There’s a sweet spot in Northern Europe between the buzz of summer and the hush of winter — when trees turn golden, trails empty out, and mornings start with mist and stillness. Campsites are calmer, the light is mellow, and popular routes take on a slower, more relaxed rhythm. Autumn might just be the best season for a campervan adventure. 

Whether you’re mapping out your next trip in the Polarsteps app or already on the road, these five hand-picked European routes are perfect for slow travel — with scenic drives, trusted stopovers, and plenty of room for spontaneity.

Black Forest and Bavarian Alps (Germany)

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A classic road trip with a seasonal twist. 

Southern Germany was made for campervan travel, and autumn takes all those winding mountain roads, open valleys, and tidy spa towns up a notch. Expect fiery red leaves and misty forests in the north, alpine drama in the south, and plenty of spots to warm up with käsespätzle or sink into a thermal bath.

Distance: 450km (280mi)
Duration: 7–10 days
Start and end: Stuttgart → Garmisch-Partenkirchen (or loop via Munich)

Route highlights

• Cruise along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road), one of Germany’s most scenic drives

• Soak in the thermal baths of Baden-Baden

• Eat Black Forest cake and chase waterfalls in Triberg

• Picnic beside Lake Titisee

• End among snow-dusted peaks in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

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Camping highlight: Parking Elis Ranch is a countryside stop near Schramberg, a short detour from the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, and a handy break between Titisee and Triberg. Set on a grassy field next to a small ranch, it’s quiet and close to forest trails, with occasional paragliders floating overhead and cold beer waiting in the fridge.

Pro tip: Drive the Schwarzwaldhochstraße midweek to dodge Stuttgart day-trippers, and make an overnight stop near the Lotharpfad trailhead — that way you’ll catch sunrise views of the forest without the crowds.

Soča Valley and Karst Region (Slovenia)

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Small country, big adventure.

Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for autumn road trips. The Soča River glows turquoise against golden-leaf forests, and the Karst region's villages change into a slower gear as the summer crowds fade. You can find yourself parking in peaceful valleys, sipping wine under oak trees, and soaking up the nature from your van door.

Distance: ~300km (185mi)
Duration: 7–9 days
Start and end: Bovec (via Kranjska Gora or Udine, Italy) → Piran, Adriatic coast

Route highlights

• Hike alpine trails in Triglav National Park

• Follow the river through the Soča Valley, stopping at gorges and waterfalls

• Explore the underground worlds of Postojna and Škocjan caves

• Sip wine in the Vipava Valley (half the price of Tuscany, just as lovely)

• End with fresh seafood and Adriatic views in Piran

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Camping highlight: Kamp David in the Vipava Valley has everything you need: terraced pitches, clean showers, and a laid-back vibe. Stock up on Slovenian wine and fresh bread from the little shop, then hit the bike trails or visit a nearby vineyard for a tasting.

Pro tip: The Vršič Pass is spectacular in early autumn but can close without warning straight after the area's first snowfall. Check road conditions before committing — or reroute via the Predil Pass from Italy for an equally scenic (and more weather-safe) approach.

Dordogne and the Cévennes (France)

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Foragers, fog-lovers, and slow ramblers — this one’s for you.

If your dream road trip includes misty castles, riverside villages, and roadside stalls selling walnuts and wild mushrooms, look no further. Autumn suits the Cévennes and Dordogne beautifully: the pace slows, the forests glow, and the regions' charm only intensifies with the quiet.

Distance: ~550km (340mi)
Duration: 10–14 days
Start and end: Clermont-Ferrand → Sarlat-la-Canéda

Route highlights

• Drive or hike the Corniche des Cévennes for panoramic views

• Wander hill towns like Florac and Mende at their most peaceful

• Explore Dordogne Valley villages like Domme, Beaulieu, and La Roque-Gageac

• Visit prehistoric cave art at Lascaux or step into the dramatic Grotte de Dargilan

• Canoe, cycle, or coast slowly between farm stands and medieval bridges

• Sample local flavors at village markets — walnut cake, chestnut dishes, duck confit, and goat cheese

Camping highlight: Camping Padimadour, just outside Rocamadour, is a well-developed site in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. Mornings start with fresh bread, and the heated pool is inviting even on cooler days. It’s a great base for exploring the region’s medieval clifftop towns and limestone caves.

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Pro tip: October is peak nut season, with walnuts in the Dordogne and chestnuts in the Cévennes. Look for roadside stalls and small harvest festivals, especially around towns like Saint-Jean-du-Gard or Florac, where you can sample local treats and often wild camp nearby.

Czechia → Austria → Hungary

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Three countries, one unforgettable road trip.

This cross-border journey has it all: historic cities, spa towns, wine valleys, and shimmering lakes. You’ll start in Prague’s Old Town and end in Hungary’s thermal baths — with plenty of castles, cycling routes, and peaceful countryside in between. Autumn is the perfect time to go: fewer crowds, colorful forests, and lake shores wrapped in morning mist.

Distance: ~720km (445mi)
Duration: 10–12 days
Start and end: Prague, Czechia → Eger, Hungary

Route highlights

• Wander Prague’s riverside parks and cobbled neighborhoods

• Detour to Český Krumlov for medieval charm

• Explore Austria’s Wachau Valley — quiet, scenic, and full of wine

• Walk or cycle along Lake Neusiedl’s reed-fringed shores

• Soak in Budapest’s steamy baths and explore its characteristic ruin bars

• Wrap up in Eger with a glass of red and a soak in forest-fringed baths

Camping highlight: Ottó Kemping in Csepreg, Hungary is a quiet, low-key stop just off the main route. Set on the banks of the Répce River, it’s simple and green, with shaded pitches, friendly hosts, and a large fishing pond that adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

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Pro tip: In Austria’s wine country, keep an eye out for informal roadside stops — small huts, chalkboard signs, or even self-service fridges where you can take a bottle, leave some euros, and enjoy the view. They’re rarely marked on maps, but well worth the stop.

From the Atlantic to the Algarve (Portugal)

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A coastal escape made for slow mornings and stellar sunsets.

This one leans into autumn sunshine and off-season calm. Portugal’s west coast stays warm well into November, with surfy beaches, sleepy villages, and golden light that makes everything feel slower. Starting in Porto, you’ll work your way down through Alentejo’s cork forests and wine country, before rolling into the cliffs and coves of the Algarve.

Distance: ~650 km (400 mi)
Duration: 8–10 days
Start and end: Porto → Lagos (or loop back via Évora)

Route highlights

• Wander Porto’s riverside neighborhoods and sip port or vinho verde

• Catch harvest season in Alentejo with fresh olives, grapes, and quiet vineyard roads

• Explore whitewashed hill towns like Monsaraz and Marvão

• Park up by the Atlantic near Zambujeira do Mar or Odeceixe

• End with cliff walks and warm evenings in the western Algarve

Camping highlight: Alpaca Farm MamaAdama is an off-grid stop near Grândola, where rescued alpacas roam freely and the vibe is refreshingly chilled. You can wake up to a vegetarian breakfast, relax by the saltwater pool, and enjoy the quiet setting surrounded by nature.

Pro tip: The stretch between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Odeceixe is one of Portugal’s most scenic coastal drives. Plan a slow day here — it’s worth stopping for cliff walks, picnic spots, and sweeping sea views.

Planning your own route?

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Each of these journeys is flexible — the kind that works best when you build it in the Polarsteps Trip Planner, track it as you go, and share it when your story’s fresh. And when it’s time to park for the night, Campercontact helps you find the perfect spot. The app is free to download and gives you access to over 60,000 motorhome stopovers and campsites, complete with reviews and photos from fellow travelers.

Cover image: HTWE/Shutterstock