The Great European Route by motorhome: overnight regulations that you should know

El motorhome tourism It is a window to freedom, a passport to explore europe at your pace and with all the comforts of home. But, Did you know that each country has its own rules for overnight stays?? In this article, we take you on an informative tour to make your European adventure as smooth as the asphalt under your wheels.

France and Germany, due to motorhome tradition, are usually the benchmarks in terms of freedom to spend the night within Europe.

In the land of wine and baguette, spending the night in your motorhome is as simple as enjoying a good croissant. France allows you to rest in any parking lot intended for cars, as long as you respect the space and do not take out camping items. remain outside the Natural Parks and the so-called Historical Sites. In addition, the country offers a network of service areas, some free and others with a small cost, managed by municipalities or private, where you can enjoy additional services and greater security.

Yes, too There are areas with municipal regulations that are more restrictive regarding overnight stays.. They tend to be very touristy areas where, especially in summer, the influx of tourists is greater, as is the case in the Landes. Likewise, there are certain regions, such as the Côte d'Azur, where it is more advisable to invest a little money and spend the night in guarded places.

In the case of German, You can park and spend the night in places where there is no express prohibition, always keeping the vehicle closed, without exceeding its perimeter and without deploying camping elements. The country also has a large number of places to spend the night, both free and paid, where you can rest peacefully.

At the end of 2020, Portugal launched a restrictive law that included the prohibition of “overnight stays and the parking of motorhomes or similar vehicles, outside of places expressly authorized for this purpose.” It then went from being one of the most motorhome-friendly countries to threatening significant sanctions to those who failed to comply with this legislation. Fortunately, The neighboring country has updated its regulations, offering more flexibility for motorhome travelers. Now It is possible to spend the night for a maximum of 48 hours in the same municipality, except in protected natural areas and where there is municipal regulation.. It seems that enjoying the Portuguese warmth, always respecting nature and local communities, is possible.

Italy, with its rich history and exquisite gastronomy, also It has quite permissive regulations for overnight stays outside of places specifically designated for camping, as long as there is no express prohibition. On the contrary, you should avoid National Parks and state forests, where overnight stays are prohibited, and always pay attention to specific local regulations.

As for other Central European countries, such as Austria or Switzerland, we find different situations depending on the areas. In the case of Austria, You can park in permitted areas, always respecting the specific prohibition signs for motorhomes.

For its part, Overnight stays in Switzerland are regulated at cantonal and municipal level. It is not prohibited in general, but each canton and municipality has its own rules, so it is essential to obtain local information before deciding where to spend the night, if we do not want to face scares in the form of a fine.

The scandinavian countries, with their impressive nature, are the dream of every traveler in a motorhome. Thanks to "allemannsretten", a right of public access, you can spend the night freely in nature in Sweden, Finland and Norway. However, also in these countries there are some restrictions, not being allowed to do so in National Parks, on agricultural land and in certain protected areas of Sweden and Finland. Besides, In Norway, a minimum distance of 150 meters from any house must be established. Also pay attention to certain spaces with a lot of traffic that have the sign “NO overnight”, where overnight stays are prohibited.

La Eastern Europe It is a mosaic of cultures and, of course, regulations. In most countries, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria or Serbia, among others, overnight stays outside authorized places are not allowed., although in some of them there are alternatives in the form of private land that offer the possibility of sleeping on them. It is essential to inform yourself and respect these regulations to enjoy a smooth trip.

In other countries, such as Poland, Overnight stays in motorhomes are quite flexible. As long as your vehicle is properly parked and no camping, you can enjoy a quiet night. And the same goes for Romania, where overnight stays are done freely in many places, without the need to go to campsites or designated areas.

In short, it is important to remember that, Although spending the night in a motorhome is a wonderful way to travel, we must always do it responsibly and following local laws. to ensure a smooth trip and enjoy the hospitality that these countries have to offer.