Campervan hire in Essen
from £76.54/night

Top tips for your trip to Essen

Germany is known for its well-maintained roads and efficient highways, making it an ideal country to explore by campervan.  The best time to rent a motorhome in Essen is between late spring and early autumn (April to October) when the weather is best for outdoor activities. Summer months (June to August) can get busy, especially around popular tourist destinations, so it’s recommended to research and book any campsites early in advance.

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  Driving

  We recommend getting out of Essen itself; parking can be hard, and the real adventure starts when you leave the city. Once you leave the city, you can use Germany’s autobahn network is an efficient road that makes travelling between areas easy. Be careful, though. The Autobahn has no speed limit, so make sure you stay out of the way.

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  The outdoors

  People rent a campervan in Essen to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Nearby outside the city, you have Baldeneysee, a large lake to visit and perhaps cycle around. Then, the Hochsauerland region is about an hour’s drive from Essen. This area is known for its hills, forests, and hiking trails, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers.

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  Family friendly activities

  Taking the kids with you is a great way to make memories. The top of our list to visit is the Explorado Kindermuseum, which is about 25km outside of Essen. It's a hands-on museum where kids can learn by interacting with the displays. Then there's the Zeche Zollverein, a former coal mine that's now a museum where you can learn about the region's industrial history.

Best Campervan routes in Essen

Essen to the Black Forest
The Black Forest is one of those places in Germany that you have to visit while in Germany. What better way to get there than by driving a campervan in Essen? It's roughly a 450km drive. Make sure you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, a very scenic drive. Once there, you can check out the small villages in the forest, enjoy the local food (it’s where Black Forest cake is originally from), or visit the Triberg Waterfalls. 

Essen to Bavaria's Romantic Road
This scenic route covers about 400 kilometres from Essen to the start of Germany's famous Romantic Road, a picturesque driving route that stretches through Bavaria, and campervan hire in Essen is the best way to get there. The Romantic Road begins in Würzburg, known for its baroque architecture and the impressive Würzburg Residence. You will then pass through medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl, where you can explore half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historic castles. After that, we recommend you head to Füssen and visit the castle. This great drive can be broken up into a few days.

Essen to Lake Constance
This is a 500km drive south to Lake Constance, which borders Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It's an incredible drive that takes you through varying landscapes, passing through the cities of Freiburg and Karlsruhe, which could make an excellent overnight stopover. Once you arrive at the lake, there's loads to do, such as cycling, sailing, and hiking. There are also some lovely old towns around the lake to visit.

Sites of interest and excursions in Essen

Mülheim an der Ruhr
Mülheim an der Ruhr is a peaceful riverside town that could make a good stop for your campervan adventure. It’s full of exciting things, such as visiting the water tower to get great views of the region. You could also head to Schloss Broich, a medieval fortress that hosts plenty of events and festivals. Campervan parking is available just outside the town centre.

Halde Hoheward
Heading a little further outside the city (about 30km), you will find Halde Hoheward, a former coal mine that has now been transformed into a lovely green space. At the top of the hill, you can get great views of the Ruhr region and visit the Horizon Observatory.

Xanten Archaeological Park
Xanten Archaeological Park is 50km outside of Essen. This is a reconstructed Roman town where visitors can walk through ancient streets, explore ancient ruins, and learn more about daily life in the Roman Empire. There is also an open-air museum and interactive elements for kids, making it a great day out for all the family.

Compare the prices for different campervans, locations, and dates in our price comparison tool and find the most affordable option for your trip.

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