Numerous campsites in Germany are experiencing power outages.
Vacationing at German Campsites: A Mobile Network Odyssey
For millions of Germans, summer means a much-needed break at campsites. Yet, mobile network coverage isn't always a vacation highlight, as per an analysis by Verivox.
Conquering the Dead Zones
More than half of Germany's 50 most popular campsites grapple with notorious dead zones. At least one network provider faces coverage gaps at 52% of these sites. Despite offering Wi-Fi, it's often not a guarantee. According to Verivox's research, 42 out of 50 sites provide free Wi-Fi to holidaymakers, but coverage can be limited to select zones like the reception or eateries. Seven sites charge for Wi-Fi.
Of the 50 campsites assessed, 24 boast excellent network quality, offering both 5G and 4G/LTE services from all providers across the entire site. However, gap severity varies drastically on other sites. Some only have a tiny, poorly covered cell at the edge, while others have minimal 5G network and limited coverage of the older 4G standard.
Coast to Coast: Coverage Varies
Campsites along the North and Baltic Sea coasts generally enjoy good network coverage, but still aren't perfect. Larger sites tend to have more gaps, and quality can fluctuate from pitch to pitch.
Sites in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate battle patchy networks. Jörg Schamberg, Verivox's telecommunications expert, explained, "Mobile network coverage generally fares better in the flat north instead of the more hilly south. Topographical obstacles hinder network expansion."
Coverage around many campsites falls short. As Schamberg pointed out, vacationers don't typically stick to one spot, explore the dog, or hit the beach. "Frequently, complete dead zones appear in adjacent cells, where not even an emergency call is possible – these can occur in scenic landscapes like the Black Forest or Allgäu," he added.
Insights from the Field
Though specific data on mobile network issues in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate are scarce, some campsites in Baden-Württemberg like Camping Erbenwald near the Black Forest, enjoy 5G mobile internet and WiFi coverage between 80-100%, at least available at the reception area. This suggests fairly good connectivity, but coverage might be restricted to core facilities rather than the entire campsite.
Outdoor activity reports, such as the cycling expedition from Cologne to Amsterdam, offer hints that mobile network reliance can be limited in rural or wooded areas, including some campsite locations. While these insights aren't location-specific to the mentioned regions, they could serve as a reminder to verify mobile network availability and issues at particular campsites using apps like Campy or poring over user reviews before setting up camp.
"Even during summer vacations, sports enthusiasts might struggle to keep up with the latest news or updates while camping in Germany, as more than half of the country's popular campsites face coverage gaps, particularly in regions like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. Moreover, for tech-savvy travelers relying on smartphones and gadgets, the lack of technology infrastructure could hinder their ability to stream music or movies, or even make calls via their devices."
