Especially for adventurous motorhomers, we put together this blog! Let us take you along the most impressive hiking routes in Europe. Whether you want a quick walk to relieve stiffness after a long drive, or are looking for a challenging hiking adventure, we have the right route for you. We divide this blog into different levels of difficulty, so you can easily find the route that suits you best. Plus, with each hiking route, we share handy tips for nearby motorhome sites, so you can plan your adventure effortlessly!
The Eifelsteig
The Eifelsteig: hiking through the natural splendour of the Eifel region, Germany
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Approximately 313 kilometres
Route: From Aachen to Trier, through the Eifel region in Germany.
The Eifelsteig is a beautiful but long route through the Eifel National Park, an oasis of untouched nature with dense forests and sparkling lakes. Here you can enjoy peaceful walks along winding forest paths and perhaps spot some wildlife. Along the way, you will encounter breathtaking highlights such as the Eifel National Park with its pristine nature, the old town of Monschau with its half-timbered houses and the beautiful Rur lake with its crystal-clear water. The Eifelsteig can be divided into 15 stages, of which the De Römerpfad walk is considered the most beautiful part.
Motorhome sites
The starting point of the Eifelsteig is Kornelimünster. This village is worth a visit in itself, so plan an extra hour before you start your hike. The nearest motorhome sites on Campercontact for the Eifelsteig route are:
- Stellplatz Bad Aachen: if you want slightly more amenities.
- Hotel restaurant zur heide: if you only want a place to stay overnight a bite to eat.
The Wicklow Way: sitecode 68699
The Wicklow Way: discover the beauty of Ireland
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Length: Approximately 131 kilometres
Route: From Dublin to Clonegal, through Ireland's picturesque Wicklow Mountains.
Explore the lush beauty of Wicklow, known for its green hills, babbling brooks and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy quiet trails through dense forests and marvel at breathtaking views from Djouce Mountain. Highlights include enchanting Glendalough, the majestic Powerscourt Waterfall and picturesque villages along the route, where you can relax in local pubs and restaurants. You can walk the Wicklow Way in +- 5 days.
Motorhome sites
You start the Wicklow Way from Marlay Park. The nearest motorhome stopovers to the starting point are around Dublin. But there are also a number of motorhome stopovers below Wicklow National Park, and these are well worth a visit:
- Camac Valley Tourist Caravan & Camping Park: campsite close to Dublin.
- Turlough Hill car park: beautiful car park in the middle of the National Park.
Sentiero Azzurro
Sentiero Azzurro: explore the beauties of the Italian Riviera
Difficulty: Medium
Length: About 20 kilometres
Route: Along the coast of the Italian Riviera, from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore.
Sentiero Azurro is part of the hiking trail Cinque Terre. This route offers an enchanting hiking experience with five colourful villages built on the cliffs. The coastal paths reveal breathtaking views and the charming villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are highlights in themselves. Sample local dishes and wines as you explore this beautiful Italian destination. Cinque Terre is perfect for discovering the beauty of the Italian Riviera, step by step.
Motorhome sites
Sentiero Azzurro is a beautiful route along the Cinque Terre. We highlight with this hike the stretch between Monterosso and Riomaggiore, translated to 'the blue path'. In Monterosso, you will find a beautiful motorhome stopover that is great as a starting point for your hike:
- Il Poggio delle 5 Terre: located in the mountains with beautiful views!
Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites: site code 49458
Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites: discover the splendour of the Italian Alps
Difficulty: Medium
Length: Approximately 120 kilometres
Route: From Dobbiaco to Belluno, through the majestic Dolomites in northern Italy.
The Alta Via 1 offers an unforgettable hiking experience in the Italian Alps. Explore lush valleys, mountain passes and crystal clear mountain lakes with breathtaking views. Highlights include the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and picturesque Lake Pragser Wildsee. Discover charming mountain villages and sample local cuisine during your adventure.
Motorhome sites
As mentioned, you start your hike from Dobbiaco. Below is a list of motorhome stopovers that already offer views of the beautiful Dolomites:
Besseggen-mountain ridge
Besseggen mountain ridge: a challenging trek above the mountain lakes
Difficulty: Medium to advanced
Length: Approximately 14 kilometres
Route: Besseggen mountain ridge, Jotunheimen National Park, Norway.
The Besseggen mountain ridge is a challenging trek in the beautiful Jotunheimen National Park, Norway. The trek starts at the Gjendesheim area and leads you over the Besseggen ridge, which towers high above the mountain lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet. The route includes steep climbs and descents, and the trail can be rocky and challenging, but the reward is worth it.
Motorhome sites
The Besseggen ridge is located in Jotunheimen National Park. Norway has a wide range of beautiful motorhome stopovers, of course, but we've listed the ones closest to the hiking trail for you:
Tatra Mountains
Tatra mountains, Poland and Slovakia: climb the highest peak, "Rysy"
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: About 8 kilometres (one way)
Route: From the village of Štrbské Pleso to the peak "Rysy" in the Tatra mountains.
In the Tatra Mountains, which cross the border between Poland and Slovakia, you can take a challenging trek to the highest peak, "Rysy." This route offers adventurous hikers a chance to achieve the summit. But keep in mind that this trek can be quite tough!
Motorhome sites
The trek starts in the charming village of Štrbské Pleso and takes you up through rugged terrain, ranging from forested paths to rocky slopes. You can find a motorhome stopover at the bottom of the mountain range and start your hike in Štrbské Pleso. Of course, the whole area around this mountain range is beautiful for hiking. Some motorhome sites nearby are:
- Parking-podbanske: great place to stay overnight but no facilities.
- Campsite Rijo: a quiet campsite with mountain views!
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek, Iceland: explore breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: Approximately 55 kilometres (one way)
Route: The famous "Laugavegur Trek" in Iceland.
The "Laugavegur Trek" in Iceland is an unforgettable trek that takes adventurers through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. The trek takes you past colourful rhyolite mountains, sparkling geothermal springs and vast lava fields. You will marvel at the variety of landscapes, from moss-covered valleys to glistening ice caps. Highlights include the spectacular valley of Landmannalaugar, where you can relax in a hot spring surrounded by mountains, and the contrasting landscape of Þórsmörk with its green valleys and glacial rivers.
Motorhome sites
The starting point of The Laugavegur Trail is in Landmannalaugar. From here, you trek all the way to the valley of Þórsmörk in the South. You can walk the trek in two directions, but because of the crowds in summer, it is a one-way route with Laugavegur as the starting point. Unfortunately, there are few nearby motorhome stopovers in Laugavegur. In Þórsmörk you can park your motorhome a bit closer, but only in the low season, so you can use this place as a starting location.
In short, whether you explore the quiet paths of the Eifelsteig in Germany, climb the majestic mountains of the Dolomites in Italy, or discover the colourful villages of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, endless adventures await you. So put on your hiking boots, grab your motorhome and set off to explore Europe. Let the journey become part of the destination, and enjoy every step on these beautiful hiking trails.