Beautiful Motorhome Tours in Germany

Do you have a motorhome, car, or camper van? Then a road trip in Germany allows you to discover the country in a more relaxed manner. From the beautiful beaches of the north to the Alps in southern Germany, the following routes are recommended. Either as individual tours or combinable if you have more than 1-2 weeks.

Germany has so many destinations for you to choose from. The best news for 2020/21 is that during COVID-19 there's no safer way to travel than heading out in your own motorhome. After all, in the van, you have everything with you: kitchen, toilet, and shower.

Make sure to check the local regulations before you set out.

Who in Germany isn't looking for a spectacular road trip? However, those wanting to make a round trip in Germany face the dilemma of choosing from over 150 fantastic scenic routes. Some decide on a short trip to cover the highlights in one go: Neuschwanstein Castle, Cologne Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, chalk cliffs on Rügen, just to name a few highlights.

I recommend: Choose a region and enjoy the trip! Don't rush from place to place; take some time to relax. After all, it's a vacation!

Before you can start, there are a few details to consider. Have you rented a motorhome? If so, check if everything is in order. There are now providers for every taste and budget.

Do you own a camper van? Then you can skip to the next point. If you still don't know which vehicle to use for your road trip, consider whether you want to travel by car, VW van, a larger model like a camper van (with toilet, kitchen, and shower), or a larger motorhome.

Make sure to take a test drive, as not everyone wants to maneuver a large vehicle through narrow streets and alleys. Along the promenade road on Rügen, there are several narrow streets lined with trees. In the Alps, there are tight hairpin turns that not everyone would want to navigate with a large motorhome.

For this, use the search engine from CamperDays. Here you will find most of the well-known rental companies for motorhomes and camper vans.

Always keep in mind that a lot of CO2 is released during road trips. That's why I've been offsetting CO2 for every kilometer driven by car since 2020 via atmosfair. You can calculate your emissions on their website and neutralize them by purchasing a vignette.

There's no doubt that traveling by train or bicycle would be more environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, I'm not quite as flexible without a car as I prefer to leave very early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Counter question: How much time do you have? My suggestions are based on routes you can tackle in a weekend (or even just for a day) or travel more leisurely. That way you can experience more, unwind, and you won't have to rush from place to place.

I wouldn't want to complete a round trip across Germany in two weeks. After all, I want to explore the places and not just snap a photo.

Just for the chalk cliffs in the Jasmund National Park on Rügen, I recommend a whole day. For Neuschwanstein Castle, I also recommend a longer stay. There are fantastic hikes, lakes, and other castles to explore nearby. The influx of tourists in Berchtesgaden is overwhelming. Here, too, you will have to plan for longer wait times at gondolas.

If you still only have a long weekend to a week, you can also explore the trips in shorter segments. That is also worthwhile.

I use Google Maps for navigation. In the app, you can easily set it to avoid highways:

1. Enter your route. The route will be displayed.

2. Under the departure and destination fields, there is an options field. Click this to make precise settings for your route.

3. Now check the box to avoid highways. Google will immediately provide alternatives.

Another option is navigation devices specifically for motorhomes. These are actually cool, and I would love to test one. The Garmin 890 GPS is ideal for campers. You can input the size of your vehicle here. The GPS only shows routes that you can take with it. Genius! Plus, you can have it show parking spots and attractions ("worthwhile stops").

Since I got my own camper, I've accumulated numerous motorhome travel guides with road trip suggestions. Here are my favorites:

1. Favorite guide: Camping guide - The Motorhome Travel Book Germany: Discover the most beautiful camping destinations.

2. The 20 Best Motorhome Tours (Volumes 1-5 are really cool, super inspiration).

3. Ideal for short trips: Weekend and Motorhome - Germany. Travel Ideas with a Motorhome (3-5 Days)

4. Motorhome Guide Germany: City Trips with a Motorhome: Rediscover charming cities in Germany. Includes a guide to parking spots and information on campgrounds.

• Black Forest High Road from Freudenstadt to Baden-Baden

• Along the Moselle from Trier to Cochem

• Baltic Sea: Around the Bodden near Fischland-Darß-Zingst

• Allgäu: Around Füssen and Oberstdorf

• Southern Germany's highest panoramic road: Rossfeld Panoramic Road from Berchtesgaden over the Obersalzberg

• Short trip through the Taubertal

• Day trip along the Neckar from Stuttgart through Heilbronn to Heidelberg (starting from Heilbronn on the castles road)

For Road trips, I like to recommend staying at motorhome parking areas. Even though many promote wild camping, I must unfortunately emphasize: it is prohibited. Period. Ignore Instagram and similar platforms promoting free-standing camping. If you stay longer in one place, it can be worthwhile to invest in a camping site. There are nature camping sites in forests with plenty of space all over Germany.

Alternatively, I recommend the Landvergnügen parking guide. You buy the book, receive a vignette with it, and can then stay for a year on farms, wineries, or breweries.

Are you ready to discover Germany in a motorhome?

Here you will find a selection of the most beautiful routes for a road trip to get closer to Germany's stunning landscapes and nature. Whether you want to set off for a long weekend or a two-week vacation.

• Best for: Nature lovers, active travelers, or culturally interested.

• Highlights: Neuschwanstein Castle, Allgäu and Bavarian Alps, beautiful mountain lakes.

• Start: Lindau to Schönau.

• Stops: Lindau - Oberstaufen - Breitachklamm - Füssen - Neuschwanstein Castle - Hohenschwangau - Oberammergau - Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Bad Tölz - Rottach-Egern - Oberaudorf - Chiemgau - Königssee - Berchtesgaden.

• Distance: 500 km.

• Duration: 1-2 weeks.

• Best travel time: May - June or September - October. Overrun and very popular in summer.

• Insider tip: Winter camping, travel spontaneously from place to place outside of Christmas and New Year.

The road leads from Lindau on the Bodensee through numerous curves to the Berchtesgaden region. The panoramic road is anything but a secret tip. Because the stunning route is, of course, popular. Therefore, for me, it is also the most beautiful of the routes presented.

The landscape is very varied. You have the choice between mountain lakes, panoramas from hikes to the peaks, or more than 25 castles, forts, and monasteries. Of course, Neuschwanstein Castle is the highlight that every German should see at least once.

Around the Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you will find numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. In winter, there are fantastic ski areas and cross-country skiing trails. Snowshoeing is also possible almost everywhere (depending on snowfall).

My favorite areas: Ski area Fellhorn - Kanzelwand, Bolsterlang, Balderschwang.

• View the complete route with all tips here on the official website of the German Alpine Road.

Along that route, there are camping sites and motorhome parking spaces available everywhere. I recommend avoiding peak travel times. If you have children who are of school age, you need to plan well in advance.

• In winter, book a night on the Zugspitze in an igloo.

• In Füssen, there's a large Salomon outlet with other outdoor brands.

• Best for: Those interested in history, lovers of castles and palaces (more than 60 along the scenic route).

• Highlights: Heidelberg Castle, Bad Wimpfen, Heilbronn, Schwäbisch Hall, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg Castle, Bamberg (View alternatives).

• Start: Mannheim to Bayreuth.

• Stops: Heidelberg - Neckar Valley through Bad Wimpfen to Heilbronn - (Breitenauer Lake) - Rothenburg o.d.T. - Nuremberg - Bamberg - Coburg - Bayreuth.

• Distance: 780 km.

• Duration: 7 - 10 days.

• Best travel time: September - October due to the route through wine regions.

One of the most beautiful roads around my hometown Heilbronn is the Castle Road. From Mannheim, the way leads via Heidelberg, then along the Neckar, with many castles along the river.

In Heidelberg, aside from the castle, be sure to explore the old town and hike for the most beautiful views along the Snake Path and Philosopher Path.

I probably can't write neutrally about the rest of the route via Burg Hornberg, Burg Guttenberg, Bad Wimpfen to Heilbronn. I have grown up in this region and still live in Heilbronn. I love my home along the Neckar with its castles and vineyards.

-> View my tips for Heilbronn with sights here.

Beyond Burg Weibertreu (Weinsberg), it continues to the half-timbered town Schwäbisch Hall. A special highlight is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. For me, one of the prettiest small towns in Germany. The small alleys with half-timbered houses and towers - simply breathtaking!

Nuremberg with its castle towering over the city and the Franconian Switzerland between Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Bayreuth will also impress you. Be sure to plan more time here. Ideal for hiking and enjoying a beer in a brewery cellar.

After this, you'll head briefly into Thuringia to Veste Heldburg, built like a fairy tale on a 403-meter-high rock. You will end your road trip in Bayreuth with its historic center and the Richard Wagner Museum.

In many castles, you can stay overnight along the route. Burg Hornberg, Burg Steinsberg, Burg Colmberg, Burg Abenberg, and Burg Rabenstein also serve as hotels.

You can find numerous campgrounds and parking spaces along the route. Even with the Landvergnügen parking guide, you are particularly well advised here. In Heilbronn, you can park at the wine association with a wonderful view over the vineyards. Alternatively, you can stay for free if you buy over 50 Euros worth of wine.

Tip for Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The motorhome parking space P2 in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located directly at the old town. It costs (2021) 12 Euros per night, with electricity and water disposal available. There are 50 spots, though I recommend not choosing one near the road. The local "posers" love to drive around loudly along the street or the opposite car park at night.

After the stop in Heilbronn, detour towards Öhringen to Breitenauer Lake. Our local recreation area in the Löwenstein Mountains has a campground right by the lake.

If you have time, hike a stage on the Neckarsteig. The first stage at Heidelberg is among the most beautiful.

Stay at least one day in my hometown Heilbronn. Visit Experimenta, Germany's largest science center. Enjoy the old town of Bad Wimpfen, take a factory tour at Audi in Neckarsulm, and visit the bird of prey sanctuary at Burg Guttenberg (Haßmersheim).

• Best for: Nature, water, and culinary experiences.

• Highlights: Triberg Waterfalls, Gutachtal, Titisee, Schluchsee, Konstanz and Meersburg on Lake Constance, Hohenzollern Castle.

• Start: Round trip from/to Stuttgart.

• Stops: Stuttgart - Triberg - Hornberg - Titisee - Schluchsee - Wutachschlucht - Konstanz - Meersburg - Pile dwellings Unteruhldingen - Swabian Jura - Upper Danube Valley - Kloster Beuron - Hohenzollern Castle - Stuttgart.

• Duration: 7 to 10 days (possibly longer, as there are many noteworthy places along the route).

• Best travel time: Year-round, possibly snowy in winter.

Start your round trip in Stuttgart. For car enthusiasts, the Porsche Museum is a must. Alternatively, or afterwards, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is worth its entrance fee.

Next, you leave the city, and a spectacular section awaits. The drive into the famous Black Forest with its winding Black Forest High Road awaits you! The tall trees, intertwined with serpentine roads and beautiful viewpoints, create the road trip feeling.

This stretch is about 60 km long and runs from Baden-Baden to Bühlerhöhe. I love the views, which in some places extend to the Vosges in France! Other stops include Mummelsee, Hornisgrinde, and a possible stop for the night could be Freudenstadt.

Next, head to one of the most beautiful holiday regions in Germany: Lake Constance. Explore the region with Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, the pile dwellings Unteruhldingen, and Meersburg. On the return trip to Stuttgart you can take the route through the Swabian Jura and Upper Danube Valley. You can also visit Kloster Beuron, enjoy the view from Knopfmacherfelsen over the Beuroner Valley, and finally visit Hohenzollern Castle. What a trip!

A detailed travel report can be found here: Road trip from Stuttgart into the Black Forest to Lake Constance

Other articles with tips for the mentioned regions:

• Lake Constance: Sights with the most beautiful places & activities

• Konstanz: Noteworthy places & highlights

• Meersburg on Lake Constance

• Insider tips for Stuttgart

On this motorhome tour, you will find plenty of options, as this region is extremely popular for camping with tents, motorhomes, or caravans. At Lake Constance, I recommend the parking spot in Fischbach. In the Black Forest, the small nature camping sites are great.

I give you my tip: decide on the go where you want to stay overnight. Alternatively, you still have enough farms participating in Landvergnügen.

• Best for: Everyone wanting to go on a road trip through Germany and experience diversity up close.

• Highlights: Rügen, Stralsund, Dessau, Fulda, Dortmund, Freudenstadt, Reichenau.

• Start: Rügen Island (Putgarten), end: Reichenau (Lake Constance).

• Route: There are 3 routes: the main route, the NRW route (Dortmund), and the Saxony-Thuringia loop (Dresden and Plauen). I recommend: Rügen - Stralsund - Grimmen - (Greifswald) - Waren (Müritz) - Neuruppin - Brandenburg an der Havel - Lutherstadt Wittenberg - Dresden - Dessau - Goslar - Duderstadt - Plauen - Fulda - Koblenz - Bad Kreuznach - Bad Dürkheim - Freudenstadt - Tübingen - Ravensburg - Meersburg - Konstanz - Reichenau.

• Distance: 2,900 km (depending on route choice).

• Duration: At least 2 weeks, better 3 weeks.

• Best travel time: Autumn.

The Alley Road is the longest holiday road in Germany. Here you can get to know your homeland from north to south. Over approximately 2900 kilometers, it will lead you from the Baltic island of Rügen across Germany to the Bodensee. You will pass through 10 federal states-sounds amazing, doesn't it?

The route starts on the most beautiful Baltic island Rügen right in the north (Putgarten). Some sections are very narrow, especially with a motorhome. The trees line the avenues, it's a dream.

1. Best for: Anyone wanting to take a road trip through Germany and discover lesser-known places with beautiful half-timbered houses.

2. Highlights: Schwäbisch Hall, Besigheim, Bad Wimpfen, castle in Wertheim.

3. Start: Anywhere, as it is a circular route.

4. Route: Wertheim - Tauberbischofsheim - Schwäbisch Hall - Schorndorf - Esslingen am Neckar - Waiblingen - Backnang - Marbach am Neckar - Bietigheim-Bissingen - Markgröningen - Leonberg - Vaihingen an der Enz - Maulbronn - Besigheim - Bad Wimpfen - Mosbach - Wertheim.

5. Distance: 369 km.

6. Duration: At least 3 - 5 days; those wanting to explore everything should plan for a week.

7. Best travel time: Autumn (numerous vineyards, as in an "Indian Summer", only in Germany).

The German Half-Timbered Street, under the motto "Half-timbering connects", takes you through all of Germany over 3,500 km from the Elbe to Lake Constance. Officially, there are seven regional routes that lead you through the federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Hesse, Thuringia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg.

However, I have created my own route. Around my home region, I know where the beautiful half-timbered towns are.

I love the small towns with narrow alleys and beautifully crooked houses with half-timbering. That's why I will definitely explore more routes of the German Half-Timbered Road.

• You can view all 7 routes on the official website.

Along this route, you will also find parking spaces for motorhomes everywhere, often even for free (for example, in Tauberbischofsheim, quiet but not beautiful). For Wertheim, I recommend the parking area on the other side of the Main in Kreuzwertheim, which offers a great view of the castle. Caution: In summer, it might get hot here, as there is no shade at any of the spots.

1. Best for: Exploring romantic little towns.

2. Highlights: Neuschwanstein Castle, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the lesser-known picturesque places in between.

3. Start: Würzburg or Füssen.

4. Route: Würzburg - Taubertal - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Augsburg - Neuschwanstein Castle - Füssen.

5. Distance: 400 km.

6. Duration: At least 1 week.

7. Best travel time: Year-round, but Bayern and the Allgäu can get quite crowded in summer.

On the 400 kilometers from Würzburg to the Allgäu, you can traverse some of the most beautiful scenic corners in Germany on this route. The highlight, of course, is Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau near Füssen. But don't neglect the castle in Würzburg.

Overall, there are eight UNESCO World Heritage routes in Germany. The most beautiful is the northern route No. 1.

1. Best for: Beautiful Hanseatic cities and the most beautiful places along the Baltic Sea coast up to the North Sea to the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea.

2. Highlights: Jasmund National Park on Rügen, Stralsund, Wismar, Bremen, Hamburg, Lübeck, and the Wadden Sea near Bremerhaven.

3. Start: Bremerhaven or Sassnitz (Rügen Island).

4. Route: Wadden Sea - Bremen - Hamburg - Lübeck - Wismar - Stralsund - Rügen Island.

5. Distance: 557 km.

6. Duration: At least 2 weeks, better 3 weeks.

7. Best travel time: Spring, summer, and autumn.

Driving along the most beautiful places of the Baltic Sea to the North Sea sounds great to you? It is indeed. That's exactly what I did for 6 weeks in summer (the advantage of being self-employed and able to work while traveling).

So I don't want to write much here, but rather link the articles with lots of details, information, accommodations, and motorhome parking spots.

• Road trip along the Baltic Sea coast, Baltic Sea camping is wonderful!

• Highlights in Hamburg

• The most beautiful places in Lübeck

• Discover the most beautiful Hanseatic city Wismar

• Stralsund in a weekend: Highlights and tips

• Rügen Island: Sights, tips, and excursion destinations

Leave me a comment at the end of the article, I look forward to it!

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