First Camp Group continues to strengthen its presence in Central Europe. Through its partnership with Lodgyslife, the Swedish group has acquired two new campsites in Germany: Camping Birkensee, near Hanover, and Harz Camp Goslar, located in the Harz Mountains. The two properties, now integrated into First Camp Group’s German platform, bring the total number of destinations operated by the group to 90 across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany and Switzerland.
The acquisitions form part of a long-term expansion strategy aimed at consolidating a leading position in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), considered one of the most relevant markets for outdoor tourism in Europe. Germany, in particular, is viewed as a strategic market, characterized by strong demand and significant growth potential.
“We acquired our first destination in Germany in the summer of 2025 and have since been very successful in continuing our expansion in the German-speaking part of Europe,” said Johan Söör, CEO of First Camp Group. “With these acquisitions, we now operate seven destinations in Germany and an additional five in Switzerland. Germany is a strategically important market for us, with strong demand and solid long-term growth potential. Birkensee and Harz Camp are well-managed, high-quality destinations, and we look forward to developing them further while preserving their local identity”.
The two new destinations
The two newly acquired campsites are well-established and highly regarded destinations that will now benefit from First Camp’s operational expertise, digital platforms and know-how in the large-scale development of high-quality camping and resort destinations.
Camping Birkensee, located just outside Hanover, becomes First Camp’s first destination in Northern Germany. Open year-round, the campsite stands out for its privately owned swimming lake, on-site restaurant and strategic location, in close proximity to major event venues, international trade fairs and cultural attractions. The site will be operated under the Azur Camping brand.
Harz Camp Goslar, on the other hand, is a premium, year-round destination in the Harz Mountains, one of Germany’s most established and steadily growing tourism regions. The campsite combines high quality standards with an outstanding natural setting, further enhanced by its proximity to the historic town of Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From an operational perspective, Harz Camp Goslar will continue to operate under its existing name and local organization, ensuring continuity and preserving the distinctive character of the property.
“Closing our second campsite acquisition within such a short time frame after signing the partnership (with First Camp, ed) is a great achievement and demonstrates the strength and momentum of our cooperation,” says René Müller, co-founder of the Lodgyslife Group. “Harz Camp is an outstanding premium destination in a highly attractive region. Michael Steinmann and his family have built an incredible site. It makes us proud that he has chosen us to preserve and further develop the Harz Camp – which will continue to operate as such – on the Azur Freizeit platform”.
Photo: Harz Camp Goslar
AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group chassis are the first choice for “tiny houses” manufacturers