THE UNEXPLORED EAST
Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine
The first port of call in eastern Europe for travellers entering Europe through Germany via ferry routes to the Netherlands and Belgium should be Czechia. Although the country is part of Schengen, it is worth 30 days of your time for its bounty of Unesco heritage sites, glassy lakes and peaceful forests, the dramatic Bohemian Paradise mountain range and the glorious baroque town of Cesky Krumlov in the south. In principle, free standing (parking informally overnight for free) is forbidden in Czechia, even on private property, so you’ll need to plan and book your stopoffs (czechcamping.com).
Slovakia is within the EU and Schengen, so again you’ll want to pay attention to your day-spend in this mountainous hiker and caver paradise. In the south of Slovakia, the campsite Farm & Camping Lazy (minicamping.eu/english.html) has achieved a cult following for motorhomers for its free-roaming animals – chickens, goats, two ponies and two pigs – and free-spirited vibe.
In Romania, which is outside Schengen, cities are packed with medieval architecture and rural regions feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Not only can you get a 30-day Schengen “reset” in Romania, but free standing is allowed – with the exception of nature reserves and national parks.
In wilder and less-visited Ukraine, the Askania-Nova Reserve is home to wildlife such as buffalo, zebras and antelopes. The pretty town of Lviv is full of Hapsburgian charm, free standing is permitted (except in nature reserves) and you’ll be afforded a full 90-day visa-free stay.
See orange route – 210 days