Sauerland camping tourism rises amid high fuel prices

Camping tourism in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia is experiencing significant growth. At the Vier Jahreszeiten campsite near Biggesee in Olpe, visitor numbers reached record highs in July, with 13,000 guests representing a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Experts attribute this trend to several factors, including favorable weather and high fuel prices, which encourage domestic travel over expensive international flights. Many visitors are choosing local destinations within a 150 to 200 kilometer radius to avoid high travel costs.

In Dortmund, the Hohensyburg campsite is also shifting its business model. The operator is planning renovations to transition from a focus on long-term seasonal campers to a higher volume of short-term tourists.