Electric road trip to Copenhagen
- Tanja & Björn
- Mar 18
- 16 min read
E-camping in winter – crazy or simply brilliant?
Who on earth goes camping in 0-degree weather? Well, us! And who goes one step further and rents an electric camper ? That's right – us too! While others prefer to snuggle up on the couch with a hot chocolate in the winter, we decided to fire up the parking heater and embark on a little adventure.
Our journey began in Nienstädt, where we rented Achim's Polaris E-Camper at LIGHTstern – a super relaxed guy who handed us the key with a smile (and the sentence: "Well, what you're doing is pretty hardcore camping ").
Eight days, two countries, zero degrees - Our winter e-camper adventure
Luckily, Achim not only provided a great on-site briefing, but also explanatory videos (LIGHTstern Academy) on every feature of the e-camper. The best part? We were able to watch the videos in peace before the trip, so we had no unanswered questions when we started and were able to hit the road right after the briefing!
Table of contents:
**Please note that the information shared here is based on our personal experiences. Prices, opening hours, and offers are subject to change, and experiences are often weather or seasonal. Be sure to check with the providers directly for up-to-date information to plan your best possible travel experience.
The LIGHTstern Polaris E-Camper – A game changer for road trips?
In short: Yes! The LIGHTstern Polaris is no ordinary camper, but a fully electric travel companion with a sophisticated design and clever features. Here are some features that impressed us:
✔ Range of up to 230 km (in summer) – Perfect for road trips with regular stops.
✔ Electric drive – climate-friendly and almost silent.
✔ Extra wide sofa bed – With a lying area of over 150 cm for restful sleep.
✔ Fully equipped kitchen – Can be used inside and out, including an induction hob and a 31-liter compressor cooler.
✔ Environmentally friendly dry separation toilet – sustainable and odorless.
✔ Camping furniture and awning – Perfect for summer. Unfortunately, we couldn't use them on our winter trip ☹.
✔ Remote Work Module – Ideal for digital work on the go! Thanks to a retractable screen, the camper can be transformed into a mobile office. Additionally, Starlink satellite internet ensures a reliable and fast internet connection – even in remote areas.
✔ All from a single battery – All energy-hungry devices such as the heater, stove, and even the remote work module are powered directly from the drive battery. No heavy, expensive additional battery is necessary – thanks to the integrated 230V socket, you'll always have power with you!
Of course, we had to take into account that we were traveling in winter – and this was especially noticeable in the range. Cold weather affects the battery, which meant the range was shorter than under optimal conditions. Nevertheless, with careful planning and regular charging breaks, we managed to complete our route without any problems. We didn't use some features like the awning or the outdoor kitchen in the freezing temperatures – but that wasn't the focus of our winter adventure!
Our route - eight days, four stops and unforgettable experiences
Day 1: Hamburg – Start with a harbor view and pizza at Luigi
Days 2-4: Aarhus – Scandinavian charm & rooftop views
Day 5: Odense – In the footsteps of HC Andersen
Day 6-7: Copenhagen – Bicycles, Street Food & Royal Flair
Day 8: Hamburg – Return with snow flurries
For us, this trip was a first: our first experience with electric mobility. And if you've been following us for a while, you'll surely remember our first campervan tours with Pumpkin, our trusty companion from 1999 in Australia. And of course, our beloved Big Bertha from 1979 – our home on wheels, our adventure buddy in Canada and the USA... (Yes, we miss her very much! 🖤).
And now? So, a converted Ford e-Transit – all-electric. Sounds like a drastic change, right? Let's see!
After the briefing and our first stop in Hamburg, we headed north. Before we really set off, we made our first charging stop after about 50 km to familiarize ourselves with the process. We were a little nervous , because it was our first time with an electric camper – and we obviously didn't want to make any mistakes. So, just to be on the safe side, we watched Achim's explanatory video again to make sure we did every step exactly right. Luckily, everything was explained very clearly, and the first charging process went smoothly.
To find the best charging stations while on the go, we used various apps that allowed us to filter by price and provide direct information on charging speed and availability. The following were particularly helpful:
EnBW – Great for Germany and also usable in Denmark with many roaming partners.
ChargeFinder – Perfect for planning with real-time data on available charging points and prices.
Tesla app – Not just for Tesla drivers! Almost all Tesla Superchargers are now also open to other electric vehicles, and we were able to easily check whether we could charge there.
With these apps, we were always able to choose the best option for our next stop – and that made traveling with the e-camper even more relaxing. Our trip wasn't just an exploration of Denmark, but also a test drive for electric mobility – and we have to say: It was worth it!
Because what's there to lose? Nothing to lose, right?!
Hamburg - our first stop
Our first destination was Hamburg, where we stayed overnight at the Hamburg Motorhome Park. The price was €35 per night, and for that, we got electricity, clean showers, well-maintained restrooms, and—most importantly— 24/7 check-in. A real advantage, especially in the off-season! And because we enjoyed it so much, we added another night on the way back.
Hamburg is simply a city we love — not just for its sights, but also for its mentality. Cool, relaxed, and with the motto: "It'll work out!" Exactly our thing!
And because this wasn't our first time in the beautiful Hanseatic city, here are our top 5 sights and restaurants in Hamburg:
Our top 5 sights in Hamburg:
Elbphilharmonie – Sure, a classic. Standing on top of the plaza and enjoying the view over the harbor – priceless!
Speicherstadt & HafenCity – Historic brick buildings and modern architecture collide. Always worth a stroll.
Landungsbrücken & Fish Market – Getting up early is worth it! Fish sandwich in hand, Elbe River in front of you – what more could you want?
Planten und Blomen – A beautiful park in the heart of the city. Perfect for a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
St. Pauli & Reeperbahn – Yes, a little crazy, a little weird, but a must – especially in the evening.
Our top 5 restaurants in Hamburg:
Luigi's – Our absolute favorite Italian restaurant in Hamburg! Best pizza, best atmosphere, best people.
Fischereihafen Restaurant – If you fancy fresh fish, this is the place for you.
Better Burger Company – Really good burgers, you can put together yourself – perfect for a small (or large) appetite.
Henssler & Henssler – If you love sushi, you have to go here. Yes, it's not cheap, but it's incredibly delicious!
Strandperle – Right on the Elbe beach, drinking a beer with your feet in the sand – is there anything better?
Next stop: Aarhus - or as we briefly thought, we're getting left behind
It's about 350 km from Hamburg to Aarhus, which means we'll definitely have to charge at least once. No problem, we thought – but of course, things turned out to be more exciting than planned.
With just 20 km of remaining range, we roll into an industrial park where the ChargeFinder app shows us charging stations. Perfect! The moment when you ask yourself, "Is this enough?" – and suddenly you see every bump in the road as a potential final boss. But we make it!
20 km? It's still practically half full!
The charging process itself? It's actually quite simple and straightforward – until we realize that nothing is working as it should. We open the app – but it's not charging. A quick glance at our phones: No internet. Oops?! Welcome to Denmark – and welcome to airplane mode.
And then it slowly dawned on us... We crossed the border and both had our roaming turned off. Yes, that's right – no network, no app, no way to activate the charging station via the app. You have to figure that out first.
But no problem, we think – we'll just use our credit cards. I (Björn) hold my card to the tap function – nothing happens. Okay, no stress. Next card – nothing. Tanja, your bet! No luck.
At that moment, we were already wondering whether we should book a long-term parking space in this industrial park. But then – the third card finally works! Charging starts, and we can breathe a sigh of relief.
Those five minutes of planninglessness made us sweat for a bit – and then we realized: If we really did run out of power in the final meters, there's no emergency canister with a few extra liters of power. (Yes, it's a lame joke – but it just had to be said. 😅)
But don't panic! With the mobile charger, you can recharge at any household outlet. So, in an absolute emergency, just ring the doorbell at the nearest house, ask politely, and suck on the Schuko plug for five euros.
Recharged, without adrenaline in our blood and with a good feeling, we finally head for Aarhus – ready for the next adventure!
Aarhus
Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city, is a perfect blend of Scandinavian charm, modern architecture and relaxed city life.
Overnight stay with the camper: Marselisborg Lystbadehavn
Our parking spot was at Marselisborg Lystbadehavn, a harbor with a beautiful view of the water. There's self-check-in, electricity, and clean restrooms. The overnight stay cost 180 DKK (approximately €24) per night , including electricity. From there, we took an e-scooter into the city —a convenient and quick way to explore Aarhus.
Our highlights in Aarhus
Salling Rooftop – The Salling department store has a spectacular rooftop terrace with views over the entire city. Those feeling brave can walk across the glass platform over the precipice. Admission is free, and a coffee or cocktail is definitely worth it.
Latin Quarter – Aarhus' oldest district boasts cobblestone streets, small boutiques, and charming cafés. Perfect for strolling and browsing.
Café La Cabra Coffee lovers will find their money's worth at La Cabra. The specialty coffee is outstanding, and the cinnamon rolls are worth indulging in.
Aarhus Street Food Located right next to the main train station, the Aarhus Street Food Hall offers a huge selection of food from all over the world – from smørrebrød to Vietnamese specialties. Prices are fair: main courses cost between 75-120 DKK (10-16 €) .
Bassin 7 – Urban Harbor Feeling Bassin 7 is a newly developed district with modern buildings, restaurants, and a swimming lagoon in the summer. We parked at Sverigesgade 12, where there are good parking options.
Millstone – Probably the most beautiful street in Aarhus: a small alley with colorful houses, rose bushes and a touch of fairytale flair.
Unfortunately missed: The Infinite Bridge – We actually wanted to go to the famous Infinite Bridge, a circular walkway over the water. Unfortunately, it's dismantled in the winter. If you're coming in the summer, don't miss it!
Other attractions worth seeing:
ARoS Art Museum with the famous Rainbow Panorama on the roof
Den Gamle By, an open-air museum that brings Aarhus' history to life
Botanical Garden, perfect for a little break
Moesgaard Museum, an architectural highlight with exciting Viking history
Conclusion
Aarhus is a relaxed, modern, yet historic city that's perfect for exploring by camper. The mix of Scandinavian coziness, hip cafés, and exciting architecture makes Aarhus a perfect destination for a city trip. We'll be back—and hopefully, we'll also visit the Infinite Bridge!
Let's continue - In the footsteps of HC Andersen
From Aarhus to Odense is about 150km, which we covered in about two hours with our electric camper. The route leads across the Danish mainland and over the Little Belt Bridge near Middelfart, which connects Funen to the mainland. There are numerous charging stations along the way, which made the journey completely relaxing.
Odense, the third largest city in Denmark, is best known as the birthplace of the famous It is known for its poet Hans Christian Andersen. But the city has much more to offer: a charming old town, great cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere. We explored Odense with our camper and compiled our highlights for you.
Overnight stay with camper: First Camp Hasmark Strand
Our pitch was right next to First Camp Hasmark Strand , a campsite very close to the beach, perfect for walks along the coast. The facilities are top-notch: modern sanitary facilities, electrical hookups, and even a small indoor water park for families.
Price: approx. 250 DKK (approx. 33 €) per night for a pitch with electricity
Location: Directly on the sandy beach, about 20 km from Odense
Ideal for: Quiet evenings by the sea, walks and relaxation
From there, we drove into town with the camper. Our parking spot was Sophie Breums Vej 2 – from here, you can easily walk into the center.
Our highlights in Odense
HC Andersen Hus – Immerse yourself in the world of fairy tales
An absolute must-see in Odense! The museum is dedicated to the life and stories of Hans Christian Andersen. The interactive exhibits, original manuscripts, and fairytale architecture make the visit unique.
Vintapperstræde – The coziest alley in town
This charming little street with cobblestones and colorful houses is perfect for strolling. It features many boutiques, cozy cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Nelles Coffee & Wine – Perfect for a break
Whether for a strong espresso or a glass of wine in the evening, Nelles Coffee & Wine is a great address for connoisseurs. The café features stylish Scandinavian decor and serves excellent coffee.
Storms Pakhus – Odense Street Food
A bit outside the city center, but absolutely worth a visit! Storms Pakhus is a huge street food hall with culinary highlights from all over the world. From Danish specialties to Asian dishes, there's something for everyone here. Prices for main courses range from 80-130 DKK (11-17 €).
Other attractions worth seeing:
Odense Cathedral (Saint Knud's Church) – An impressive Gothic cathedral with a fascinating history.
Den Fynske Landsby – An open-air museum depicting rural life on the island of Funen in the 19th century. Perfect for a relaxing getaway in the countryside.
Conclusion
Odense is a charming city with a perfect blend of history, culture, and Scandinavian flair. We particularly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the many small alleys, and the great cafés. The region is wonderful to explore by camper – and the beach in Hasmark makes the trip even more enjoyable.
Copenhagen - Scandinavian metropolis with charm
Copenhagen is a city that combines modernity and tradition in a unique way. Colorful houses, hip cafés, historic castles, and a relaxed harbor atmosphere make the Danish capital a perfect destination for a city trip. We explored the city in our electric camper and share our highlights and tips with you here!
Overnight stay with your camper: Kastrup Campervan Parking
We stayed overnight at the Kastrup Campervan Parking, a convenient parking space near the airport with quick access to the city.
Price: 249 DKK (approx. 33 €) per night
Facilities: Power connection, clean sanitary facilities, self-check-in
Location: Approx. 7 km from the city center , easily accessible by e-bike or public transport
From here, we rented e-bikes —the perfect way to explore Copenhagen. The city is super bike-friendly, and we were right in the center in about 20 minutes.
Our highlights in Copenhagen
Nyhavn – The postcard motif par excellence
The colorful houses along the harbor are probably Copenhagen's most famous photo motif. Here, you can stroll along the promenade or take a harbor cruise.
Strøget – Shopping and Danish Design
Copenhagen's most famous shopping street offers everything from Danish design stores to international brands. Perfect for a stroll!
Magstræde – The oldest street in the city
Cobblestones, colorful houses and a 17th-century atmosphere – the small alley Magstræde is one of the most beautiful corners of Copenhagen.
P-Hus Lüders – Parking garage with a view
It may sound unusual at first, but the P-Hus Lüders is not just a parking garage – there is an observation deck on the roof with a great view of the city and the water.
Reffen Copenhagen Street Food – Culinary Hotspot
One of the best addresses for street food! Located right on the waterfront, it offers a huge selection of international dishes, from Danish specialties to Asian cuisine. Prices for main courses range from 80-150 DKK (approx. 11-20 €) .
Amalienborg – The Royal Residence
If you're lucky, you can witness the changing of the guard of the Danish Guard here. The castle is an impressive example of classical architecture.
Tivoli Gardens – Fairytale amusement park
One of the oldest amusement parks in the world and an absolute highlight – not just for families! Especially in the evenings, when everything is illuminated, Tivoli exudes a magical charm.
The Round Tower – Copenhagen's best viewpoint
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) offers spectacular views over the rooftops of Copenhagen – and the best part: you walk up a spiral ramp, without having to climb any stairs!
The Royal Library
An architectural highlight! The modern extension of the building is also called "The Black Diamond" because of its black glass facade .
Rosenborg Castle – A fairytale castle in the heart of the city
The beautiful castle is set in a green park and houses the Danish Crown Jewels.
Freetown Christiania – An alternative district with its own flair
Christiania is an autonomous, alternative community with graffiti art, small shops, and a unique atmosphere. It has its own rules—a fascinating place worth seeing.
The Little Mermaid – A must-see, but…
Of course, it's one of Copenhagen's landmarks, but the statue is smaller than you might expect. Nevertheless, it's a classic that's worth seeing at least once.
Food & Café Tips – Recommended by Locals
The Living Room – Cozy café with sofas and delicious brunch
Gasoline Grill – One of the best burger joints in town
Paludan Bog & Café – A unique café in a bookstore
Beast – Italian pizza with a Scandinavian touch
Definitely places we will try on our next visit!
Conclusion
Copenhagen captivated us with its relaxed atmosphere, amazing sights, and perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Thanks to the bike-friendly streets and short distances, the city is perfect for exploring on two wheels. And if you're traveling with a campervan, Kastrup Campervan Parking offers a convenient overnight option.
We will definitely be back – maybe next time with even more time for all the cafes and restaurants!
The way back to Hamburg – snowstorm instead of sightseeing
We had actually planned to see some impressive sights in southern Denmark on the way back:
Stevns Klint (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – A stunning chalk cliff with a historic lighthouse.
Camp Adventure – Skovtårnet – A spectacular observation tower in the middle of the forest, offering fantastic panoramic views.
Møns Klint – Probably Denmark’s most beautiful chalk cliffs with spectacular hiking trails.
Dodekalitten – A modern stone sculpture installation on Lolland, often referred to as the “Stonehenge of Denmark”.
But when it started to snow, we decided to take the direct route back to Hamburg.
Our route: Copenhagen – Rodbyhavn – Hamburg
We drove from Copenhagen to Rødbyhavn (approx. 165 km, 2 hours) and from there took the ferry to Puttgarden on Fehmarn.
Ferry Rødby – Puttgarden (Scandlines)
Duration: approx. 45 minutes
Price: from 85 € for campers (depending on size and ticket type)
Frequency: A ferry departs every 30 minutes
From Puttgarden to Hamburg it was another 150 km (1.5 hours) on the A1, so the entire journey took us about 5 hours.
Last stop: Pizza at Luigi & overnight stay in Hamburg
Back in Hamburg, we rounded off the road trip with a really good pizza at Luigi's —the perfect respite after the long drive! 🍕 After that, we headed back to the Hamburg RV port, where we had already spent the night at the beginning of our trip.
The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to our electric camper. We set off early and dropped it off in Nienstädt —one last leg of our journey before finally heading home.
An unforgettable road trip with many highlights, great cities, and plenty of new travel inspiration – and next time we'll just catch up on the sights we missed!
Our conclusion: Road trip with an electric van – a clear recommendation!
After eight days, almost 1,600 kilometers, and numerous charging stops, we can say: A road trip with an electric camper? Absolutely! Before the trip, we had a few questions in our minds: How often do we need to charge? How easy is it to do it in Denmark? And how much will the range limit us? But the answer is simple: It was a fantastic experience—and much less complicated than we expected!
Electromobility and road trips – do they go together?
Definitely! Of course, you have to plan a little differently with an electric van than with a combustion-engine camper , but that's exactly what makes the difference: You automatically slow down. Instead of speeding along for hours, we deliberately used the charging breaks to plan the rest of our route, have a coffee, or simply take a deep breath. And let's be honest: How often do you drive 600 km in a camper without taking a longer break? Exactly!
Denmark – a paradise for e-campers
We couldn't have chosen a better country for our first e-camper road trip. Denmark is extremely well positioned when it comes to electromobility. The charging infrastructure is excellent, there are fast-charging stations everywhere, and with the right apps (EnBW, ChargeFinder, Tesla), we always had an overview of availability, prices, and charging speed .
Winter, cold and range – a real adventure
Yes, the range of an electric vehicle is shorter in winter – we were aware of this beforehand. But with good planning, it wasn't a problem. We always knew where we would be charging and never experienced a critical situation (apart from our brief charging station panic at the border). The auxiliary heater gave us cozy nights, and although we couldn't use some features like the awning or the outdoor kitchen, it didn't detract from the experience.
The LIGHTstern Polaris – our rolling home
We were truly impressed by the LIGHTstern Polaris E-Camper ! The combination of electric drive, sustainable features like the dry-separating toilet, and well-thought-out amenities (large bed, mobile kitchen, storage space) made the van a perfect companion for a sustainable road trip . What 's especially cool: The Remote work module with Starlink internet – so you can easily work on the go.
Our learning: Electric camping should be the future.
After this trip, we're certain: This won't be our last road trip with an electric camper! Yes, it does require a bit more planning, but that's exactly what makes it exciting. You travel more consciously, more sustainably, and enjoy the journey rather than just the destination. And if we learned one thing in Denmark, it's this: The future is electric – and that feels pretty good!
Would we do it again?
A definite YES! So, who's next? Stop by LIGHTstern and check the availability – maybe your next adventure is already waiting in the wings!
