Family-Friendly EV Road Trips Across Europe

Exploring Europe with your family in an electric vehicle is easier than ever, thanks to a growing network of EV charging stations and an abundance of exciting destinations. From fairytale castles in Germany to Viking villages in Norway, dinosaur parks in Austria, and medieval fortresses in Croatia, this guide highlights the best family-friendly road trips across the continent.

Whether your children love history, science, adventure parks, or nature, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for all ages—while ensuring a sustainable and stress-free journey.

With interactive museums, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling theme parks, this guide helps you plan the perfect EV-friendly family holiday in Europe. Let’s hit the road and start your adventure!

Family Park Neusiedlersee, Germany

Germany: The Fairytale Road Trip (Ages 4-12)

Theme: Fairytales, castles, and interactive storytelling
Highlights: Europa-Park, Family Park Neusiedlersee, fairytale castles, Brothers Grimm Museum

Located near the German-Austrian border, Family Park Neusiedlersee is a fantastic stop for families travelling through southern Germany. This charming amusement park offers a mix of fairytale-themed rides, adventure playgrounds, and interactive attractions designed for younger children. The park is divided into themed areas, including Fairy Tale Forest, where classic German fairy tales come to life through animated scenes and storytelling stations. For more excitement, kids can explore Götterblitz, a mild roller coaster inspired by mythology, or ride the Flying Dragon, a fun-filled family attraction. With water play areas, boat rides, and plenty of picnic spots, Family Park Neusiedlersee is a perfect destination for a fun and relaxing day out.

Germany is home to the legendary Fairy Tale Route (Märchenstraße), a magical 600-km journey through towns that inspired the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. This trip is perfect for younger kids who love magical stories and enchanted castles.

A must-visit is Cinderella’s Castle at Sababurg, also known as Dornröschenschloss, believed to have inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Kids can explore ivy-covered ruins, enjoy live fairy tale readings, and even stay overnight in a castle room.

At the Brothers Grimm Museum in Kassel, children can interact with exhibits showcasing the world of fairy tales, see original manuscripts, and listen to famous stories brought to life.

For thrill-seekers, Europa-Park is a must-visit amusement park with themed lands based on different European countries, featuring both gentle rides for little ones and roller coasters for older kids.

Gudvangen, Norway

Norway: The Viking Adventure (Ages 6-14)

Theme: Viking history and Nordic myths
Highlights: Viking museums, adventure parks, and scenic fjords

Norway is one of the best places to experience authentic Viking history. Start in Oslo and visit the Viking Ship Museum, home to incredibly well-preserved Viking ships dating back over 1,000 years. Kids can see real Viking longships, burial treasures, and artefacts that bring the Viking Age to life.

For an immersive experience, head to The Viking Planet, Norway’s first fully digital Viking museum, where families can try virtual reality Viking battles, experience 4D films, and learn about Norse mythology.

Drive west to Flåm, a charming village known for the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana), considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The 20-km ride takes you through breathtaking fjord landscapes, steep mountain passes, waterfalls, and tunnels that were hand-carved over a century ago. The journey includes stops where passengers can step out and admire the stunning scenery, making it a perfect adventure for families.

Not far from Flåm, visit Njardarheimr Viking Village, an open-air Viking settlement in Gudvangen. Unlike traditional museums, this living history attraction allows visitors to interact with “real” Vikings, who demonstrate ancient crafts like blacksmithing, woodcarving, and leatherworking. Kids can try on Viking clothing, learn archery, and listen to Norse sagas told by storytellers around an open fire. The village provides an authentic look at Viking life, making it an unforgettable experience for young history enthusiasts.

Continue west to Bergen Aquarium, Norway’s largest aquarium and a must-visit for families. The aquarium is home to over 300 species, including playful penguins, sea lions, and local marine life from the Norwegian fjords. The interactive exhibits allow children to get up close with sea creatures, and daily feeding shows add an educational aspect to the visit. The aquarium also has an impressive tropical section with crocodiles, snakes, and exotic fish, making it a fun stop for kids interested in marine biology.

Eisriesenwelt, Austria

Austria: Dinosaur Discovery (Ages 5-12)

Theme: Prehistoric adventures and science
Highlights: Dinosaur parks, interactive science centres, and alpine fun

Austria is a fantastic destination for young palaeontologists and science lovers. Start in Vienna at the Natural History Museum, home to one of the best dinosaur fossil collections in Europe. The museum features real fossilised dinosaur skeletons, including a massive Diplodocus, and interactive exhibits about prehistoric life.

Head to Dinopark Münchehagen, Austria’s largest open-air dinosaur park. This park features over 200 life-sized dinosaur models, allowing kids to walk among towering T-Rexes and long-necked Brachiosaurs. The park also has a fossil excavation site where children can dig for real fossils and learn about palaeontology firsthand.

Close to Salzburg, visit the Haus der Natur, a fantastic science museum that includes a dedicated dinosaur exhibit featuring realistic animatronic dinosaurs, fossil collections, and a prehistoric sea life section. The museum also has an interactive physics area, a space exhibit, and an aquarium, making it a well-rounded educational stop for families.

For an outdoor adventure, head to Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest ice cave, located in Werfen. This natural wonder is a must-see, offering guided tours through a vast network of frozen tunnels and breathtaking ice formations. Visitors can explore massive ice chambers, climb frozen staircases, and witness dazzling blue ice walls. Be sure to bring warm clothing, as temperatures inside the cave remain below freezing year-round.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Croatia: Medieval Castles & Legends (Ages 6-14)

Theme: Castles, knights, and ancient cities
Highlights: Dubrovnik’s city walls, Diocletian’s Palace, Temple of Jupiter, and Plitvice Lakes

Croatia is a dream destination for families who love medieval history, ancient fortresses, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Start in Dubrovnik, where kids can explore the iconic medieval city walls, one of the best-preserved fortification systems in Europe. The walls provide stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the historic old town. Dubrovnik is also famous as a major filming location for Game of Thrones, with landmarks like Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), Pile Gate, and Minceta Tower (House of the Undying) that fans of the series will love.

From Dubrovnik, head north to Split, home to Diocletian’s Palace and the Temple of Jupiter. Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best-preserved Roman architectural sites in the world. Built in the 4th century AD for Emperor Diocletian, the palace was designed as a fortified residence but later evolved into a vibrant city within a city. Tucked within Diocletian’s Palace, the Temple of Jupiter was originally dedicated to the supreme Roman god Jupiter but later converted into a Christian baptistery. The temple stands out for its barrel-vaulted ceiling, intricately carved friezes, and an ancient Egyptian sphinx that Diocletian brought from Egypt over 3,000 years ago.

Stop at Trakošćan Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress with a museum full of armour and medieval artefacts surrounded by a scenic lake and lush forests.

One of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush greenery. The park consists of 16 interconnected lakes, linked by wooden walkways that allow families to explore up close.