Road Genius compares campervan rentals across Germany so you can choose the right vehicle for a city break in Hamburg or a longer northern Europe loop. Pick-ups usually happen at Hamburg Airport or the main rail station. One-way drives to Denmark, the Baltic coast or the Netherlands are easy. Weather near the Elbe River changes quickly, so check the season before you travel.
Season | Avg high °C │ °F | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Winter (Dec – Feb) | 4 │ 39 | No |
Spring (Mar – May) | 12 │ 54 | Yes, still cool |
Summer (Jun – Aug) | 22 │ 72 | Best |
Autumn (Sep – Nov) | 13 │ 55 | OK, often wet |
An Umweltplakette (environmental sticker) is required for most central streets. This is a green sticker that you order online and place on your windshield.
City speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) and often 30 km/h (18 mph) near schools. Fixed cameras enforce speed limits.
On the Autobahn the recommended top speed is 130 km/h (81 mph) when no limit is posted.
Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes pay no road toll in Germany. Heavier vehicles must use a toll box.
Metered city parking usually allows only 2–3 hours. Look for blue "P Wohnmobil" signs for legal overnight parking spots.
Fuel stations on motorways run 24 hours and accept cards. Many city fuel stations close at 22:00.
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Wohnmobilhafen Hamburg (City Nord) | Water+Electric | Close to U3 metro, dump station, vehicles up to 10 m | Road noise, pay‐and‐display only |
KNAUS Campingpark Hamburg | Full | Green setting, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, book online | 12 km to center, reserve 6 months ahead in Jul–Aug |
Stellplatz am Fischmarkt | None | Harbor view, walking distance to Sunday fish market | Night noise, max stay 24 hours, length under 7 m |
Reisemobilhafen Wedel | Water+Electric | Riverside Elbe path, supermarkets 500 m away | Train ride 35 minutes to Hamburg, limited shade |
Free parking at Zollenspieker Fährhaus | None | Scenic location, free 48 hours, good for small RVs | No services, flooding risk on spring tides |
Many Autobahn service stations within 20 km sell LPG gas and have gray-water disposal facilities.
Exchange or refill propane bottles at Obi, Bauhaus and Toom hardware stores (Mon–Sat, 08:00–20:00).
Dial 112 for medical or fire emergency and 110 for police.
North Sea storms can create winds above 80 km/h (50 mph). Pull in awnings and avoid high bridges during storms.
In December Christmas markets fill parking areas by 11:00. Use park-and-ride lots at train stations instead.
Many parking machines require coins and do not accept card payments under €10.