Exploring Europe's Varied Stellplatz: A Guide to Flexible Motorhome Parking
When it comes to motorhome travel across Europe, flexibility is key. You'll often find yourself in need of a convenient yet safe place to park your motorhome or camper van. Enter the world of Stellplatz – a term used broadly throughout Europe to describe a variety of parking options that bridge the gap between formal campsites and off-grid adventures.
Generally these are parkups for motorhomes but some like the one we are currently on as I write in Fussen Germany, do allow caravans. They have a different feel to campsites , you will be closer to the van on each side than you are used to in the UK and they do run electric cables from all directions to the hook up points , but this is normal and you will get used to it.
It was the existence of and the ease of use of these locations that made us move from Caravans to Motorhomes , not an easy choice for us as we loved our Caravan.
Depending on where you are, you might also hear them referred to as "Aires" in France, "Area de Auto Caravannas" in Spain, "Wohnmobileplatz" in Germany, or "Sosta" in Italy.
There is also something called Camping Car Parks, predominantly in France , but with designs on European domination as they advertise themselves as the ‘1st European network of stopover sites and services areas for parking motorhomes in complete peace of mind, 24 hours a day’.
These Stellplatz spots offer a unique camping experience, often with the convenience of urban or rural settings, but without the formality of traditional campgrounds. Some may be free, while others come with a small fee. However, with the rise in electricity charges and increasing prices in iconic locations, such as the City of Berlin, it's important to plan your budget accordingly. Price ranges from free to circa €40 for prime locations.
For many motorhome enthusiasts like us, Stellplatz is the preferred parking option. The sense of security it provides is attractive to us. You can confidently normally leave your van parked and embark on a day of exploration without worrying about its safety – touch wood, it's worked well for us so far. The quality of these spots varies across Europe, but in countries like Germany and Austria, they often meet high standards and are usually reasonably level.
What we love most about Stellplatz is the freedom to choose the services you want and pay accordingly. If you need electricity hookups (EHU), wifi etc there's an extra charge, but if you prefer to go without, there's no pressure. Showers, dog facilities, and even washing machines come at an additional cost, allowing you to tailor your expenses to your needs while enjoying good-quality services, including motorhome amenities. These improved services are being consumer driven and are very popular.
While there are still free Stellplatz options available, they are declining due to cost, you can also choose to park at unofficial stops, although this may be subject to varying levels of tolerance in different countries.
Over the years, we've used Stellplatz resources extensively across Europe, from France and Italy to Spain, Portugal, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Through these experiences, we've developed a golden rule: arrive no later than mid-afternoon during busy times, as these spots can be popular with European motorhomers. Cash is handy, but most places now have card machines for convenience.
Finding these parking options has become easier thanks to apps like Camper Contact, Search for Sites, and Park 4 Nights. You can also explore schemes like French Passion, Discover Espania, and Portugal Easy Camp options that offer online booking, sometimes with different rules such as a purchase requirement to enjoy free camping – though this might not be ideal during peak harvest seasons.
France stands out with numerous free Aire/Stellplatz options, often provided by local authorities. However, a word of caution: some places may turn off water facilities during winter months. Spain also offers a significant number of free choices for motorhome travellers. Free often means however no services or reduced services.
Now, let's address a common concern: security. Our advice is simple – trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Make informed decisions about where you park, especially in city centers, and avoid leaving expensive items in plain sight or in front of the doors while sleeping in the back.
There are many clever ways to deter thieves, but a determined thief can overcome any system. So, ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, particularly for high-value items like bikes. Be aware of your insurer's requirements, like using high-quality bike locks, and consider keeping valuables on your person to avoid disputes with insurance companies later over your due diligence. Thefts of and from vehicles are extremely rare in Europe and the odd case can get wide spread publicity and provide the wrong perspective on safety and security. Europe is generally as safe or safer then the UK. Additional procedures are needed in some countries which generally are outside of the Schengen Zone.
In the world of motorhome travel, many products offer peace of mind, such as immobilisers, but this discussion is about where to park your vehicle, not security advice per se. Stellplatz options provide the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying the comforts of your motorhome. Just remember to park wisely and stay safe on your European adventures and we do not advise overnight camping on Motorway Service Aires.
If you prefer to watch a video about this subject please the link is below.
We hope you have enjoyed this article best wishes Helen and Martin
