With cooler temperatures and quieter roads, autumn is the perfect time to travel in your camper. Whether you’re chasing the fall foliage or looking for scenic roads less travelled, here are the best campervan routes to explore this autumn across Europe.
1. The Romantic Road, Germany
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 350 km (217 miles)
- Starting Point: Würzburg
- Ending Point: Füssen
Germany’s Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is a must-see in the autumn months. This iconic route meanders through mediaeval towns, picturesque villages, and enchanting castles. As you drive, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning hues of autumn trees, especially in the famous forests of Bavaria. The route includes charming stops such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved mediaeval town, and the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The forests and vineyards are ablaze with autumn colours, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
- Fewer tourists mean you can explore the castles and villages at your own pace.
2. Route des Grandes Alpes, France
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 684 km (425 miles)
- Starting Point: Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains)
- Ending Point: Menton (French Riviera)
For those seeking a more adventurous and mountainous route, the Route des Grandes Alpes is an ideal autumn drive. This high-altitude road takes you through the French Alps, offering breathtaking views of snow-dusted peaks and alpine forests changing with the season. The drive passes through some of France’s most iconic mountain towns, including Chamonix and Briançon, and offers numerous scenic stop-offs for hiking or simply soaking in the views.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The crisp autumn air and stunning mountain scenery make for an unforgettable journey.
- Roads are much quieter than during the busy ski season, giving you more freedom to enjoy the landscape.
3. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 2,500 km (1,553 miles)
- Starting Point: Donegal
- Ending Point: Kinsale, County Cork
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s longest coastal routes, stretching along Ireland’s rugged west coast. While the entire route is spectacular, autumn brings a unique charm to the landscape. Starting in Donegal and weaving through Connemara, Galway, and the Dingle Peninsula, this route offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, and charming coastal villages. Ireland’s natural beauty shines in the autumn months, with the added benefit of fewer tourists.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The autumnal light softens the Irish countryside, casting a magical glow over the landscapes.
- You’ll likely experience Ireland’s famous wild, moody skies, adding to the adventure of the drive.
4. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 90 km (56 miles)
- Starting Point: Bascov
- Ending Point: Cartisoara
Dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives by the famous adventurers of Top Gear, Romania’s Transfăgărășan Highway is a short but thrilling route through the Carpathian Mountains. This twisting road is known for its hairpin bends, high altitudes, and dramatic scenery. In autumn, the surrounding mountains are blanketed in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, making the drive even more breathtaking.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The autumn colours against the dramatic mountain landscape create stunning views that are ideal for photography.
- The cooler temperatures make the mountain hikes along the route much more comfortable.
5. The Black Forest Route, Germany
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 60 km (37 miles)
- Starting Point: Baden-Baden
- Ending Point: Freudenstadt
The Schwarzwaldhochstraße, or Black Forest High Road, is a short but incredibly scenic route through Germany’s famous Black Forest. Autumn brings a spectacular transformation to the area, with its dense forests turning into a vibrant tapestry of colours. Along the way, you can stop at various picturesque villages, visit lakes such as Mummelsee, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The Black Forest is renowned for its deep, colourful autumn foliage.
- It’s a quiet and relaxing route, perfect for slow travel and outdoor activities like hiking.
6. The Douro Valley, Portugal
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 240 km (149 miles)
- Starting Point: Porto
- Ending Point: Miranda do Douro
Portugal’s Douro Valley is famous for its wine, and autumn is grape-harvest season. The vineyards that line the hillsides along the Douro River turn golden in autumn, making this one of the most picturesque road trips in Europe. Start in Porto and follow the river through quaint villages and terraced vineyards, stopping at wineries to sample local port and Douro wines.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The autumn grape harvest means you’ll get to experience the region at its most vibrant, with many vineyards hosting harvest festivals.
- The golden vineyards provide a stunning contrast to the deep blue Douro River.
7. Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, Norway
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 108 km (67 miles)
- Starting Point: Lom
- Ending Point: Gaupne
For a unique autumn experience, head to Norway’s Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. This route takes you through the Jotunheimen mountains, offering spectacular views of glaciers, fjords, and autumn-coloured valleys. As you descend toward the fjords, the landscape shifts, and the autumn colours fade into snowy peaks and deep fjords, making it a journey of contrasts.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- The combination of autumn colours and the first signs of winter on the mountains makes for an unforgettable, dramatic landscape.
- Fewer tourists means you’ll have the roads and viewpoints mostly to yourself, creating a peaceful and reflective experience.
8. Tuscany Wine Route, Italy
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
- Starting Point: Florence
- Ending Point: Siena
Autumn is harvest season in Tuscany, making it one of the best times to explore the region’s Wine Route (Strada del Vino). This scenic drive will take you through rolling hills, vineyards, and charming mediaeval villages like San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, and Castellina in Chianti. The autumnal colours mixed with Tuscany’s iconic cypress trees create an idyllic backdrop as you sample wine and local cuisine.
Why it’s great in autumn:
- Autumn is harvest time, and many vineyards host wine tastings and festivals.
- The mild weather makes it perfect for outdoor dining, wine tours, and leisurely drives through the countrysid
