Luxembourg’s campsites look back on a successful summer, with strong visitor numbers, more international guests, and rising local interest, though the sector still struggles with energy costs and staffing shortages.
As summer enters its final stretch and the days grow shorter, the camping season in Luxembourg is also winding down. Within a few weeks, the last tourists will be heading home – the perfect moment to take stock of the season.
At the Tintesmühle campsite in the Our valley near Kalborn, managers described the past months as an almost ideal year. From the spring pre-season, when retirees arrive first, through to the peak summer weeks dominated by young families, the site remained consistently well occupied, they said. They stated that the fine weather was a key factor, but there were other reasons too.
According to site manager Florence Bertemes, Luxembourg has built up a solid reputation: campsites across the country now meet high standards, with facilities kept up to date, and word of mouth has encouraged holidaymakers to stay closer to home rather than travelling south, especially when the weather is good.
Higher diversity of tourists
Conversations with visitors confirmed that many carry away a very positive impression of Luxembourg. Theo, a tourist from the Netherlands, explained that he enjoys touring the surrounding region and often spends time fishing in the streams. Robin, visiting from Germany, said that for his family the site is an excellent place to relax: the children can use the playground, they can walk the local trails, though cycling is less appealing because of the steep hills.
Most visitors still come from the Netherlands and Flanders, but since the pandemic the campsites have welcomed growing numbers of Germans, and this year many Swiss travellers also discovered the Grand Duchy.
A similarly positive balance sheet was reported at Kautenbach, where alongside traditional pitches the site also offers "glamping", with tents and cabins for hire.
Manager Kevin in't Groen noted a clear seasonal difference: in spring and autumn, the site attracts many walkers taking on routes such as the Lee Trail or the Escapardenne, people who prefer to travel light and avoid carrying camping gear, making the rental options particularly popular.
In summer, however, families dominate, coming for the more traditional camping experience. Increasingly, Luxembourgers themselves are joining in, with Carole, from Frisange, being a recent example.
She explained that friends of hers return every year, and after buying a camper van last year she and her family decided to try a weekend at the site. She said that they enjoyed it so much that it has now become a regular trip.
Despite the positive atmosphere, the sector faces challenges, above all high energy costs and difficulties recruiting staff.
