RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Start / End City | Basel |
| Total Distance | 648 km |
| Recommended Duration | 11 Days |
| Regions Explored | France, Germany |
| Best Season | Summer & Autumn (Beware winter snows) |
Gliding out of the international crossroads of Basel, where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet, and ascending into the dense, mythical woodlands of the German Schwarzwald (Black Forest) is a fairy-tale journey brought to life. Piloting a motorhome through these winding, evergreen-lined valleys provides unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace, making it the absolute perfect foundation for a campervan holiday. The 648 km loop ensures you spend less time driving and more time embracing slow travel. By prioritizing responsible travel along "The Green Road," your camper journey ensures these pristine glacial lakes and ancient forests remain protected for generations to come.
This itinerary is best experienced in four distinct stages, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the road and fully appreciate the changing landscapes.
Your journey begins at the dynamic crossroads of Basel. After picking up your RV, you will ease into the trip by crossing international borders between France and Germany. This initial stage is all about getting comfortable with your motorhome and watching the urban landscape transition into rolling foothills.
As you climb higher into the Black Forest, the trees grow denser and the valleys more dramatic. This stage focuses on deep immersion into the mythical woodlands. You will navigate winding roads that lead to half-timbered villages and thundering waterfalls, settling into the true fairy-tale atmosphere of the region.
The crown jewel of the drive is navigating the famous B500 highway. This high-altitude stretch offers sweeping views of the valleys below. Expect to slow your pace even further as you discover pristine glacial lakes and take advantage of the region's outdoor recreation, from hiking areas to soaring alpine coasters.
The final leg of your journey gently brings you down from the high passes. You will wind your way back toward the French and German borders, enjoying the last of the evergreen-lined valleys before returning your motorhome in Basel.
While the detailed day-by-day stops are available inside the RV PLANET planner, this route is defined by three distinct types of experiences:
We highly recommend dedicating 11 days to this 648 km route. While the driving distance is relatively short, the sheer volume of cultural stops, hiking trails, and winding mountain roads means you will want plenty of time to linger in each location without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. The Black Forest offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich folklore. Having your own kitchen and bed on wheels allows you to wake up to the misty evergreen valleys and enjoy a true four-season climate on your own terms.
This roundtrip is ideal for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. The mix of amusement parks and water parks keeps children entertained, while the scenic B500 highway and traditional markets appeal to adult travelers looking for a cultural deep dive.
Understanding the seasonal shifts of the Black Forest is crucial. The warm, festive summer months and the vivid, golden autumn are the absolute best times to drive this route. The region experiences a true four-season climate, and the high-altitude passes (like the B500) and outdoor alpine coasters are heavily impacted by winter snows and icy off-season conditions. While indoor water parks and museums are great year-round, an RV trip is safest and most enjoyable in the warmer months.
Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Basel, you can generally avoid the one-way drop fees that often inflate road trip expenses. Additionally, a total distance of 648 km is well within the standard mileage allowances of most European campervan rentals, meaning you are unlikely to incur extra distance charges. When booking, consider a motorhome size that balances living comfort with the ability to navigate narrow, winding mountain roads. Since summer and autumn are peak seasons in the Schwarzwald, securing your vehicle and your campground permits well in advance is highly recommended. For the most accurate, live pricing on available fleets, check the RV PLANET search tools.
This fairy-tale journey through France and Germany is waiting for you. To finalize your itinerary, view the full day-by-day stops, and secure your perfect motorhome, visit RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate Schwarzwald adventure today.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Anywhere Campers - 26 E (Basel) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | Check live prices for your dates |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $180–$250 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $400–$650 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$450 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $350–$500 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Based on 648 km of driving in a standard campervan (avg 18 mpg) at European summer fuel prices, with a mix of private and municipal campground fees. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Get comfortable with your motorhome as you cross international borders and transition from the urban crossroads into the rolling foothills.
Navigate winding valley roads deep into the mythical woodlands, surrounded by half-timbered villages and thundering waterfalls.
Drive the famous high-altitude highway, taking ample time for outdoor recreation, alpine coasters, and lakeside relaxation.
Gently wind your way down from the high passes, soaking in the final evergreen views before returning your RV.
Total cost for this 11-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 648 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Basel → Basel pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Basel pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan 6 berth - Automatic Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Auto Transmission |
| Caravan 6 berth - Manual Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Manual Transmission |
| Caravan 4-5 berth - Manual Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class SI - Semi-integrated | 5 | 7.4 m | Manual Transmission |
| Caravan 4-5 berth - Automatic Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class SI - Semi-integrated | 5 | 7.4 m | Auto Transmission |
| Caravan 4 berth - Manual Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class SI - Semi-integrated | 4 | 7.5 m | Manual Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Basel → Basel route.
Picking up in Basel but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: