What Is Glamping? Everything You Need to Know
What is glamping, what does it cost, and who is it for? Everything you need to know, from someone who has run glamping stays since 2018.
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Glamping is one of the fastest-growing travel trends in the world, and it is easy to see why. You sleep close to nature, but you do not have to give up comfort to do it. No sleeping bag on a thin mat. No queue for a shared bathroom. Just a real bed, nature right outside the door, and the people you want to share it with, or a trip on your own.
I started one of Denmark's first glamping stays back in 2018 and have followed the trend closely ever since. Below I answer the questions I get asked most often about glamping: what it actually is, what it costs, who it suits, and how to find the right stay. If you already know all that and are ready to go, you can explore glamping stays in Europe right away!
What is glamping?
Glamping is a blend of "glamour" and "camping". It is an outdoor stay built around comfort and experience rather than roughing it. The core idea is that you sleep in a glamping tent, but as the trend has grown, plenty of other unique stay types have joined the category too. Domes, treehouses, yurts and tiny houses are all commonly called glamping today. What they share is that the stay feels different, is usually close to nature, and is ready for you the moment you arrive. The bed is made, the kitchen is stocked, and the fire pit is waiting.
That is really the biggest difference from traditional camping: you do not need your own gear, and you do not have to haul everything in yourself. The bed is made, towels are laid out, and the fire pit is ready. You just show up and pack light.
What does glamping cost?
Prices vary quite a bit depending on the type of stay, number of guests, season, weekday versus weekend, and facilities included. But as a rule of thumb, you can expect:
€100-€180 per night for a simpler glamping tent in nature.
€180-€320 per night for stays with a hot tub, sauna, or breakfast included.
€380 and up for the most exclusive stays with full privacy, insulation, heating and extra luxury touches. The very top tier, think private chef or private spa, can run considerably higher.
Every stay on Campanyon includes utilities and cleaning in the price, and many include firewood and breakfast too. Always check exactly what is included before you book, and compare across a few options.
Who goes glamping?
Pretty much everyone. That is genuinely the best thing about glamping. It suits couples wanting a romantic stay close to nature, families who want to get the kids outdoors without the hassle of setting up camp, and groups of friends who want to try something different and hang out under open sky. Glamping works for every age and occasion, because the comfort is there and the nature is right outside.
What is luxury glamping?
Luxury glamping is really just glamping with everything included. That can mean a private hot tub, a sauna, a beautifully made bed on arrival, a fully equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom, breakfast delivered to your door, and more. Many people call it luxury glamping to distinguish it, which is understandable, but glamping is really the word that already covers the whole concept: comfort in nature, no compromises.
Where can you go glamping?
Glamping has grown fast in Scandinavia in particular. Denmark, Norway and Sweden each have hundreds of unique stays spread across forests, coastlines, fjords and lake districts, and the region has become one of Europe's best for it thanks to the sheer amount of untouched nature within a short drive of most cities. You can browse glamping in Denmark, Norway and Sweden here on Campanyon.
Do glamping stays have a bathroom and shower?
Almost all glamping stays have a bathroom, and most have a shower too, that is essentially what separates glamping from camping. That said, glamping stays are often set deep in nature, and a handful of places have simpler facilities than others. This will always be listed in the stay description. Always check the facilities and photos carefully before booking, so you know exactly what to expect.
Glamping packing list
A glamping packing list is short. Most of what you need is already there, that is the whole point. Pack light. Beyond your usual clothes, toiletries and personal items, here is what to bring:
Warm clothes: Pack for the forecast, but evenings outdoors always run a bit cooler than expected.
A flashlight: Most people rely on a phone, but a real flashlight makes a real difference out in nature.
Food: Most stays have a kitchen, but you bring your own food. I always recommend cooking over open fire if you have the option. It takes a bit longer, but it is part of the experience, and the food simply tastes better.
Drinks: Coffee and tea are often provided, but bring your favourite drink if you want something to raise by the fire.
Snacks and s'mores: Marshmallows, chocolate and biscuits by the fire are essential, especially with kids along.
A board game or deck of cards: There is no wifi signal competing for attention out here. A deck of cards takes up no space and makes for evenings you actually remember.
Always check the weather forecast for your dates and area before you head out.
Glamping in Scandinavia
Frequently asked questions about glamping
Glamping is a blend of 'glamour' and 'camping'. It is an outdoor stay focused on comfort, where everything is ready for you on arrival: made bed, bedding, towels and your own facilities. You do not need to bring your own gear. Domes, treehouses, yurts and tiny houses are commonly included in the category too.
Camping requires you to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and gear. Glamping means the stay is ready for you: made bed, bedding, heating, electricity and usually your own bathroom. Everything is set up before you arrive.
It depends on the stay, season and facilities. A simpler glamping tent in nature runs around €100-€180 per night. Stays with a hot tub, sauna or breakfast fall around €180-€320. The most exclusive luxury stays start at €380 and up.
Not much. Warm clothes, food and drinks for the evening, and your personal toiletries. Bedding, towels and cleaning are included at every Campanyon stay. Always check what is included before booking, since breakfast and firewood vary.
Yes, the vast majority of glamping stays have a bathroom and shower. Many have a private bathroom attached to the stay itself. A handful of more nature-based stays have simpler facilities, but this is always stated clearly in the stay description.
Everyone. Couples looking for a romantic weekend in nature. Families with kids who want a nature experience without the hassle. Groups of friends wanting to try something new. Glamping works for every age and occasion, because the comfort is there and nature is right outside.
Luxury glamping is glamping with all the extras: private hot tub, sauna, breakfast delivered to your door, a fully equipped kitchen and high-end interiors. In practice, glamping and luxury glamping are the same concept, since glamping is defined by comfort in nature to begin with.
Scandinavia is one of the best regions in the world for it. Denmark, Norway and Sweden each have hundreds of stays across forests, coastlines, fjords and lakes. You can browse all glamping stays across the region on Campanyon and filter by country, region and facilities.
Ready to try glamping?
Glamping is the easiest way to get close to nature without giving up comfort. Whether you want two nights in a glamping tent in the Danish countryside or a weekend in a Norwegian fjord dome with a hot tub and breakfast in a hammock, you will find it on Campanyon.
Happy travels! Best, Magnus 🏕️👋
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