Motorhome Hire in Esslingen am Neckar

Discover Esslingen am Neckar: Your Adventure Starts Here

Welcome to Esslingen am Neckar, a city where history comes alive and your road trip adventure begins! Nestled in the picturesque Neckar river valley, just 14 kilometers southeast of Stuttgart, Esslingen is a gem in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This city of around 95,000 inhabitants is a perfect starting point for your journey when you campervan hire in Esslingen am Neckar.

Geography and Location: Esslingen is beautifully situated along the banks of the Neckar river, surrounded by steep, terraced vineyards that produce some of the region's best wines. Its location provides a stunning contrast between the bustling Stuttgart metropolitan region and the serene natural landscapes of the Swabian Alb, which is just a short drive away. This unique setting makes a motorhome hire in Esslingen am Neckar an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience both urban culture and natural beauty.

A Rich History: Esslingen's history is palpable as you wander through its cobblestone streets. First mentioned in 777 AD, it became a Free Imperial City in the 13th century, a status that brought wealth and importance. Unlike many other German cities, Esslingen was fortunate to escape major destruction during World War II. As a result, it boasts Germany's oldest row of half-timbered houses (Fachwerk) and a wonderfully preserved medieval town center. Imagine starting your historical exploration right after you pick up your vehicle from our campervan hire in Esslingen am Neckar station. You can almost feel the centuries of history around you.

People and Culture: The people of Esslingen, known for their Swabian hospitality, are proud of their city's heritage. The city is home to Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, which brings a youthful and international vibe to the historic setting. Famous figures associated with the city include the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, who studied here. The blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation is what makes the city so captivating. When you decide on a motorhome hire in Esslingen am Neckar, you're not just renting a vehicle; you're gaining a key to unlock this rich cultural tapestry.

Weather and Best Time to Travel: Esslingen enjoys a temperate climate. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for enjoying the riverside parks and vineyard trails. Spring and autumn offer cooler, crisp weather and beautiful colors, especially in the vineyards. Winters are cold, sometimes with snow, transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a famous medieval Christmas market. The best time for your trip really depends on what you want to experience. However, for most outdoor activities, the period from May to September is ideal for a 4x4 camper hire in Esslingen am Neckar, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore the surrounding hills and valleys. Choosing a campervan hire in Esslingen am Neckar gives you the flexibility to chase the sun or enjoy a cozy day inside your mobile home, no matter the season.

Attractions and Activities Around Esslingen am Neckar

Once you've arranged your motorhome hire in Esslingen am Neckar, a world of incredible sights awaits you, both within the city and in its stunning surroundings. Your campervan gives you the perfect base to explore at your own pace.

Esslingen's Medieval Old Town (Altstadt): The heart of Esslingen is its breathtaking Altstadt. Park your camper and wander through a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes lined with over 200 half-timbered houses from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Don't miss the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) with its magnificent Renaissance facade and astronomical clock. Every corner tells a story.

Esslingen Castle (Esslinger Burg): Towering above the city, the Esslinger Burg is not a single castle but a well-preserved section of the former city fortifications. You can walk along the covered rampart, the Seilergang, and climb the 'Dicker Turm' (Fat Tower) for panoramic views of the city, the Neckar valley, and the vineyards. It's the perfect spot for a sunset picnic.

Churches and Cloisters: The cityscape is dominated by the twin towers of the City Church of St. Dionys (Stadtkirche St. Dionys), a beautiful Gothic church with unique connecting bridges between its towers. Also, visit the former Franciscan monastery, now the Kessler Sekt winery, Germany's oldest sparkling wine producer. A tour and tasting are highly recommended!

Museums and Culture: Dive deeper into the city's past at the Stadtmuseum im Gelben Haus, which showcases Esslingen's history in one of its oldest stone houses. For a unique experience, visit the J.F. Schreiber Museum, dedicated to the famous publisher of children's books and papercrafts.

Parks and Recreation: Take a relaxing stroll through Maille Park, an island in the Neckar river right in the city center. Or, for a more active day, use your vehicle from our campervan hire in Esslingen am Neckar service to drive to the trailheads of the surrounding vineyards. The hike along the 'Weinwanderweg' offers spectacular views and opportunities to sample local wines directly from the producers. With a 4x4 camper hire in Esslingen am Neckar, you can even venture further into the hills for more challenging trails.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Esslingen

Your motorhome hire in Esslingen am Neckar is your ticket to some of Germany's most scenic routes. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get you started:

🏰 The Swabian Alb Castle Route (3-Day Trip)

🌲 The Northern Black Forest Adventure (3-Day Trip)

Returning Your Campervan Spotless in Esslingen

After an amazing trip with your motorhome hire from Esslingen am Neckar, it's time to think about the return process. To ensure a smooth handover, your campervan needs to be returned with a clean interior and exterior. Finding a suitable car wash can be tricky, as most standard facilities are not built for the height and width of a motorhome.

Attempting to use a regular automatic car wash can lead to serious damage to the roof, windows, and any mounted equipment like satellite dishes or solar panels. You need a washing station designed for large vehicles like trucks (LKW in German) or buses. These facilities have the necessary height clearance and equipment to clean your campervan safely and effectively.

Here are a few suitable large-vehicle washing stations in and around Esslingen where you can get your campervan sparkling clean before you return it:

1. AVIA Truck Wash Nellingen
This facility is part of a larger service station and is well-equipped for commercial vehicles. They are accustomed to handling vehicles of all sizes, making it a safe bet for your motorhome.
Address: Plieninger Straße 56, 73760 Ostfildern (Nellingen), Germany

2. LKW-Waschanlage Köngen
Located just a short drive from Esslingen, this dedicated truck wash offers thorough cleaning services. They often have high-pressure wands and platforms that allow you to easily reach the top of your camper.
Address: Wertstraße 12, 73257 Köngen, Germany

3. IMO Autopflege (Truck Wash Section)
Some larger IMO branches have separate bays or facilities for vans and trucks. It's always best to check with the staff on-site to confirm they can accommodate your vehicle's height.
Address: Check for locations in the greater Stuttgart area, for example, at Hedelfinger Str. 121, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany

Before heading to a wash, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm their opening hours and that they can accommodate your specific campervan model. A clean vehicle ensures a quick and easy return, letting you end your fantastic campervan hire in Esslingen am Neckar experience on a high note.

Your Journey to Esslingen am Neckar

Getting to Esslingen am Neckar to begin your campervan adventure is straightforward, especially from international destinations. The city is conveniently located near Stuttgart, a major German transport hub.

Flying to Esslingen:
The closest airport is Stuttgart Airport (STR), located just a 15-minute drive from Esslingen. It's a major international airport with excellent connections.

• From the UK & Ireland: You'll find frequent direct flights to Stuttgart (STR) from major airports like London Heathrow (LHR), London Stansted (STN), and Dublin (DUB) on airlines such as Eurowings, British Airways, and Ryanair.


• From the USA & Canada: While direct flights to Stuttgart are less common, you can easily find one-stop connections. Major hubs like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), and Toronto (YYZ) offer convenient flights via European hubs such as Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Amsterdam (AMS), or Paris (CDG). Delta, United, Air Canada, and Lufthansa all operate these routes.


• From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa: Your journey will typically involve one or two stops. From cities like Sydney (SYD), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB), you can connect to Stuttgart through major hubs in the Middle East (like Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (like Singapore with Singapore Airlines), followed by a short flight to STR.

From Stuttgart Airport to Esslingen:
Once you land at STR, you are very close to starting your journey. You can take a taxi directly to our motorhome hire Esslingen am Neckar station, or use the efficient S-Bahn (suburban train) network. The S2 and S3 lines connect the airport to Esslingen's main station in about 20-25 minutes. From there, it's a short local connection to pick up your campervan. This easy access makes Esslingen an ideal gateway for your German road trip.