Long-term campers at Süßen See about to quit – what now for the future?

Long-term campers at Süßen See about to quit – what now for the future?

In a shocking move, the operators of the Seeburg campsite on the picturesque Süßen See in the Mansfeld-Südharz district have given notice of termination to over 50 long-term campers. As MDR reports, the operator justifies this measure with economic considerations. The aim is to attract more short-term guests who, with their higher income, can cover ongoing costs better than the long-term campers who have been resident for years.

Around 70 percent of the area of ​​the popular campsite is currently used by long-term campers, who have often been spending their summers in this idyllic place for over 50 years. However, the contribution of these guests is not enough to cope with the financial burdens caused by, among other things, burst pipes and outdated power lines. A challenge that can rob some operators of their sleep.

The beauty of Sweet Lake

The Seeburg campsite stretches over around 600 meters on the shore of the Süßen See, a place that not only invites you to swim and surf, but also offers a variety of leisure activities. As mz.de describes, the picturesque backdrop between fruit groves and vineyards attracts many day trippers. In addition, a diverse, partly award-winning gastronomic landscape ensures the physical well-being of visitors. Cultural highlights, such as Seeburg Castle, are also not far away.

With hiking opportunities and cycling paths in the area, leisure fun is not neglected. Despite the challenges, the Süße See is very popular with guests. According to Statista, camping tourism is booming in Germany, and the region around the Süßen See could also benefit from this trend. Key aspects such as over 3,100 campsites in Germany and a record turnover of around 904 million euros speak for a flourishing industry.

A look at camping tourism

The boom in camping tourism cannot be ignored. Almost 13 million Germans prefer camping as a form of vacation, and the trend is rising. More and more Germans are willing to spend their summer adventures in a tent or motorhome. Although foreign tourists are less likely to choose campsites, this sector remains important to the local economy. Around 18 percent of holidaymakers choose camping as their accommodation, while hotels remain the most popular option for foreign guests.

Given the ongoing developments at the Seeburg campsite, it will be exciting to see how the restructuring will succeed in the future and whether the recruitment of short-term guests can actually lead to an economic boom that will also take the parents' generation of these long-term campers into account. The next few months could be crucial in determining whether Sweet Lake can maintain its special flair or whether the changes will put additional pressure on the region's long tradition of camping.