truma iNet X Panel 2 control panel, combined charging devices Ective SBI20 and SBC50, the WM aquatec UV-aid+ water purification system, the Reich easydriver LevelDrive maneuvering and leveling system, the Thitronik CampLock fingerprint lock, the Fritz Berger SkyLodge 160 roof tent for €1,599, keeeper storage boxes, and the Atera front windshield sunshade for the Mercedes Sprinter VS30.

Following a WOCHENBLATT report highlighting a discrepancy between the mayor's advice and actual parking rules, the municipality of Grünendeich quickly removed two signs that prohibited motorhomes from parking at alternative lots. Motorhome drivers can now use these lots at the standard car rate of €1.20 per half hour, making short stops at the Lühe ferry terminal more affordable.

Germany has become Europe's leading caravanning nation, with the industry generating €43 billion in revenue and employing 120,000 people. In 2025, 44.7 million overnight stays were recorded at 9,200 campsites, double the figure from 2005. Since 2020, motorhome parking fees have risen 32.2% and campsite charges 28.7%, outpacing inflation (21.9%). The Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf is scheduled for August 28 to September 6.

On Monday morning in Appel, Harburg district, a motorhome parked in a carport burned out completely. Around 10:45 a.m., passers-by noticed smoke coming from the Malibu vehicle, which could not be opened. The fire spread quickly to trees, the carport and bushes. Volunteer firefighters from Hollenstedt and Moisburg extinguished the blaze using foam. The owner estimated the original value of the motorhome at more than 70,000 euros. Police are investigating a possible technical defect.

A German publication has released a detailed checklist for preparing to leave a campsite in a motorhome, camper, or caravan. The list covers securing the interior, checking the gas cylinder, external equipment, and hitch for trailers, aiming to prevent common mistakes like leaving a window open or the gas valve unclosed.