VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
From the Swabian Jura to Lake Constance by Motorhome
Hohenzollern Castle, Ulm’s record-breaking spire and the shores of Lake Constance: a varied campervan itinerary from Stuttgart, between limestone crags and orchards.
Between Stuttgart and the Alps stretches a little-known yet spectacular campervan itinerary: the limestone crags of the Swabian Jura, then the gentle shores of Lake Constance, where three countries meet.
Stuttgart, a petrolhead’s departure point
Before setting off, car lovers should treat themselves to the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums — two world-class collections. The city also concentrates a dense rental offer, from privately owned campervans to professional fleets.
Hohenzollern and Lichtenstein, the Jura castles
An hour south, Hohenzollern Castle, cradle of the Prussian dynasty, raises its tower-bristled silhouette on an isolated crag — one of Germany’s most striking images, especially at dawn when mist drowns the plain below. Nearby, little Lichtenstein Castle, clinging to its cliff, seems lifted from a novel.
Ulm, the record spire
Detour via Ulm, whose minster carries the tallest church spire in the world: 161.5 m and 768 steps for a panorama stretching, on clear days, to the Alps. The Fishermen’s Quarter, with its channels and leaning half-timbered houses, is perfect for lunch.
Lake Constance, a gentle finale
The Bodensee then unrolls orchards, vines and historic towns: Meersburg and its medieval castle, the flower island of Mainau, Lindau and its old town on an island. The Alps close the horizon to the south. Fair warning: the lakeside stopovers are stormed from June to August — book ahead, or aim for May and September, when orchards and vines are at their finest.
Practical notes
Allow 400 km and 4 to 6 days. A campervan rents for €75 to €150 a day in Stuttgart, a semi-integrated RV €95 to €180 — full benchmarks in our rental price guide. All these vehicles under 3.5 t can be driven on a standard car licence (our licence guide). Compare platforms out of Stuttgart, Munich or Freiburg on Van-Comparator before you book.