Discover Europe's Hidden Gems with Your EV This Easter

Looking for an unforgettable Easter escape away from the crowds? This guide reveals Europe's best-kept secrets perfect for EV enthusiasts. We've mapped out stunning routes across Slovenia's alpine landscapes, Denmark's enchanting islands, and Croatia's historic interior—all with reliable charging access via the easyCharging network. Pack your bags and charge your battery for an Easter road trip that combines authentic local traditions with hassle-free electric driving.

As Easter approaches, many electric vehicle owners are planning their spring getaways. Whilst popular destinations will be crowded, this guide explores lesser-known but equally charming places across Europe that are perfect for EV travellers. We’ve carefully selected routes with reliable charging infrastructure, with a focus on easyCharging network coverage accessible through your easycharging.app, to ensure your journey is as stress-free as it is memorable.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Slovenia: Alpine Beauty and Coastal Charm

Slovenia remains one of Europe’s most underappreciated gems, especially for EV travellers. The country has made significant investments in charging infrastructure, with easyCharging’s network providing excellent coverage along key tourist routes.

Itinerary: The Slovenian Easter Experience (4-5 days)

Starting Point: Ljubljana

• Multiple easyCharging DC fast chargers available in the city centre

Day 1: Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj (80km)
Begin your journey in Ljubljana, where numerous easyCharging DC fast chargers are available in the city centre. Head northwest toward Lake Bohinj (about 80km), a less touristy alternative to Lake Bled. The road winds through picturesque villages where you can see traditional Easter decorations and perhaps catch local celebrations.

• Charging Stop: Lesce Bled (easyCharging fast chargers available, accessible through your easycharging.app)
• Hidden Gem: Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist on Lake Bohinj, which dates back to the 15th century and features remarkable medieval frescoes. During Easter, the church often hosts special services with traditional Slovenian music.

Day 2: Bohinj to Soča Valley (90km)
Drive through Triglav National Park to the Soča Valley (approximately 90km), famous for its emerald river and stunning mountain scenery. This route takes you over the Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest road pass, offering breathtaking views.

• Charging Stop: Bovec (easyCharging network chargers available in the town centre)
• Hidden Gem: The small village of Drežnica, with its distinctive church set against the backdrop of Mount Krn, offers a perfect Easter photo opportunity away from crowds.

Day 3: Soča Valley to Goriška Brda (70km)
Head south to Slovenia’s wine region, Goriška Brda (about 70km). Known as the “Tuscany of Slovenia,” this area features rolling hills covered with vineyards and charming stone villages.

• Charging Stop: Nova Gorica (multiple easyCharging charging options)
• Hidden Gem: The medieval village of Šmartno, where narrow streets are adorned with Easter decorations. Local wineries often open their doors for special Easter tastings featuring rebula, the region’s signature white wine.

Day 4: Goriška Brda to Piran (120km)
Continue to the Adriatic coast and the medieval town of Piran (approximately 120km). This Venetian-influenced peninsula town is much less crowded than similar destinations in neighbouring Italy.

• Charging Stop: Koper (easyCharging fast chargers available)
• Hidden Gem: Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, where salt is still harvested using medieval methods. During Easter, the nearby villages often host traditional Istrian food festivals.

Ribe VikingeCente, Denmark

Denmark: Island-Hopping in an EV

Denmark offers one of Europe’s densest charging networks, with easyCharging stations strategically placed to facilitate island-hopping adventures, making it a unique opportunity to explore its picturesque islands, many of which remain off the typical tourist radar.

Itinerary: Danish Island Easter Adventure (5-6 days)

Starting Point: Copenhagen

• Numerous easyCharging options throughout the city

Day 1: Copenhagen to Møn (130km)
From Copenhagen, where easyCharging offers multiple charging options, drive south to the island of Møn (about 130km), crossing the impressive bridges that connect Denmark’s islands. Møn is home to dramatic white cliffs and dark sky parks - perfect for stargazing.

• Charging Stop: Vordingborg (easyCharging charging stations accessible via easycharging.app)
• Hidden Gem: The tiny fishing village of Nyord, accessible by a narrow one-lane bridge, where traditional Easter decorations adorn the thatched-roof houses.

Day 2: Møn to Ærø (120km plus ferry)
Continue your journey to the fairy-tale island of Ærø (approximately 120km plus a ferry ride). This car-friendly ferry accommodates EVs and some even offer charging whilst on board.

• Charging Stop: Svendborg (easyCharging chargers near the ferry terminal)
• Hidden Gem: The village of Marstal, where sailors’ homes are painted in distinctive colours. During Easter, the maritime museum hosts special exhibitions on Danish seafaring traditions.

Day 3-4: Exploring Ærø
Spend a full day exploring this idyllic island. Ærø has embraced renewable energy and has excellent charging infrastructure despite its small size, with easyCharging adding new charging points in recent months.

• Charging Stop: Ærøskøbing (town centre easyCharging chargers)
• Hidden Gem: Voderup Klint, a series of dramatic terraced slopes offering panoramic views of the southern Danish archipelago. Local Easter traditions include rolling decorated eggs down these natural terraces.

Day 5: Ærø to Ribe (100km)
Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Ribe (approximately 100km), Denmark’s oldest town, with a perfectly preserved medieval centre.

• Charging Stop: Esbjerg (easyCharging fast chargers)
• Hidden Gem: Time travel through Easter celebrations at Ribe VikingeCenter, where you can experience how spring equinox rituals transformed into Easter traditions as Denmark converted to Christianity.

Varaždin, Croatia

Croatia: Beyond the Dalmatian Coast

Whilst Croatia’s coastline draws summer crowds, the country’s interior offers equally stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences that are perfect for Easter exploration. easyCharging’s expanding network in Croatia now makes this journey more accessible than ever.

Itinerary: Continental Croatia Easter Discovery (5-7 days)

Starting Point: Zagreb

• Several easyCharging hubs available throughout the city

Day 1: Zagreb to Varaždin (80km)
From Zagreb, where easyCharging has established several charging hubs, drive north to the baroque city of Varaždin (about 80km), once Croatia’s capital and now a wonderfully preserved historical gem.

• Charging Stop: Multiple easyCharging charging options in Zagreb before departure and in Varaždin upon arrival
• Hidden Gem: The Varaždin Cemetery, surprisingly one of the city’s most beautiful attractions, designed as a garden park with impressive landscaping. During Easter, the pathways are often lined with traditional Croatian pisanice (decorated eggs).

Day 2: Varaždin to Trakošćan (40km)
Continue to Trakošćan Castle (approximately 40km), a romantic 13th-century fortress perched above a man-made lake surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens.

• Charging Stop: easyCharging charging available at Trakošćan Castle car park
• Hidden Gem: The castle’s armoury collection features Easter-themed ceremonial weapons used during spring celebrations by Croatian nobility.

Day 3: Trakošćan to Samobor (80km)
Drive to the charming town of Samobor (about 80km), known for its carnival traditions and crystal-clear streams running through the town centre.

• Charging Stop: easyCharging charging stations available in Samobor’s main square
• Hidden Gem: Samobor’s famous kremšnita (custard cream cake) gets a special Easter edition with traditional decorations. Local bakeries compete for the most creative Easter-themed pastries.

Day 4: Samobor to Plitvice Lakes (150km)
Head south to Plitvice Lakes National Park (approximately 150km). Whilst the park itself is well-known, visiting during Easter means significantly fewer crowds than during summer months.

• Charging Stop: easyCharging fast chargers available at hotels near the park entrance
• Hidden Gem: The less-visited lower lakes section, where wooden pathways take you through caves and alongside waterfalls with significantly fewer tourists.

Day 5: Plitvice to Motovun, Istria (200km)
Continue to the Istrian peninsula and the hill town of Motovun (about 200km), famous for its truffles and medieval walls.

• Charging Stop: easyCharging charging available in Pazin, about 20km before Motovun
• Hidden Gem: Easter in Istria means šparoge (wild asparagus) season. Local restaurants create special Easter menus featuring this delicacy in traditional dishes like fritaja.

easyCharging Network Advantages for Easter Travel

• Seamless access across multiple European countries with a single app
• High-power charging stations (up to 150-350 kW) on major routes
• Dense coverage in Scandinavian countries, particularly valuable for the Denmark itinerary
• Growing network in Central and Eastern Europe, including Slovenia and Croatia
• Real-time availability information through the easycharging.app
• Environmentally friendly energy sourcing, with many stations powered by renewable energy

Easter Weekend Considerations

• Book accommodation with charging facilities well in advance
• Many charging stations at shopping centres may be closed on Easter Sunday
• easyCharging charging points in urban centres remain operational throughout the holiday period
• Consider off-peak travel times to avoid traffic on major routes

Cultural Easter Experiences Across Europe

Easter markets, Slovenia

Traditional Easter Markets

Unlike the more famous Christmas markets, Easter markets (Ostermarkt in German-speaking regions) remain a hidden treasure for travellers. These markets typically run for 2-3 weeks leading up to Easter.

Germany & Austria: In smaller towns like Michelstadt in Germany’s Odenwald region, the Easter markets feature intricately carved wooden eggs and demonstrations by local artisans. In Austria, the market in Schärding along the Inn River offers painted eggs that vary by region, with each having unique patterns and symbolism. Both locations have convenient easyCharging charging stations in their town centres.

Slovenia: The Easter market in Škofja Loka features the distinctive Dražgoše honey bread, hand-moulded and intricately decorated pastries that are considered too beautiful to eat but are delicious symbols of the season. An easyCharging charging station is located just a short walk from the market square.

Croatia: In northern Croatia, particularly around Varaždin and Zagreb, Easter fairs feature “licitar” hearts—traditional honey dough decorations originally given as tokens of affection but now common Easter decorations. Zagreb’s network of easyCharging chargers makes exploring these markets particularly convenient.

Potica, Slovenia

Regional Easter Foods Worth Charging For

Spain: In northern Spain, particularly in Catalonia and the Basque Country, “Mona de Pascua” is a traditional Easter cake topped with chocolate eggs and figurines. Each region has its own variation—the Catalan version is often more elaborate with chocolate sculptures. easyCharging’s growing Spanish network makes culinary exploration seamless.

Italy: Whilst colomba (dove-shaped cake) is well-known, less familiar is the “casatiello” from Campania—a rustic bread filled with cheese and cured meats with whole eggs baked into the top, symbolising rebirth. easyCharging’s Italian coverage now extends into smaller towns where these traditions are preserved.

France: In the Alsace region, “lamala” (lamb-shaped cakes) are traditional Easter treats. The eastern regions also prepare “nestla,” decorated nests filled with eggs and sweets. easyCharging’s French network is particularly strong in this region.

Slovenia & Croatia: “Potica” (Slovenia) and “Pinca” (Croatia) are special Easter breads. Potica is a rolled pastry with walnut or tarragon filling, whilst pinca is a sweet bread decorated with crosses. The growing easyCharging network through these countries makes bakery-hopping a delightful possibility.

Denmark: “Påskeøl” (Easter beer) is specially brewed for the season and pairs wonderfully with “påskefrokost,” the traditional Easter lunch featuring herring, lamb, and seasonal spring vegetables. Denmark’s comprehensive easyCharging coverage ensures you’ll never be far from a charge while sampling local delicacies.

Paasvuur, Netherlands

Unique Easter Traditions You Might Encounter

Sweden: “Påskkärringar” (Easter witches) is a tradition where children dress as witches and go door-to-door exchanging drawings for sweets—similar to Halloween but with a spring twist. In smaller communities like Sigtuna, north of Stockholm, this tradition remains particularly vibrant. easyCharging’s extensive Swedish network makes these smaller communities accessible.

Netherlands: The “paasvuur” (Easter fire) tradition is still observed in eastern regions like Twente and Drenthe. Huge bonfires are built to welcome spring and ward off winter, often accompanied by local festivals. easyCharging’s Dutch network expansion now includes these eastern regions.

France: In Haux, a small town near Bordeaux, Easter Monday brings the “giant omelette” celebration where over 15,000 eggs are cooked in the town square—a tradition you might be lucky enough to witness. easyCharging chargers are available in nearby larger towns.

Norway: “Påskekrim” (Easter crime) is the unusual Norwegian tradition of reading crime novels during Easter. Bookshops in small towns create special displays, and local authors often hold readings. Norway’s excellent easyCharging coverage makes exploring these literary traditions simple.

Switzerland: In the Appenzell region, “Bloch” is a pre-Easter tradition where a large tree trunk is pulled through villages by costumed participants, symbolising the dragging away of winter. easyCharging’s growing Swiss network now includes chargers in this eastern region.

Za Križen, Croatia

Easter Week Processions in Lesser-Known Locations

Whilst Seville’s processions are famous, smaller communities offer more intimate experiences:

Spain: The mountain town of Albarracín in Teruel province holds candlelit processions through medieval streets with participants in historic costumes. easyCharging network expansion now makes this remote location accessible to EV travellers.

Italy: In Sardinia, particularly in Iglesias, the “S’Incontru” (The Encounter) procession features separate processions for Mary and the resurrected Christ that meet in the town square amid celebration. easyCharging has added several stations on the island in the past year.

Sicily: In Enna, central Sicily, over 2,000 hooded friars participate in a Good Friday procession that winds through the ancient hilltop town. easyCharging’s Sicilian network continues to expand.

Croatia: The island of Hvar hosts a unique “Za Križen” (Following the Cross) procession where six villages participate in an all-night 22km procession that has continued uninterrupted for over 500 years. Ferry services to Hvar accommodate EVs, and the island now has easyCharging chargers available.

Belgium: The town of Veurne in Flanders holds a solemn penitents’ procession dating back to 1646, with participants carrying crosses and religious artefacts anonymously. Belgium’s dense easyCharging network makes this easily accessible.

Osterwasserholen, Germany

Historical Easter Customs

Germany: The Spreewald region south of Berlin maintains the tradition of “Osterwasserholen” (Easter water collecting), where young women collect water from streams before sunrise on Easter Sunday. This custom dates back to pre-Christian Germanic spring rituals from the early Middle Ages, with documented practice since at least the 16th century. The water was believed to have healing and beautifying properties, especially when collected in silence. easyCharging chargers in nearby towns make this mystical early morning tradition accessible.

Austria: In the Salzkammergut region, “Ratschen” involves children using wooden noisemakers to replace church bells (which traditionally “fly to Rome” after Holy Thursday), announcing prayer times through the village. This tradition emerged in the 14th-15th centuries when church bells were silenced between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, requiring alternative ways to call the community to prayer. easyCharging’s growing Austrian network now includes this picturesque lake district.

Slovenia: In the Bela Krajina region, you can participate in the decoration of “belokranjske pisanice,” eggs decorated with unique wax-resist techniques and patterns specific to this area. This decorative tradition has been practised since the early 19th century, though egg decoration itself has been part of Slavic Easter celebrations for much longer. Each village developed distinctive patterns that were passed down through generations. easyCharging charging stations in nearby towns support exploration of this cultural region.

Denmark: On the island of Fanø, the “Sønderho Strandjagt” tradition involves locals searching the beach for amber washed ashore during spring tides. This practice has roots in Viking-era customs from the 9th-10th centuries, when amber was highly valued for both decorative and medicinal purposes. The Easter timing connects to the favourable spring tides that often wash amber ashore. Denmark’s comprehensive easyCharging network extends to its islands, making this accessible.

Netherlands: In the eastern province of Overijssel, “vlöggelen” is a traditional Easter walk where locals follow a specific route through the town accompanied by traditional music. This custom dates to the late 17th century, originating as a Catholic procession that evolved during times when public Catholic ceremonies were prohibited. Today’s version has been practised in its current form since the 1800s. Visitors are welcome to join this living tradition. easyCharging’s Dutch network provides convenient charging nearby.

EV-Friendly Accommodation

• Eco-hotels increasingly offer destination charging, many partnering with easyCharging
• Farm stays (agritourism) in Europe are increasingly installing EV chargers
• Check for “charge and stay” packages at easyCharging partner hotels, accessible through the easycharging.app
• Use easycharging.app to locate accommodation within walking distance of easyCharging charging stations

Charge Up for an Unforgettable Easter

Easter provides the perfect opportunity to explore Europe’s lesser-known destinations in your electric vehicle. The moderate spring temperatures are ideal for maximising your EV’s range, and travelling outside peak season means less competition for charging spots. Whether you choose the alpine beauty of Slovenia, the island charm of Denmark, or the diverse landscapes of Croatia, these routes offer authentic experiences away from the typical tourist crowds.

The extensive easyCharging charging network, accessible through your easycharging.app, makes these journeys not just possible but convenient. With comprehensive coverage across Northern Europe and rapidly expanding networks in Slovenia and Croatia, you can confidently plan your Easter adventure knowing that reliable charging is always within reach.

Remember that planning remains essential for EV travel, especially during holidays. Use easycharging.app to map your easyCharging charging stops in advance, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path – Europe’s charging network grows more comprehensive every year, opening up exciting new possibilities for electric adventurers.

Happy Easter and happy electric driving!