As mindful travelers with our seven year old, we love slow travel, be mindful during our trips, and enjoy  each moment. This is why camping trips are perfect for us. Camping also gives the opportunity to connect more deeply with nature, travel sustainably and spend more quality time together as a family.

Although we have been on many camping trips with our daughter, we never had a van trip experience. We had been dreaming of taking one soon and renting a campervan from WebCamper made our dream a reality. In this article, I share our WebCamper vanlife experience along the Alpine Route in Germany.

Why WebCamper?

WebCamper is a Luxembourg based campervan renting company where you can find many types of campers and caravans for reasonable prices. All the vans are new and come fully equipped with camping tables and chairs, cutlery, dishes  and all other amenities that you would ever need during your trips. The staff is very friendly and will explain everything in detail before your trip and also provide you with all necessary numbers to contact in case of emergency.

We had a VW California Ocean model and I would say it was the perfect size for our small family of three with a 7 year old kid. Our daughter was very excited to sleep on a pop-up rooftop tent. This model is very versatile, easy to get used to driving and can be parked in any parking spot.

Overview of the Alpine Route in Germany

This is one of the most scenic and oldest camping routes in Europe which is passing through the Bavarian Alps and can be completed within a week. The route can begin either at Lindau am Bodensee or Köningssee. This route is particularly great for traveling with kids.  By driving along the Alpine route you will pass through the most beautiful lakes in Germany, experience the best campsites, old towns and castles which is very interesting for kids of any age. The most beautiful spots on the route are:

• Köningssee & Obersee
• Chiemsee & Aschau im Chiemgau
• Schliersee & Tegernsee
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Eibsee
• Fussen & Neuschwanstein castle
• Lindau am Bodensee

The detailed itinerary:

Day 1-2.

We started our journey in Luxembourg where we rented the campervan from WebCamper. The plan was to drive to Köningssee by staying overnight somewhere on the way. This is the best part of traveling by a van as you have all the freedom to stop on the way for a nap, overnight sleep or just  for cooking lunch. Köningssee welcomed us with beautiful weather and we could get a spot at the closest campsite to the lake. The first evening was very relaxed playing games, cooking dinner and a short walk to the lakeside. On the second day after a good breakfast at the campsite we walked to the Köningssee to take a boat tour on the lake. This is the only way to explore the lake as there are no hiking trails around. After the boat we walked to the next lake Obersee and hiked to a nearby waterfall. The hiking trail is very kid friendly and suitable for any age. There is also a farm and a restaurant on the route.

Tips: Book your campsite spot in advance if traveling during peak season or on holidays and always have cash with you

Day 2-3

We drove to the next stop on the Alpine Route: Aschau im Chiemgau. On the way we made a stop by the Chiemsee lake to prepare our vanmade lunch with a beautiful view. The old town Aschau im Chiemgau is very cozy and not touristy. The campsite was really nice with a natural pool. As it was raining we spent a cozy evening in our van and spent the next morning exploring the town.

Tip: When driving from Köningssee to Chiemsee, if you avoid the highway you will come across a strawberry field where you can pick your berries during the season.

Day 3-4

Our next spot was Schielersee. This is a great alternative to Tegernsee if you want to have the best camping life right by the lake. The lake is very picturesque and suitable for swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding. We used this chance and good weather to relax at the campsite with amazing lake views, and have a sauna experience with a swim in the lake afterwards. I can guarantee the best camping experience especially when traveling with kids.

Tips: I highly recommend renting a sup or kayak at Schielersee campsite.

Day 4-5.

Due to the bad weather forecast we decided to skip Tegernsee and drive directly to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee. Eibsee is the most scenic lake on the Alpine route nestled at the foot of the highest peak in Germany: Zugspitze. We hiked the circular trail around the Eibsee, rented a paddle boat and also spent a relaxing time at the beach. The views are really breathtaking on this hike and it is suitable for everyone and even doable with a stroller. During warmer months it is also possible to swim in the lake. For overnight stay we decided to camp in Garmisch with a view to Zugspitze.

Tips: Arrive as early as possible to get a parking spot by the lake next to the cable car station or alternatively  take the train or bus from Garmisch. Also recommended activity here is to take the cable car to the top of Zugspitze ( 2962 m) in good weather and hike the Partnachklamm Gorge trail.

Day 5

It was time to drive to the most beautiful historical sight on the route: Neuschwanstein castle. We managed to hike to the viewpoint to the castle and then down to the castle before a severe thunderstorm arrived. We found it very crowded but it is definitely a must visit. Due to the weather forecast we skipped entering the castle and ran to the van to avoid heavy thundery showers. Afternoon was again sunny and we spent some time exploring the lovely Fussen which is the closest town to the castle.

Tips: Buy your entry tickets to the castle online in advance or at the cash desk in the village.

The closest parking is at the Hohenschwangau village (better to arrive earlier) and then you need to hike to the castle. The best view to the castle is from Marienbrücke bridge. There is also a beautiful Alpsee lake nearby and another beautiful castle in the same village: Hohenschwangau.

Day 6-7-8.

Due to weather we did not stay overnight at the town but drove to the last point on Alpine Route: Lindau am Bodensee. We managed to walk for two hours in Lindau old town before it started raining again. The old town is very lovely, located on the island and connected to the mainland with a bridge. We found the town very lively with lots of cafes and restaurants around. What we did not take into account was the regional holiday in Bavaria which made it impossible to find a spot at any campsite around. We were lucky to find a parking spot next to the hotel (with their permission) and stay overnight. In the morning after the van breakfast we had to leave Lindau because of flood warning to a safer place and then drive back to Luxembourg.

Our conclusion

Overall this was one of the best camping experiences for us. And, I can highly recommend having at least one van trip during your lifetime especially with kids. They will remember it all their life. And renting a van from WebCamper is the best choice especially if it is the first time experience for you. We had all comfort and freedom traveling by a campervan, stayed in the most beautiful campsites, did several hikings, explored old towns and castles, visited the most beautiful lakes in Germany and created the best lifetime memories. I can not be more grateful to WebCamper for making this journey possible.