Camping opportunities in Saxony are being explored by the government, promising outdoor enthusiasts a variety of new sites to pitch their tents. - Camping in Saxony is of great interest to the government due to its promising prospects.
Saxony Sees a Boost in Camper Tourism
The Saxon government is focusing on attracting more camping enthusiasts and positioning the state as a hidden gem for independent travelers. Tourism Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) stated to the German Press Agency that she welcomes each camper and motorhome guest to Saxony, assuring them of numerous discoveries within the region.
Camper and motorhome travel are growing in significance, with an increasing number of travelers favoring these modes of accommodation. In 2024, there were 1.08 million overnight stays at camping sites—a 28% increase from 2019. Minister Klepsch emphasized the positive trend, stating, "We are on the right track."
A vital prerequisite for developing this tourism sector is the provision of high-quality facilities and modern infrastructure. To this end, the ministry has integrated motorhome and caravan tourism into the Masterplan for Tourism in Saxony. Despite Saxony having fewer camping sites than the national average, the sector is expected to expand.
According to industry data, the percentage of overnight stays at Saxon camping sites reached 5.4% in 2021, while the national average was 8.6%. Around 8% of campers in Saxony come from abroad, with nearly half of them hailing from the Netherlands.
The ministry remains optimistic regarding the growth potential of camping in Saxony, despite its current position compared to the national average. Minister Klepsch stated, "Camping in Saxony has not yet reached the scale it has nationwide, but the increases in 2024 were greater than nationwide. We are catching up."
In addition to advancing camping tourism, the ministry is working on enhancing bicycle tourism in Saxony. The objective is to create more mountain bike trails and modernize and extend existing routes, providing opportunities for active tourism.
The Central German Association of Camping and Motorhome Economy has a more nuanced evaluation of the situation. Association chairman Jens W. Bohge noted, "There is no reason to complain, but also no reason to make big leaps. In an industry heavily dependent on weather conditions, there are always ups and downs."
Although the association is positive about Saxony's tourism potential, it recognizes challenges such as seasonal limitations, safety concerns, and infrastructure issues. Furthermore, the association is concerned about rapidly increasing costs, including energy, food, and wages.
Saxony boasts numerous natural attractions, including the landscapes of Upper Lusatia and Saxon Switzerland, which offer exceptional draw for campers seeking immersive nature experiences. The region's rugged terrain and challenging hiking routes can limit accessibility for some visitors, while its unique rock formations and cultural landmarks present exciting opportunities for tailored experiences. Improving safety measures, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting unique natural and cultural assets will be essential for Saxony to capitalize on its rich outdoor tourism potential.
- The Saxon government, with a focus on community aid, is working on enhancing bicycle tourism and modernizing infrastructure in the fisheries sector to improve camping and motorhome facilities, aiming to encourage a lifestyle of home-and-garden-oriented travelers exploring the natural beauty of Saxony.
- As camper and motorhome travel gains significance, Minister Klepsch is optimistic about the growth potential of the fisheries sector in Saxony, especially with the development of the fisheries policy to attract more independent travelers, just as they explore the travel destinations like Upper Lusatia and Saxon Switzerland. Improvements in safety measures, infrastructure, and the promotion of unique natural and cultural assets will help Saxony capitalize on its rich outdoor tourism potential.
