Hamburg Campervan Hire

No, wild/free camping in Germany is generally not permitted. However, a single overnight stop can be allowed if it’s strictly to restore your fitness to drive (a safety rest), provided you are parked somewhere that parking is allowed and there is no local prohibition. In that case, you must avoid ‘camping-like’ behaviour (no chairs/tables, no awning, no grilling), and you should leave again the next day.

There are plenty of campsites in Germany, and prices vary by season and region. As a rough guide, many campsites start from around €30 per night, and a typical overnight stay in peak season is often around €40 for a standard camping ‘bundle’ (pitch and people), depending on what’s included.

Germany also has Stellplatz (motorhome stopovers), which are designated places where you are officially allowed to stop overnight with your motorhome—often near town centres and tourist sights. Many Stellplatz sites offer basic facilities such as electricity plus fresh water and waste-water services, and sometimes sanitary facilities. Some charge a small fee (often less than a campsite), while others are free of charge.

You need a valid Type B driving licence (Class D in the U.S. or Class G in Canada) to drive a motorhome weighing up to 3.5 tons in Germany. To drive a larger campervan weighing over 3.5 tons, you must obtain a B96 extension or have a Type C or C1 licence.

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a campervan in Germany and have at least one year of driving experience. If you aim to rent a larger vehicle weighing over 3.5 tons, you must be at least 23 years old.