Van Life in Europe- Two Hearts, One Van
We’re Bailey and Denise — an Aussie-Dutch duo with a love for adventure. Bailey hails from a small town on Australia’s east coast and now holds dual nationality—Dutch and Australian (double bonus!). I’m Denise, a true Dutchie… though some might jokingly call me a “reserve Belgian,” since I was born just a stone’s throw from the Belgian border in south-eastern Netherlands.
Nearly six years ago, we met in a beach hostel in Thailand. It might sound cliché—and it totally was, but absolutely incredible. After a whirlwind of backpacking and scooter adventures through Southeast Asia, we found ourselves finally together in Europe. And that’s when the real adventure began. We’re also the makers of Two With a View — our little corner of the internet where we share honest stories, tips, and everything we’ve learned (so far) about life on the road.
From Backpack to Van Life
During the pandemic, Bailey—being an English speaker—found it tough to get work in a tiny city in the Netherlands. Affordable housing seemed totally out of reach. So, we made a bold choice: if we can’t find a house, we’ll build one on wheels.
Enter our project: a rusty old Opel Movano with oodles of miles and zero experience on our end. We spent months tinkering outdoors in snow, storms, and rain—everything but sun—meticulously converting the van into our cosy mobile home.
Once it was ready, we hit the road. For me—Denise—Europe was familiar territory. I grew up with Belgium around the corner, so Europe felt like one big backyard. For Bailey, though, it felt like being thrown into an epic TV series with endless episodes. He’d only ever been to Sweden once before—everything else was brand new. Compared to Australia, where you can drive hours without entering another culture, here you wake up in France and lunch in Spain—new language, different cuisines, varied rhythms and habits. Every border is a new revelation.
That’s what makes travelling Europe by camper van so magical. But honestly? It’s not always effortless. This is the reality of van life in Europe — the good, the wild, and everything in between.
Vanlife in Europe: Magical, Yet Bumpy
Travelling Europe in a camper is magical—but it comes with surprises. Not every morning starts with sunshine, freedom, and fresh croissants. Here are six big realities to be aware of (and our stories along the way):
1. Toll Roads & Emissions Zones — Hidden Costs
In Australia, fuel is your main expense. In Europe? You’ll also deal with toll roads, emissions zones, and city restrictions. On one occasion, we accidentally drove into Antwerp's city centre and received a hefty $220 USD fine, just because our van had an older diesel motor. Since then, we’ve upgraded to a Euro 5 vehicle, which helps, but you still often need stickers or vignettes, especially in Northern Europe.
Our tip: Use Park4Night, GreenZones.eu, or TollGuru before you set off so you know where you can and can’t go—and how much it will cost you. These tools have become essential for anyone embracing van life in Europe.
2. Tiny Lanes, Big Van
European villages often date back to horseandcart days—not built for a camper with a kitchen and a fixed bed. Once, Google Maps led us through a low tunnel. As we realised, we were too tall to fit, we had to reverse with annoyed drivers behind us. Heart rate: off the charts.
Head further south, and the lanes get narrower. And so many are one-way streets—you take the wrong turn and you’ve got to back out of the entire village.
Our tip: Don’t trust Google Maps blindly; use camper-specific navigation or satellite views. Navigating these tricky lanes is part of the van life Europe adventure.
3. Parking & Sleeping — Country By Country
Wild camping is common in France and Portugal, but in the Netherlands or Italy? Authorities will quickly ask you to move on. We always rely on Park4Night and Campercontact to find overnight spots. These apps show reviews from fellow travellers, flag any fees, state the allowed duration, and whether water fill-ups or greywater dumping are available.
Our tip: Read reviews, check rules by season, and be respectful: no noise after 10pm, no trash left behind. That way, everyone can keep using these places.
4. Culture Clashes & Communication
Each border brings a cultural switch. In Spain, everyone eats dinner late. Germany treats recycling as high art. In Italy, every driver seems to think they're in a Grand Prix.
Our tip: Learn a few words, adapt to local customs, and you’ll go far. Even a simple “bonjour” or “gracias” opens hearts (and doors). Embracing diverse cultures is one of the best parts of van life in Europe.
5. Water, Waste & Toilets — New Rules at Every Crossing
In Germany or France, you’ll find plenty of chemical-toilet dump stations. But in Greece? Not so much—smaller sewage pipes often make dumping impossible. A compost toilet is greener and more practical there. And water points? Some regions barely have any! Always carry enough filtered water—not all tap water is potable.
Even finding a trash bin can be an adventure—some countries stock them on every corner, in others, you walk with trash until you can dump it legally.
Our tip: Plan ahead. Install water filters, minimise waste, and only discard it where allowed—small gestures protect the beauty of our campsites.
6. Weight Limits — Take It Seriously
Countries like France, Germany, and Switzerland strictly enforce the 3,500 kg limit for camper vans—including passengers, luggage, and supplies. Going over can get you fined—or even stopped altogether.
We heard of one couple who literally had to ditch gear because their van was overloaded. Goodbye souvenirs and spare wine stock.
Our tips:
Weigh your van fully loaded at a weigh station.
Stay at least 200–300 kg under 3,500 kg.
Choose lightweight materials like aluminium or thin wood when building.
If you need more capacity, explore a chassis upgrade (but be aware you might need a C1 license). Keeping these limits in mind is essential for safe van life in Europe.
Our Favourite Camper Moments
Now, let's talk the fun stuff—memories that make all the prep, headaches, and heavy lifting absolutely worth it.
The Netherlands
We parked our van in the Netherlands for a while to work and live from one spot. Easy, stable, and family close. But once travel was possible again, we headed south—because the classic winter escape to warmer climates is a route for a reason!
Why These Countries Made Our Camper Hearts Beat Faster
Portugal
Crossing into Portugal feels like a warm hug. People are welcoming. Camper spots are plentiful. Some supermarkets even have dedicated camper facilities—like onsite washing machines. You’ll meet plenty of other vanlifers, too, making community easy. From dramatic cliffs to hidden coves and fascinating wildlife, Portugal is the ultimate camper’s dream.
Austria
Austria is a living postcard: majestic Alps, lush valleys, cosy villages, and festive traditions. Hiking is endless—the perfect combination of culture and nature, with camper-friendly sites next to mountain springs and trails.
Greece
Greece is pure enchantment. You can often park right next to the beach, enjoy welcoming traditional villages and heartfelt hospitality. Oh—and don’t get us started on the food: fresh fish, olives, tzatziki, and fruit still warm from the sun. Campsites abound, and the local van community is welcoming and vibrant.
And finally...
Will we ever go back to a brick house with a fixed mailbox? Maybe someday. But for now, we love waking up to new views each season—sometimes a mountain peak, sometimes a bakery parking lot, and occasionally a herd of sheep peering through our window.
We’ll keep driving and occasionally getting lost in alleys not meant for vans. If you see us light-angle parked with a clothesline strung between mirrors—wave at us! You might just get invited for a coffee in a camping mug. Always with a view. Even better, Two with a view.
See you on the road!
Bailey & Denise
