Motorhome & Campervan Hire in Austria

Austria offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for a road trip. In addition to towering mountain peaks, the country boasts panoramic roads that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. However, it is important to keep in mind the following traffic rules when driving your motorhome in Austria:

• In Austria, overtaking is only allowed on the left-hand side, except in one-way streets where you can also overtake on the right-hand side.
• Vehicles on the main road have the right of way at intersections. If there are no traffic signs or lights, vehicles coming from the right must stop and give way to vehicles on the main road.
• The general speed limits in Austria are: Motorways 130 km/h (80 mph), expressways (Schnellstraßen) 100 km/h (62 mph), main roads 100 km/h (62 mph), and residential areas 50 km/h (31 mph).
• In Austria, turning right at a red light is only allowed if there is a green arrow on the traffic light.
• When school buses have their warning lights on and stop to let pupils on and off, overtaking is prohibited in both directions. You should wait until the bus is moving again before proceeding yourself.
• From November 1st to April 15th, winter tires are mandatory on all vehicles when driving on snow-covered roads. It is also advisable to carry snow chains during this period.
• When driving on Austrian motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen), a motorway vignette is required. It can be purchased at border crossings, petrol stations, and post offices. The vignette should be displayed on the vehicle’s windshield.

Austria offers a wide range of options for motorhome accommodation, from private pitches in the middle of nature to public campsites with facilities. Here’s a brief overview of the various camping options available in Austria:

• Wild Camping –  is only allowed in certain designated areas Austria. It is important to inform yourself about the applicable regulations before travelling to avoid fines or other penalties.
• Official Campsites – Austria has a large number of campsites, both state-run and private. These are usually well equipped with sanitary facilities, electricity and water connections as well as pitches for motorhomes. Prices vary depending on location, facilities and season, but are generally affordable.
• Motorhome-Only Campsites – available in many Austrian towns and municipalities, these campsites are usually equipped with electricity and water connections and often also offer sanitary facilities. Prices are usually lower than on campsites and there is often no obligation to book.
• Farm Camping – if you like camping in nature, you can visit special campsites on working farms in Austria. These are often very simply equipped, but offer a more authentic and rustic camping experience.
• Nature Camping –  these sites are usually located in picturesque natural surroundings and may have limited facilities, focusing on a back-to-nature experience. They are a great choice for those seeking a tranquil and secluded camping experience.
• Private Campsites –  book a unique camping experience with roadsurfer spots. Whether in the mountains, on a farm or by a crystal clear lake, every overnight stay will be a little highlight on your road trip with the motorhome.

Regardless of the type of camping, it is always important to respect nature and be considerate. Rubbish should be thrown away and fires should only be lit in designated areas.

As you embark on your campervan road trip through Austria, where hiking and swimming in crystal-clear mountain lakes await, enhance your experience by including a visit to one of Austria’s popular cultural events during your journey.

Opera Ball, February, Vienna: The Vienna Opera Ball is THE social event of the year in Austria and attracts thousands of guests from all over the world every year.

Donauinselfest, June, Vienna: Europe’s largest open-air festival that takes place on the Danube Island in Vienna. It offers free concerts by national and international artists as well as a variety of street food stalls and activities.

Salzburg Festival, July/August, Salzburg: one of the most famous classical music and theatre festivals in the world and takes place every summer. Here you can enjoy performances of Mozart operas or plays by Shakespeare.

Almabtrieb, September:  a traditional event in many rural regions of Austria where the cattle are driven back to the valley from their summer pastures. The animals are decorated and there are folk festivals and markets to celebrate the occasion.

Christkindlmarkt, December: there are traditional Christkindl markets in the run-up to Christmas throughout Austria, where you can buy mulled wine, Christmas biscuits and handicrafts. The best-known and largest Christkindlmarkt is held at Vienna’s Rathausplatz.