Camping Guide | Lombardei

Lombardy, one of Italy's largest regions, extends across the north of the country and borders Switzerland. It encompasses a diverse landscape, from the majestic Alps in the north to the fertile Po Valley in the south. The region is known for its large lakes such as Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore, which are ideal for a camping holiday. Arrival by car is straightforward via well-developed motorways. From Germany, the best way to reach Lombardy is via the A9 (Munich-Milan) or the A22 Brenner motorway. Both routes are subject to tolls. Toll fees vary depending on the section of the route and the type of vehicle. A vignette is not required in Italy; fees are paid at the toll stations. You can pay in cash, by credit card, or with an electronic toll box. Those wishing to arrive by train will find regular connections from many European cities to Milan. From there, regional trains serve the larger towns in Lombardy, for example on Lake Garda or Lake Como. Milan-Malpensa (MXP) and Bergamo (BGY) airports are served by numerous international airlines. From the airport, you can reach your campsite by bus or train. Many campsites also offer a shuttle service. Within Lombardy, public transport is well-developed. Buses connect the smaller towns, and ferries run regularly on the lakes, providing a convenient way to explore the various lakeside towns. For shorter distances, we recommend the bicycle, which you can often rent at the campsite. From Munich, you can reach southern Lake Garda in about 5-6 hours via the A8 and A22. The journey from Frankfurt takes approx. 8-9 hours via the A5 and A9. Those starting from Hamburg should expect a travel time of 12-14 hours via the A7 and A9. The journey from Vienna takes approx. 8-9 hours via the A2 and A22. From Zurich, you can reach Lombardy in approx. 3-4 hours via the A2 and A9.

Lombardy can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, is a popular destination for campers. It offers a variety of campsites, from simple pitches to luxurious resorts with pools and entertainment. The northern shore of Lake Garda, characterized by steep cliffs and picturesque towns like Riva del Garda and Limone sul Garda, is ideal for active travelers who enjoy hiking, climbing, or mountain biking. The southern shore, on the other hand, with its rolling hills and wide beaches, is particularly popular with families with children. Here you will find places like Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, which entice visitors with their historic old towns and numerous leisure activities. Lake Como, known for its elegant atmosphere and luxurious villas, is another highlight of Lombardy. The towns of Como, Bellagio, and Menaggio are popular excursion destinations. There are fewer campsites on Lake Como than on Lake Garda, but there are some very exclusive facilities. Lake Maggiore, which Lombardy shares with Piedmont and Switzerland, impresses with its lush vegetation and picturesque islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. There are also some beautiful campsites here, often with direct access to the lake. The Po Valley, which stretches across the south of Lombardy, is a rather unknown destination for campers. However, there are some interesting cities here, such as Mantua and Cremona, which inspire with their rich history and culture. The campsites in the Po Valley are often smaller and quieter than those on the lakes. The Valtellina, a long valley in the Alps, is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. There are some simple campsites here that are ideal as a starting point for sporting activities. If you are looking for peace and relaxation, this is the place for you. Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is a vibrant center for fashion, design, and culture. Even though there are no campsites in Milan itself, the city is a worthwhile destination for a day trip. You can easily reach Milan from the campsite by train or bus.

The camping landscape in Lombardy is diverse and varied. There is a wide selection of campsites, from simple pitches for tents and motorhomes to luxurious resorts with every comfort. Most campsites are located on the lakes, especially on Lake Garda, but also on Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. In the mountains, there are also some campsites that are ideal as a starting point for hikes and other outdoor activities. The size of the campsites varies greatly. There are small, family-run sites with only a few pitches and large complexes with several hundred pitches. The facilities at the campsites vary. Many sites have a pool, a restaurant, a supermarket, and a playground. Some also offer entertainment and other leisure activities. The pitches are usually parceled out and equipped with an electricity connection. Often there are also water and wastewater connections. The size of the pitches varies, but they are usually large enough for a motorhome or a caravan with an awning. Most pitches are shaded as they are surrounded by trees. However, some sites also offer sunny pitches. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season, location, and facilities of the campsite. In the high season, from July to August, prices are at their highest. A pitch for two people then usually costs between 30 and 50 euros per night. In the low season, from April to June and from September to October, prices are significantly lower. Then a pitch often costs only 20 to 30 euros per night. Agriturismo and farm camping are becoming increasingly popular. Here you can experience Italian country life up close and enjoy regional products. The prices for a pitch at an agriturismo are often slightly higher than at a normal campsite. It is advisable to reserve a pitch in good time, especially in the high season. Many campsites offer online reservations. However, there are also some sites that do not accept reservations. Here, the rule is: first come, first served. Last-minute opportunities exist mainly in the low season when the campsites are not as full. The sanitary standard at the campsites in Lombardy is generally good. The sanitary facilities are cleaned regularly. Wi-Fi is available at most campsites, but the quality can vary. The electricity connection is usually protected with 6 or 10 amps.

A toll is charged for the use of Italian motorways. The fees depend on the route and can be paid at the toll stations in cash, by credit card, or with a toll box. You can find the current toll rates on the website of the Italian motorway company. A trip from the Austrian border to Lake Garda, for example, costs approx. 15-20 euros. Diesel prices in Italy are usually slightly higher than in Germany. Petrol stations are generally open from 7 am to 7 pm, some even longer. There are petrol stations open 24 hours a day on the motorways. Supermarkets can be found in all major towns in Lombardy. The best-known supermarket chains are Conad, Coop, and Eurospar. Lidl and Aldi are also represented. Supermarkets are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, some also on Sunday. In tourist centers, there are often smaller grocery stores that are open longer. German gas cylinders cannot be exchanged in Italy. You will need an adapter to connect Italian gas cylinders. Adapters are available in most hardware stores and camping specialty shops. Disposal stations for motorhomes are available at many campsites and at some motorway service areas. Disposal is usually free of charge, although sometimes a fee of a few euros is charged. Mobile network coverage in Lombardy is good. Roaming is not a problem within the EU, but high costs can arise outside the EU. Medical care in Lombardy is good. There are hospitals and pharmacies in all major towns. The emergency number is 112. Tap water in Lombardy is generally drinkable, but it may be chlorinated. If you are sensitive, you should rather buy mineral water. Wild camping is prohibited in Lombardy and is punished with high fines. There are environmental zones in some cities, such as Milan. Find out in advance if your vehicle is affected. In Italy, a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 applies to drivers. For novice drivers and professional drivers, a limit of 0.0 applies. The maximum speed is 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on country roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas.

The low season (April to June and September to October) is an ideal time to travel to Lombardy. The weather is pleasantly mild, the campsites are less crowded, and prices are lower. In addition, nature is particularly beautiful during this time. A lesser-known place on Lake Garda is Tremosine, a small mountain village high above the lake. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Tremosine is accessible via a spectacular panoramic road that leads through narrow gorges and over steep cliffs. Another insider tip is Lake Iseo, a smaller lake west of Lake Garda. Lake Iseo is less touristy than Lake Garda and offers a relaxed atmosphere. On the island of Monte Isola, located in the middle of the lake, there are no cars. You can explore the island by bike or on foot. Local markets are a great way to get to know regional products. In almost every town, there is a weekly market where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, sausages, and other specialties. A special experience is visiting a wine festival, which takes place in many towns in Lombardy. Here you can taste the local wines and enjoy the Italian way of life. A culinary must in Lombardy is Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy rice dish with saffron. Also try the Casoncelli, stuffed pasta with meat or cheese. For dessert, we recommend the Torta Paradiso, a light cake with almonds and powdered sugar. Locals like to visit trattorias, simple restaurants with regional cuisine. Here you get authentic dishes at fair prices. Avoid the tourist restaurants in the big cities and look for small, hidden places instead. A worthwhile day trip is a visit to the city of Bergamo, which is divided into two parts: the Città Alta, located on a hill, and the Città Bassa, located in the plain. The Città Alta is surrounded by a Venetian city wall and offers a unique view of the surroundings. The journey from the campsites on Lake Garda takes about 1.5 hours.