Where am I allowed to stay overnight in a motorhome?
In Germany, wild camping is generally prohibited — however, one night 'to restore driving ability' is tolerated in most federal states (no chairs, tables, or awnings). Legal options include: campsites (€15–40/night), parking spaces (€5–15/night, often with electricity and water), 'Landvergnügen' (membership €50/year, overnight stays at 1,000+ farms for free), and the ADAC parking space guide. In Scandinavia, the right to roam (Allemannsrätt) allows free camping in nature — even with a motorhome on non-agricultural land. In France and Spain, wild camping is officially prohibited but often tolerated in rural areas. The Park4Night app shows legal parking spaces, campsites, and community-recommended overnight options worldwide.
Which route is suitable for the first motorhome vacation?
Ideal for beginners: The German Alpine Road (450 km from Lindau to Berchtesgaden, 7–10 days) offers well-developed roads, numerous parking spaces, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The coastal road along the Baltic Sea (Flensburg–Usedom, 600 km, 10–14 days) is flat, relaxed, and family-friendly with beaches, Hanseatic towns, and fish sandwiches. Internationally: The Atlantic coast of Portugal (Lisbon–Algarve, 300 km, 7–10 days) offers a mild climate, affordable campsites, and spectacular cliffs. Norway's Lofoten (Bodø–Å, 160 km, 5–7 days) are more challenging but unbeatable in scenery. Place 200–300 km between stops, drive a maximum of 3–4 hours per day, and allow at least 2 nights per parking space — a motorhome vacation is not a race.
What accessories do I need for a motorhome vacation?
Basic equipment: leveling ramps (from €15), CEE power cable (25 m, from €35), fresh water hose, camping chairs and table, gas stove or use of the built-in kitchen, dishes and cutlery, bedding/sleeping bags, and towels. Hygiene: special camping toilet chemicals (from €8/liter), environmentally friendly dish soap (biodegradable), camping shower as a backup. Technology: solar charger for smartphones (from €30), mobile Wi-Fi box or hotspot, LED camping lanterns. Navigation: A motorhome-specific navigation app (CoPilot Truck, €20) takes into account the height, width, and weight of your vehicle when planning routes — regular GPS devices may lead you under bridges or through narrow alleys. A awning or canopy expands the living space in bad weather.
How does electricity, water, and gas supply work in a motorhome?
Electricity: The onboard battery (12V) supplies light, water pump, and heating fan — when connected at a parking space (230V shore power via CEE plug), you charge the battery and can use a hairdryer, coffee machine, and laptop. A solar system on the roof (100–300 W, from €300) makes you independent. Water: The fresh water tank (80–150 liters) is filled at parking spaces and campsites via taps — in southern countries, only take drinking water from approved sources. Wastewater (gray water) is directed into a waste tank and disposed of at disposal stations. Gas: Propane or butane in gas bottles (11 kg, €20–30) supplies the stove, refrigerator, and heating — one filling lasts about 2–3 weeks with normal use. Chemical toilet: Empty the cassette every 3–5 days at disposal stations.
Is owning a motorhome or renting cheaper?
For 2–4 weeks of vacation per year, renting is cheaper: rental costs about €2,000–5,000 for 3 weeks, with no ongoing costs (insurance, TÜV, parking space, depreciation). A new motorhome costs from €40,000 (campervan) to €120,000+ (fully integrated), with depreciation in the first 5 years at 30–40%. Ongoing costs: insurance €500–1,500/year, parking/garage €50–150/month, TÜV every 2 years, maintenance and repairs. From about 8–10 weeks of use per year, owning a motorhome becomes economical — especially if you rent it out in the meantime through PaulCamper or ShareACamper (possible €500–1,500/month). A used motorhome (5–10 years old, €15,000–30,000) is a good entry point. Self-converting a van (VW T6, Mercedes Sprinter) costs from €5,000 for materials plus a lot of time.
Which motorhome parking space apps are recommended?
Park4Night (free basic, premium €10/year) is the best community app with over 400,000 parking spaces worldwide — including wild camping spots, farms, and free parking with reviews and photos. Camperstop (€30/year) is Europe's largest parking space guide with 12,000+ official parking spaces, opening hours, and prices. Pincamp (ADAC, free) offers over 12,000 verified campsites with ADAC ratings. Roadsurfer spots is the app of the well-known campervan rental company with curated parking spaces. Landvergnügen (€50/year membership) allows overnight stays on over 1,000 farms, wineries, and manufacturers in Germany — often with farm shops and animal experiences. iOverlander is essential for remote regions (Africa, South America, Asia). For Norway: NorCamp (free) lists all Norwegian campsites with availability.
How do I drive safely with a large motorhome?
Before the first drive, take 30 minutes to acclimatize in an empty parking lot: practice parking, reversing, and tight turns. The biggest adjustment: motorhomes have a much larger turning radius, require significantly longer braking distances (up to twice as long as a car), and are sensitive to wind — especially on bridges and during truck overtaking maneuvers. Drive a maximum of 80 km/h on country roads and in towns, 100–110 km/h on highways — most motorhomes become unstable at 120 km/h. Be aware of height restrictions: most motorhomes are 2.70–3.20 m high — check before every passage (bridges, parking garages, gas station canopies). A rearview camera and parking assistants are invaluable — if they are missing, use a guide. Drive in the mountains in a lower gear and use the engine brake — continuous braking can overheat the brakes.
Which campsites in Europe are particularly beautiful?
Camping Bled in Slovenia is located directly on the fairytale Lake Bled (from €25/night) — mountain panorama, crystal-clear water, and the famous island church. Camping Village Cavallino-Treporti near Venice (from €30/night) offers a beach, pool, entertainment, and boat trips to Venice. Camping Huttopia Lac de Serre-Ponçon in the French Alps (from €20/night) features a turquoise lake and mountains. Camping Sveti Ivan on the island of Cres (Croatia, from €15/night) is situated in a protected bay with dolphin sightings. In Norway: Lofoten Beach Camp (Ramberg, from €25/night) right on the white sandy beach. In Germany: Camping Hopfensee in the Allgäu (from €30/night) near Neuschwanstein Castle. Book 2–3 months in advance during peak season — the best spots fill up quickly.
Motorhome with children — what should I pay special attention to?
Each child needs their own approved seat with a 3-point belt while driving — child seats must be secured correctly as in a car. Many alcove motorhomes only have lap belts in the rear — check before booking if there are enough 3-point belts available. Drive shorter stages (max. 2–3 hours) and plan playground breaks. The bunk beds in the rear are ideal for children — they love having their 'own room'. Campsites with playgrounds and children's pools make kids feel like they're in paradise. Bring outdoor toys: balls, sand toys, binoculars, nets — children often entertain themselves for hours at campsites. Secure all loose items during driving (non-slip mats, closed cabinets) — unsecured cans and bottles can become projectiles during braking. An awning expands the space and gives the family more room.
