Via Claudia Camping becomes part of First Camp - Northern Europe's largest camping operator grows
Stockholm, 1.7.2025 - First Camp, Northern Europe's largest camping organization, is taking the next major strategic step and entering the German market with the acquisition of the 5* campsite Via Claudia Camping in Bavaria. In addition to its home market of Sweden, First Camp is now represented in four other countries - Denmark (since 2019), Norway (since 2022) and Finland (since 2025) and now also in Germany. The Group has grown from 24 locations in 2018 to 75 today.
"We see a clear demand for accessible and hospitable camping experiences - also in Germany. Via Claudia Camping is an excellently managed site with strong local roots. It is therefore just right for us to continue operating the site under its own brand," says Johan Söör, CEO of First Camp Group.
Hitz & Partner advised the shareholders of the Via Claudia campsite during the sales process, introduced the parties and successfully brokered and advised the transaction as sell-side M&A lead advisor.
Popular destination - now with long-term prospects
The Via Claudia campsite is picturesquely situated on the River Lech, close to the Alps and along the historic Via Claudia Augusta Roman road. The site has enjoyed great popularity for years - both with regular German guests and with Nordic vacationers.
Around 15% of all overnight stays at the Nordic First Camp sites are already made by German guests - the expansion into Germany is therefore a logical step.
Via Claudia generated approximately 3.6 MEUR in revenue in 2024. The campsite will be owned by FC Husky HoldCo, a sister company of First Camp Group AB, and thus sits outside the bond structure of First Camp Group AB. The acquisition is being financed through FC Husky HoldCo’s available cash and existing credit facilities.
Continuity
Via Claudia Camping will continue to operate under its own name, and the managing director, Felicitas Weeber, will remain responsible for day-to-day operations. Guests can enjoy their stay as usual. "I am delighted to continue managing Via Claudia for our new partner and am looking forward to a new chapter together with First Camp. The most important thing for me is that our guests continue to feel completely at ease - with the same familiar atmosphere and personal commitment as before," says Felicitas Weeber, Managing Director of Via Claudia Camping.
Guests can continue to book as usual via the Via Claudia Camping website. The German-language version of the First Camp website - the largest booking platform for camping and vacation accommodation in Scandinavia - is also available at the same time.
About First Camp
First Camp Group AB, with the main brand First Camp, is Northern Europe's leading organization for campsites and resorts. The company operates over 70 destinations in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, four of which under their own brands. With more than 16,000 pitches for motorhomes and caravans and around 3,500 vacation cabins, First Camp offers a wide range of vacation options. Over 60 locations have been acquired since 2017. The focus is on digital innovation, sustainability and maximum guest satisfaction.
Ola from First Camp together with Felicitas Angelika and Marie from Via Claudia