Anticipated Price Surge in the Free State!
Camping Costs On the Rise in Thuringia:
The Burden of Inflation Hits Close to Home
The pressure of inflation has been relentless. In even idyllic Thuringia, it's left no product or service untouched, including camping holidays. Just as we're gearing up for the holiday season, an additional financial blow is on the way.
The Unavoidable Hike: Holidaying Isn't Cheap This Year
Campers in Thuringia will find themselves paying more for overnight stays this holiday season, with some permanent campers also experiencing higher costs. Brought to us by campsite operators, this news isn't exactly seasonal cheer. The cause? Increased operating expenses, particularly the surge in labor costs and spiraling electricity prices.
Despite the gloomy outlook, holidays on campsites remain more affordable compared to other lodging options domestically and abroad, said Reinhard Schniz, head of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association.
A Dynamic Landscape: Camping Costs Across Thuringia
According to "camping.info," the average costs for two people, including a pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax, have risen by around 4.2% in Thuringia this year compared to 2024. On average, this amounts to 24.21 euros. Relative to other states, Thuringia remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations, with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at 33.20 euros and the national average at 28.86 euros.
Fair Wages for Skilled Workers
"It's tough to find and retain staff, and they need to be compensated fairly,” according to a campsite spokesperson in Luetschesee near Oberhof. This year, prices for overnight stays have been jacked up for this popular campground with nearly 150 pitches. A similar story unfolds at Hohenfelden (Weimarer Land), where prices are increasing for the 2024 season. However, at Meyersgrund campsite near Ilmenau, prices have stayed constant for tourists, but rates for long-term campers have been bumped up.
A Perfect Storm of Popularity
The long weekends around Ascension and Pentecost remain popular among campers. “We're completely booked out” said Meyersgrund co-owner Manuela Zanker. The favorable calendar, with a postponed Easter and a bridge day on the 1st of May, has contributed to a booming holiday season for campsites, according to Schniz, the chairman of the association. "The booking situation for the holidays is also promising."
Thriving Tourism in Thuringia
Camping has experienced a boom in recent years. In 2024, the number of overnight stays in Thuringia increased by 6.1 percent compared to the previous year, reaching over 846,000, as reported by the Statistical Office of the State. Nearly 314,000 vacationers stayed at the close to 100 camping and caravan sites, averaging a stay of 2.7 days. (dpa, bp)
Expand Your Insights:
- Inflation and economic pressures can lead to increased costs for businesses, who may pass the additional expenses onto consumers.
- Increased demand for camping spots can drive up prices in popular or limited-availability areas.
- Investments in modernizing or upgrading campsites can contribute to higher costs.
- Changes in local regulations or taxes might affect the pricing of camping services.
- Seasonal variations, particularly peak seasons, can typically see higher prices due to increased demand.
- In Thuringia, the rise in camping costs is a reflection of the broader economic pressures caused by inflation, with campsite operators citing increased labor costs and surging electricity prices as the primary factors.
- Despite the increases, camping holidays in Thuringia remain comparatively more affordable than other lodging options, both domestically and abroad, according to Reinhard Schniz, head of the Thuringian Camping Industry Association.
