
Days 1-4 — Bavarian Beginnings & Alpine Approaches
~200–300 km across this legSettle into your motorhome and gently climb into the lush alpine foothills of Germany.
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| Start / End | Memmingen to Memmingen (Roundtrip) |
| Duration | 16 Days |
| Distance | 1,153 km |
| Regions Covered | Germany, Austria, Switzerland |
| Best Season | Spring and Summer (for hiking and lake swimming) |
| Ideal Traveler | Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and history lovers |
Departing from the charming Bavarian town of Memmingen and venturing into the majestic Alps creates an unforgettable European holiday. Taking a motorhome across the borders of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland gives you the ultimate freedom to explore deep valleys, towering fortresses, and pristine lakes at your own pace. With a total distance of 1,153 km spread luxuriously over 16 days, this itinerary champions the art of slow travel.
Having an RV guarantees you always have a cozy refuge when the alpine wind picks up, giving you a massive advantage over traditional travelers who must constantly pack and unpack in different hotels. Furthermore, navigating tight European villages and steep mountain passes requires a solid campervan route planner. By keeping your home-on-wheels nearby, you can park your large vehicle in designated areas, avoiding the impossibly narrow streets of historic towns while still enjoying the rich local culture.
To truly appreciate the towering peaks and delicate water systems along this route, we recommend dividing your 16-day journey into four distinct regional stages. This approach ensures you spend less time driving and more time soaking in the alpine meadows.
Note: This is a regional overview. For the precise day-by-day coordinates, campground recommendations, and parking guides, check the full itinerary on rvplan.net.
This 1,153 km journey is incredibly diverse, offering a mix of historical intrigue and outdoor thrills. Here is a grouping of the experiences you can expect along the way:
The alpine borders are steeped in history. You will encounter towering fortresses, royal castles, and historical sites that tell the story of the region. Traditional visits to local villages offer a glimpse into centuries-old ways of life, complemented by traditional restaurants and fine dining where you can sample regional specialties.
The majestic Alps are the star of the show. Your route grants access to stunning natural features, deep caves, and pristine lakes. For the active traveler, there are ample opportunities for canoe, kayak, and rafting excursions, as well as extreme activities for adrenaline seekers. Cable railways provide effortless ascents to panoramic viewpoints.
Families traveling in an RV will find plenty to keep everyone entertained. The route features amusement parks, water parks, and engaging science sites. A major highlight is exploring local industry, particularly the sweet chocolate traditions of Switzerland, which offer interactive and delicious experiences for all ages.
We highly recommend dedicating the full 16 days to this itinerary. Covering 1,153 km across three countries means you will want plenty of time to navigate mountain passes slowly and enjoy long afternoons by the Swiss lakes.
Absolutely. Combining the Bavarian charm of Germany, the dramatic peaks of Austria, and the pristine waters of Switzerland into a single road trip is the ultimate European experience. The ability to retreat to your own cozy motorhome makes it exceptionally comfortable.
Planning your road trip for the spring bloom or the long, warm days of summer provides the absolute best conditions for outdoor hiking and lake swimming. Understanding mountain weather is vital; while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, it requires proper cold-weather tires, careful driving, and advanced preparation.
When securing your motorhome for a trip through the Alps, vehicle size is a crucial consideration. Navigating steep mountain passes and tight European villages is generally easier in a compact campervan. However, if you are traveling with a family and need the space of a larger motorhome, you will simply need to utilize designated parking areas outside of historic town centers.
Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Memmingen, you completely avoid costly one-way drop fees, keeping more funds available for traditional dining and amusement parks. The manageable distance of 1,153 km over 16 days also means your fuel costs will be quite reasonable compared to high-mileage cross-country tours. For exact vehicle availability, insurance options, and live pricing tailored to your travel dates, utilize the search tools provided below.
The majestic peaks, royal castles, and sweet chocolate traditions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are waiting. Start planning your 16-day European adventure today and book your perfect vehicle through RV PLANET to ensure a seamless, unforgettable holiday.
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 | Rent Easy GR-26 E (Memmingen), McRent GR-26 E (Memmingen) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | Check live prices for your dates |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $380–$520 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $600–$950 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $350–$650 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$750 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, mixed campground stays, and summer travel rates in Europe. 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.

Settle into your motorhome and gently climb into the lush alpine foothills of Germany.

Navigate towering peaks and find refuge in cozy mountain valleys as you cross the border into Austria.

Experience pristine waters and sweet local industry traditions at a leisurely pace in Switzerland.

Enjoy a slow, environmentally conscious drive as you loop out of the mountains and back to Memmingen.
Total cost for this 16-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,153 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Memmingen → Memmingen 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 Memmingen 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Plus McRent GR-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.2 m | Manual Transmission |
| Premium Plus McRent GR-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 8.9 m | Manual Transmission |
| Family First Rent Easy GR-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Manual Transmission |
| Premium Extra Rent Easy GR-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 8.9 m | Manual Transmission |
| Family Extra Rent Easy GR-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.2 m | Manual Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Memmingen → Memmingen route.