Rent a Motorhome in Aalen & Explore the Ostalb Region

Your Adventure Begins: Discover the City of Aalen

Welcome to Aalen, a hidden gem nestled in the eastern part of Baden-Württemberg, at the heart of the Ostalbkreis district. When you decide to rent a camper in Aalen, you're not just hiring a vehicle; you're unlocking a region rich in history, nature, and culture. Aalen is situated at the upper reaches of the river Kocher, at the foot of the stunning Swabian Alb, a low mountain range that offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor opportunities. With a population of around 68,000, the city strikes a perfect balance between vibrant urban life and the tranquility of the countryside, making it the ideal starting point for your German road trip.

Aalen's history is deeply intertwined with the Roman Empire. It was once the site of the largest Roman cavalry fort north of the Alps, known as 'Ala II Flavia milliaria'. This rich Roman heritage is still palpable today and is a major draw for visitors. After the Romans, the Alemanni tribes settled the area, and Aalen was officially founded as a city in the 13th century. It grew as a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire, a status that granted it a degree of autonomy and fostered a proud, independent spirit that you can still feel today. One of its most famous sons is the poet and writer Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart, a key figure of the 'Sturm und Drang' literary movement in the 18th century.

The geography around Aalen is perfect for exploring with a camper. The Swabian Alb offers a diverse terrain of rolling hills, deep valleys, dramatic cliffs, and numerous caves. To rent a motorhome in Aalen means you have direct access to this UNESCO Global Geopark. For those with a taste for more rugged adventures, you might even consider looking to rent a 4x4 camper in Aalen to fully explore the off-the-beaten-path tracks of the region.

The weather in Aalen is typical for southern Germany, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 77°F), ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoor cafes. Summer is peak season, so booking your vehicle when you rent a camper in Aalen well in advance is highly recommended. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and beautiful natural colors, from blooming meadows to golden forests. Choosing to rent a motorhome in Aalen during these times provides a more serene and personal experience of the stunning German landscape.

Sights and Activities in and around Aalen

Once you've sorted your plan to rent a motorhome in Aalen, it's time to explore the incredible sights the city and its surroundings have to offer. Aalen is a treasure trove for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Limes Museum (Limesmuseum Aalen): You cannot visit Aalen without delving into its Roman past. The Limes Museum is one of Germany's most important Roman museums, located right on the site of the former cavalry fort. It offers fascinating insights into the life of Roman soldiers on the 'Limes', the frontier of the Roman Empire, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an absolute must-see.

Tiefer Stollen Visitor Mine: For a different kind of historical journey, head underground at the Tiefer Stollen. This former iron ore mine takes you on a train deep into the mountain, revealing the tough working conditions of miners throughout the centuries. It's a cool and unique experience, especially on a hot summer day.

Aalen Market Square (Marktplatz): The heart of the city is its historic market square, lined with charming half-timbered houses, shops, and cafes. Don't miss the 'Spion' (The Spy), a famous local landmark statue atop one of the buildings, representing the city's historical cunning. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring before heading back to your camper.

Thermal Baths (Limes-Thermen Aalen): Need to unwind? The Limes-Thermen are modern thermal baths fed by state-approved medicinal water. Relax in the warm, healing waters with both indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and wellness areas. It's the perfect way to rejuvenate during your campervan trip.

The decision to rent a camper in Aalen gives you the flexibility to see all these sights at your own pace. For the more adventurous, a 4x4 camper rental in Aalen opens up even more possibilities to explore the rugged trails of the Swabian Alb.

Awesome Tour Recommendations Starting from Aalen

Having your own vehicle after you rent a motorhome in Aalen means you have the freedom to embark on incredible journeys. Here are a few tour ideas to get you started:

🚐 The Swabian Alb Nature Tour (3-4 Days)

🏰 The Romantic Road Loop (4-5 Days)

Returning Your Motorhome Clean in Aalen

After a fantastic road trip, it's time to think about returning your vehicle. Most rental companies, including us, require you to return the motorhome clean. Finding a suitable car wash can be tricky, as many standard facilities are not high enough for a camper or motorhome. But don't worry, we've got you covered! It's an important final step after you rent a motorhome in Aalen.

Here are a few truck and large vehicle washing stations in or near Aalen that can accommodate your motorhome:

1. AIGO-TRUCK-WASH AALEN
This is a professional truck wash designed for large vehicles, making it perfect for your camper. They have the equipment and height clearance needed for a thorough cleaning.
Address: Robert-Bosch-Straße 90, 73431 Aalen, Germany

2. AVIA Truck Wash Aalen-Ebnat
Located conveniently near the A7 motorway, this truck wash at the AVIA gas station is another excellent option for getting your motorhome sparkling clean before drop-off.
Address: Daimlerstraße 23, 73431 Aalen-Ebnat, Germany

3. Shell Autohof Aalen/Westhausen
Just a short drive from Aalen, this service station on the A7 often has facilities for large vehicles. It's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm their current services for motorhomes.
Address: Bei den Bahngleisen 1, 73463 Westhausen, Germany

Using one of these locations will ensure you can easily clean your vehicle, avoiding any potential cleaning fees and ending your trip that you started when you decided to rent a camper in Aalen on a high note.

How to Get to Aalen for Your Camper Trip

Getting to Aalen to start your camper adventure is straightforward, even when traveling from overseas. Your journey will typically involve flying into one of Southern Germany's major international airports.

Main International Airports:
The closest and most convenient airports are Stuttgart (STR), Frankfurt (FRA), and Munich (MUC).

From the UK & Ireland:
You'll find numerous direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin, and Edinburgh to Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. Airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Eurowings operate these routes frequently.

From the USA & Canada:
Major hubs like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR) offer direct flights to Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC). Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, and Delta are the primary carriers. From other cities, you'll likely have a single layover in one of these hubs or a European capital like Amsterdam or Paris before connecting to Stuttgart.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
Your journey will involve at least one stop. From Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB), you will typically connect through major hubs in the Middle East (like Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (like Singapore with Singapore Airlines) before flying directly to Frankfurt or Munich.

From the Airport to Aalen:
Once you land, your best option is to take Germany's excellent Deutsche Bahn (DB) train service. From Stuttgart Airport, it's about a 1.5 to 2-hour train ride to Aalen, often with a simple change in Stuttgart's main station. From Frankfurt or Munich airports, the train journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The train system is efficient, comfortable, and offers a scenic introduction to the German countryside before you pick up your keys and rent a motorhome in Aalen to begin your own exploration.