Nordhorn in April 2026: Economic Impulses through Tourism, Infrastructure, and Digitalization

Economic Impulses: Tourism, Digitalization, and Infrastructure in April 2026

In April 2026, Nordhorn focused on decisive political steps in the field of economic promotion. The Committee for Economy and Tourism met on April 27 and dealt with a wide range of topics affecting the city's future viability. Among others, the expansion of tourist infrastructure, broadband expansion, and mobile network coverage were at the center of attention.

Tourism: CamperClean and the Expansion of Camping Sites

The discussion about the installation of a CamperClean cleaning station at the existing camping site was conducted intensively. This system, which operates without chemicals and in a resource-efficient manner, is designed to contribute to the city's tourist appeal and environmental compatibility. However, the administration recommended suspending the installation for now, as the existing gray water disposal is considered sufficient. Instead, early planning in connection with the planned new camping area in the Oorde area is advised.

The investment costs for a basic CamperClean installation are approximately 16,000 to 20,000 euros. With a utilization rate of 30% and a contribution margin of 1.35 euros per cleaning operation, an amortization period of approximately 10.6 years would result. Maintenance costs and additional operating expenses could affect this profitability. The administration currently sees no funding for individual measures, but emphasizes that the chances would increase if the measure is integrated into a comprehensive tourism concept.

Downtown Project: Continuation in Question

The downtown project, which has contributed to the strengthening of Nordhorn's city center in recent years, faces the decision of whether to continue in its current form. The CDU/FDP group has requested an extension to stabilize positive developments. The city administration is tasked with preparing a proposal with objectives, content orientation, and a cost framework. Since the funding for the project originally expired at the end of August 2026, it has now been extended to the end of the year.

Broadband Expansion: Closing Gaps with Funding

The broadband expansion in Nordhorn is another focus of economic policy. With a coverage rate of 98.75% for gigabit connections (≥1,000 MBit/s), the city is largely covered. However, about 360 addresses remain that should be connected by the network operator Grafschafter Breitband (netservices) within the "gap closing program." The investment costs for the project amount to 2 to 3 million euros, with up to 1.46 million euros covered by federal and state funding. The own contribution is financed from the reserves of the broadband company, without requiring additional city funds.

Mobile Network Coverage: Closing Gaps, Improving Quality

Mobile network coverage in Nordhorn and the Grafschaft Bentheim is another topic on the agenda. The CDU/FDP group demands measures to improve mobile internet and mobile network coverage, particularly in rural districts such as Bimolten, Klausheide, or Hohenkörben. While the administration supports the objective, its influence is limited due to the lack of direct funding programs as in the case of broadband expansion. Instead, a closer monitoring of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is required to intervene early in the event of delays in meeting coverage obligations.

Conclusion: Nordhorn as a Dynamically Developing City

The political decisions and planning in April 2026 show that Nordhorn is consciously orienting itself toward a sustainable, competitive, and digital future. Whether in the field of tourism with CamperClean, in downtown development, or in broadband and mobile network expansion, the city is pursuing a holistic concept that combines economic promotion, environmental compatibility, and technological innovation. The coming months will show how these measures are specifically implemented and what impact they will have on Nordhorn’s economic dynamism.