Bavarian Alps Touring Guide for Caravans, Campervans & Motorhomes (2026)

The Bavarian Alps are one of Germany’s most spectacular touring regions. Located in southern Bavaria near the Austrian border, the area offers dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, traditional alpine villages and some of Europe’s most famous castles.

For UK travellers touring Europe with a caravan, campervan or motorhome, the Bavarian Alps offer a perfect mix of scenic driving routes and excellent campsites.

Popular bases include:

• Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Füssen

• Mittenwald

• Berchtesgaden

• Chiemsee

This region also connects easily with other German touring destinations such as the Romantic Road, Black Forest and Chiemsee.

Scenic Alpine Driving Routes

Driving through the Bavarian Alps is an unforgettable experience. Many roads follow valleys and lakes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Some of the best touring routes include:

• Deutsche Alpenstraße (German Alpine Road)

• Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Mittenwald scenic drive

• Füssen to Berchtesgaden alpine route

These roads are generally wide and well maintained, making them suitable for caravans and motorhomes.

Top Places to Visit in the Bavarian Alps

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

This famous alpine town sits at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain.

Highlights include:

• Zugspitze cable car

• Partnach Gorge

• Olympic Ski Stadium

• Traditional Bavarian streets

The town is also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Probably the most famous castle in Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle sits above the town of Füssen.

The castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and attracts millions of visitors every year. It was also the Castle in the Film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The surrounding area offers beautiful lakes, hiking trails and fantastic views of the Bavarian Alps.

Best Campsites in the Bavarian Alps

Campsite	Location	Type	Link
Camping Hopfensee	Füssen	Lakeside alpine campsite	https://www.camping-hopfensee.de
Camping Zugspitze	Grainau	Mountain campsite	https://www.camping-zugspitze.de
Camping Tennsee	Krün	Caravan & motorhome site	https://www.camping-tennsee.de
Camping Brunnen	Schwangau	Close to Neuschwanstein	https://www.camping-brunnen.de

These campsites offer excellent facilities including:

• motorhome service areas

• large touring pitches

• stunning mountain views

Suggested Route from Calais

Many UK travellers reach the Bavarian Alps via:

Calais → Luxembourg → Strasbourg → Munich → Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Approximate distance:

950–1000 km

Most travellers break the journey with overnight stops near:

• Luxembourg

• Strasbourg

• Stuttgart

Related Touring Guides

If you’re planning a longer European trip, these guides may also help:

Rhine Valley	Chiemsee	Mosel Valley
Romantic Road	Black Forest	Touring in Germany

FAQs

Can you tow a caravan in the Bavarian Alps?

Yes. Most main roads are wide and well maintained. However some smaller mountain roads may have steep gradients, so it’s best to follow main routes.

When is the best time to visit?

The best months are:

• May

• June

• September

These months offer good weather with fewer tourists.

Are there motorhome stopovers?

Yes. Germany has many stellplatz motorhome stopovers, often located near towns and tourist attractions.

Planning your next touring adventure?

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