Lakes, Silence, Summer Happiness: Why Camping Wins in Germany in 2026

Camping in Germany was never a compromise. It was always a decision. For the morning when the fog is still over the lake. For the evening when the campfire is the only clock that counts. In 2025, the Federal Statistical Office counted more than 44.7 million overnight stays on German campsites – more than ever before. Since 1994, the number of overnight stays has even doubled. Air mattresses and gas stoves have long since become a way of life – an attitude more than a financial decision. But it is also financially worthwhile to stay in Germany.

According to a current price analysis by PiNCAMP/ADAC, Germany ranks third among the cheapest camping countries in Europe. A family pays an average of 41 euros per night here. A comparable family holiday on the Costa Brava costs quickly triple with flight, rental car and campsite on site. This is mainly due to air fares.

According to a recent study by Allianz Trade, international airfares have already risen by five to 15 percent. Many airlines also introduce separate kerosene surcharges – between 20 and 60 euros on short and medium-haul routes. Those who book short decisions pay even more. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has confirmed that ticket prices have risen significantly compared to the previous year, especially for simple flights, which used to be available for less than 20 euros. From 9.90 euros to Mallorca is no longer a question.

In addition, flying has long since lost its magic: full terminals, unusual connections, stressed faces. With children, such a journey is no longer an adventure – but a feat. Not to mention the cost of our climate. Because flying is anything but climate-friendly. This is why the price of CO2 in Germany continues to rise every year — Gasoline and diesel will automatically become more expensive. After the current increase, full refueling is for many the largest single item in the travel fund. Those who still drive prefer to drive short. And often discovers more than he expected. Isn't that better anyway? Discovering more than you expect instead of going home with disappointed expectations from glossy prospects?

There are over 2,000 lakes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The most famous among them is the Müritz, Germany’s largest inland lake. Around it stretches the Mecklenburg Lake District, one of the largest contiguous lake landscapes in Europe. Everywhere between green forests and rolling hills, the water glitters. You can paddle for days without seeing the same shore twice. Barefoot moments occur that remain in the heart.

If you prefer it a little more south: Brandenburg is with almost 2,900 covered lakes the most laked federal state in Germany. Flat paths, wide skies, quiet coves and all this often only an hour from Berlin.

And then there is the place that no one on the lake map suspects: the Harz. Around 70 smaller and larger dams surround Clausthal-Zellerfeld – created by miners between the 16th and 18th centuries, today part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In many of these Upper Harz ponds you can bathe in the summer. Water, forest, world heritage and hardly anyone knows about it. Exactly the kind of insider tip where we call JUHUU.

Anyone who thinks camping in Germany ends in September has not yet experienced October. When the deciduous forests glow red, the campsites become emptyer and the morning coffee outside suddenly tastes different. Then the real season begins for everyone who really wants to arrive. No snakes. No waiting times. No hustle on the bridge. For this: light that will already be golden in the afternoon. Silence that you feel physically. And hosts who finally have time for a longer package.

1. The lake is closer than the airport. And he has no baggage charge.

2. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg together have almost 5,000 lakes. One life is not enough to know everyone.

3. Camping in Germany is one of the cheapest in Europe. According to PiNCAMP/ADAC in third place and not a single holiday feeling is lost.

4. Tomorrow is yours. No buffet crowd. No alarm clock. Only water, fog and somewhere a bird that got up earlier than you.

5. The mid-season is the best that the camping calendar has. May, September, October: fewer people, more space, the same campfire.

6. Germany has coast, mountains, forests, lakes, everything. The variety for which other countries require long-haul flights lies between Flensburg and Berchtesgaden.

7. Real hosts instead of anonymous receptions. In the best places, someone still knows who you are and when you arrived.

8. No jetlag. No culture shock. No loss of orientation. For that: arrive immediately. Be there immediately.

9. Sustainability without effort. Short journey, local products, Less CO2 - without having to think about it.

10. Because sometimes you only notice when traveling what has been waiting for you at home all the time. Juhuu.