There is no better way to explore the sheer diversity of Europe than in a campervan. We reckon buying a campervan in Europe is by far one of the best travel adventures we’ve ever had!
And guess what? We’ve done it twice! We have quite seriously bought a campervan in Europe TWICE as non-EU citizens – and we can’t help but wholeheartedly recommend it.
Read on for 10 tips from 10 different countries that we recommend for travel by campervan in Europe.
- Planning Travel by Campervan in Europe
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Norway
- France
- Italy
- Austria
- Estonia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Europe by Campervan
Hey! We are AWAY WITH THE STEINERS. Want to know more about buying a motorhome in Europe?
Planning Travel by Campervan in Europe
Europe is amazing for motorhome travel. One morning you’re sipping coffee overlooking the fjords of Norway, and the next you’re wandering through a medieval town square in Italy or buying Burek and tiny coffees in Eastern Europe.
This is the ultimate freedom! But it comes with a complex set of rules, regulations, and country-specific quirks.
Europe is not a single entity when it comes to motorhomes. The laws governing road tax, parking, and wild camping change dramatically the moment you cross a border.
After years of traversing the continent, from the rigid rules of the Schengen zone to the wild hospitality of the Balkans, we’ve boiled down the most critical lessons into 10 essential tips, each drawn from a different corner of the continent. Mastering these tips is the key to minimizing stress, maximizing budget, and ensuring a year of fine-free, unforgettable adventures.
1. Netherlands – Buying a Campervan in Europe
Despite its relaxed reputation, the Netherlands has some of the strictest laws against wild camping in Europe. Density and private land ownership mean there is virtually no tolerance for parking outside of designated campsites or official municipal Stellplätze.
BUT! This was the first place we started twice. We initially flew into Amsterdam with not much knowledge about buying a campervan in Europe. But we’ve done it twice from the Netherlands and in actual fact this is a great place to start.
In theory, in the Netherlands, if you are stopped by police, being caught with your awning out, steps down, or stabilizing legs deployed is definitive proof of illegal camping, leading to immediate fines. Though there are ways around it and Dutch people are friendly and seriously into motorhome camping.
- Tip: Always use official sites or stay discreetly parked in legal parking bays, keeping all camping apparatus contained within the van in the Netherlands. And make sure you try Hagelslag and Stroopwafel!
Contact EuropeRoadtrip.com and use our code: AWAYWITHTHESTEINERS to receive a €100 discount on the Essentials Package for buying a motorhome in Europe.
2. Germany: Master the Art of the Stellplatz
While German roads are famous for their speed, German law is strict about where you can park overnight too. Though Germany is second on our list of tips for buying a campervan in Europe as it has incredible motorhome parking spots. Here, the vast network of Stellplätze (dedicated motorhome parking spots) is your lifeline.
Stellplätze are usually low-cost (€5 to €15) or sometimes free, municipally run parking areas explicitly designated for campers. (We found plenty of free camping in Germany!).
They often feature essential services like water refill and waste disposal. Don’t risk wild camping in German towns; rely on the Stellplatz network, easily located via apps like Park4Night or Campercontact, for guaranteed, legal rest.
Albeit coming from New Zealand, Germany seems very far away and deftly strict simply in their tone(!). But don’t let this deter you in the slightest. Remember that Germans are great travellers and serious backpackers. They love a chat, and the chances are they’ve already travelled Down Under before.
- Tip: Download the Park4Night App before you even buy a campervan in Europe and get researching. Mark some spots in Germany on your map to head for once you arrive and get sorted.
3. Norway – Buying a Campervan in Europe
Norway (and Scandinavia generally) operates under the Allemannsretten, or Everyman’s Right. This law grants the public the freedom to roam and camp almost anywhere in the wilderness, provided they are respectful and keep a certain distance from inhabited buildings.
This means true wild camping is possible and legal in Norway’s magnificent landscapes. How cool is that?! This is a beautiful country and one that quite literally welcomes travel by campervan in Europe.
However, this right does not apply in urban or highly regulated coastal areas. If you are within a town or a designated residential area, you must stick to official campsites or paid parking spots. Use your freedom responsibly, always Leave No Trace, and only stay for a maximum of two nights in one spot.
We loved the adventure to get to Norway by ferry from Denmark and started in the south with a beautiful first night free camping just as we had heard about.
Our second night en route to Stavanger (and to surprise Nana!) we stopped near Flekkefjord just in awe of the scenery on the coastal road from Kristiansand to Stavanger!
- Tip: You have probably heard that food and supplies are more expensive in Norway. But stock up your campervan with some extras before you cross to Norway and make the most of the beautiful, free wild camping.
4. France: Leverage Aires and Local Hospitality
France is arguably the most motorhome-friendly country in Western Europe. Its network of Aires de Services (free or low-cost service areas) ensures you can always find a place to dump waste, refill water, and rest.
Beyond the Aires, seek out programs like France Passion. By joining this network (for a small annual fee), you gain access to thousands of free overnight spots on private property, such as vineyards, farms, and artisan producers.
We did find plenty of beautiful spots on Park4Night too. These vineyards can be a fantastic way to enjoy a free night’s stay while supporting local French industry (and tasting great wine!). We even had beautiful Rose brought to our campervan door in the south of France and of course; stayed there twice.
- Tip: Do beware of parking at the overnight service stations that offer free parking. We were woken at midnight by police on our first night in France telling us it wasn’t safe. Get onto that Park4Night App and read the other travellers reviews.
5. Italy – Buying a Campervan in Europe
Italy’s ancient, charming cities are beautiful, but they can be a nightmare for large vehicles. Historic centres often have Zone a Traffico Limitato (ZTLs), where vehicle access is heavily restricted, usually enforced by automated cameras.
These cameras operate 24/7, and fines are steep and can arrive months after your trip.
Or cameras aside, these roads can narrow without any warning and next thing you know you’re on a tiny one-way cobblestone alley heading towards an ancient arched bridge that’s far too low for a campervan. (Yes; this has happened before!).
It isn’t always a relaxing Sunday drive travelling in a foreign country by campervan in Europe to start with. But heading towards this ancient bridge – don’t panic – you will get out and possibly even laugh about this over a vino in a few days.
Put your hazard lights on, gather your composure and back your way out.
Never follow your GPS directly into a major Italian city centre (like Florence, Rome, or Milan – or Monaco; but that’s for another story) unless you are absolutely certain of the ZTL boundaries.
- Tip: Always park outside the ZTL and use public transport to explore the historic heart. The cities are amazing – but make sure you are aware of your height, width and weight.
6. Austria: Don’t Forget the ‘Vignette’
Austria requires a Vignette (pre-paid road tax) for all motorways. Unlike some countries where a physical sticker is used, Austria heavily promotes the digital E-Vignette.
Crucially for foreign travellers: If you buy the Austrian E-Vignette online as a consumer, there is an 18-day cooling-off period before it becomes valid.
So, if you need it immediately upon crossing the border (which you will), you must either buy the physical sticker from the border kiosk/petrol station or purchase the digital version as a ‘business customer’ to waive the waiting period.
We hadn’t heard of Vignette’s before we started travel by campervan in Europe. Let alone we hadn’t heard of this digital version before either! But it is easy enough to buy a physical Vignette sticker at the border kiosk or petrol station on entering Austria. (Even for New Zealanders like us not used to crossing borders by road!).
- Tip: Get this Vignette before you cross the border, as cameras are placed immediately upon entry.
Arriving to Amsterdam to buy your motorhome? Check Ibis Schiphol, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport and Radisson Blu Hotel Schiphol to start your trip.
7. Estonia – Travel in Europe by Campervan
Estonia, and the Baltic States in general, are fantastic for motorhoming because they offer a combination of wild nature and surprisingly helpful government infrastructure. Not to mention that Tallinn is just a ferry hop across to Finland. (For real!).
In Estonia the RMK (State Forest Management Centre) maintains numerous official campsites and rest areas in public forests, often equipped with fire pits, simple shelters, and even dry toilets. The best part? They are often free to use.
Downloading the RMK app and relying on their network provides guaranteed, legal, and picturesque parking in Estonia’s beautiful forests.
Otherwise make use of great parking right in Tallinn down by the port and hop across to Helsinki for a day trip. This is a very cool adventure to add to your bucketlist for travel by campervan in Europe!
- Tip: Check the RMK app for parking in nature sites in Estonia. But also check the ferry schedule and prices for a unique daytrip from Tallinn to Helsinki!
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Travel by Campervan in Europe
When traveling through the Balkans, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina, remember that you are largely outside the Eurozone and the robust digital infrastructure of Western Europe…
But for us this is what made Eastern Europe by motorhome even cooler. It is unique in the culture and friendliness of the people – and the food! The food is exciting and different again from Western Europe.
While major towns accept cards, smaller businesses, local campsites, and independent vendors often prefer (or only accept) BAM (Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark) cash. So, ensure you always carry small denominations of the local currency for fuel, local markets, and small fees at informal camping spots.
Local hospitality is massive here; don’t be afraid to ask a small guesthouse or farm if you can park for the night. We absolutely were blown away by the incredible hospitality in Bosnia and can recommend it by campervan for a slower pace and chance to experience that humbling learning, culture and hospitality.
- Tip: Get off the beaten track and away from the main tourist spots – and talk to people in Bosnia! The hospitality is humbling.
Contact EuropeRoadtrip.com and use our code: AWAYWITHTHESTEINERS to receive a €100 discount on the Essentials Package for buying a motorhome in Europe.
9. Montenegro: Coastal Parking vs. Inland Freedom
Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor and Adriatic coastline are stunning, but wildly popular, meaning official regulations against wild camping are heavily enforced along the coast (Budva, Kotor, Bar). Parking enforcement is strict, especially in summer.
However, once you head inland towards the mountains (like Durmitor National Park), the regulations ease considerably. The rule of thumb: Expect regulated, paid parking on the coast; find freedom and remote spots in the mountains. Always pay for parking when near a major tourist hub to avoid towing or fines.
The capital city of Montenegro doesn’t have the best of reputations for being anywhere grand or glamorous like some of its European neighbours. But we really enjoyed it! We had a beautiful day out and found people so very friendly – from the museum to the cafes, to the vendors in the market. It felt so good to be out appreciating another new place and meeting new people. We totally rate Podgorica!
- Tip: Hands down the best find for a treat in Podgorica was this family-owned Burek store right on the main road in town that has been here for generations. If you are coming to Montenegro, you must put this on your list – we came back the next day for more and the queue was back up the street! Absolutely delicious!
10. Moldova: Embrace the Winery Overnighter
Moldova’s roads may be challenging, but its hospitality is unmatched, especially in its famous wine regions. Many of the country’s hundreds of vineyards, like Asconi Winery, are accustomed to welcoming international visitors.
A brilliant tip for safe and memorable parking is to call ahead to a winery and ask if you can park your motorhome in their lot overnight after doing a wine tasting or having dinner at their restaurant. This is a common practice in Moldova and offers a secure and picturesque – and very tasty – experience in the country.
- Tip: Don’t forget about Moldova as the least visited country in Europe! Read our blog about travel in Moldova and head east for an incredible experience.
Final Takeaways for European Motorhome Success
European travel requires flexibility. Be prepared to switch seamlessly between paid campsites, legal Stellplätze, and discreet parking.
- Apps are Mandatory: Your planning tools (Park4Night, Campercontact) are as important as your spare tire.
- Know Your Weight: If your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes, research the specific HGV rules for Austria, Switzerland, and Germany to avoid costly electronic toll devices.
- Parking vs. Camping: In restrictive countries, your golden rule is: If your awning is out, you are camping, and you are breaking the law. Stay contained, be respectful, and the continent is yours to explore.
Enjoy Travel by Campervan in Europe
Enjoy the freedom, respect the borders, and savour every unique, diverse kilometre!
Arriving to Amsterdam to buy your motorhome? Check Ibis Schiphol, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport and Radisson Blu Hotel Schiphol to start your trip.
Read More About Travel in Eastern Europe
- Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania.
- Border Crossing: Romania to Moldova.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova.
More Useful Links for Your Travels in Europe and Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel by campervan in Europe!
