Europe is a hub for camper vans, caravan’s, RV’s and motor homes and through out the summer months you will no shortage of vans lining the roads. Travelling through Europe in a camper van gives you access to the open road and the freedom to explore several countries at your own pace.

Having your own an allows you to stop when you want to, divert course when you want to and add places to your itinerary at the drop of a hat.

It is for sure one of our favourite ways to explore Europe and one of the most fuss free ways to travel.

Reasons to travel in a camper van in Europe

Crossing the boarder into new countries in Europe is super simple and some times you do not even realise you have reached a new country. Many countries allow you to pass through without visiting passport control or showing any documents at all. This also means you can pass through without visa’s or paying a fee. Countries that do require you to stop are normally done at the road side and you will be on your own before you know it.

The large amounts of travellers that choose to explore via camper vans ensure that there are many camp sites options often very close to tourist attractions and points of interest. Camp sites have all of the trimmings that are needed for a comfortable stay including waste disposal, mains power if needed, shower and toilet facilities and very often shops and cafes.

Some camp sites in locations such as Italy and Luxembourg offers all of the facilities of a full on holiday camp including swimming pools, restaurants, play parks and activities.

Van life is extremely popular in Europe and the roads are well equipped for the large amounts of camper van’s, motor homes, caravans and RV’s by providing large lay by’s to allow road trippers the opportunity to pull over to rest, eat, shower and much more.

Best Locations in Europe or a Camper Van trip

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe making it easy to explore via a camper van and take in all of the countries main highlights in a small amount of time. Add to this the fact that the country is surrounded by France, Germany and Belgium you can reach the country via several different routes as part of your Europe touring route.

Luxembourg is famous for it’s large amounts of exceptional castles that will make you feel like you have stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Having your camper van with you allows you the freedom to explore as many of the countries castles as possible and pack them all in.

Luxembourg is also famous for it’s vineyards and camp sites can be found next to the vineyards with an almighty view.

Netherlands

Exploring the Netherlands by camper van in the early Spring when the tulip fields are in bloom is a bucket list experience that is out of this world. The roads in the Netherlands are easy to navigate and you will not get bored as you pass by traditional windmills and flower fields.

Camper van sites are even easy to find near the city centre Amsterdam and you will be close enough to walk into the action from there.

One of our favourite things to do in Amsterdam is explore the nightlife or a festival and then return to our camp site for a cosy night in the van.

Source: Camper van Castaway

Italy

Italy is a beautiful country to explore by camper van and you can reach exceptionally different landscapes from the cities of Turin and Verona, the mountains of the Dolomite’s, the wine region of Tuscany to the beaches such as Cinque Terre and Positano. With such a vast selection of things to do you can spend weeks if not months exploring Italy alone.

Italy is also packed full of campsites in remote and exceptional locations such as those on the cliffs edge looking over the city of Verona to beach side camp sites of Naples and Positano.

Nothing beats sourcing local Italian produce such as pizza, pasta and wine and enjoying it with a view from the comfort of your own van.

Scotland

Scotland is a beautiful place to explore via camper van. The route can take you from bustling cities like Edinburgh to islands such as the Isle of Skye where you can explore the beautiful fairy pools.

Such diverse landscapes await you in Beautiful Scotland and the opportunities to stop and explore are endless. You will come across peaks of mountains, rivers and lakes like Lock Ness and even be able to explore waterfalls and rock pool formations.

The cosy feels of Scotland make for the perfect place to explore and head back to your van for an evening of Scotch of Haggis tasting.

Source: Camping in the Forest

France

France has made it ever so easy for motorists to make from point to point with their wide motorways and excellent rest stop opportunities. Every few miles you become accustomed to the rest stops complete with picnic area’s, toilets and even showers.

France has hugely different landscapes from the Romantic feels of Paris to the South of France and the beaches along the coast. The Coast and less populated areas of France are better for camper van trips and you can easily explore town by town with idyllic camp sites on offer. Further inland you can find the beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux and explore the wine making process.

Source: About France

Germany

Germany is a brilliant country to drive in. The views and forestry that you will drive through make for some almighty viewing. Germany is a country without speed camera’sand the rules of the road are somewhat relaxed, so as long you are safe it make for less stressful driving conditions.

Germany will treat you to mountain landscapes and forestry almost throughout as well as exceptional cities that’s large size even make those easy to park and camp. Cities such as Munich have camp sites on the outskirts of the city and make it exceptionally easy to head into the city and explore.

Source: Camping Sites

Belgium

Belgium sits in the middle of France, the Netherlands and Germany making this the perfect pit stop to see some cosy sights on your way through. Spending a day or 2 exploring Bruges to break up your journey on wards is a great idea. Sample Belgium chocolate whilst marvelling at the canals is a brilliant day out.

Heading to the countries capital or just outside of is pretty easy in a camper van too. Adding a visit to the parlimentary capital of Europe if well worth a visit in terms of history. The rest of the towns in the Belgium offer excellent architecture and you will be in awe of the quaint villages.

You might be surprised to see just how green Belgium is outside of the city and spend some time exploring the the green scapes and lakes.

Source: Pitch up

Austria

Austria is a beautiful country tucked amongst the alps allowing for amazing mountain views both through the summer and winter months making Austria a perfect location in the summer and winter. Enjoy cool evenings in the summer around the grill and even colder evenings in the winter around the fire keeping warm.

sports are all the rage in Austria and you will be busy in the summer sampling the water sports which turn to snow and winter sports in the winter such as skiing and snowboarding.

No matter when you visit the beauty will not be lost on you as you take in the mountains, emerald green lakes and pine trees throughout the country.

Tons of campsites are on offer with excellent views.

Source: Euro campings

Spain

Spain’s coastal beaches are a hub for camper vans as they enjoy the slow pace of taking in a different beach every few days. The many beach towns popular with tourists ensure there are plenty of places to stay and take in the camp site feel.

Further inland campsites can be found as you enjoy the small towns and sample the tapas foods, wines and beers and take in the authentic feeling of Spain. Listen to the rhythm as you join in with salsa dancing.

Hop onto a car ferry to head out to one of Spain’s islands, particularly Ibiza which is hugely popular with camper van’s. Feel the hippie like vibe of island, camp on the beach or in the cliff tops and wander back to your van to sleep after dancing the day or night away at one of the world class beach clubs or night clubs.

Source: Motorvana

Portugal

Driving around Portugal you will be in awe of the beautiful coast line and the beautiful Algrave. The sand stone and rock formations that have formed into beautiful caves and pools are a huge tourist pull for the country and you need to arrive early to enjoy the views without the crowds. Luckily arriving y van allows you to sleep nearby and really take in the early morning sunrise views.

The food is fresh and nothing beats getting the local fish catch from the markets and grilling it in your van enjoying the food by the sea. Sardines and fish is the traditional food here and you will not be disappointed.

The cities such as Lisbon and Porto are breathtakingly beautiful and the Portuguese way of life is great. Watch the trams in Lisbon or walk the bridges in Porto to really get the full experience.

The country shares a border with Spain making it the perfect place to combine a Spanish road trip with.

Source: Trip Advisor

Croatia

Croatia shares a border with Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia and Bosnia making it a delightful addition to any European road trip. The easy going passport control areas allow for immigration and you will be on your way to explore this beautiful country.

You will be amazed at the empty roads as you set off on your road trips. There are many places to stop and natural wonders to spend the day at that you could fill much of your time in Croatia alone.

Our favourite day trips include the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the beautiful waterfalls of Zcre National Park to name just a few of this countries natural winders.

The countries cities such as Dubrovnik and Split are ideal for parking up and stepping out to wander the narrow streets and enjoy getting lost through the mazes. Small bars and restaurants with charm and character can be found at every corner.

Beach side locations with easily accessible car ferries to enjoy the islands and the water are a regular occurrence and we recommend exploring as many islands as possible to make the most of Croatia.

Source: Nest Campers

Switzerland

Winding your van round the winding roads of the alps as you reach the higher regions is a must for any camper van road trips through Europe. The alps are beautiful both during the summer and winter and you can explore winter sports most of the time with the help of the altitude and snow machines.

The countries large cities are also accessible via camper van and you can explore easily by parking up and wandering on foot as you sample fondue and enjoy the cool temperatures.

One thing is for sure you will not miss out on scenery as you pretty much enjoy mountain views from wherever you are in the country as well as clear lakes and rock pools to name just a few natural wonders of the amazing country.

Source: Pitch up

Romania

The beautiful country of Romania may be famous for its association with Dracula, but we think the beautiful country has so much more to offer. The mountains and forestry that make up the countries landscapes will not disappoint nature lovers.

Following the road and being treated to the views of the lakes, rivers and mountains is a breath of fresh air outside of the city.

Exploring the city is also fun as you take in the 19th century architecture and look on at the laid back and chilled way of life than Romanians enjoy.

The large amounts of forestry make for some very natural and unique campsites to lay your head down for the evening.

Source: Lifejourney4two.com

Albania

Albania is quickly earning a name for itself due to the amazing clear watered beaches and the Albanian Rivera that challenges the likes of Italy in terms of charm and beauty.

The country shares a border with Greece earning it a spot on the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines to support it with beautiful beaches filled with clear water and soft white sand very much like its neighbour.

The country is also filled with castles and authentic architecture that please both the history and architectural buffs as well as the beach bums looking to wine and dine on the coast.

This destination is a little more off the beaten path and you will be treated to cheaper prices and less crowded beaches to enjoy.

Source: Learningtobreathabroad.com

Bulgaria

The diverse landscapes of Bulgaria make for an exciting camper van road trip both during the winter and summer.

The beach towns that are popular with tourists offer filled beach bars and restaurants as you enjoy the clear waters whilst the mountain side towns such as Borovets offer winter sports and nature activities.

This country in the Balkans has a prime spot on the black sea like it’s neighbours and is well worth exploring on any European road trip itinerary.

Source: Booking.com

Estonia

Situated on the Baltic Sea this country encompasses over 1500 islands. The country itself is a mixture of stark landscapes such as mountains, lakes and forests as well as towns filled with architecture and history with a Italian like vibe.

The quiet and easy going vibe of the country allows for the perfect road trip as you get around easily exploring the points of interest whether that be the man made architecture or the wonders of mother nature which this country is so famous for.

Source; Campervan Republic

Slovakia

Located almost in the centre of Europe this countries location makes it the perfect stop for any European road trip. Sharing borders with Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic it is very well accessible for at least some point of your trip.

The beauty of the country is undoubted and you will be in awe of the mountains that are topped with snow that are drizzled in most of the countries landscapes. Rivers and lakes accompany the mountains making this a great place to explore the outdoors in central Europe.

Source: Booking.com

Slovenia

Slovenia is the perfect outdoor space to enjoy the nature both in the summer and winter. What form ski slopes and winter sport areas in the winter are transformed to hiking trails and trekking spots in the summer.

Enjoy the breathtaking views if the mountains and lakes whilst spending some relaxation times in the hot springs that the country is famous for.

The large amounts of natural space make this the perfect place to camp and enjoy the outdoors.