A Home on Four Wheels:

On the second day of Christmas, we rolled out from Luxembourg to Slovenia. We knew it would be our first campervan trip and a winter adventure, but beyond that, we had no fixed plan. Just the road ahead, snowy landscapes, and the freedom to follow our curiosity.
Our Frankia Now quickly became more than a vehicle. Boots, jackets, snowboards, and kitchen gear all found their place, and after a day or two it felt like home. Cozy, compact, and surprisingly spacious, our van was the perfect winter hideout, ready for early mornings in the mountains, active days outdoors, and relaxed evenings in our little mobile home.

Kranjska Gora: A Winter Wonderland:

Our first stop was Camping Špik in Kranjska Gora, where we stayed for three days. The location was perfect for everything a winter adventurer could hope for.
We explored Lake Jasna, its turquoise waters shining even in winter, framed by snow-dusted peaks. A hike through Triglav National Park felt like stepping into a fairytale, with silent forests, untouched snow, and majestic mountains all around. You could snowshoe, cross country ski, or simply wander, soaking in the winter calm.
One of the highlights was the Tamar Mountain Hut in Rateče. A seven kilometer roundtrip hike rewarded us with warm drinks, traditional Slovenian dishes, and Kaiserschmarrn, the perfect stop for any winter hiker. For the best light and atmosphere, go early in the morning or at sunset.
We also spent a day snowboarding at Vogel Ski Resort, one of Slovenia’s largest and most scenic ski areas, with fantastic slopes and stunning views over Lake Bohinj.
For cross country skiing fans, the Planica Nordic Center was a dream. Perfectly groomed flat trails ran through the snowy valley, ideal even for beginners, all surrounded by the Julian Alps.
Evenings in Kranjska Gora had their own charm. We enjoyed local cuisine at Gostilna Jozica, a cozy restaurant serving hearty Slovenian specialties, and after active days we could relax at the spa in the hotel opposite Camping Špik, where guests get 10 percent off on the swimming pool, whirlpool, and sauna. A true winter treat.

Lakes, Trails, Tranquility:

After Kranjska Gora, we explored Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled, staying at Camping Danica. Our riverside spot was perfect. Lighting up the grill in the evening, surrounded by snow and water, felt like first-class camper luxury.
We ran around both lakes, covering the 12 km loop around Bohinj and the 6 km route around Bled, enjoying peaceful winter landscapes almost entirely to ourselves. Waking up directly by the river, surrounded by snow-covered trees, was a daily reminder of why vanlife is so special.

Silvester in Ljubljana:

On December 31, we drove to Ljubljana, staying at Ljubljana Resort Hotel & Camp, the closest campsite to the city center. A Slovenian friend came by to visit us as soon as we arrived, and we shared a casual aperitif together in the van’s seating area, which feels almost like a small living room and makes it easy to host friends comfortably. Afterwards, we headed into the city. The streets sparkled with holiday lights, terraces were buzzing despite -8 °C, and we joined locals for the New Year countdown, a unique way to welcome 2026.

From Farm Life to Fine Dining:

The morning after New Year’s, we found a quiet farm via Park4Night, an app for van travelers to discover hidden spots, private farms and unique overnight locations. Surrounded by pigs, chickens, horses and cats, we sipped coffee with the farmer, sampled homemade products and enjoyed a long, lazy brunch. Slow mornings like this are one of vanlife’s true pleasures: no alarms, no schedules, just the day unfolding at your pace.
After checking out from the farm, we headed back to Ljubljana for lunch at JAZ by Ana Roš, one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants. Ana Roš is famous for her creative use of local ingredients and innovative dishes that elevate Slovenian cuisine to an art form, providing a perfect contrast to the rustic simplicity of the farm experience.

Final Stops on the Way Home:

On our way back home, we stopped in Berchtesgaden in Germany for a final snowy hike and a last Kaiserschmarrn at a mountain hut. Afterwards, we visited friends near Munich, where we could easily park our van and enjoy the day together. That is the beauty of vanlife, the freedom to go anywhere and be completely flexibility.

The Joy of Vanlife:

The next day, we continued our journey back to Luxembourg, carrying with us memories of mountains, lakes, snow and the pure joy of winter vanlife.
Slovenia in winter offered authentic villages, quiet landscapes, endless outdoor activities and culinary surprises all without the crowds. Our first winter campervan adventure reminded us why vanlife is so special: freedom, spontaneity and the joy of arriving anywhere and truly being present.

Winter Vanlife: Quick Tips

• Park4Night is a goldmine for hidden farms, riversides and great overnight spots.
• Stay flexible! Winter weather and snowy roads can change plans in an instant. With a van, you can chase sun, swap campsites, or pause wherever it feels right.
• Follow the light! Sunrise and sunset in the Julian Alps are magical. A morning run or evening hike can turn even familiar trails into a fairytale.
• Don’t miss spa facilities at campsites or nearby hotels, perfect after active winter days.