First Camp, the largest camping chain in the Nordic region, is taking the next major strategic step and is now establishing itself in Germany through the acquisition of the campsite Via Claudia in Bavaria. This means that First Camp is now operating in five countries – following the additions to Denmark (2019), Norway (2022) and Finland (2025). The chain has grown from 24 destinations in 2018 to now 75 destinations.
”Germany is Europe’s largest camping market and around 50 percent larger than all of Scandinavia. We see significant potential to contribute to a more professional and consolidated structure in Germany – just as we have done in the Nordics in recent years,” says Johan Söör, CEO of First Camp.
Clear market demand and strong starting point
First Camp already has a strong relationship with the German market – German guests currently account for around 15 percent of all overnight stays at the chain's destinations in Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
”With the acquisition of Via Claudia, we gain a strong position in southern Germany, close to the Alps and the popular hiking trails along the Lech River and the Via Claudia Augusta. We approach this with the utmost humility – and our first priority is to maintain the high quality and guest experience,” Johan Söör continues.
The current destination manager and owner, Felicitas Weber, will continue to operate the facility during an extended transition period, and no changes to the guest experience are planned.
First step in a larger venture
”Via Claudia is a natural first step in Germany, but our ambitions do not stop there. We are actively exploring new opportunities in the German market and are open to different ownership and collaboration models – both in Germany and other European markets. We have also recently completed a successful financing with a bond loan that opens up even more opportunities,” concludes Johan Söör.
Via Claudia's turnover in 2024 is approximately EUR 3.6 million. The campsite will be owned by First Camp Group AB's sister company FC Husky HoldCo and the ownership is therefore outside the bond structure of First Camp Group AB. The acquisition is financed through FC Husky HoldCo's cash and cash equivalents and existing credit facilities.
According to the press release.
