Looking for New Road Trip Adventures? Here Are the Best Campervan Routes to Explore Europe.
Traveling by campervan or motorhome is increasingly popular because it allows you to experience adventure at a slower pace and get to know a region more deeply. When visiting a country, people often limit their stay to major cities, focusing more on iconic monuments than the surrounding villages. That’s why campervans represent the perfect alternative for those wanting to move away from mass tourism, experience a place fully, and travel with complete freedom and independence. But what are the best campervan routes in Europe? Keep reading to discover them all.
The Best Campervan Routes in Europe
Europe is rich with interesting destinations to visit by campervan. Breathtaking panoramas, enchanting valleys, and crystal-clear lakes are just some of the beauties that define this continent and are perfectly suited to slow tourism. The road conditions are mostly very good, making any kind of road trip easy. Exploring Europe by campervan is a wonderful experience, perfect for couples, friends, or with your children, that everyone should try at least once in their life. You can stop wherever you want and improvise getaways without having to book months in advance. Here’s a list of the best campervan routes to explore Europe.
The Dolomites, Italy
We begin our list of best European campervan routes in Italy, at a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’re talking about the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful landscapes not only in Italy but throughout the continent. Whether in winter or summer, you’ll find a multitude of interesting activities here. If you want to experience some adrenaline, we recommend an adventure on Europe’s longest zipline. In the colder months, winter sports are the main attraction. After spending the day skiing, you can visit medieval markets and castles. If you prefer hiking, spring and summer are perfect periods. In particular, May, June, and September are the most suitable months for the incredible Three Peaks of Lavaredo trail, one of the most famous mountain formations in the world. Another place you shouldn’t miss is Lake Braies which boasts some of the most crystal-clear freshwater in all of Europe.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is a continuous succession of extraordinary landscapes, crystal-clear beaches, historic cities, and national parks that absolutely deserve a visit. With your campervan, you can follow an incredible itinerary exploring cities like Split, with its famous Diocletian’s Palace, and Dubrovnik, with its medieval walls and narrow alleys full of history. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, don’t miss this tour to visit King’s Landing in the historic center of Dubrovnik. With some day trips, you can also explore nearby islands, like Hvar and Brac, famous for their enchanting beaches and unspoiled nature. You can stop at seaside campsites, where you can watch the sunset over the Adriatic and savor local cuisine based on fresh fish.
Switzerland, among the best campervan routes in Europe
It’s no surprise when we describe Switzerland as a natural paradise. Between spring and summer, it’s a particularly suitable destination for campervan tourism. This is because, thanks to the mild climate, areas like the Alps are more accessible than when snow is abundant. Switzerland also has a large network of equipped campsites and motorhome stopover areas that allow you to spend the night safely and peacefully. Starting from Zurich, you can cross the spectacular Swiss Alps passing through locations like Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and the St. Gotthard Pass. Along the way, you’ll see imposing mountains, lakes, and picturesque villages. For a high-altitude adventure, we suggest this half-day tour discovering the glacial world of Mount Titlis. It includes transportation, cable car, chairlift, and much more.
Route 500, Germany
Route 500 in Germany is also known as the “Black Forest Scenic Road.” It is without a doubt one of the best campervan routes you can take in Europe. Route 500 is one of the most beautiful and famous scenic roads in the country and crosses the heart of the Black Forest, a region rich in nature, traditions, and culture. During the journey, you’ll find ancient forests, lakes, and small villages where you can taste traditional cuisine and discover ancient traditions. In particular, don’t forget to try the famous cherry cake! Among the must-see stops along Route 500 are Lake Titisee, the spa town of Baden-Baden, Hohenzollern Castle, and the city of Freiburg, with its beautiful medieval architecture.
Portugal, one of the best campervan routes in Europe
The beauty of Portugal is that it combines many different environments in a single country. You can go from the beach to the most authentic inland in just a few minutes. Thanks to the quality of its roads, it’s a perfect destination for a campervan road trip. Our advice is to start from Lisbon and head west towards Cabo da Roca. The ideal route is to continue south through the inland regions of Ribatejo and Alentejo to Faro, then return to the capital along the Atlantic coast. If you have extra time, north of Lisbon you’ll find cities rich in history and cultural attractions. Among the most popular, we suggest Porto, Coimbra, Sintra, and Braga. But if you prefer to get away from urbanization, continuing south you’ll find enchanting coastal towns of the Algarve and the Vicentine Coast with wide beaches between steep cliffs.
Route des Grandes Alpes, France
The Route des Grandes Alpes in France is undoubtedly one of the best campervan routes in Europe. The route extends for about 700 kilometers, starting from Lake Geneva and ending on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It crosses the French Alps from north to south, and boasts postcard landscapes and numerous excursions for camping enthusiasts. During the journey, you can admire mountain villages, spectacular views, visit ancient castles, and explore the splendid natural areas of the Mercantour National Park. Along the route, there are numerous equipped campsites where you can stop with your campervan.
Best campervan routes in Europe: Norway
Norway is one of the most interesting campervan destinations in Europe. In summer, the temperature is pleasant, allowing you to best appreciate nature and mountain trails. In particular, we recommend visiting Preikestolen and Trolltunga, two famous rock formations. But the true magic of this country happens in winter: icy roads, snowy landscapes, and, above all, the Northern Lights. And there’s no shortage of cities to visit for a stop, such as Oslo, Bergen, and Tromso. Other destinations you absolutely shouldn’t miss are the Southern Fjords and the Lofoten Islands, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway.
Scotland
Scotland is one of the most fascinating destinations for a campervan trip in Europe. Starting from Edinburgh, you can head towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and explore mysterious places like Loch Ness, famous for the monster legend. Then continue towards the wild Isle of Skye and don’t miss stops like Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, and the Glencoe valley, with its spectacular landscapes. If you want to experience something truly special, you can instead follow the North Coast 500 route, a loop of over 800 kilometers that crosses the northern Highlands and winds along the coast. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot deer, eagles, and maybe even some dolphins! Scotland is an absolutely camper-friendly destination, with numerous campsites and stopover areas that allow you to experience unspoiled nature. Additionally, the freedom to park in many rural areas makes the adventure even more authentic.
