Top 5 Places to Visit in Europe with a Motorhome or Campervan 2024

It’s no secret that Europe has some of the most wonderful places to visit. From breathtaking beaches and looming cliffs to stunning valleys and spectacular mountains — our continent has no shortage of beautiful landscapes for you to explore in your motorhome.

In this article, we’ve put together our top five destinations for motorhome and campervan travellers, ideal for those who want to enjoy incredible natural views and experience Europe at its best.

 

#1 Switzerland

Switzerland offers an ideal balance of magnificent landscapes and bustling cities, making it a perfect destination for motorhome travellers. You can travel across the country quite quickly via main roads, but much of Switzerland is made up of gorgeous alpine mountains with winding roads that may have speed limits and travel restrictions. Be sure to check these when planning your route.

Start your journey by visiting the stunning Lake Geneva, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and vibrant life of the city. Don’t miss the amazing Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and the charming town of Lucerne, with its picturesque lake, medieval Chapel Bridge, and the nearby Mount Pilatus. You can also explore the beautiful city of Zurich, known for its art galleries and historic old town.

Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal times to visit Switzerland, each offering a unique experience. However, if you plan to travel towards the end of the year, be prepared for cold weather and note that many places close from November until early spring. Despite these closures, a winter visit to Switzerland is well worth it. The Alps are spectacular during the winter months, offering world-class skiing and winter sports and charming Christmas markets.

 

#2 Italy

Just across the Swiss border lies the beautiful country of Italy. One of the most captivating regions to explore by motorhome is the Dolomites. This area stands apart from the rest of Italy, offering diverse landscapes and picturesque villages. Travellers can journey along the Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti) ,a famous route stretches from Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows. For those who love the outdoors, the mountains offer some fantastic hiking and cycling trails, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Of course, you can also visit the many wonderful cities of Italy via motorhome. Venture to Milan and visit the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and shop in the famous fashion district; or take a trip to the country’s capital and visit the famous Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican. These cities have camping sites on the outskirts with public transport links into the inner city  — trust us, you won’t want to drive your camper down the tiny streets of Rome!

 

#3 Norway

Now we’re swapping the lively streets of Italy for the peaceful fjords of Norway. If serenity is what you’re looking for, the Norwegian fjords are where to go. 

As one of the most spectacular natural sights in Europe, travelling through the fjords is something you will never forget. Hardangerfjord is a great place to start your trip, with the Vøringsfossen waterfall nearby. You can also head to Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, where you can hike, kayak, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty. Drive the Atlantic Road, one of the most picturesque routes in the world, and visit the charming city of Bergen with its colourful Bryggen wharf and funicular ride up Mount Fløyen. Don’t miss the Lofoten Islands, renowned for their dramatic peaks, quaint fishing villages, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. 

Throughout your travels, you’ll find numerous well-equipped campsites and the opportunity to pitch up, but an interesting part about touring in Norway is that you are actually allowed to park your motorhome anywhere. As long as it’s not within 150 metres of someone’s home, you are legally permitted to park your motorhome anywhere for up to three days. 

 

#4 Scotland

If you’re from the UK, it can be easy to forget that we have a world-famous travel destination right on our doorstep. People come from far and wide to journey along the Scottish coast, and once you visit, you’ll realise why.

The North Coast 500, or NC500, offers an unforgettable experience of Scotland’s magnificent coastal landscapes. Starting in Inverness, pay a visit to the Loch Ness for a sail or a swim, and get lost in the Jacobite history of the Culloden battlefield. Journey through The Black Isle and spot the wild bottlenose dolphins off Fortrose, and continue on to Easter Ross to discover the mysterious past of the Picts along the ancient The Pictish Trail. 

From here, you can venture to Caithness, the most north-eastern point of the NC500. Here you will find the famous John O’Groats, Britain’s most northerly village, known for its impressive coastal features and prehistoric heritage. Carry on your journey to Sutherland, where you’ll find beautiful beaches, cliffs and geological wonders, including Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, Britain’s tallest waterfall, ending your route in Wester Ross, where you can explore the wild landscapes and swim in the six large lochs.

 

#5 France

Last, but certainly not least, is France. One of the most popular destinations for UK motorhome travellers, France has much to offer in the way of nature, culture and tourism.

Begin your journey by taking a ferry or the Eurotunnel from the UK to Calais. From there, you can visit Normandy to explore the D-Day beaches, the charming port town of Honfleur, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel. Continue your journey to the picturesque Loire Valley, famous for its stunning vineyards and châteaux, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

The brilliant thing about France is its diverse landscapes. On the same trip, you can enjoy Mediterranean beaches of the glamorous French Riviera, as well as the breathtaking mountain scenery of the French Alps, perfect for hiking, cycling, and skiing. 

 

Ready for your Europe trip?

So, did your favourite place make the list? Many of our customers come to us with exciting plans to travel across the continent, and we love to hear about their favourite places  and where they’re headed to next. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your motorhome for your next trip, or perhaps buy your first one, we can help you. At  Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld, we have a great selection of new and used luxury motorhomes for you to browse, and our team is on hand to advise you on the best vehicle for you and your travels.