Unique camping experiences are gaining popularity as travelers seek tranquility at farms and vineyards. Apps like ‘Landvergnügen’ and ‘Schau aufs Land’ facilitate overnight stays, offering access to thousands of parking spots across Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. Campers can enjoy nature while supporting local businesses. The trend is welcomed by the German Tourism Association, highlighting the increasing demand for these distinctive accommodations. Additionally, resources like ‘You and a View’ and park4night help users find legal camping options and connect with the camping community.
Discovering Unique Camping Experiences
On a warm summer day, you can find Tristan, a laid-back Labrador, lounging comfortably at his owner’s feet, seeking refuge from the sun under the trees. The seasoned pooch has become accustomed to the majestic ostriches leisurely wandering just a short distance away on the grassy expanse.
“I was in search of tranquility and seclusion, and I’ve found both here—along with an unexpected view,” shares Hendrik, a 38-year-old IT programmer, as he gently strokes his dog’s glossy coat.
Hendrik has parked his motorhome at the Riederfeld ostrich farm located in Lübz, Mecklenburg. From his cozy outdoor chair, he enjoys watching the lively ostrich antics within the safety of their fenced paddock. More and more travelers with motorhomes and caravans are discovering the charm of stopping at farms, vineyards, or animal sanctuaries during their journeys.
Embracing the Farm Stay Movement
Many travelers turn to the ‘Landvergnügen’ app, a popular tool for locating overnight parking spots across Germany and Austria. Originally featuring just 230 participating farms, the platform has expanded significantly, now boasting around 2,000 locations where motorhome enthusiasts can park for free—often in exchange for purchasing goods from the farm shop or winery.
On a scenic alpaca farm, Herbert and Sabine Wisböck are captivated by the newly shorn llamas as they take a break in Gerbstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, on their journey back to Bavaria. Their parking spot was reserved through the paid service Alpaca-Camping.
“The sense of peace and fulfillment here is unmatched. It’s a perfect way to disconnect from work and soak in the evening sunset,” remarks Herbert Wisböck. Alexandra Scheffler offers her expansive 18-hectare meadow for parking, providing stunning views of the surrounding hills, forests, and fields right next to the alpaca farm.
The concept mirrors ‘Landvergnügen’: instead of shopping, guests pay a fixed nightly fee for the experience. “Our goal is to create a memorable nature experience for campers while allowing hosts to benefit from their surplus land,” explains Dominik Quambusch, one of the platform’s founders. Currently, approximately 4,000 parking spaces are available across Germany.
If your travels lead you to Austria or Slovenia, consider using the Schau aufs Land app. For an annual fee starting at 30 euros for Slovenia or 40 euros for Austria, members can enjoy free stays at organic farms throughout the year.
With a growing inventory of 500 parking spaces in Austria and Slovenia, the app features an intuitive traffic light system to indicate available spots for tents or motorhomes following user registration.
The German Tourism Association has a positive outlook on this trend. “The range of offerings is expanding, and we don’t consider it competition for traditional campsites. These locations are consistently booked and highly sought after,” comments Reinhard Meyer, the association’s president. Each year, these spots account for about 36 million overnight stays, with numbers on the rise.
For those looking for legal camping options amidst nature, the ‘You and a View’ online portal provides a valuable resource. This free web app allows users to input their destination and discover private properties available for overnight stays, complete with features, photos, reviews, and direct booking options.
Additionally, the park4night app offers a global database of parking spots, curated by an enthusiastic camping community. The user comments often provide insights into the quality of a location and the nearby amenities, making it easier for travelers to choose their next stop.