Motorhomes offer all kinds of freedoms and excitement, and they are the perfect way to travel and explore new locations. You can live in a motorhome full-time, or you can set off on trips around the world and visit destinations you could only dream of. If you fall into the latter category, you’re going to want to know about the top 5 European road trips to take in your motorhome.
At Inlander Low Voltage, we’re here to help. Whether you want to know about going to France in your motorhome, the type of licence needed to drive a motorhome, what fridges can go in a motorhome, or the best UK campsites to visit, we have the answers you’re looking for.
Why Travel or Live in a Motorhome?
Life in a motorhome is the dream for many, and it isn’t hard to see why. There’s a lot to love about it, and while electrical appliances can be limited and insurance costs are high, this is the price you pay for the freedom that comes with this lifestyle – and it’s can all available to you just by having a standard car licence.
For anyone planning to live in a motorhome full-time or for most of the year, there are lots of benefits to think about, as well as disadvantages. There can be confusion about claiming benefits when you live in a motorhome, and you will need to sacrifice space, but in the end, you need to decide if motorhome life is something that you want.
Documents Required When Travelling to Mainland Europe from the UK
Before you leave for your trip to the EU in your motorhome, you need to make sure that you are prepared for it. Between the freedom, bliss, and excitement, there are rules that you need to remember, and paperwork that you need to have at hand, including the ones listed below:
- EU cover/insurance – insurance is crucial and will protect your motorhome during your trip. Make sure to compare insurance policies to find the best one for you and your needs.
- Vehicle documentation – you will need a V5C registration, a green card, and MOT certificates. These will allow police to establish the owner of the vehicle, prove that you have insurance, and that your motorhome is road worth, respectively
- Documents – things like a valid and correct driving licence (this may depend on the weight of your motorhome), valid passports, travel authorisation, and visas for the country or area that you will be travelling in
Depending on where you go, countries might require additional paperwork. So, always make sure to do your research to check this in time before you go, as rules can change faster than you might think. Prepare everything in advance so that you can feel confident when you leave for your trip, and not leave anything at home that you need to turn back for and fetch.
Top 5 European Road Trips to Take in Your Motorhome
Keep reading to learn about our top 5 European road trips to take in your motorhome, and explore some of the most stunning scenery and locations that you could imagine. Please remember that this is not a definitive list, and there are hundreds of other breathtaking routes to travel in Europe, including the Austrian Romantic Road, Loire Valley Castles, The Peak District Circular Route, and many more.
Trollstigen, Norway
Known as one of the most stunning routes in Europe, Trollstigen is perfect for anyone who wants to experience unparalleled natural beauty and an adrenaline rush that you won’t soon forget. With 11 hairpin bends on the road down, we advise you to take special care when driving, and make sure that your vehicle is up for the task.
Length of route: 104km or 65 miles
Best time to travel: May to early October (road closure in treacherous autumn and winter conditions)
Start and finish locations: Langvatnet → Strynefjellet and Sogge Bru or vice versa
Notable features of this route: the giant troll statue at the visitor centre, 11 hairpin bends, unforgettable views
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Feel like embarking on a trip a bit closer to home? The Ring of Kerry is a stunning route that goes around the Iveragh Peninsula, and takes you to a number of locations that will stay with you. There are waterfalls, rivers, castles, lakes, and so much more to explore, including cycling routes that allow you to enjoy a whole new experience.
Length of route: 200km or 124 mile-loop
Best time to travel: April to October
Start and finish locations: Killarney and drive clockwise (tour buses must drive anti-clockwise because of narrow roads)
Notable features of this route: Valentia Island, Skellig Ring, and Ross Castle
Romantic Road, Germany
Looking for a fairy tale trip to make you forget all of your worries? Explore both stunning nature and architecture on Germany’s Romantic Road. Medieval towns, castles, farmland, and so much more, this will be an unforgettable trip for anyone, and one that we will always recommend for travellers.
Length of route: 460km or 285 miles
Best time to travel: spring or autumn
Start and finish locations: Würzburg → Füssen or vice versa
Notable features of this route: castles, historical cities, and breathtaking views
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
Visit Austria and get your fill of stunning natural beauty, Mountains, meadows, waterfalls, and winding roads will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Sound of Music. The initial route is less than 50km, but there is plenty to explore across the Carinthia, Tyrol, and Salzberg provinces.
Length of route: 48km or 30 miles for the read pass | 1,800km or 1,118 mile national park
Best time to travel: late spring and early summer (route is closed from November to May due to treacherous conditions)
Start and finish locations: Oberes Nasfeld → Franz-Josefs-Hohe
Notable features of this route: 3,798m tall Grossglockner mountain, winding roads, stunning scenery
Route 500, Germany
Go on a magical trip and take in the beauty of the Black Forest and everything it has to offer. There are scenes from fairytales, with nature reserves, cuckoo clocks, and cherry brandy for anyone who wants to taste the essence of the Black Forest. Make sure to try a gâteau while you’re there.
Length of route: 223km or 145 miles
Best time to travel: September and October to avoid summer frenzy; beautiful in December
Start and finish locations: Freudenstadt → Baden-Baden
Notable features of this route: The Black Forest, Hohenzollern Castle, Stuttgart
Bonus Road Trip Route: Harry Potter Filming Locations (Scotland)
If you love Harry Potter, there is one lengthy motorhome route that you are definitely going to want to embark on. Weaving through Scotland and the Highlands, you will experience nature at its finest, and get to enjoy great food and hospitality along the way.
Length of route: 832km or 517 miles
Best time to travel: May to September. Avoid summer and winter holidays.
Start and finish locations: Edinburgh → Loch Etive or vice versa
Notable features of this route: a collection of beautiful lochs and landscapes that played parts in the Harry Potter film series
Final Thoughts
There are hundreds of stunning road trip routes that you can explore in your motorhome all over the world. You can stick to Europe, or you can check out one of the other continents and travel the Perth South Western Circuit Route in Australia, visit the Great Lakes in the USA, or explore the Garden Route in South Africa.
Now that you know the top 5 European road trips to take in your motorhome, you should start planning. There is plenty of fun to be had and memories to make.
To learn more about motorhomes, feel free to have a look at our articles on what food you can take to France in a motorhome, if motorhomes are worth it, and the new 2024 rules and regulations you should be aware of. We also have guides on motorhomes and explore the average life of a motorhome, so you will know what you are getting into ahead of time.
