Camping Guide | Sachsen-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt is located in the heart of Germany and covers an area of around 20,000 square kilometers. The region borders the federal states of Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, and Hesse. Camping vacationers can reach Saxony-Anhalt easily via the well-developed motorways. The most important motorways are the A2 (Berlin – Hanover), the A9 (Berlin – Munich), the A14 (Magdeburg – Halle/Leipzig), and the A38 (Göttingen – Leipzig). There is no general toll for cars and motorhomes under 7.5 tons on German motorways. For heavier vehicles, a distance-based toll is charged. Saxony-Anhalt is also easy to reach by train. Numerous ICE, IC, and regional trains connect major cities such as Magdeburg, Halle (Saale), and Dessau-Roßlau with other parts of Germany. From Munich, the ICE journey to Halle (Saale) takes about 4.5 hours, for example. Those arriving from Frankfurt am Main reach Halle in around 3 hours. From Hamburg, the travel time by ICE is about 3.5 hours. Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) is the largest international airport in the region. From there, there are regular connections to numerous German and European cities. From the airport, you can reach Halle (Saale) main station in about 15 minutes or Leipzig main station in about 20 minutes by S-Bahn. Within Saxony-Anhalt, it is best to move around with your own vehicle or by public transport. There is a well-developed network of regional buses and trains that also connect smaller towns. For cyclists, the region offers numerous well-signposted cycle paths, for example along the Elbe or through the Harz mountains.

Saxony-Anhalt can be roughly divided into four sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. The Harz in the west is the highest mountain region in northern Germany and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Here you will find picturesque towns like Wernigerode with its historical city center and Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its numerous half-timbered houses. The Harz is ideal for families who want to explore nature, as well as for active vacationers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or skiing in winter. The Elbe Region stretches along the Elbe River and is characterized by wide floodplain landscapes and historical cities. Magdeburg, the state capital, impresses with its imposing cathedral and the Hundertwasser House. Dessau-Roßlau is known for the Bauhaus, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The Elbe Region is particularly suitable for cyclists and culture lovers who enjoy exploring historical cities. The Saale-Unstrut Region in the south is a traditional wine-growing area with rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. Freyburg (Unstrut) is the center of viticulture and invites you to wine tastings and cellar tours. Naumburg (Saale) impresses with its cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The Saale-Unstrut Region is ideal for connoisseurs who enjoy drinking wine and regional cuisine, as well as for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The Altmark in the north is a sparsely populated region with wide fields, green meadows, and small villages. Stendal, the largest city in the Altmark, has an interesting history and several buildings worth seeing. The Altmark is particularly suitable for those seeking peace and quiet who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as for nature lovers who enjoy hiking and cycling. For a camping holiday in Saxony-Anhalt, all regions offer great opportunities. Whether it's a campsite by the lake, in the middle of the forest, or near historical cities – every camper will find their ideal pitch here.

The camping landscape in Saxony-Anhalt is diverse and offers something for every taste. In total, there are around 80 campsites in the region, many of which are idyllically situated in nature. There are both large resort sites with extensive facilities such as pools, restaurants, and entertainment programs, as well as smaller, nature-oriented sites that are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Agriturismo and farm camping are also enjoying increasing popularity in Saxony-Anhalt. For motorhomes, there are special pitches with supply and disposal facilities. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season and equipment. In the high season (July/August), a pitch for two people costs an average of between 25 and 35 euros per night. In the low season (May/June, September/October), prices are often slightly lower, ranging between 20 and 30 euros per night. The size of the pitches also varies. On larger campsites, the plots are often parceled out and offer a size of 80 to 100 square meters. On smaller, nature-oriented sites, the pitches are often more open and offer more privacy. Many campsites offer both sunny and shady pitches. The sanitary standard on campsites in Saxony-Anhalt is generally good. Most sites have modern sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, and sinks. Electricity connections are also available at most pitches. Wi-Fi quality varies, but many sites now offer free Wi-Fi. A reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, as the most popular campsites are often fully booked. However, there are always last-minute opportunities, especially at smaller, less well-known sites.

For a relaxed camping holiday in Saxony-Anhalt, some practical information is helpful. Tolls are not charged on German motorways for vehicles under 7.5 tons. For heavier vehicles, a distance-based toll is charged, which is recorded electronically. There are plenty of gas stations in Saxony-Anhalt. Diesel prices are generally slightly lower than in southern Germany. Opening hours of gas stations vary, but many are also open on Sundays. Shopping is easy in Saxony-Anhalt. There are numerous supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Rewe, and Edeka, which offer a wide range. Opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm. Some supermarkets are also open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. Gas supply can be ensured at most campsites. German gas cylinders can usually be exchanged without any problems. Adapters are not required. Disposal stations for chemical toilets and grey water are available at many campsites. Public disposal stations are also available in some towns. Mobile network coverage is good in Saxony-Anhalt. Roaming is not a problem within the EU. Medical care is good in Saxony-Anhalt. There are numerous hospitals and pharmacies in the larger cities. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Saxony-Anhalt. However, there are a few exceptions, for example on private property with the owner's permission. Environmental zones exist in some cities, but they are usually well-signposted. Tap water in Saxony-Anhalt is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation.

Anyone who really wants to get to know Saxony-Anhalt should go in search of the region's hidden treasures. A special tip is the low season in May/June or September/October. At this time, it is significantly quieter in the region and prices are often cheaper. In addition, the weather is often pleasantly mild and ideal for hiking and cycling tours. Off the beaten tourist track, there are numerous less well-known places and beaches that are worth a visit. A secret tip is the Süßer See near Eisleben, which invites you to swim and relax with its clear water and surrounding vineyards. The lake is located about 5 km south of Eisleben and is easily accessible via the L180 country road. Another highlight is the local markets and direct sales. At the weekly markets in Magdeburg, Halle, and Dessau, there are fresh regional products such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, and sausage. Farm shops, such as the Müller fruit farm in Gatersleben, also offer a large selection of regional specialties. Saxony-Anhalt is rich in local festivals and events. A special highlight is the wine festival in Freyburg (Unstrut) at the end of August/beginning of September, where regional wines are celebrated. The Festival of Lights in Magdeburg at the beginning of May is also an unforgettable experience. Culinary-wise, Saxony-Anhalt has a lot to offer. You should definitely try the Hallorenkugeln, a chocolate specialty from Halle (Saale), and Harz cheese, a spicy sour milk cheese from the Harz mountains. Locals like to visit the restaurant "Zum Bürgerhof" in Magdeburg, which is known for its traditional home-style cooking, and the "Weinwirtschaft" in Freyburg (Unstrut), where you can enjoy regional wines. A worthwhile day trip is the journey to the Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz. The trip from Wernigerode with the Brocken Railway takes about 1.5 hours and costs approx. 30 euros per person. From the top, you have a breathtaking view over the Harz.