This year is the perfect time to take a vacation in your own country and rediscover Germany. We present a tour through all of our federal states to the best campsites. It shows how uniquely beautiful our republic is.
Most Germans usually spend their summer holidays abroad. But Corona has changed everything. Because of the uncertain situation, many prefer to stay in the country this summer. This opens up new perspectives, because the republic has a lot to offer on its 350,000 square kilometers. Need some inspiration?
We have put together a nearly 3,700-kilometer tour of Germany to the most beautiful campsites in the republic for you: from Bavaria via the east up to the far north and via the west back to the south to Baden-Württemberg. In other words: from the Watzmann to the Baltic Sea and from the North Sea back down to Lake Constance.
Starting point: Bavaria
The starting point in Bavaria is the Berchtesgadener Land: vom Camping Resort Allweglehen, which lies on the edge of the Berchtesgaden National Park, guests can enjoy an unobstructed view of the imposing 2713 meter high Watzmann massif. Numerous hiking trails lead directly from the site into the wonderful mountain landscape. Those who prefer to travel by bike or e-bike will find beautiful bike paths – the Königssee is only six kilometers away.
- Info and prices: 196 parking spaces, ultra-modern wellness area with sauna and outdoor pool, private pools; Stand 10-14, 55 euros, adults 12.85 euros, children 4-16 years 7.95 euros per night; www.pincamp.de/camping-allweglehen
1st stage: from Bavaria to Thuringia, 522 kilometers
It continues to the federal state of Thuringia, more precisely to the Thuringian Forest, an almost 1000 meter high wooded low mountain range between Eisenach and Illmenau. The is perfect for exploring this region Campsite Paulfeld in Georgenthal, because it is ideally located for long hikes and bike tours. The cultural cities of Gotha, Eisenach, Erfurt and Weimar can also be easily reached from there.
2nd stage from Thuringia to Saxony, 277 kilometers
The next stage leads to the Free State of Saxony, in the very east of the republic. The is an ideal location to explore beautiful Saxon Switzerland, the porcelain city of Meißen, Moritzburg and the baroque city of Dresden Campsite LuxOase in Kleinröhrsdorf. He even offers excursions to the pretty Elbe metropolis, just under 20 kilometers away. The campsite with its 237 parking spaces is located directly on a reservoir and is considered one of the best places in Saxony – with a wellness area, fitness room and restaurant as well as children's entertainment.
3rd stage from Saxony to Saxony-Anhalt, 268 kilometers
The next stop is the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, which alone has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Bauhaus in Dessau, the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm, the Luther memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg, the old town of Quedlinburg and the Naumburg Cathedral. So there are enough reasons to pay a visit to this state. Parts of the Harz, for example the 1141 meter high Brocken, also belong to this state.
The lies between the mountains and forests of the Lower Harz near Harzgerode Birnbaumteich holiday park with its 260 parking spaces. The property borders directly on a small lake, which offers a real beach feeling with two sandy bays in addition to an approximately 100 meter long lawn. A bathing island also floats on the lake, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the beautiful lake landscape.
The Falkenstein Castle, the Hexentanzplatz near Thale with suspension railway, zoo, summer toboggan run and mountain theater as well as the Titan-RT, a 483-meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge near Elbingerode, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, are around 20 to 30 kilometers away.
- Prices and Info: Fitness room, sauna, restaurant and animation program, stand 11.40-12.40 euros, adults 5.90 euros, children 4-14 years 4 euros per night; www.pincamp.de/ferienpark-birnbaumteich
4th stage: from Saxony-Anhalt to Brandenburg, 286 kilometers
The Spreewald in Brandenburg is one of the most beautiful natural and cultural landscapes in Germany. A boat trip through the extensive water network past the picturesque villages of this region should be on every bucket list for vacationers in Germany.
A great starting point to explore this region is that Eurocamp Spreewaldtor: It borders directly on the Spreewald biosphere reserve. Shuttle buses take guests to the surrounding sights such as Lübben, Burg and Lübbenau.
The 14 hectare area with 210 parking spaces is located on Lake Leuthen – the bathing area with a sandy beach, jetty and a water playground are only a few minutes' walk away. If you don't have your own camping equipment, you can stay in beautiful safari tents.
- Prices and Info: With pool, wellness area, mini market and restaurant; Stand 26-33 euros, adults 6.80 euros, children 6-14 years 1 euro, safari tents from 80 euros per night; www.pincamp.de/eurocamp-spreewaldtor
5th stage: from Brandenburg to Berlin, 60 kilometers
The is just 27 kilometers from the gates of Berlin Krossinsee campsite – a good location to explore the city and enjoy nature. The meadow area with 260 stands is located directly on the shore of the Krossinsee with its own bathing area and even a harbor that also rents out motor boats, pedal boats and kayaks.
The "Kross in" is located directly on the jetties, a chic restaurant in a modern wooden building with a large lake terrace. The menu features a colorful mix of dishes – from Caesar salad and burgers to Wiener schnitzel and beef fillet.
In addition: a modern sanitary facility, a small grocery store with drinks, snacks and fresh bread rolls as well as a lovingly designed adventure playground for children.
5th stage: from Berlin to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 277 kilometers
The is located directly behind the dunes of the Baltic Sea Rostocker Heide campsite – between Fischland Darß-Zingst and Rostock-Warnemünde. The 500 parking spaces for vacationers are natural and are mainly located in the shady coastal forest. Although the area stretches over a length of 800 meters and over 500 permanent campers are based there, there is still a cozy and family atmosphere.
The beach, which is up to 30 meters wide and monitored by lifeguards, offers plenty of space. Those who like to drop their covers can do so in a designated area. Tip: Make a campfire on the beach in the evening – the license costs five euros at the reception, fire bowls and bundles of firewood are free.
6th stage: from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to Schleswig-Holstein, 237 kilometers
Of the Holiday park Wulfener Hals is located on the island of Fehmarn on a spacious shallow water bay. With its wide range of offers, the camping park is particularly suitable for families, but also for kiters, surfers and golfers.
The highlight for those who prefer to enjoy sports on TV is digital TV reception including Sky, which is available on more than half of the stands. Children get their money's worth with a ride in the go-cart or in the circus tent with a show stage. There is even a diving school with a filling station, shop and guided wreck dives in the holiday park. In the surf school you learn kitesurfing, canoeing and stand-up paddling.
7th stage: from Schleswig-Holstein to Hamburg, 163 kilometers
The Elbe camp on Falkensteiner Ufer Hamburg is the right place for exploring the city. The idyllic place is located between Wedel and Blankenese in the dunes of the Elbe beach in a local recreation and landscape protection area: In the north, the wooded Geesthang juts out almost 100 meters above the Elbe and in the south there is even a natural beach, the last in Hamburg.
The location couldn't be better for cyclists and hikers either, as the Elbradweg and Elbe hiking trails and the European long-distance hiking trails E1 and E9 as well as the Via Baltica pilgrimage route pass right here. Children let off steam on a large, lovingly designed sand playground with a pirate ship. There is also a football and beach volleyball court.
Tip: A stop at the cozy camp café and restaurant Lükus, which offers cakes as well as snacks and small dishes – the fries are legendary.
- Prices and Info: Stand space from 14.90 euros, adults 7.50 euros, children 4-13 years 2.50 euros, 14-17 years 3.90 euros; elbecamp.de
8th stage: from Hamburg to Bremen, 124 kilometers
Beach vacation in the city – that's on the five-star place Hanse Camping possible. Because it is located in the middle of a recreation area on the Stadtwaldsee, which the locals affectionately call Unisee. Campers have access to the 20 hectare body of water via the site's own lido with a large, sandy bay and sunbathing area. Those who like to jump into the cool water without clothing can do so in the separate nudist area. There is also a diving center that offers trial, crash and professional excursions into the depths of the lake.
Tip: Definitely go on bike tours. In the vicinity of the square there are numerous cycle paths such as the Hamburg-Bremen long-distance cycle path, the Wümmer cycle path and the path from Teufelsmoor to the Wadden Sea. Cycle paths also lead to the city center, six kilometers away.
9th stage: from Bremen to Lower Saxony, 150 kilometers
Pitch your tents between dykes and sand directly on the Unesco World Heritage Site Wadden Sea – you can do that on the North Sea beach campsite in Dornumersiel in Germany's far north. This is the right place for those who want to spend a quiet and natural vacation. Watch the tides every day, explore the Wadden Sea or the dykes on guided hikes, or just relax in a beach chair and enjoy the sea – all of this is possible here.
Despite the tranquility, the campsite is not far off the beaten path: the center of the village of Dornum with its restaurants and shops as well as the fishing port are within walking distance. On the campsite itself, a meadow area criss-crossed with small drainage ditches, there is space for 300 motorhomes and around 60 tents. Holidaymakers without their own equipment can also spend the night in the so-called North Sea carts or pipo wagons, which are replicas of old circus wagons and are comfortably furnished – including a wooden veranda in front of the entrance.
A plus point of the campsite: If the North Sea is too cold for you, you can go swimming in the heated seawater pool.
- Info and prices: Stand 8.50 -10.50 euros, adults 11.50 euros, children (3-15 years) 9 euros per night; Pipowag for two people for three nights 235 euros, North Sea carts for two people 195 euros for three nights; www.pincamp.de/campingplaetze/camping-am-nordseestrand
10th stage: from Lower Saxony to North Rhine-Westphalia, 415 kilometers
The is right on the Dutch border, very close to the town of Wassenberg Amici Lodges campsite – right on the shore of the crystal clear Effelder forest lake. In the middle of the green and on the edge of the De Meinweg National Park. The facility has a total of 80 parking spaces for vacationers – 36 of which are divided into plots.
If you don't come with your own tent, caravan or mobile home, you can rent cozy lodges, which are available in different sizes for up to five people. They have a kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator and coffee maker and some have their own bathroom.
But the best thing about the complex is the sandy beach and the chic in-house beach club, to which every guest has access: If you relax here on one of the white loungers with a drink in your hand, you almost feel like you are at the sea. For sports enthusiasts and children, there is also an aqua park with water bouncy castles and a water ski facility.
11th stage: from North Rhine-Westphalia to Rhineland-Palatinate, 200 kilometers
This campsite with its own boat harbor is located in the middle of the island in the Moselle – hence the name Mosel Island Camping. A bridge leads from the mainland over to the meadow area with its 150 parking spaces for motorhomes and 120 berths for boats up to 16 meters long. From here, the Moselle and its tributaries can be explored by water.
Right at the harbor, the restaurant serves regional delicacies with a Mediterranean touch all year round, accompanied by good local drops. Speaking of droplets: For wine lovers, we recommend a covered wagon tour in Treis to visit the growing areas and taste the wines that grow on these sunny slopes above the Moselle.
Leisure tips in the region: a visit to Eltz Castle, which can be combined with a beautiful hike, as well as a visit to the picturesque town of Cochem and the Imperial Castle that towers above it. For adventure and those with a head for heights: an inspection of the 360-meter-long suspension rope bridge "Geierlay", which leads 100 meters above the Mörsdorfer Bachtal.
12th stage: from Rhineland-Palatinate to Saarland, 144 kilometers
The campsite Girtenmühle estate, which is wonderfully idyllic on a meadow by a stream near Losheim am See, is something for individualists – and it is also run by them: Because the four boys from Amsterdam, including a trained criminologist and a physicist, have turned their backs on their homeland to take over and set up the plant.
The result: an ecological, passionately run 2.5 hectare campground with 50 places, lovingly furnished glamping tents, wine barrels and Finnish kotas.
The latter have been completely reopened: They have two beds and a small, very comfortably furnished living room. By the way, no cars are allowed on the site – only for loading and unloading – so that nothing disturbs the magical atmosphere.
Tip: definitely eat in the country estate's bistro. In addition to organic drinks, it offers creative dishes with ingredients from organic farming as well as delicious, homemade cake specialties.
- Prices and Info: 12 euros per person, children 5-12 years 5 euros, kota per night 70 euros, wine barrel 50 euros with double bed, glamping tent for two people from 60 euros per night; www.pincamp.de/camping-girtenmuehle
13th stage: from Saarland to Hesse, 196 kilometers
The modern and well-kept facility Nibelungen Camping is located on the outskirts of Fürth – in the middle of the Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald. The swimming pool does not belong to the campsite but to the community, but it is right next to it. With a large pool, a water slide, diving boards and beach volleyball, it offers plenty of bathing fun for the whole family.
The campsite itself is located on five hectares of meadow land with a slight incline and lots of bushes and trees. The 38 parking spaces, between 80 and 100 square meters in size, have electricity, fresh water and waste water connections as well as free WiFi – the sanitary facilities are modern and well-maintained.
Excursion tips: Vacationers should definitely explore the Lautertal rocky sea, a rocky landscape made of dark gray quartz rock, as well as a tour with the solar trolley through the Odenwald from Mörlenbach or Wald-Michelbach.
14th and last stage: from Hessen to Baden-Württemberg, 365 kilometers
Lake Constance, also known as the Swabian Sea, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Baden-Württemberg and is therefore very popular as a holiday region. The is located between Lindau and Friedrichshafen Camping-Park Gohren right on the shore of the lake. On nice days, holiday guests can see from the pebble beach over the whole lake to the Swiss mountains.
There are many deciduous trees and hedges on the spacious grounds – most of the 545 parking spaces are therefore parceled out and offer enough privacy. In addition, vacationers can rent safari tents, wooden houses or the so-called mini-lodges – small, futuristic-looking and comfortable wooden houses for two people.
In the center of the campsite there is a supermarket, barbecue areas and a barrel sauna that anyone can use free of charge after registering – it takes about an hour to heat up.
If you don't have a bike with you, you can rent one on site. Because you should definitely cycle here, the Lake Constance cycle path leads almost directly through the area. The campsite is also suitable for sailors or those who want to become one: the operators regularly organize courses for children, young people and adults.
- Prices and Info: Stand 10-16.50 euros, children 2-13 years 6 euros per night; Safari tents 92 euros per night for two adults and two children, mini lodges 80 euros per night; www.pincamp.de/camping-park-gohren-am-see