With a tent, caravan or motorhome. Camping has been very popular in Germany since before the Corona pandemic. There are also numerous campsites in the region. A survey shows that campers are happier people. Does this also apply to holidaymakers in Chiemgau?
Chiemgau – Camping has become one of the most popular forms of vacation in Germany. This is also reflected in the impressive figures of the German camping industry, which recorded over 42 million overnight stays in 2023 – a growth of 5.2 percent compared to the previous year. This marks the third record year in a row. Camping has become increasingly important in recent years, especially in the Chiemgau region. Christina Pfaffinger, Managing Director of Chiemsee-Alpenland Tourism, further confirms that this trend is continuing: “Camping is still the hit.”
Despite the continued popularity and positive development, the 2024 camping season in the Chiemsee-Alpenland region was not without challenges. “We had a huge problem with the mosquito season, especially around the lake,” reports Pfaffinger. “Flooding and weather-related damage, especially in the alpine area, have also made operations at RV sites and campsites more difficult.” These weather-related challenges, according to Pfaffinger, could lead to the number of overnight stays this year falling short of last year's: “I assume that there will be fewer this year than last year.”
Campers are the happier people
Despite the vagaries of the weather, camping remains a form of vacation that makes many people particularly happy. According to a 2022 study by the market research institute GfK, campers enjoy a higher level of well-being than the average population. These results are confirmed by Pfaffinger's observations: “Camping is a piece of freedom. You experience nature in a completely different way than with a solid roof over your head. This proximity to nature and the freedom that camping brings certainly contribute to increased satisfaction.”
The Corona pandemic has further fueled interest in camping. During the pandemic, when many other types of vacation were not possible, many people decided to go camping and invested in the appropriate equipment. “This Corona boost that camping has experienced will probably continue,” says Pfaffinger. “Those who have bought the appropriate equipment will use it.”
Camping offers particular advantages for families. “For families in particular, it is a bit of freedom, especially for the children,” explains Pfaffinger. “Everything is more relaxed and free on a campsite.” There are fewer constraints and you can enjoy the day in a relaxed atmosphere.” This freedom, combined with the intense experience of nature, makes camping a particularly fulfilling form of vacation for many people.
Freedom and closeness to nature
Many campers appreciate being able to concentrate on the essentials and experience nature in its purest form. As a survey by the camping portal camping.info shows, minimalism, freedom and being close to nature are the main reasons why people choose to camp. “Because you minimize your material.” In my opinion, that is the main reason to shed burdens and be happy,” it says. Also “because you are outside all day.” For others, it is above all the informality that makes camping happy: “Because I sleep in my own bed, have my own towels and, above all, I don't have to look at the clock so as not to miss breakfast, for example.” Finally, in addition to “freedom, adventure, informality, individuality,” “wearing swimming trunks all day” is a factor that seems to satisfy campers and make them happy people, according to the camping.info survey results.
Despite the challenges that 2023 has brought for campsites in the region, camping remains an attractive form of vacation, offering people the opportunity to escape from everyday life and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chiemsee Alpine region. The mix of freedom, flexibility and intense nature experiences continues to make camping a popular choice.
