The best way to discover The Alps and Tyrol is in a motorhome
Having enjoyed planes, trains and automobiles, we spent our final day boating on stunning Lake Zell
WHAT to do on your hols with two little people in tow when you’re still keen on some spontaneity and the odd adventure? Easy.
Pile everyone into a motorhome, strap in and head off into the Alps.
Our 12-day trip took in the peaks of Germany and Austria but we could have easily nipped across the border to Italy or Switzerland, thanks to our home on wheels.
Along the way there were castles, cable cars and swimming lakes, with endless supplies of fresh air and breathtaking scenery.
No two days were the same. At 24ft long, our SunLight A70 was bigger than our first flat. It had three double beds, a toilet and shower, and a fridge.
It immediately got the seal of approval from our two-year-old, Poppy, who claimed the biggest bunk for herself and teddy, while six-month-old Lucas fell asleep within seconds of us setting off.
The tailor-made trip was organised by the Camping and Caravanning Club, which can help with motorhome hire and campsite bookings across the globe.
Just two hours after picking up our motorhome in Munich, we were pitched up at the fabulous Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee near the border with Austria. A complimentary guest card gave us free local bus travel and discounts on attractions.
So, next day, we struck off to historic Mittenwald, then up the Karwendel cable car to enjoy a short hike and an al fresco lunch.
The following day we simply unplugged the motorhome after breakfast, and drove lock, stock and barrel to Neuschwanstein Castle.
The impressive Romanesque pile was the real-life inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Snow White and attracts 1.4million visitors every year.
Despite being inside one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, the highlight for our toddler was the horse-drawn cart ride back down the hill.
Our next campsite was across the border in Tyrol, Austria. With clouds on the horizon, we decided on a quick detour via Innsbruck.
This time we took the funicular train up to the local peaks to enjoy the stunning views and, as a bonus, the ticket included a visit to the unexpectedly good Alpenzoo.
On arriving at Camping Seeblick-Toni later, we bagged a pitch overlooking Lake Reintaler. A trip to Krimml, Austria’s largest waterfall, lived up to its billing as a monumental spectacle.And there was more water to come. On day seven, it finally happened — the heavens opened.
But there was no need to panic. We ditched the mountain highs and opted to go low.
Known as the “mother of all mines”, Schwaz in Austria was responsible for 90 per cent of the globe’s medieval silver production. You can go for an English- language tour, although it is not recommended for claustrophobes, with a dinky train taking you half a mile underground.
Then we left our motorhome and jumped on a return train to Salzburg. A trip to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, with sweeping views across the region is a must — as is a slice of cake in its old town.
For fans of Mozart or the Sound Of Music there are plenty of tours. An early dinner and pint in the garden of Austria’s biggest beer tavern, the Augustiner Bräustübl, was a great way to finish the day.
Our final campsite was Sportcamp Woferlgut, near Zell am See, which has its own private swimming lake.For once Mother Nature lost out, with the newly-opened pool complex on site proving a winner.
While my wife Anna did 50m laps, us three spent hours splashing in the brilliant toddler pool and hitting the sliding tubes.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
Having enjoyed planes, trains and automobiles, we spent our final day boating on stunning Lake Zell.
With so much more to see and do, it made it all the harder to say goodbye.
As Austria’s most famous son, Arnold Schwarzenegger, promised: I’ll be back.
GO: MOTORHOMING
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Prices start from £170 a night for a fully equipped, insured six-berth motorhome in July or August. For European motorhome hire visit: .
OUT & ABOUT: Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is €13 (£11.60) for adults, more details at neuschwanstein.de. A visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress is €12.20 (£11) for adults. See salzburg-burgen.at.