Camping Guide of Bulgaria 2021

The Camping Guide of Bulgaria will take you through 7 routes in the country, that reveal the diversity of the Bulgarian nature, campsites and tourist attractions. They are presented on 32 pages focusing on basic information about each route, its length, the campsites it offers, their services, amenities and prices, and last but not least - recommendations on additional activities in the areas. The Guide is your irreplaceable assistant when traveling on wheels in Bulgaria. The 7 routes are: Northwestern Bulgaria (240 km) - from Vidin to Sofia with 5 campsites and landmarks along the way; Danube River (370 km) - from Vidin to Ruse with 4 campsites and many attractions on the way. Central North Bulgaria (200 km) - the area, locked between the cities of Rousse, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo and the ridge of the Balkan Mountain, providing information about 4 campsites and many tourist attractions; South Balkan (300 km) - the road from Plovdiv to Bourgas, which leads through the famous Rose Valley with 3 campsites and plenty of historical and natural attractions; Rhodopes Mountain (320 km) - 4 campsites and amazing landscape and nature at the Mountain of Orpheus; Southwestern Bulgaria (180 lm) - along the Struma highway from Sofia to Kulata (to the Greek border) with stops at the hottest geyser in Europe, the smallest town in Bulgaria - Melnik, and other places of interest; Black Sea Coast (350 km) - reveals some of the most modern campsites in the country and many tourist sights from the Romanian border in North to Strandzha Natural Park and the border with Turkey in South. The number of the campsites along this route is 10; The Camping Guide of Bulgaria is distributed free of charge by Camping.bg in printed and digital form. The interactive digital versions are available here: www.guide21.camping.bg A printed version of the Guide is available at the reception desks of all participating campsites and in the sport and camping equipment stores in Bulgaria.      

The hi-tech five-star city glamping Alliance welcomes visitors in the ancient city of Plovdiv

A state-of-the-art hi-tech Complex with pitches for motor homes, caravans, tents, glamping huts, motel and SPA Center welcomes visitors minutes away from the center of the ancient city of Plovdiv​. The latest and hottest camping venue in Bulgaria is in the city of Plovdiv. Its name is Glamping Alliance and it claims to be the most hi-tech, top class, five-star city glamping in Europe. The Complex consists of a camping zone with pitches for camper vans, caravans, and tents, designer glamping huts and a motel with a SPA Center. It is located in an area with a view towards the Rhodope Mountains, yet by public transport it is only 6 minutes away from the absolute center of Plovdiv. The camping’s capacity is 50 pitches with an area of 100 m2 each, 39 for campers and 11 for tents. All pitches come with fresh water and waste water outlets and 16 A electric power supply. Four pitches have their own private heated WC with shower. 10 pitches have their own shades. Hedges ensure privacy. Lighting on the premises is turned on automatically. 45 fast growing plane trees will provide shade to the pitches in no more than a year’s time. The sprinklers watering the grass plots are also smart: they are activated only on the vacant pitches. The camper stop / glamping applies the Internet of things concept, relying entirely on technology (no reception, no staff). It applies the principle pay-per-use, with clear detailed prices. Security is ensured with surveillance cameras, supervised by a security company. The base price for Glamping Alliance includes the pitch, use of communal bathrooms, water, high speed Wi-Fi, pool, sun deck, BBQ, Kid’s corner, carwash. You may optionally add electric power, shade, private WC with shower, laundromat, dryer, dishwasher, party gazebo, SPA center, etc. All bookings and optional services are done and paid online through the website of the glamping which generates a QR code for access to the respective areas.  The electric power is charged on the basis of consumption, showing in real time the voltage, amperage and the sum to be charged. The heated communal bathroom, with its four ladies’ and four gents’ toilets and eight shower cubicles, is spacious and modern, equipped with dispensers for certified liquid soap, shampoo, toilet paper, and hair dryers. The shower cubicles are very practical, with a dry area for dressing.  The adjacent facility is the laundry room with two washing machines with dryers, located next to the washing-up facility with sinks with hot water, and an optional dishwasher. Another facility that no other Bulgarian camping site can boast of, is the pets bath. What you have seen so far by no means exhausts the facilities at your disposal at the glamping. There is a special room for cleaning chemical toilets – manually, or automatically in a machine that disinfects and recharges the chemical toilet cassettes. Of course, Glamping Alliance has provided for the kids as well. They may play at the outdoor kids’ playground with a jungle gym, climbing wall, swings and slides, parallel bars and gym beam. If you are a noisy company of up to 24 persons you may wish to book the air-conditioned Party gazebo, equipped with an electric BBQ, cooker hood, WC, fridge, toaster, coffee machine, hot water sink, kitchen top, microwave oven and cutlery. And since this is a glamping, Alliance accommodates guests in fairy-tale huts, such as the House of Baba Yaga, which stands on one leg amid the pool at the end of a river. You reach it via a suspended bridge, and your breakfast, ordered through room service, shall be delivered via a funicular line.  Another of the glamping huts is a Hobbit Hole. Complete with round entrance door and a roof covered with grass. One of the numerous jewels in the crown of the glamping, however, is definitely the Royal Suite – the Orient Express carriage furnished in the style of Louis XIV. Voice commands will summon your bed, turn the lighting and TV on and off, draw the blinds, open the door, and even flush the toilet. Quite impressive! Yet another advantage of the glamping Alliance is that there is also a motel, where one may book a room for one’s friends, or kids, travelling with you. The motel, once completed, will have three single, and 36 double rooms as well as 6 suites with two terraces each, as well as a guarded parking lot for 45 cars and a coach. The façade features a high-resolution screen presenting all the glamping facilities. The restaurant is part of the motel and will soon welcome its first clients. It will be self-service, featuring a great choice of dishes from the Menu of the day, packaged cold and hot dishes, and desserts. The kind hosts promise to offer national cuisine with fruit and vegetables grown locally without artificial fertilizers, washed down with world famous wines from the autochthonous grape Mavroud from the terroir of Plovdiv region. A grocery, selling fruit, vegetables, groceries, drinks and basic travelers’ goods store will be opened presently. A modern recreation room with billiards, table soccer, table tennis, rally and golf simulators, as well as a play station for children of all ages. By the end of the year a unique SPA Center will be opened, featuring an indoor aquatonic pool with 57 water jets; sauna, steam salt bath, ice room with an ice bucket shower and an ice bowl, a designer relax zone and a choice of 20 types of massage. The outdoor pool is also one of a kind. Its water flows out of a spring into a river expanding into a pool, ending in a shallow pool for children before dropping down a 3-meter waterfall among rocks. The sundeck is next to the waterfall. It is open in the 01/05 - 30/09 and features umbrellas, sunbeds, changing rooms for ladies and gents, as well as for handicapped persons. The access from the sundeck to the indoor spa is via an outdoor elevator suited for wheelchairs. Having written all this, we can only say: Welcome to a camping / glamping vacation in Plovdiv – the city of art, accumulated in the course of its 8000-year-old history. Finally, there is a camper stop where you can comfortably station your RV, caravan, or tent. For more information and reservation see: www.glamping-alliance.com.   Veselin Valev Camping.bg Photos: Glamping Alliance and Veselin Valev / Camping.bg  

Results of the Annual Ranking of the Campsites in Bulgaria 2019

The Annual Rankings of the Bulgarian Campsites #BestBGcamp  has ended. The study has been conducted for the fifth year at the end of the summer season. It has been carried out by Camping.bg with the help of Market Links and SportDepot. A record 835 people voted in the poll. For the first time this year, the questionnaire also had a full English version. It targeted foreign guests who accounted 8.5% of the total number of participants. Among the Bulgarians prevails the share of women who voted. For the foreigners the gender distribution is equal. The most active responders were the residents of Sofia, Burgas and Plovdiv. Just over half of the respondents are between 36 and 50 years old. Here is the final ranking of the Bulgarian campsites in the different categories: 1. Favorite campsite on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast: A favorite camping at the sea: I place: Silistar  II place: Yakoto miasto III place: Gradina Silistar is a second time winner for the last 2 seasons. After acquiring new hosts in 2018, the campsite is undergoing rapid development and is becoming increasingly liked by Bulgarians and foreigners. The second place is taken by Yakoto miasto (the Cool Place), which steps again in the top three after it lost positions in 2018. Gradina is an annual favorite in the top 3.  Asked "What attracts you to your favorite campsite?" Silistar's fans put the beautiful nature around first, those of the Cool Place - the freedom of the children, and for Gradina it is the vicinity to the sea. 2. Favorite campsites inland: I place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite II place: Emanuil  III place: Batak eco-camping Kapinovski Manastir and Emanuil campgrounds have once again confirmed their positions as favorites in the country, and Batak eco-campsite, which was briefly absent from the rankings, took a top position again. The leading factors that make guests choose a vacation in these three campsites are the beauty of the surrounding countryside for Kapinovski Manastir, the hospitality for Emanuil, and again the beauty of nature for Batak. TOP 10 of the favorite campsites in Bulgaria: Kapinovski Manastir, Veliko Tarnovo Silistar Yakoto Miasto Emanuil, Zhrebchevo dam Batak, eco-camping, Tsigov Chark Gradina Irakli Veliko Tarnovo, Dragizhevo village Dospat, eco-camping Offshore Camp  3. Category "Hygiene": This year, the category "Hygiene" evaluates the overall convenience and hygiene of bathrooms, tourist kitchens and dishwashing areas. The winners are: I place: Kapinovski Monastery - 4.59 points II place: Zora camping, Obzor - 4.47 points III place: Emanuel camping - 4.43 points 4. Category "Convenience of Campsite's pitches"  Here, the respondents evaluated the accommodation in the campsites in terms of pitches' size and ground cover, power supply, water supply, shade, and proximity to the bathrooms. I place: Kapinovski Monastery - 4.65 points II place: Emanuil - 4.50 points III place: Zora - 4.42 points 5. Category "Additional Ammenities"  The "Additional Ammenities" category includes the additional facilities that campsites offer, such as a playground, sports fields, swimming pool, bicycles and boats for rent and more. In this category, the three leading campsites are: I place: Kapinovski Monastery - 4.52 points II place: Yakoto Miasto (The Cool Place campsite) - 4.33 points III place: Emanuil  - 4.22 points This year's leader, the Kapinovski Monastery, climbs 2 positions compared to 2018 and 2017 and takes the top spot. Emanuil remains one position back from 2018, displaced by Yakoto Miasto, which returns to its 2017 position. 6. Category "Additional Services and Accessibility" This category evaluates guests' accessibility to shops, restaurants and essentials. The leaders this year are: I place: Zora - 4.63 points II place: Yakoto Miasto - 4.49 points III place: Kapinovski Monastery - 4.16 points Zora and Yakoto Miasto climb one position up from 2018 and push out of the ranking of Oasis, Zverino, who remains in fifth place, preceded by the Kapinovovski Monastery and the new Campsite Atliman in Kiten. 7. Category "Hospitality" The "Hospitality" category is new and rates guests service and attitude towards them in 2019. I place: Kapinovski Monastery - 4.59 points II place: Emanuil - 4.53 points III place: Silistar - 4.51 points 8. Category "Development and Improvement of the Facilities" The respondents rated the campsites they have visited at least twice in the last 5 years. The three leading campsites in that category are: I place: Kapinovski Monastery - 4.69 points II place: Silistar - 4.46 points III place: Yakoto Miasto 4.41 points 9. Category "Service Improvements"  In this category, the respondents evaluated campsites based on at least a double stay for the last 5 seasons. I place: Zora  - 4.77 points II place: Atliman - 4.67 points III place: Kapinovski Monastery  - 4.66 points The Kapinovski Monastery, which has been the leader for the last 3 seasons (2016 - 2018), has been displaced by two key sea camps this year. Built 10 years ago, Zora is a pioneer of new campsites in the country and attracts guests from around the world, making year-on-year investments in the development of accommodation and park layout. Atliman opened doors in 2018 not quite ready, but in 2019 made a serious request to become a European-class campsite. 10. Category "Location and Surroundings"  The three most preferred campsites by the Bulgarians because of their location and the surrounding nature are: I place: Silistar - 20,5% II place: Kapinovski Monastery - 14.9% III place: Yakoto Miasto - 12,8% Text: Tsvetomira Tsotsova Camping.bg  

Rent a motorhome in Bulgaria easier and cheaper

Camping.bg has started a partnership program to help tourists to rent motorhomes (motorcaravans / campervans) in Bulgaria easier and cheaper. The motorhomes from our partner program can be rented from many locations in Bulgaria. The prices start from 72 BGN (36 EUR) per day. For more information and reservations contact Camping.bg team at rent@camping.bg or +359 888 508 343   Camping.bg

Winter caravanning in Bulgaria 2023: 5 recommended campsites

Winter is a wonderful time to go camping. Especially if you're with a motorhome, whether it's your own or rented. More and more campsites in Bulgaria operate all year round. And while in the summer season the crowd is everywhere, especially on weekends, in the winter you can enjoy peace and quiet. Here are 5 of the best Bulgarian campsites that we recommend you to visit in winter:     Thermal Camping Velingrad The campsite was opened in the fall of 2019 and since then it has been constantly at the top of the Camping.bg annual ranking of the best Bulgarian campsites. It set new standards for amenities, architecture and services in camping tourism in the country. All the pitches are separated and numbered, each with access to water and electricity. Thermal Camping Velingrad has its own SPA complex with 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pools with warm thermal water, bio salt and Finnish sauna, aroma steam bath, cozy tavern, grill, etc. For children, in addition to the outdoor playground, there is also a special huge heated playroom - ideal for winter and rainy summer days. More about Thermal Camping Velingrad: https://camping.bg/en/thermal-campsite-velingrad-camping224       Alba Camping Alba is also one of the newest campsites in Bulgaria. It is located at the heart of the Rose Valley and the Valley of the Tracian Kings, 8 km far from the balneo resort Pavel Banya. The pitches in the campsite are one of the most spacious in the country - between 100 and 140 sq.m. each. And probably the top attractive thing are the equipped and insulated gazebos. Each of them has tables and benches, a fireplace with a grill, a sink, a refrigerator and a TV. The firewood is provided by the campsite, just bring food and drink. Cheers! More about camping Alba: https://camping.bg/en/camping-alba-camping229.html       Glamping Alliance City break in Plovdiv? Great idea. Moreover, there is a place to stay in the city itself. And the place is really unique. It is called Glamping Alliance and it is the first high-tech tourist complex in Bulgaria, and probably in the region of South East Europe. It has a camping area, a motel, a restaurant, a SPA center, etc. All steps of booking, use of services and payment are done online. On site, you only need to operate with a simple QR code. The bus stop is right next to the entrance of the complex and in 6 minutes you are at the Old town. More about Glamping Alliance: https://camping.bg/en/glamping-alliance-camping235.html            Verila The campsite is located in the city of Sapareva Banya, from where the road leads to the ski resort of Panichishte and the famous Seven Rila Lakes. Camping Verila has a grassy camping area, bungalows and an equiped kitchen with a tavern and a fireplace - perfect for those cold winter days. Just 3 minutes walk from the campsite are located year-round opened thermal pools, restaurants, etc. More about camping Verila: https://camping.bg/en/camping-verila-camping12.html      Restart Zona 82 (Pamporovo) Camperstop right on the track. To the ski lift. And with an aprèski bar and sauna. Do you need anything else?! The perfect spot for your camper ski vacation. You will have the opportunity to join the organized groups for morning tourisn ski and welcoming the sunrise. More about Restart Zona 82: https://camping.bg/en/stopover-restart-zone-82-camping268.html   Veselin Valev Camping.bg   Follow  Camping.bg :       

Electrified camping in the new Small Van from Mercedes-EQ celebrates its premiere

Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its leadership aspirations for electric mobility in its strategy and is systematically electrifying all model series. This includes a range of industry-specific electric mobility solutions – also for the camper van industry. With the Concept EQT Marco Polo, the brand with the star is providing a preview of the new, fully electric and fully fledged micro camper van based on the EQT, which is equipped with numerous innovations for the segment. The series version is expected to be presented in the second half of 2023. The EQT from Mercedes-EQ (power consumption combined (WLTP): 18.99 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions (WLTP): 0 g/km), which is also a product innovation in its own right and will soon be available to order, is a small van that combines the variability and high-quality equipment level of the T-Class – its conventionally powered sister model - with the advantages of an all-electric drive. In the near future, the Marco Polo Module2, a first, practical camper solution for fully electric short trips with the EQT will be available. “For us, the future is electric - regardless of the size or purpose of a van. The latest proof of this strategic direction is our new EQT with all-electric drive. With the Marco Polo Module, we also have a first, simple solution for the all-electric camping trip on offer in the near future. In the second half of 2023, we plan to expand our range even further with a fully-fledged and also fully-electric micro camper. The Concept EQT Marco Polo already gives a glimpse of the upcoming series production vehicle. As the name suggests, we are expanding our Marco Polo family with both products, based on the EQT,” says Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales Mercedes-Benz Vans. Innovative highlights: New fully fledged micro camper van with all-electric drive ex factory The Concept EQT Marco Polo is based on the long-wheelbase EQT variant. The near-production concept vehicle provides a first glimpse of the new, all-electric and fully-fledged micro camper with the star, which is currently still in development. The equipment of the Concept EQT Marco Polo includes a pop-up roof with a roof bed. Thanks to a scissor design, the pop-up roof can be raised easily with a slight angle of inclination to the vehicle roof. This means that the Concept EQT Marco Polo offers enough space in the rear to stand upright. In addition, the pop-up roof can be opened all around or in window form with a zip on the rear for that typical camping sense of freedom. The roof bed has a sleeping area that measures 1.97 metres by 0.97 metres. A point-elastic disc spring system, among other things, ensures a high level of sleeping comfort. In the rear there is a further folding sleeping facility measuring 2 metres by 1.15 metres. Directly in the second row of seats behind the driver's seat, there is an element with a recessed washing facility and a likewise recessed 16-litre compressor refrigerator box. Directly docked to it is one of two bench seats. Another seat is located on the left side of the vehicle in the interior (facing the rear cockpit). The drawer system built in here offers sufficient storage space for camping accessories. There is also an induction hob and a drawer that can be pulled out of the vehicle interior with a flexible removable gas cartridge cooker, so that there are two options for cooking. On the right-hand side of the vehicle in the interior (looking towards the rear cockpit) is a fold-out table which is also electrically height-adjustable. In addition, further stowage compartments are incorporated. All furniture units in the interior can be removed easily by two people in less than 5 minutes. This means that the all-electric micro camper van can also be used as an everyday vehicle if required. With its height of less than two metres, it can also easily enter all conventional garages, multi-storey car parks and car washes in the future. The furniture of the Concept EQT Marco Polo is not only functional, but also fits seamlessly into the high-quality interior of the new EQT. The design, for example, takes up the seating concept of the electric Small Van: like the seats, the kitchen, bench and bedroom elements are also done in Artico Microcut. The panelling of the furniture fronts, meanwhile, is finished in Avola cherry wood by way of contrast. Ambient lighting in the joint areas creates the right atmosphere. There is also a dark roof liner and LED lighting in the upper bed area. In total, the vehicle covers 7 USB ports, one of them being in the pop-up roof area and two in the living area of the micro camper van. The future long-wheelbase version of the EQT, which has been used as the basis for the concept car, is painted in chromite grey metallic with contrasting elements in black gloss. These include the black-painted chrome trim at the front and rear and the special 19-inch diamond-cut wheels. The beige colour tone of the pop-up roof can be found in other elements of the vehicle – like for example the sun sail. Reddish accents on the boot and rim, among other things, bring colour into play. Another eye-catching feature in the Concept EQT Marco Polo: the solar panel on the pop-up roof. This and an additional, removable battery unit allow the camping unit to be self-sufficient in energy for a certain period of time and conserve the range. The additional battery is stored in a drawer in the seat during use - but can be easily removed for recharging and charged, for example, at the socket in one's own flat or house, or even at the campsite. Other highlights include the sun awning, which is attached to the side of the vehicle, and an innovative blackout system for the rear windows. These can be coloured at the touch of a button. Curtains or roller shutter systems are a thing of the past in the concept car. “A new spin on the classics”: Camping pleasure in no time at all with the Marco Polo Module With the Marco Polo Module, which can be flexibly installed and removed and will be available for the new EQT with a short wheelbase, among others, Mercedes-Benz is offering a first practical solution for basic camping requirements in the near future. With the standard bed and optional kitchen unit – both classic solutions for the small van segment in the camping environment – the EQT becomes a simple travel companion in no time at all. The bed unit offers a 2 metre by 1.15 metre sleeping surface. A point-elastic disc spring system and a ten-centimetre-thick mattress ensure ergonomic lying comfort right up to the edges. When needed, the bed frame can be pulled out forwards and the mattress folded out. While on the move, the bed frame with folded mattress is in the load compartment. The rear seats can then be used without restriction. The standard equipment for high sleeping comfort also includes manually attachable blackout elements for the window panes and a ventilation grille with insect protection that can be clamped between the panes and the frame. Also standard are two window pockets between the C-pillar and D-pillar for smaller items. The optional kitchen unit is based on a drawer system. It includes a sink with a 12-litre water tank, a 15-litre compressor refrigerator box and a flexible removable gas cartridge cooker. Further drawers provide space for cutlery, crockery and food supplies. In addition, two camping chairs and a table are available in combination with the optional kitchen unit. The table comes with two different feet. This means it can be placed outdoors as well as attached to the centre console inside the EQT – a first in the segment. If the bed or kitchen unit is not needed, thanks to its light weight, it can be installed and removed in a few easy steps and in a short time. When attached, it is fixed to the lashing eyelets in the luggage compartment. The entire Marco Polo Module has a stylish, clean design and the colour anthracite. As a result, it blends in perfectly with the high-quality interior of the all-electric small van. In addition, the Mercedes star and lettering show the clear affiliation to the brand. The Marco Polo Module can be ordered directly from Mercedes-Benz branches and dealers in the near future. The new EQT from Mercedes-EQ: the basis for innovative camping solutions and much more The new EQT not only forms the basis for the Concept EQT Marco Polo and the Marco Polo Module, but also offers families as well as recreationally active people and camping fans an attractive entry into the fully electric world of the brand with the star. The electric small van will be available for order in the near future. Prices start at around 49,000 euros for the EQT with 90 kW e-motor and standard length. Thanks to the Black Panel radiator grille with central star and dynamically designed cooling louvres, the new EQT is instantly recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-EQ family. The electric small van combines compact exterior dimensions with ample space. At the same time, thanks to the protected, space-saving installation of the battery in the underbody, with a favourably low centre of gravity, it offers almost the same variability and functionality in the interior as the conventionally powered T-Class. The EQT is 4498 millimetres long, 1859 millimetres wide and 1819 millimetres high. A long-wheelbase variant will follow in 2023. Just like the T-Class, the new EQT offers many advantages that make everyday life easy and comfortable for families and the recreationally active. These include the low loading sill of only 561 millimetres, which makes it easier to load heavy objects. The sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle each offer an opening measuring 614 millimetres wide and 1059 millimetres high. This allows convenient access to the rear, and loading can be done flexibly from three sides, including the tailgate. There is room for up to three child seats on the rear bench seat. Modern electric motor At the market launch, an electric motor with a peak output of 90 kW (122 hp) and a maximum torque of 245 Newton metres is available. The lithium-ion battery sits in a crash-protected location in the underbody in front of the rear axle and has a usable capacity of 45 kWh. At work, at home or at public charging stations, the EQT can be conveniently charged at 22 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. It is even faster at rapid charging stations using direct current (DC), depending on the SoC (State of Charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery. The EQT is equipped with an 80 kW DC charger, the charging time will then be 38 minutes from 10-80 percent. The EQT is charged in the front under the Mercedes star, which is practical and convenient, especially when charging in the city in tight parking situations. A CCS charging plug as well as CCS charging cable is also included as standard for AC and DC charging in the EQT. Sustainable business strategy covering the full life cycle Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its leadership aspirations for electric mobility in its strategy, and is systematically electrifying all model series. Today, customers, fleet operators and bodybuilders can already choose from four battery-electric models: the eVito panel van, the eSprinter, the eVito Tourer and the EQV. With the EQT, the electric portfolio will now be extended to the small van segment in the near future. When it comes to eCamper vans, Mercedes-Benz Vans has so far mainly worked with partners in the classic dual-invoice business. This currently applies primarily to the EQV and eVito midsize vans. In the near future, Mercedes-Benz will also be increasingly addressing the trend towards eCampers ex works. In addition, as part of its sustainable business strategy "Ambition 2039", Mercedes-Benz Vans is pursuing the goal of making the fleet of new private and commercial vans CO₂-neutral in balance sheet terms across the entire value chain by 2039 - from development to the supplier network, own production, electrification of products, renewable energies for the use phase of electric vehicles, and recycling. To achieve this ambitious goal, Mercedes-Benz is investing a further 40 billion euros in the development of battery-electric vehicles by 2030. From the middle of the decade, all newly launched Mercedes Benz vans will be exclusively electric. To this end, Mercedes Benz Vans is developing a fundamentally new, modular and fully electric van architecture. It bears the name VAN.EA. The company plans to invest accordingly in the development of this platform for all-electric medium and large vans, as well as in production sites.   Camping.bg Source: mercedes-benz.com  

Alpine Introduces the Cross Cabin Concept Van

The new Cross Cabin vehicle design by Alpine combines mobility, remote work and quality leisure time in this revolutionary concept van. The world-famous manufacturer of premium navigation and sound systems for motorhomes and camper vans demonstrates industry-first ideas and concepts in this vehicle. Since 2020 many employees work remotely from home. What started as a safety measure for a limited time, turned into a global trend that is here to stay. But working remotely does not necessarily tie you to your home, so the concept of “workcations” was born already years ago. What used to be a privilege exclusive to digital nomads, could now be experienced by the “new remote office worker” as well. After extensive research and interviews of experienced and new remote office workers in major German cities, we concluded, that the huge interest in workcations requires a new type of vehicle specifically designed for the purpose of remote work. Most interviewees do have the opportunity and agreement of their employer for such workcations, allowing them to work remotely for days and weeks from any place they like – as long as a suitable workspace and fast internet connection are provided, and good work output can be guaranteed. Work Anywhere – Stay Anywhere: The Alpine Cross Cabin Concept Van “We started to think of a new type of mobility space, that offers both, the comfort of a traditional camper van, yet allows users an optimized ergonomic space for conducting remote work wherever the whim takes them.  In other words, a seamless crossover of functionalities for an ideal work-life balance…. hence the Cross Cabin naming,” said Steve Crawford, Director of Alpine’s European Brand Business Division.  As a vehicle basis a 6,70m Ford Transit van was selected and transformed into an all-new type of workcation vehicle. For the interior design concept, we adopted the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism and tidiness – having items at hand when needed, but securely stored away (or even hidden in plain sight) if not in use. This guarantees a clutter-free, harmonic interior environment that feels professional and relaxing at the same time. The wall-trims are created from wooden lats with bamboo trim, formed into shape to be used as sitting benches, while allowing to neatly blend-in hide-away beds, state-of the art speakers and LED mood lights. The floor is trimmed out using Japanese Tatami-style mats, to complete the feeling of minimalism and functionality – a design never seen before in any camping van or motorhome. The Cross Cabin van is also equipped with enough battery power, solar panels and other solutions to allow users to work off-grid for up to 3 days in regular working conditions. The Alpine Cross Cabin concept van is packed with many innovative technologies to allow comfortable off-grid living and working for up to 3 days. An innovative LED lighting concept turns the interior into any mood setting the user desires. The energy management was realised by the company KLATrucks, a MASTERVOLT Premium Partner. The Mastervolt system is a sophisticated system that was specially designed to meet the customer's requirements. It comprises a generously dimensioned sine wave inverter (3,500 W), combined with a solar charger, solar cells and two lithium batteries of 460 Ah each with 12,000 Wh total output. This enables the use of household appliances at 230 V sockets, but also the use of a ceramic hob in the kitchen. In addition, there is a DC-DC charger that charges the body batteries with 50 A while driving. The control and monitoring of the consumers is managed via an Arvikon interface, which can be operated entirely from the driver's seat with the retrofitted Alpine iLX-F115D.  Working in the Cross Cabin: The core element of the Alpine Cross Cabin is the “Smart Table”: hidden in the floor if not in use, this table can be folded up and rotated to be either a large office desk or a long dining / conference table. If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air while working, you can simply slide-out the table assembly to the back of the van at the push of a button and create a terrace office. The tabletop can be opened to reveal a 32” monitor and integrated full-size keyboard, allowing professional work when connecting your laptop PC.  Working remote requires a fast and stable mobile Internet connection: the Alpine Cross Cabin concept van features the high-speed “Alpine x Alphatronics STREAM” 4G / LTE mobile router with external antennas, allowing for perfect video conferencing in HD quality, video streaming and cloud-based work. The vehicle cabin is soundproof to the outside, to ensure uninterrupted video conferencing at busy places or in heavy rain. Sound, Entertainment & Driver Support Systems: The installed sound system uses four Alpine Adventure Audio ultra-slim APS line array speaker panels - perfectly integrated within the wooden wall trims, an Alpine multi-channel DSP amplifier and 2 powerful, hidden Alpine subwoofers to keep users entertained. A multi-zone sound concept allows settings for the working area as well as the living area and includes settings for video conferencing and music enjoyment. The APS line array speakers are perfect for applications in motorhomes and camper vans due to their slim, lightweight construction and superior sound. We also included our latest motorhome navigation and sound systems for the driver’s area, allowing excellent entertainment and navigation during long drives. With Alpine’s brand new 360-degree camera system, drivers can see the Cross Cabin van virtually from above, ensuring save maneuvering during parking. This camera system also fully eliminates blind spots all around the vehicle, contributing enormously to accident prevention. You can even see what is happening behind the vehicle with Alpine’s new e-Mirror system: it appears like a usual rear mirror attached to the windshield but uses a hi-res display and camera to create a wide-angle rear-view for the driver.  Market Introduction: In 2023, the company will be exhibiting the Cross Cabin van at select shows and venues across Germany and other countries to collect market feedback on the workcation concept and its’ incorporated technologies. This feedback will be reflected in next generation mobility solutions and technologies for future market introduction. Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems operates 110 bases in 26 countries and regions, supplying roughly 40,000 different products and solutions to around 2,000 companies worldwide. Its Alpine Brand Business Division is a leader in automotive navigation, entertainment and communication and has shifted its focus towards the motorhome and camper van industry in Europe. Alpine now offers premium retrofit navigation and sound systems for all major motorhome and camper van models and works as Tier 1 supplier for many leading motorhome manufacturers.   Camping.bg Source: alpine.de  

Results of the Annual Ranking of the Campsites in Bulgaria 2020

The Annual Rankings of the Bulgarian Campsites #BestBGcamp has been conducted for the sixth year at the end of the summer season. It has been carried out by Camping.bg with the help of Market Links and Sport Depot. A record 950 people voted in the poll. Here is the final ranking of the Bulgarian campsites for 2020 in the different categories:   1. Favorite campsite on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast: I place: Camping Silistar  II place: Camping Yakoto miasto (Cool Place) III place: Camping Shkorpilovtsi   Camping Silistar 2. Favorite campsites inland: I place: Thermal Camping Velingrad II place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite III place: Camping Emanuil    Thermal Camping Velingrad Here is the TOP 10 of the most favourite Bulgarian campsites: 1. Thermal Camping Velingrad 2. Silistar 3. Kapinovski Monastery campsite 4. Yakoto miasto (Cool Place)5. Shkorpilovtsi 6. Emanuil 7. Gradina 8. Irakli 9. Delfin 10. Dospat   3. Category "Hygiene": I place: Thermal Camping Velingrad IІ place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite IІІ place: Camping Yakoto miasto (Cool Place)   Camping Kapinovski Monastery 4. Category "Convenience of Campsite's pitches": I place: Thermal Camping Velingrad IІ place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite IІІ place: Camping Yakoto miasto (Cool Place)   Camping Yakoto Miasto (Cool Place) 5. Category "Additional Ammenities": I place: Thermal Camping Velingrad IІ place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite IІІ place: Camping Yakoto miasto (Cool Place)   Camping Shkorpilovtsi 6. Category "Additional Services and Accessibility": I place: Camping Atliman ІI place: Thermal Camping Velingrad ІІI place: Camping Zora   Къмпинг Атлиман 7. Category "Development and Improvement of the Facilities": I place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite ІI place: Camping Silistar ІІI place: Camping Krapets   Camping Gardenia 8. Category "Service Improvements": I place: Camping Silistar IІ place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite ІІI place: Eco Camping Batak   Eco Camping Batak 9. Category "Location and Surroundings":  I place: Camping Silistar IІ place: Thermal Camping Velingrad IІІ place: Kapinovski Monastery campsite   Offshore Camp The rest in Top 10 Bulgarian campsites with best location and surroundings: Camping Yakoto miasto (Cool Place), Emanuil, Shkorpilovtsi, Gradina, Delfin, Krapets and Offshore Camp.   Campijng Emanuil   Camping.bg Photos: Veselin Valev / Camping.bg, Official Facebook Pages of the campsites  

Welcome to Sunny Paradise Campsite

Ana and Ivo welcome you to their new campsite located in a tranquil and relaxing valley, situated 1.5 km from the Greek Border (Kulata - Promahonas) and 35 km from the North Macedonian Border (Strumitsa - Petrich), with rural villages, rich histories and strong cultural traditions. Camping Sunny Paradise welcomes guests with tents, caravans, motor homes, motorcycles, backpackers and adventure vehicles. With excellent geographic location, the region enjoys a unique and pleasant climate, with a mild Winter and a hot Summer, with lots of pure nature and healthy air. The area offers many opportunities for healthy and natural pursuits, including walking, trekking, cycling, mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, fishing and bird watching. The famous Spa town, Health and Therapy Resort, Sandanski is in just 15 min. drive, the magic town Melnik with it's unique wine is 20 min drive, the crater of an extinct volcano where the Bulgarian medium Baba Vanga lived and was buried Rupite is 15 min drive. THE CAMPSITE There are 20 pitches on the campsite. Each pitch, providing 32 m2 of hard standing area, for you to site your caravan or motor home, grass pitches for awnings and tents. The campsite has good access to roadways, about 300 m from/to the Motorway, and provides easy access to every pitch. Camping Sunny Paradise offers to it's clients: 230V 16 Amp Electricity hook-up installed to EU Regulations with safety switches Fresh drinkable water supply direct to your pitch. Access to the pitches are suitable for all vehicles Washing machines are available to hire Optic free WiFi available BBQ's (off the ground) are okay to use A pool, disabled toilet and access ways and motor home grey water disposal area, will be ready for use in 2020. We look forward to having you over and wish you a 'Super' stay at our 'Sunny' (over 300 days per year sunshine), 'Paradise' (because it is calm, relaxing with beautiful mountain views) Campsite.   Contact Ana and Ivo at: email: sunnyparadisecampsite@gmail.com phone: +359 877 200 365 GPS coordinates: 41.400104, 23.358322 WEB: https://www.campingbg.com/   Directions to Sunny Paradise Campsite:   Kalin Kirilov Camping.bg

2 months to go to the beginning of CCE2019

The second edition of Camping and Caravanning Expo 2019 will be held on 13th and 14th of April in the parking lot of Metro 1 Store, Tsarigradsko shosse blvd., 7-11 km, in Sofia.  The expected more than 8.000 visitors will have the chance to see brands from more than 30 exhibitors. Among the RV brands presented will be Laika, Bürstner, Hymer and Rimor, the Turkish caravan Caretta, the Slovenian camper van Bravia, and many others. The luxurious US caravans Jayco will take part with two models that have not been seen in Bulgaria till now. Another exhibitor will be Porsche Bulgaira with a brand new VW California model. The fans of the roof tents will be able to see the brand new models of Turkish Rodopi Camper and Bulgarian Car2Camp. More than 10 leading brands for family and trekking tents will be pitched on the special tent village area - Outwell, EasyCamp, Robens, Husky, Hi-Tec, Coleman, Vango, HighPeak, Pinguin, Hannah and many others will be among the exhibits. The oudoor fans will find everything they need for a happy holiday under the stars - from sleeping bags to cookware, from hats to boots and shoes, from jackets to termal underware, from chairs and tables for ultimate comfort to survival equipment for the biggest enthusiasts. Caravaners will take advantage of the offers of Fiamma, Thetford, Enders, Reimo, Fritz Berger, Brunner, Movera, Truma and others. CCE 2019 is the biggest and the most important camping and caravaning fair on the Balkans. It is organized annually by Camping BG ltd in Sofia.  For more information: www.expo.camping.bg   Kalin Kirilov Camping.bg

The new Camping Map of Bulgaria 2019 was issued

The new Camping Map of Bulgaria 2019 was printed. It contains information about 22 selected Bulgarian campsites: Kapinovski Monastery, Gradina, Silistar, Laguna, Emanuil, Kromidovo, Green+, Cool Camp, Verila, Oasis Zverino, Rekata, Dospat, Veliko Tarnovo, Kransko Hanche, Mechi Chal, Camperstop Studenets, Ecoclub, Shkorpilovtsi, Zora, Botusha, Offshore Camp and Atliman. The exclusive partner of Camping Map of Bulgaria 2019 is camping Kapinovski Monastery. The map is not for sale. It's issued at 3 language versions - English, German and Bulgarian. It was already presented at tourism fairs in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Romania. The Camping Map of Bulgaria 2019 also contains useful information about Bulgaria and points of interests about the presented 22 campsites. Download electronic copy of Camping Map of Bulgaria 2019 from here: English: www.map2019EN.camping.bg German: www.map2019DE.camping.bg Bulgarian: www.map2019BG.camping.bg   Camping.bg Team

Camping & Caravanning Expo 2019

The second edition of Camping & Caravanning Expo will be held on 13-14 April 2019 at the parking plot of METRO Sofia 1 Hypermarket, 7-11 km Tsarigradsko shosse blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria. On exhibition area of 3 000 sq.m. are expected more than 30 exhibitors from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Turkey and other countries which will show tents, shelters, motorhomes, camper vans, caravans, equipment, spare parts, consumables, new models, camping destinations, campsites, outdoor sports and many more. You can find information, photos and video from the first edition at the webpage of the fair: http://expo.camping.bg/ Welcome on the second edition of Camping & Caravanning Expo in April 2019! Camping.bg Team