Camping through Austria | Guide 2026
Are you planning a campervan trip through the alpine passes of Tyrol? Or perhaps you dream of an overnight stay with a view of Hallstatt, or a journey along the famous Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse? In this article, you will find out what vignette applies to campervans in Austria, how much a campsite in Austria costs, where you can park a campervan, and whether wild camping is permitted. Below you will find a complete guide – from road tolls and routes, through types of stopping places, to regulations and route inspiration. Buckle up, let's go!
Camping through Austria | Basic Information
Austria is a country perfectly suited to campervan travel. Excellent road infrastructure, over 600 stellplätze and campsites located in attractive spots, and breathtaking alpine scenery – there is no better destination for a campervanner. Before you set off, it is worth familiarising yourself with a few important rules regarding road tolls in Austria and legal requirements.
What vignette is required for a campervan in Austria?
The type of toll depends on the campervan's maximum permissible mass.
Campervans up to 3.5 t GVW require the standard electronic vignette (eVignette), identical to that for passenger cars. Available periods in 2026:
- 10 days – €12.80
- 2 months – €32.00
- 12 months – €106.80
Good to know:
2026 is the last year the vignette is available in sticker form. From 2027, ASFINAG will issue digital vignettes only. More details: Road tolls Austria »
What toll applies to campervans over 3.5 tonnes?
Campervans with a GVW exceeding 3.5 t do not use vignettes – they are subject to the kilometre-based GO toll system. This requires the installation of a GO-Box device (one-time handling fee of approx. €12). The per-kilometre rate depends on the EURO emission standard and the number of axles.
Since 2024, an additional CO2 component has been gradually introduced into the GO charge for vehicles over 3.5 t.
Important:
Some road sections charge additional tolls regardless of the vignette or GO-Box – including the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse (approx. €38), the Arlberg tunnel (approx. €12), the Karawanken tunnel (approx. €11), and the Brenner motorway (A13). Always check local tolls before you travel.
What equipment is required when driving through Austria?
When travelling by campervan through Austria, you must carry mandatory equipment:
- a high-visibility vest (for the driver, mandatory in the cab – not in the boot),
- a warning triangle,
- a first-aid kit.
Winter warning:
In Austria, from 1 November to 15 April there is a conditional requirement to use winter tyres – when roads are icy or snow-covered. Driving without appropriate tyres may result in a fine. Snow chains on the drive wheels are an alternative.
Required documents include: a driving licence, the campervan's registration document (with a current technical inspection) and third-party liability insurance. It is recommended to carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free medical assistance in EU countries. More details: Austria by car »
Buy Austrian vignettes online!
Order a vignette for driving on toll motorways in Austria. Pay quickly and securely – card, fast transfer. After your order is processed, you will receive an official document in PDF format at your email address.
Buy Austria vignettesToll Road Map of Austria
Camping through Austria | Where to Go in Austria?
Austria is a country of extraordinary diversity – from alpine peaks and crystal-clear lakes, to baroque cities and picturesque wine valleys. Below you will find some of the most beautiful regions worth visiting by campervan.
Hallstatt and Salzkammergut – Camping Hoisn Hof
A charming family campsite in the village of Gosau, a few minutes from Hallstatt. Beautiful views of the Dachstein massif, grassy pitches with electricity, sanitary facilities and a playground. An ideal base for trips to the lake and the salt mine. Price per night approx. €30–40.
The Salzkammergut region itself, with its dozens of alpine lakes, offers many campsites in scenic locations.
Salzburg – Camping Stadtblick
A campsite with views over the city, situated on a hill about 3 km from the centre of Salzburg with its baroque old town on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Spacious pitches, full facilities, city bus stops right outside.
An excellent base for visiting Hohensalzburg Castle, the Mirabell Gardens and the surrounding Salzkammergut lakes. The cost of a stay is approx. €35–45 per night.
Vienna – Camping Wien West
The largest and best-connected campsite near Vienna, on the U4 metro line. Full facilities, 24-hour reception, on-site shop and restaurant. An excellent starting point for visiting Schönbrunn and the city centre. Price per night approx. €35–50.
The sights are easily reached by public transport – wild camping in Vienna is strictly prohibited.
Tyrol – Camping Ötztal
A campsite in the heart of the Ötztal valley, beside the Ötztaler Ache river. An excellent base for the Grossglockner (one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Europe), Innsbruck and the Rettenbach glacier. Spacious pitches in an alpine setting, full facilities, an aqua park nearby. Accommodation cost approx. €30–45.
Wachau Valley – Camping Rossatz
A campsite right on the bank of the Danube in the heart of the Wachau – a UNESCO-listed area of castles and baroque monasteries (including Melk Abbey). Rossatz is surrounded by vineyards and apricot orchards, with views of the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.
This is an ideal spot for wine lovers and hikers. Pitch price approx. €25–35 per night.
Carinthia – Camping Müllner am Millstätter See
A campsite directly on the shores of Lake Millstatt – one of the warmest alpine lakes. Sandy beach, boat mooring, entertainment and full facilities. In season the price per night is approx. €35–50.
Wörthersee, Millstätter See, Weissensee – Carinthia has the highest concentration of warm alpine lakes in Europe. Numerous campsites directly on the water, ideal for swimming, kayaking and relaxing in the picturesque alpine scenery.
Camping through Austria | Stopping and Overnight Stays in 2026
Austria offers many overnight options for campervans – from fully equipped campsites, through dedicated stellplätze, to private farms.
Campsites (Camping / Campingplatz)
Austria has one of the best campsite infrastructures in Europe. Campsites typically offer electrical hook-ups, drinking water, toilet service, showers, and often a swimming pool and restaurant. Many are open year-round, especially in Tyrol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg. In alpine locations the quality of services is high, but prices are correspondingly higher.
Stellplätze – campervan stopping areas
Austria has over 600 stellplätze – designated stopping areas specially adapted for campervans. They are usually equipped with basic infrastructure: electricity, water and toilet service. Located closer to city centres and tourist attractions than campsites, often at lower prices. Can be found via the Camper Contact, Park4Night or ParkHere apps.
Schau aufs Land – overnight stays with hosts
Schau aufs Land is an Austrian network of private farms and vineyards offering legal campervan stops for up to 24 hours. For a one-off annual fee (approx. €30–50) you gain access to dozens of locations in beautiful settings. Waypoint Austria serves a similar function. This is an excellent way to spend a night in the Wachau vineyards, on alpine meadows in Tyrol, or by the lakes of the Salzkammergut.
Public car parks
Discreet overnight stays (without camping) in public car parks are permitted in Austria as "rest necessary to restore the ability to drive". The campervan must be parked in accordance with regulations, and the stay must not exceed the nature of a rest stop – awnings, tables and chairs may not be set out.
Good to know:
In city centres (especially Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck) paid parking zones (Kurzparkzone) apply with limited parking times – usually up to 1.5–3 hours. At weekends and in the evenings the rules may be more relaxed.
How Much Do Campsites Cost in Austria in 2026?
Campervan accommodation prices in Austria depend on the region, standard and season. Austria is one of the more expensive camping destinations in Europe, but the quality of services is usually very high.
| Standard | Price / night |
|---|---|
| Stellplatz – stopping area, electricity, toilet service | €10–20 |
| Basic campsite – showers, toilets, water | €20–30 |
| Standard campsite – electricity, full service, WiFi, often a pool | €30–45 |
| Premium campsite / alpine resort – spa, restaurant, attractive location by a lake or in the mountains | €45–65 |
| Schau aufs Land / Waypoint – private farm, basic stop | €0–15 (annual access fee) |
Camping through Austria | Parking and Regulations in Austria
Austria has well-regulated rules on campervan parking and overnight stays – however, the rules differ between federal states. It is worth familiarising yourself with them before you travel.
Is wild camping in a campervan allowed in Austria?
Wild camping in Austria is generally prohibited, although the rules vary by federal state. The strictest restrictions apply in:
- Vienna – wild camping completely banned (regulations dating from 1985),
- Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) – parking campervans on green areas outside campsites is prohibited,
- Tyrol – camping outside campsites is banned, fine up to €220,
- Burgenland – wild camping banned, fine up to €3,600.
The only federal state that permits wild overnight stays is Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) – above the tree line, away from arable land.
Important:
Throughout Austria, a brief rest in a campervan in a car park is permitted until the driver has recovered the ability to drive. This is not, however, permission for systematic overnight stays. The penalty for breaching the rules can range from €5 to as much as €14,500.
Where can and cannot a campervan be parked in Austria?
Campervan parking is permitted:
- at campsites and official stellplätze,
- in the network of private farms (Schau aufs Land, Waypoint Austria),
- in public car parks without a ban on campervans – as a discreet rest without camping.
Campervan parking is prohibited or restricted:
- in paid parking zones (Kurzparkzone) – up to 1.5–3 hours only,
- within 500 m of lakes or 200 m of high alpine roads (Tyrol, Upper Austria, Salzburg),
- in protected areas – national parks and nature reserves,
- in restricted historic city centres,
- on motorway hard shoulders – only motorway service areas and designated car parks.
What are the speed limits for campervans in Austria?
Speed limits for campervans up to 3.5 t are the same as for passenger cars:
- 50 km/h in built-up areas,
- 100 km/h on roads outside built-up areas,
- 130 km/h on motorways (in some places 100 or 110 km/h).
For campervans over 3.5 t lower limits apply:
- 50 km/h in built-up areas,
- 80 km/h outside built-up areas,
- 100 km/h on motorways.
Good to know:
In Austria there is a ban on motorway driving with a trailer above 100 km/h. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 ‰ (0.1 ‰ for professional drivers and novices).
Can a campervan travel on mountain roads in Austria?
Yes, but not all mountain roads are accessible to campervans. Many alpine roads have dimensional restrictions (maximum width 2.0–2.5 m, length up to 6–8 m) or a ban on vehicles over a certain weight. Always check restrictions before setting out on a specific mountain route.
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is accessible to campervans, but an additional toll applies (approx. €38) along with a dimensional limit. The road is closed in winter (usually from November to May).
Good to know:
Apps such as CamperContact, ParkHere and Camperize contain information on dimensional restrictions on mountain roads. It is worth checking them before heading into the Alps.
What fines are imposed for violations in Austria?
Austria is one of the countries where fines for drivers are relatively high:
- Driving without a vignette – up to €240 (immediate payment of a reduced on-the-spot rate is possible),
- Speeding – from €70 to over €2,000 depending on the severity of the violation,
- Wild camping – from €5 to €14,500 depending on the region and location,
- Driving without winter tyres (in poor conditions) – up to €5,000.
Camping through AustriaSummary
Austria is one of the most beautiful and best-equipped countries for caravanning in Europe. Excellent road infrastructure, over 600 stellplätze and campsites, and breathtaking alpine scenery make it an exceptional destination for campervans. Campervans up to 3.5 t require an electronic vignette (eVignette) – in 2026 still available in sticker form. Heavier campervans use the GO-Box system. Wild camping is prohibited in most federal states – the best alternatives are stellplätze (€10–20), campsites (€20–65) or the private farm network Schau aufs Land. It is worth planning your route in advance through attractions such as Hallstatt, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse or the Wachau valley. Have a great trip!
