Eastern Europe is the great alternative for motorhome travellers looking for authenticity, nature and friendlier prices than in Western Europe. Fairy-tale cities, wild mountains and lakes, intense history and a hospitality that will surprise you. That said, it does demand a bit more planning (vignettes, variable roads, languages). Here's an overview of what it has to offer.
The urban gems
- Prague (Czechia): one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
- Kraków (Poland): history and beauty, with Auschwitz nearby for remembrance.
- Budapest (Hungary): the Danube, the thermal baths, the architecture.
- Ljubljana (Slovenia) and other charming capitals.
Park outside the centres and go in by public transport.
Wild nature
Eastern Europe holds some of the continent's most unspoilt natural corners: Plitvice Lakes (Croatia), the Tatras (Poland/Slovakia), the Carpathians (Romania), Slovenia's lake region (Bled). First-rate nature that's still barely crowded.
The Balkans
For the more adventurous, the Balkans (Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania) offer a spectacular Adriatic coast, mountains and huge authenticity at a good price. A world waiting to be discovered (see Croatia).
What you need to know
- Vignettes: several countries require them (Czechia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria if passing through); check each one.
- Variable roads: from motorways to country tracks; drive carefully.
- Documentation and insurance covering each country (see documentation).
- Currency: not everyone uses the euro.
In summary
Eastern Europe offers fairy-tale cities, wild nature and friendly prices, in exchange for a bit more planning (vignettes, languages, currencies). The step you can take today: choose one region (for example, Czechia-Poland-Slovakia, or the Balkans) rather than trying to cover everything, check the vignette rules for each country and travel with an open mind; it's one of the best value-for-money destinations in Europe. Link it with the routes through Europe.