What’s going to take its place? A tent lodge, glamping barrel or a campsite in the middle of a lake? Glamping makes camping sexy. We introduce you to a wide range of accommodation options.
Glamping in Bavaria
Camping continues to win new fans, not least as a result of the glamping barrels and pods that have appeared on many campsites. While other forms of accommodation have suffered heavy losses as a result of coronavirus, camping takes place in the fresh air with plenty of social distancing, making it a winner in 2020.
Björn Staschen, television journalist and the author of various camping guides such as the standard work “Camping Glück”, sums up its success as follows: “Lots of people are aware of how good it feels to get closer to nature. Even more so in a highly complex world, which is becoming less and less transparent. Camping is an antidote to high-tech workplaces and overcrowded cities, and brings us closer to the original format of a simple life. Many people find in it what they need.”
Since these many are growing in number all the time, however, it is no longer the case that you can simply head off on a whim and find a lovely place to camp. On summer weekends, and during school holidays in particular, it is advisable to book well in advance. This is especially true for USP accommodation.
XL chalet or front-row barrel?
“Camping am Pilsensee” lies just 45 minutes by train from Munich city centre. A wooded lakeside site with panoramic views, bathing meadow and lakeshore restaurant. This premium location is not just appreciated by plenty of long-term and short-term campers, but increasingly also by people renting out its chic chalets.
With a TV and sofa in the living room, a kitchen and a tiled bathroom with shower and WC, the chalets appeal to all those who love the cosmos of a campsite but prefer a bit more space and a lot more comfort.
Glamping barrels: Small but my own
The ten glamping barrels are much smaller and more modest, but on the other hand they are in the best location. A perfect all-round concept for couples and families who can get along well in a small space and love the idea of watching the sun go down from their cosy sleeping level (or from the private terrace out in front).
A few months ago, these were supplemented by two XXL versions, which can sleep four adults and have their own fridge. If demand continues at the present rate, there will be more of these to come.
“Apart from a few days, the glamping barrels were fully booked all through the summer,” reveals the lady on reception. Clearly they represent the ideal starter option for many camping novices. And they are practical too: you spend most of your time outdoors but you can also relish coming back to a warm, dry sleeping area. Also included: electricity, infrared heating, bedlinen, towels and cleaning. All for just 75 euros a night.
Hobbit-like log cabins
For the Estonian wooden igloos at the Allgäu campsite “Camping Grüntensee”, guests pay between 89 and 109 euros. These cabins are reminiscent of Hobbit houses, and consist of two quaint sleeping dens with furs and blankets as well as a kitchenette with fridge, induction hob, air heater and basic crockery.
It’s just a shame that these dinky little huts sit directly behind the massive main building. They would feel rather more magical if they were off to one side or had a more attractive view from the terrace than across to the caravan pitches.
Luxury tent lodge with wood-burning stove
A couple of sizes larger, another accommodation option is the “WiesenBett Luxury Lodge Tent” in the Franconian high mountain region. This kind of outdoor penthouse measures 50 square metres and boasts comfortable beds, a fully equipped kitchenette and a rustic wood-burning stove.
Dreams in a shepherd’s hut
They may not be immediately apparent in the shepherd’s hut that stands in the ancient orchard at the “Handwerkerhof Fränkische Schweiz”, but guests will find a television, fire pit and whirlpool next to the wooden deck.
Another tip from Franconia: “Bärenschlucht Camping”, whose highlights include a spacious log cabin and, once again, a glamping barrel. The special feature of this site is its location right by a rock face - so don’t forget to bring your climbing kit. Good to know: thanks to heating and electricity (for electric blankets and the like), like many other pods and barrels, it can also be used in winter. Winter camping is attracting more and more followers, especially when sites can also offer saunas and other facilities.
Ready for the island? Voilà!
Other sites, in contrast, are content to stick with summer operation and a minimal infrastructure. One such is the “Camping Insel Buchau”, which does not need glamping as it boasts an unparalleled location, right in the middle of Lake Staffelsee! Anyone wishing to access the island, the preserve of campers only, has to take the small ferry or a rowing boat. Cars, caravans and motorhomes are not allowed on this 4.5 hectare island. It certainly has its charms, as you leap out of your tent in the morning and straight into the lake. But you do need to bring your own tent.
camping-in-bayern.info (only in German)
camping-pilsensee.de (only in German)
buchau-campinginsel.de (only in German)
