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How we got to who we are today

An insight in a brand history of 60 years.

From the past directly to the future. The KNAUS Schwalbennest seeks to fulfil holiday dreams. KNAUS has for nearly 40 years motorhomes and ist by now KNAUS is one of the most successful brand of the industry. But we don´t forget our roots.

Helmut Knaus 1960

1960

The start of a successful history begins. Helmut Knaus establishes KNAUS in the town of Marktbreit in Franconia

 
KNAUS Schwalbennest

1961

The KNAUS Schwalbennest is introduced – compact, comfortable and light.

 
Der KNAUS SÜDWIND 1962

1962

An icon is born. The KNAUS SÜDWIND makes its début.

 
Das Stammwerk in Jandelsbrunn entsteht 1970

1970

Time for higher production capacities and a new headquarter. Our main factory in Jandelsbrunn is built.

 
1973 erhält Helmut Knaus das Bundesverdienstkreuz

1973

A reward for his courage and pioneering spirit. Helmut Knaus receives the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

 
1985 - Neues Logo für KNAUS

1985

The business quickly gathers momentum. This is now clearly reflected by the new logo.

 
Der TRAVELLER 1988

1988

The TRAVELLER is the first KNAUS motorhome and is named Promobil’s „motorhome of the year".

 
Travel-Liner - Integriertes Reisemobil

1996

With the Travel‐Liner we introduce a new integrated motorhome to our range ̶ with great success.

 
ktg-knaus-2018-historie-2005-kastenwagen

2003

A genuine success story begins. Finally, there is a camper van in KNAUS quality.

 
KNAUS SUN TI im Jahre 2004

2004

The SUN TI with its large panoramic roof is a great inspiration for a brand‐new type of vehicle.

 
50 Jahre KNAUS

2010

50 years have gone by and KNAUS has become one of the most successful producer of leisure vehicles.

 
Limitierte Auflage vom KNAUS Schwalbennest

2011

The Schwalbennest makes a comeback for its anniversary – in a limited edition of 150 units.

 
Der KNAUS SKY I 2012

2012

The SKY I introduces a new generation of integrated motorhomes and inspires in matters of function and design.

 
Historie KNAUS - 2013 - Caravisio-Studie

2013

A new dawn at KNAUS: A new era begins with our Caravisio study.

 
ktg-knaus-2018-historie-2013-25jahre-reisemobile

2013

Another jubilee: We celebrate 25 very successful years of KNAUS motorhomes.

 
SUN I 2015

2015

After a few years without liners we are back in the luxury segment with our new KNAUS SUN I.

 
TRAVELINO 2.0 geht 2016 in Serie

2016

Lightweight construction alone is not enough for us: We want a revolution. TRAVELINO 2.0 goes into production.

 
SKY TI 2016 - Historie KNAUS

2016

SKY TI: Germany’s best selling semi‐integrated motorhome is from our company and takes off, revised, into the new model year.

 
THE MISSION

2016

We are revolutionizing an entire industry. TEC MISSION is the way to the future.

 
2017 - DESEO mit FibreFrame-Technologie

2017

The brand‐new DESEO joins the TRAVELINO with state‐of‐the‐art FibreFrame technology.

 
L!VE Baureihe - 2017

2017

With the L!VE series, KNAUS rounds the largest and most attractive model range of all time.

 
Neue Produktionshalle in Jandelsbrunn - 2018

2018

Greater efficiency with our new production plant in Jandelsbrunn.

 
2018 - 30 Jahre Reisemobile

2018

Our motorhomes celebrate 30 years of success.

 
VAN TI PLUS 2018 - Erstes Reisemobil auf MAN TGE

2018

The VAN TI PLUS has what belongs together: KNAUS builds the first motorhome on the MAN TGE.

 
60 YEARS - 100. Geburtstag von Helmut Knaus

2020

The big KNAUS jubilee – 60 years of holiday happiness! On the occasion of Helmut Knaus’ 100th birthday & 60th brand anniversary, we would like to thank you. Your trust has made us one of the most successful brands and constantly drives us to develop innovative products for your holiday happiness.

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2020-foldxpand

2020

Our innovative KNAUS FoldXpand rear design combines two seemingly contradictory characteristics of a motorhome: maximum interior space with compact exterior dimensions. Thanks to unique folding lamella technology and a completely new kind of rear light carrier, the rear section is transformed into a harmonious, level surface. This has resulted in a revolutionary concept that is completely new in motorhome construction, maximizing living space by just under 10 cm on the inside without taking up a single millimetre more space on the outside.

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2021-sportfun-25jahre

2021

25 years of SPORT&FUN. Our icon of practicality celebrates its birthday! From the premiere of the first model in 1988 to the noble BLACK SELECTION edition in 2020: Read everything about the extraordinary success story of this legendary caravan on the Schwalbenblog (only available in German)!

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2021-epower

2021

We break new ground with KNAUS E.POWER technology! The KNAUS SPORT & SÜDWIND now features fully electric equipment and is gas‐free.

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2022-kundentreffen-10jahre-en

2022

More KNAUS, more caravanning, more freedom: The mein.KNAUS customer club celebrates its 10th anniversary and boasts a steadily increasing number of members.

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2022-suedwind

2022

A true icon turns 60! We look back at six decades of the KNAUS SÜDWIND – a success story that is symbolic to the entire KNAUS brand. The first SÜDWIND was a milestone in the caravanning industry and changed people’s holiday habits permanently.

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2022-azur

2022

The caravan classic AZUR returns and brings with it a completely new concept of space thanks to its revolutionary, self‐healing FibreFrames. The modern interior in a cocooning design and its high‐quality equipment make the new AZUR a 5‐star living space to go.

 
ktg-knaus-2022-historie-2022-tourer-cuv

2022

The best of two worlds combined in a new vehicle class. This compact vehicle offers maximum flexibility for your holiday! The revolutionary KNAUS TOURER CUV featuring an innovative pop‐up roof concept presents a true revolution for more freedom that moves!