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Winter Motorhome Travel Guide: Christmas Markets & Snowy Road Trips

  • Blurred photo of Christmas carousel at the fair near GUM shop on Red Square in Moscow

Winter campervanning offers unforgettable adventures and a chance to experience nature’s most spectacular phenomena up close. Explore Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets or head north in search of the Northern Lights, sparkling starry skies, and breathtaking fells.

Winter motorhome travel gives you the freedom to follow your own route while having a warm and comfortable place to return to at the end of the day. Whether you’re planning a Christmas market road trip or a Northern Lights adventure, Touring Cars makes winter travel easy and enjoyable.

Winter Motorhome Travel: Tips for Driving Safely in Winter 

What should you consider when travelling by motorhome in frosty weather?

Winter is a wonderful time to explore the Nordic countries by motorhome! With a little preparation, you can enjoy beautiful snowy landscapes and cozy evenings in the comfort of your vehicle.

Stay warm and comfortable, even in winter. Touring Cars' winter-ready motorhomes are designed to keep you warm and comfortable even when temperatures drop to -20°C. We recommend packing warm, windproof and waterproof clothing, as well as layers for outdoor adventures.

Winter tyres are provided whenever required by local traffic legislation and weather conditions. A complimentary winter equipment package is also automatically included, generally containing a snow shovel, snow brush, lock oil, and an ice scraper. Please remember to clear your windows thoroughly before driving to ensure good visibility.

A few simple preparations will help you enjoy a smooth journey. When driving on winter roads, simply allow yourself a little extra time and adjust your speed to suit the conditions. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, allow more time for braking, and take extra care if snowfall or blowing snow affects visibility. Taking things at a relaxed pace is all part of enjoying the winter scenery!

Before departure, our professional staff will introduce you to your motorhome and its equipment, answer all your questions, and share useful tips to help you get ready for your journey.

For more practical advice and inspiration, visit our guide to off-season motorhome travel.

Pack your warm layers, embrace the winter scenery, and enjoy your Nordic adventure with Touring Cars!

European Christmas Markets to Visit by Motorhome

Ready for a festive winter road trip? Rent a motorhome from our Amsterdam or Tallinn rental station and set off on an unforgettable journey through Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. 

Winter campervanning gives you the freedom to explore festive cities, charming old towns, and beautiful winter landscapes at your own pace. Create your own Christmas market road trip and discover several magical destinations along the way!

Strasbourg, France – A fairytale Christmas experience

Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas destinations, with festive lights, half-timbered houses, and markets spread across the historic city centre. It’s an especially great choice for a motorhome trip, as you can combine it with the charming Christmas markets of nearby Colmar and other Alsatian villages. Strasbourg is also regularly ranked among Europe’s top Christmas market destinations.

Colmar, France – Christmas magic in a storybook setting

Colourful half-timbered houses, canals, twinkling lights, and several smaller markets make Colmar feel like a Christmas film come to life. Combine Colmar and Strasbourg for a festive road trip through Alsace.

Nuremberg, Germany – For traditional German Christmas vibes

The famous Christkindlesmarkt is a classic choice for anyone looking for traditional German Christmas atmosphere, gingerbread, bratwurst, and beautifully decorated wooden stalls. Nuremberg also works well as part of a longer motorhome route through Germany and Austria. 

Dresden, Germany – A Classic Christmas Market Experience

Dresden is also a great stop for a Christmas market road trip, with the famous Striezelmarkt at the heart of the festivities. Park your motorhome outside the busy city centre and head into the historic Old Town by public transport. After exploring the Striezelmarkt and its festive stalls, return to the comfort of your warm motorhome and continue your journey to other Christmas destinations in Germany or neighbouring countries.

Vienna, Austria – Christmas markets with a grand backdrop

Vienna offers multiple Christmas markets around the city, from the grand Rathausplatz to smaller, more intimate markets. It’s a great destination if you want to combine festive markets with cafés, architecture, culture and sightseeing.

Salzburg, Austria – A magical Alpine Christmas

Salzburg combines a historic old town, festive markets, and an impressive Alpine backdrop, creating a picture-perfect setting for a Christmas market road trip.

Prague, Czech Republic – A fairytale city at Christmas

Prague’s historic Old Town Square provides a spectacular setting for a Christmas market. Add Prague to a Central European motorhome route alongside Vienna or Nuremberg for an even bigger festive adventure.

Tallinn, Estonia – A cozy Nordic-style Christmas

Tallinn is a smaller and more intimate option, with a medieval old town that creates a magical winter atmosphere. It’s a particularly good choice if you prefer a more compact Christmas market experience.

Winter Motorhome Travel in Lapland: Chase the Northern Lights

Dreaming of a winter escape to Lapland? Rent a motorhome in Helsinki and head north through Finland’s snowy landscapes towards Lapland. Winter motorhome travel gives you the freedom to find the best spots for watching the Northern Lights and admiring a sky full of stars, far away from city lights and light pollution.

You can also start your journey in Tromsø, Norway, and enjoy the country’s dramatic snowy landscapes before continuing your adventure across the Arctic and even into Sweden.

Spend the evening outside your motorhome under a sky full of stars, light a campfire, and roast some marshmallows while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Then, when it’s time to warm up, step back inside your cozy motorhome, snuggle under the blankets, and enjoy a good night’s sleep – right in the heart of nature.

Read our guide to experiencing Lapland by motorhome and get more tips for chasing the Northern Lights in the Nordics.

Lapland is a wonderful destination for the whole family, with plenty of unforgettable experiences for children and adults alike. Or make it a romantic winter getaway for two and enjoy cosy evenings, snowy landscapes, and magical nights under the stars.

Snowy Road Trips in Norway and Sweden

Looking for more winter adventures? Head to Northern Norway or Swedish Lapland for a road trip filled with Arctic scenery and unforgettable experiences. 

In Norway, drive through the dramatic landscapes of Lofoten, where snow-covered mountains, tiny fishing villages, and Arctic beaches create an incredible winter backdrop. Stop in Tromsø to chase the Northern Lights or join a husky safari through the snowy wilderness. 

In Swedish Lapland, make your way towards Kiruna and Abisko, two fantastic spots for Northern Lights adventures. Try dog sledding through snowy forests, explore the Arctic wilderness, or simply find a quiet spot away from city lights and look up at the winter sky.

Explore Touring Cars’ rental stations in Norway and Sweden and choose your perfect starting point for an unforgettable winter road trip.