A road trip from Germany to Albania is the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. This overland journey will take you through some of Europe’s most captivating landscapes, historical cities, and remote hideaways—ideal for campers, van lifers, and road trippers alike.
🚐 Route Overview
Main Route (approx. 1,800–2,200 km):
Germany – Austria – Slovenia – Croatia – Montenegro – Albania
Alternative detours via Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Serbia are also possible.
Estimated driving time: 20–26 hours (without stops)
Ideal road trip length: 10–21 days
Start: Germany
- Suggested Starting Point: Munich or Stuttgart
- Popular Accommodation:
Campingplatz Obermenzing (Munich) – Full-service site with electric hook-up, laundromat, and close proximity to the city center.
Hotel Option: Hotel Metropol by Maier Privathotels – Central Munich, parking available.
What to Do:
- Explore Bavarian Towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Wander through charming cobblestone streets lined with traditional alpine houses, enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine at local taverns, and take in the breathtaking mountain views that surround this picturesque town. Don’t miss the historic Ludwigstraße or a ride on the Zugspitzbahn to Germany’s highest peak.
- Hike in the Alps: Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, the Bavarian Alps offer a variety of trails for all skill levels. Discover serene alpine lakes, lush meadows, and panoramic summits. Popular routes include the Partnach Gorge trail and hikes around Lake Eibsee.
- Enjoy Munich’s Beer Gardens: Relax like a local in one of Munich’s iconic beer gardens. Sip on a cold Maß of beer under chestnut trees, savor traditional dishes like pretzels, sausages, and roast pork, and soak up the friendly, communal atmosphere. The English Garden’s Chinesischer Turm is a classic spot to start.
🛣️ Toll and Traffic Rules Summary
| Country | Toll (Car) | Toll (Camper) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Free | Free | No general toll for private vehicles |
| Austria | Vignette (€9.90/10 days) | Same (≤3.5t); GO-Box needed for heavier | Headlights ON during day |
| Slovenia | Vignette (€16/7 days) | €32/7 days (>1.3m at front axle) | Vignette required before entry |
| Croatia | Toll roads (ticket-based) | Based on weight/class | Pay via cash/card |
| Montenegro | No general toll | Small tunnel tolls | Headlights required day & night |
| Albania | Mostly free | One toll (A1 motorway) | Drive on right, lights ON in tunnels |
🏕️ Stop 1: Austria – Lake Bled or Lake Wolfgang
Distance from Munich: ~300 km / 4 hrs
- Camping Option:
Camping Berau (Lake Wolfgang) – Lakeside pitches, boat rental, wellness area
Camping Bled (Slovenia) – Premium camping with glamping chalets and sauna barrel
Top Activities:
- Paddleboarding or kayaking on the lakes
- Hiking in Salzkammergut or Triglav National Park
- Visit Hallstatt (UNESCO site) in Austria
Stop 2: Slovenia – Ljubljana & Soča Valley
Distance: 250 km / 4 hrs
Glamping Highlight:
- Garden Village Bled (Near Lake Bled): A luxurious eco-resort featuring treehouses, glamping tents over a stream, and riverside lodges. Just minutes from iconic Lake Bled, it offers a dreamy forest setting with an on-site organic restaurant and private hot tubs.
- Chateau Ramšak Glamping Resort (Maribor Wine Region): Set in a peaceful vineyard, this upscale retreat offers spacious tents and a luxury treehouse with panoramic views. Guests can enjoy private hot tubs and wine tastings right at the resort.
3. Big Berry Kolpa River – Bela Krajina Region
Modern glamping by the Kolpa River, with sleek mobile homes, river access, and local food experiences. Ideal for families or couples seeking a mix of nature, comfort, and cultural immersion.
Things to Do:
- Explore Ljubljana’s old town and castle
- Rafting, canoeing or ziplining in the Soča Valley
- Vintgar Gorge hike
- Postojna castle and cave.
Hotel Option: Vander Urbani Resort – Modern boutique hotel in Ljubljana with rooftop pool
Stop 3: Croatia – Plitvice Lakes & Split
Distance to Plitvice: 200 km / 3.5 hrs
Plitvice to Split: 250 km / 4 hrs
- Camping:
Camping Korana (Plitvice) – Shuttle to the park, forested pitches, bungalows available
Stobreč Split Camping – Beachside with bar and restaurant
Must-See:
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (early morning visits recommended)
- Diocletian’s Palace in Split
- Island hopping (Hvar, Brač)
Stop 4: Montenegro – Kotor & Durmitor
Split to Kotor: ~300 km / 6 hrs with border time
- Camping:
Camp Full Monte (Herceg Novi) – Eco-camping near the border, solar showers
Auto Kamp Ivan Do (Durmitor) – Ideal for hikers near Black Lake
What to Do:
- Kotor’s old town walls
- Drive the Serpentine Road for views
- Zipline across Tara Canyon
- Swim in Skadar Lake
Destination: Albania – Shkodër, Theth, and the Riviera
Kotor to Shkodër: ~130 km / 3.5 hrs
📍 North Albania Highlights
- Shkodër – Historic Rozafa Castle, Marubi Photography Museum
- Camping Legjenda – Beautiful garden campground with a pool, restaurant, and art
- Theth (Albanian Alps) – Rugged hikes like Valbona-Theth trail
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Gjin Thana – Mountain views, authentic Albanian meals
🏖️ Albanian Riviera
Shkodër to Himarë or Dhërmi: ~270 km / 6–7 hrs (scenic coastal route)
- Camping & Glamping:
Eco Camping Gjipe – Off-grid beach camping between cliffs
Albania Glamping Seaview, Dhërmi – Domes with panoramic sea views
Ksamil Caravan Camping – Beach access, walkable to blue water beaches
Don’t Miss:
- Ksamil & Butrint National Park (UNESCO)
- Gjirokastër and Berat (historic towns)
- Llogara Pass (breathtaking drive)
- Traditional seafood tavernas in Himarë
🛏️ Hotel Picks in Albania
- The Plaza Tirana – 5-star luxury with spa, ideal for a final city break
- Hotel Mira Mare, Himarë – Boutique stay with beachfront rooms
🧭 Sample 14-Day Itinerary
| Day | Location | Distance (Approx.) | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Munich | – | Prep, explore |
| 2 | Lake Wolfgang | 300 km | Lakeside camping |
| 3–4 | Lake Bled | 150 km | Glamping, nature hikes |
| 5–6 | Ljubljana | 60 km | Culture, Soča activities |
| 7 | Plitvice | 200 km | Park visit |
| 8–9 | Split | 250 km | City & island trip |
| 10 | Kotor | 300 km | Bay hike, old town |
| 11 | Shkodër | 130 km | Castle, relax |
| 12 | Theth | 75 km (4WD) | Alpine village hike |
| 13–14 | Himarë | 270 km | Beach time |
✅ Essential Travel Tips
- Fuel Costs: Cheaper in Albania and Montenegro than Germany or Austria.
- Currency: Albania uses the lek, but euros are widely accepted.
- Internet: Consider EU roaming or local SIM (Albania not in EU roaming zones).
- Documents: Green Card for car insurance, IDPs not always needed in Albania but check insurer policies.
🌍 Why Choose a Road Trip to Albania?
Albania offers wild nature, a rugged coastline, and uncrowded cultural heritage at a fraction of the cost of western Europe. Combined with flexible camper-friendly infrastructure and growing glamping spots, it’s one of the top under-the-radar road trip destinations in Europe.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling in a van, towing a caravan, or just loading up the family car, the road from Germany to Albania is packed with treasures. From alpine lakes to Adriatic beaches, and medieval towns to remote valleys, this route has it all. With well-placed camper stops, unique glamping experiences, and a variety of boutique hotels, it’s an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southeast Europe.