Resa med husbil i Tyskland - allt du behöver veta

What is it like travelling by motorhome in Germany? We've travelled by motorhome in Germany many times, and here we are again, in our sixth week in this great motorhome country. If you're curious about taking your campervan to Germany, but aren't so used to it, we're here to answer any questions you might have!

Table of contents

What are the entry rules for visiting Germany?

To enter Germany, you need a valid passport or national ID card. During pandemic times, a covid certificate and/or negative covid test may also be required. As these rules are constantly changing, and can also vary from one federal state to another, you need to check what applies when you are travelling.

Which ferries go to Germany?

There are a number of ferry lines running directly from Sweden to Germany:

Nynäshamn - Visby - Rostock (Hansa Destination)
Gothenburg - Kiel (Stena Line)
Trelleborg - Travemünde (TT-Line)
Trelleborg - Rostock (Stena Line and TT-Line)
Trelleborg - Sassnitz (FRS)
Malmö - Travemünde (Finnlines)

Another option is to first travel to Denmark (by bridge or ferry) and then continue with the motorhome to Germany, for example by ferry from Rödby to Puttgarden.

Finnlines Malml - Travemünde — Finnlines Malmö - Travemünde

What happens at customs?

From another EU country, such as Germany, you can bring in the amount of alcohol and tobacco for your own or your family's private use. Approximate reference values for quantities are available on the Customs website.

Where ferries dock in Germany, you will often find a 'BorderShop', a large department store selling tax-exempt products, especially alcohol and sweets.

How are the roads in Germany?

The roads are good, but many major roads can be long and boring. Of course, you can get off the main roads and find smaller and more cosy roads. Germany also has around 150 so-called 'holiday routes' - that is, routes with different themes such as castle, fairy tale or wine themes.

Med husbil i Tyskland - på semestervägarna

Do you pay motorway tolls?

When driving a motorhome in Germany, you do not have to pay any motorway tolls, regardless of whether your motorhome weighs less than or more than 3.5 tonnes. This is because only goods vehicles with a total weight of more than 7.5 tonnes pay motorway tolls in Germany.

How is the traffic?

German roads are often fast, especially on the Autobahn. At any time, there can be stops or traffic jams (stau), so you need to be alert at all times.

What are the speed limits for motorhomes in Germany?

If you have a motorhome with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes, 100 km/h on roads and "free speed" (130 km/h is the maximum recommended speed) on motorways, unless otherwise specified. For those with a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, 80 km/h on roads and 100 km/h on motorways. Signed overtaking bans for heavy lorries also apply to heavier motorhomes.

What are the driving licence rules for motorhomes in Germany?

Your Swedish driving licence is valid in Germany just like at home. It may be useful to know that in Sweden we have a transitional rule which means that if you obtained a Swedish driving licence before 1 July 1996, which has not been withdrawn, you may drive motor homes over 3.5 tonnes provided that they are classified as a class II passenger car and not as a lorry.

This rule also applies when driving a motorhome in Germany with a Swedish driving licence, but the German police may not be aware of this. To be on the safe side, you can bring a table of equivalences as proof, which you can download from Transport Agency website.

What happens when driving a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes in Germany?

Since there are no motorway tolls when driving a motorhome in Germany, regardless of the weight of the motorhome, driving in Germany is easy even with motorhomes weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.

What you may need to consider is that with a heavier motorhome you will have to comply with different speed limits and carry a portable warning puck with a flashing yellow light. Of course, you'll also need to keep an eye out for any restriction signs on smaller bridges and the like.

Are there any environmental rules to consider when driving a motorhome in Germany?

In some German cities, central areas are classified as environmental zones (Umweltzonen). In these zones, older diesel vehicles are banned, and to drive here you need an environmental sticker showing that the vehicle's particulate emissions are below a certain level.

You can order the sticker (Umweltplakette) in advance from DEKRA. If you have forgotten to order the sticker in advance, you can also get it locally in Germany, for example at "TÜV NORD" stations, which you can find around the country.

Med husbil i Tyskland - miljödekal i rutan — Environmental sticker in the window (and many soft animals behind it...)

Do you need to carry anything special in your motorhome when driving in Germany?

In addition to the aforementioned environmental sticker, you should carry a reflective vest, warning triangle and first aid kit in your motorhome. If you drive one with a total weight of more than 3.5 tonnes, you should also carry a portable warning puck with a flashing yellow light.

Also, remember to keep cash on hand at all times. In Germany, cash is still widely used and you may need coins to pay for electricity or water in car parks, for example.

Med husbil i Tyskland - på ställplatsen i Bremen — To get electricity at the car park in Bremen, you insert coins into the machine.

How much does it cost to refuel?

The cost of refuelling is difficult to answer because it depends on where and what you fill up with, and because prices change. Currently, the price of diesel is about 6 kr lower per litre compared to Sweden.

How to fill/refuel LPG?

Replacing standard Swedish LPG cylinders abroad can be difficult, as LPG systems are different. The best way may be to install a fixed LPG tank, which can be filled in many places around Europe.

We only have standard Swedish LPG bottles, so we do our best to make sure we don't run out of LPG while travelling. As long as you only use LPG for refrigeration and cooking (and not for heating), two full tubes can last for months.

Can you free camp with a motorhome in Germany?

In Germany, it is allowed to stay overnight in a motorhome parked on the street or in a car park, as long as there is no prohibition sign. It is also allowed to stay overnight in motorway lorry parks.

We feel that it is relatively easy to free ride in Germany as there are many large car parks, both in cities and in the countryside, with no prohibition signs. If you want to free camp on land that is not a car park or street, you need the landowner's permission.

How do car parks work in Germany?

When it comes to caravan sites, Germany is a great country. There are plenty of car parks in Germany - ranging from simple places with no services to places with every service imaginable.

Usually you pay at a vending machine, and very often you pay in cash. Sometimes you can also pay by card. Sometimes all services on the site are included in the daily fee. Other times you pay a slightly lower basic fee and then pay for the electricity or water you use. To find pitches, use the book 'Bordatlas' or an app such as CamperContact or Park4Night.

Med husbil i Tyskland - på ställplats i Celle — RV park in Celle

What are the campsites like in Germany?

Not only are there plenty of pitches in Germany, but also plenty of campsites. Campsites range from small and personal to large with lots of activities for children and adults. Many times you can arrive spontaneously, but in high season you may need to book in advance, especially in popular locations.

Med husbil i Tyskland - på camping i Hann. Münden — Camping in Hann. Münden

How much do pitches and campsites cost in Germany?

It is difficult to give a general answer on the price of pitches and campsites, as it varies a lot. During this trip, we have, among other things, stood on pitches that cost around 12 euros/day, but then you had to pay extra for electricity and water. Places where electricity and water are included have instead had a slightly higher total price.

betalautomat — Payment machine at a car park in Magdeburg

Can you manage in English?

We don't speak German, so yes, you can get by in English. However, not everyone speaks English, so sometimes you have to use gestures and "sign language". It can also work to try out words in Swedish and German - our languages are related, so it's not uncommon to understand each other!

Menus in restaurants are not always in English, and information texts in museums may or may not be in English. Guided tours in English are not very common, but the chances are higher if you book in advance. Some also tell us that they had guided tours in English before the pandemic, and that they expect this to come back.

What do you need to consider in terms of safety?

Germany is generally a safe and secure country for travelling, but it is always wise to check the current security situation when visiting another country. You can find up-to-date information via Embassy travel information on Germany or by downloading the "UD Travel Ready" app.

To protect yourself from theft and burglary, it is good to think about where you park your motorhome and to be careful with your valuables. You can also choose, for example, to get an alarm for your motorhome and good locks for your bicycles. Don't forget to check your travel insurance (home insurance) and motorhome insurance.

It always feels safe to be together with other motorhomes.

What is available in shops and restaurants?

The selection in the supermarkets is fairly similar to that in Sweden, although there are of course differences. In the restaurants, traditional German (hearty!) dishes are common, but you will of course also find international food such as pizza, pasta, salad and more. The portions are often large.

Tysk mat — At a restaurant in Hann. Münden

What do you want to see and do when travelling by motorhome in Germany?

Germany is a large and diverse country that has a lot to offer, whether you're into nature, culture, history, food and drink or entertainment. You'll find plenty of inspiration and travel tips on our Germany page:

All our top tips about Germany. Click on the image!

22 Comments

Add yours →

Role o Carina says:

It was a good presentation on the rules for travelling to Germany!
Nothing planned yet, but you never know 🙂 !

Take care and enjoy yourselves....

07 June 2022 - 10:47

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you!!! We often get questions about different things, so thought it would be good to collect everything 🙂 Germany is a great country for travelling by motorhome!
  
  08 June 2022 - 8:17
  
Bernt and Lisbeth says:

Our idea is to go to Germany after midsummer. The Öresund Bridge and the Great Belt Bridge. then down towards Germany

07 June 2022 - 16:55

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Wonderful! Wishing you a nice trip!
  
  08 June 2022 - 8:18
  
BP says:

That post was then an eldorado for motorhome owners who want to roll down to Germany. Fun!

07 June 2022 - 18:06

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  We hope to be able to answer any questions you may have 🙂.
  
  08 June 2022 - 8:18
  
Hasse says:

Simple, inviting and pleasant description, it is clear that you have been at it for a while and do not give more information than the reader wants.

08 June 2022 - 10:26

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you Hasse for the nice feedback, great to hear!
  
  09 June 2022 - 8:11
  
Marita Carlsson says:

Thanks for the great info 😊 We might go to Germany later this summer.
We start this weekend by travelling in Sweden and up our beautiful Norrland that we love, probably as far up as Abisko.
Stay safe on your journey.

08 June 2022 - 10:26

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Nice if it can be useful! Wishing nice trips, both to Germany and Norrland!!!
  
  09 June 2022 - 8:12
  
bosses says:

Very very well written👍👍👍👍!
We are travelling to Italy after midsummer and then, of course, through Germany and Austria. We haven't updated our Swedish passports, but our Swedish driving licences work just fine, don't they?
At some campsites in Germany, Austria and Italy, we sometimes hand in our passports so that they can copy them and register us as guests there, but what happens if we have passports that have expired? Does it work with our Swedish driving licences?
Thank you in advance, please.

08 June 2022 - 21:34

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thanks Bosse, glad to hear you enjoyed the post! And what a great trip to Germany! As I understand it, you must have a passport or national ID card when entering Germany, but even a temporary passport is fine. Read more here: https://www.swedenabroad.se/sv/om-utlandet-f%C3%B6r-svenska-medborgare/tyskland/reseinformation/ambassadens-reseinformation/in–och-utresebest%C3%A4mmelser/#
  
  09 June 2022 - 8:10
  
Helena Bäcklund says:

Hello!
What great information. a question regarding the first aid kit which is the best to carry?
With kind regards, Helena

11 June 2022 - 11:00

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Nice if information is useful! Regarding the first aid kit, we understand that it is a requirement that it must be in the car. Then it can be good to have too! There are various ready-made first aid kits to buy, but unfortunately I have no idea which ones are better or worse.
  
  12 June 2022 - 15:55
  
Lena - good for the soul says:

You are marvellous at putting work into your posts! It's like the worst encyclopaedia. So useful!

Hug Lena

22 September 2022 - 18:19

Ulrika says:

Very good information! We are thinking of visiting Germany this summer.
Have fun!
Ulrika

12 February 2023 - 20:01

Pia says:

Thanks for a lot of good info! Have a question: do you need the red and white striped sign on the bikes?

13 May 2023 - 17:25

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Hi Pia! I'm glad it was appreciated. No, there is no requirement for it in Germany. If I remember correctly, it is required in Spain and Italy.
  
  13 May 2023 - 17:39
  
Anonymous says:

Right now in Berlin! It should be easier for novice tourists to find out when you type in the address that belongs to environmental zones so you don't have to make an educated guess.

04 August 2023 - 21:32

Börje Fors says:

Is there a tolerance level in Germany for overweight with a motorhome with a total weight of 3495 kilos?

07 September 2023 - 13:40

HD Streamz says:

Thanks for an informative and inspiring article! I've always wanted to go motorhoming in Germany, and all your tips make me even more excited. Especially your recommendations on great campsites! Looking forward to planning our trip.

19 October 2024 - 14:27

Download Spotify MP3 says:

Thanks for a great guide! I have always wanted to travel by motorhome in Germany, and all your tips will really help me plan my trip. Looking forward to exploring the different places you mention. Do you have any recommendations on campsites to visit?

16 November 2024 - 23:48

Travelling by motorhome in Germany - all you need to know

What are the entry rules for visiting Germany?

Which ferries go to Germany?

What happens at customs?

How are the roads in Germany?

Do you pay motorway tolls?

How is the traffic?

What are the speed limits for motorhomes in Germany?

What are the driving licence rules for motorhomes in Germany?

What happens when driving a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes in Germany?

Are there any environmental rules to consider when driving a motorhome in Germany?

Do you need to carry anything special in your motorhome when driving in Germany?

How much does it cost to refuel?

How to fill/refuel LPG?

Can you free camp with a motorhome in Germany?

How do car parks work in Germany?

What are the campsites like in Germany?

How much do pitches and campsites cost in Germany?

Can you manage in English?

What do you need to consider in terms of safety?

What is available in shops and restaurants?

What do you want to see and do when travelling by motorhome in Germany?

You might also like:

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22 Comments

Role o Carina says:

Helena says:

Bernt and Lisbeth says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Hasse says:

Helena says:

Marita Carlsson says:

Helena says:

bosses says:

Helena says:

Helena Bäcklund says:

Helena says:

Lena - good for the soul says:

Ulrika says:

Pia says:

Helena says:

Anonymous says:

Börje Fors says:

HD Streamz says:

Download Spotify MP3 says:

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