Camping by the river

Camping by water, especially rivers, is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. The reason for this is the many opportunities offered by rivers. The wide variety of fish is a particular adventure for hobby anglers. And water sports enthusiasts also get their money's worth: most campsites on rivers offer canoeing, water skiing, rowing and other activities.

Special features of river camping

There are over 894 rivers in Germany, which flow through the country in whole or in part. In fact, most cities - and therefore many holiday resorts - are located on rivers, as they not only provided access to drinking water in earlier times, but are still important waterways today. The campsites are not usually located in the centre of the towns, but mostly in the surrounding countryside, close to the floodplains and forests. In addition to the usual water sports and fishing opportunities offered by many riverside campsites, travellers can also explore the region on designated hiking or cycling routes and discover many new things. Why not simply set off on your own and perhaps discover a cosy forest café or a special viewpoint?

Holiday destinations

From the Hase in the north to the Altmühl in the south of Germany, there are many campsites that can be a great holiday destination not only for guests with a love of nature and water activities, but also for discerning glampers or families with children. Belingries is a small town in Bavaria with just under ten thousand inhabitants. It is located in the district of Eichstätt, a short distance north of Ingolstadt, on the lazily flowing Altmühl. The local NATURAMA campsite boasts a four-star rating from the Federal Association of the Camping Industry in Germany and the German Tourism Association. It is constantly being modernised and well maintained. In addition to the many riverside activities such as swimming, boat trips and fishing, there is also a tennis court, a forest nature trail and an outdoor pool. The site is barrier-free and therefore also a suitable destination for people with walking difficulties. The small town of Haselünne is located in northern Germany, in the Emsland region and directly on the River Hase. It has a charming old town centre and rural charm. The Haseufer campsite is particularly suitable for families with children. The little ones can ride horses and feed and groom them themselves. There is a zoo with mini pigs, small cows, alpacas and donkeys. There is also a mini golf course, an indoor youth club with a pool table and fitness equipment and a sauna. Guests can go canoeing, swimming and fishing on the River Hase and the two nearby lakes. Burgen is a beautiful place to visit if you want to take a trip to the Moselle. With only 800 inhabitants, it is very quaint and quiet. The surrounding area is a paradise for hikers. The KNAUS camping park is located here. The special feature is the connection to a large boat harbour. With a view of Bischofstein Castle, guests can go fishing, swimming, sailing and motor boating. Water lovers can not only swim in the Moselle, but also in the solar-heated swimming pool.

Activities and excursions

Experience nature: Which leisure activities make a holiday by the river particularly worthwhile?

Exploring the river in a canoe

Canoe trips are very often offered at campsites close to the river. Canoeing is easy to learn. Canoes are available in various sizes, whether you are travelling alone or in small groups. Guests sit in the boat facing forwards and move along with a paddle, alternately dipping the paddle into the water on the left and right. During the trip, guests can take in the natural surroundings on the shore and often see one or two sights. You might even spot some rare animals.

Sitting comfortably on the bank and fishing

This activity is of course only permitted for holders of a fishing licence and the closed seasons, which are different in every federal state, must be observed. However, most riverside campsites offer fishing in accordance with these guidelines. Rivers are home to many different species of fish, including pike and catfish, which can grow very large. Fishing is a pastime that many people find relaxing and rewarding. Most German rivers are so clean that the fish can be prepared and eaten without hesitation.