The Stress-Free Route to Lake Garda

Traveling from the Czech Republic to Italy is a rite of passage for European campers. But with kids in the back, the 9-hour direct drive can turn a dream holiday into a test of endurance.

At Driftly, we believe the journey is the vacation. We have designed this "slow-travel" route to ensure you never spend more than 5–6 hours driving per day. This itinerary prioritises high-quality campsites with swimming pools, restaurants with play areas, and short, manageable travel legs.

Before You Go: Van Life with Kids Packing List

Space is at a premium in a campervan. Here are the essentials that save sanity on the road:

• The "Boredom Bag": A dedicated bag for the cab with magnetic travel games, audiobooks (downloaded offline), and mess-free colouring pads (e.g., Water Wow).

• Packing Cubes: Assign one colour per family member. It stops clothes from exploding all over the van.

• Slip-on Shoes: Crocs or sliders are essential for campsites—lacing up trainers every time a child needs the bathroom is a hassle.

• Microfiber Towels: They dry fast and take up 1/4 of the space of regular towels. Important for lake dips!

• Blackout Solutions: If your van blinds let light in, pack some tin foil or extra fabric. Kids won't sleep if it’s bright at 6 AM.

Leg 1: Prague to Innsbruck (The Alpine Stopover)

• Drive Time: ~5 hours 30 mins

• Route: Open Leg 1 in Google Maps

Kick off the trip by heading southwest through Germany and dropping down into the Austrian Tyrol. Innsbruck is the perfect "city meets mountains" stopover.

Where to Stay: Ferienparadies Natterer See

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

• Why it’s great for families: This resort is legendary among European campers. It features a private bathing lake with a giant inflatable "Aqua Park," bumper boats, and exceptional sanitary facilities (including dedicated kids' bathrooms).

• Driftly Tip: Book a spot near the lake to keep an eye on older kids from your awning.

• Booking: https://www.natterersee.com/en?currency=EUR&referrer=

Family Eats & Activities

• Eat at Stiftskeller Innsbruck (Rating: 4.4/5): Located in the Old Town. It’s a massive beer hall/garden style. The noise level is forgiving for energetic toddlers, and the Schnitzel is authentic.

• Activity: Alpenzoo Innsbruck. It is the highest-altitude zoo in Europe. You can take the quirky funicular railway up to it, which is an adventure in itself.

Leg 2: Innsbruck to Riva del Garda (The Destination)

• Drive Time: ~2 hours 30 mins

• Route: Open Leg 2 in Google Maps

A stunning, short drive through the Brenner Pass brings you into Italy. The architecture changes, the coffee gets better, and you arrive at the dramatic northern tip of Lake Garda.

Where to Stay: Camping Brione, Riva del Garda

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)

• Why it’s great for families: While many Garda campsites are crowded, Brione is set in a peaceful olive grove. Crucially, it has a swimming pool (rare for town sites here) and mini-golf. It is directly next to the cycle path to the beach.

  
  

Top Things to Do in Riva del Garda with Kids

1. Walk the Ponale Road: This old road carved into the cliff face is pedestrian-only. It offers the best views of the lake and is flat enough for sturdy strollers.

2. Varone Waterfall: A massive waterfall inside a cave gorge. It’s loud, wet, and exciting for kids.

3. Gelato at Flora: Located right on the harbor, consistently rated as some of the best gelato in town.

Where to Eat

• Ristorante Pizzeria Leon d'Oro (Rating: 4.5/5): A Riva institution. The staff are incredibly welcoming to children. It’s bustling and fun—perfect for a family feast.

• Ristorante Pizzeria L'Ora (Rating: 4.4/5): Located slightly north in Arco, this place has a dedicated outdoor play area for kids, meaning parents can actually finish their meal in peace.

Leg 3: Riva del Garda to Salzburg (The Return Leg)

• Drive Time: ~4 hours 30 mins

• Route: Open Leg 3 in Google Maps

Heading back, take the route toward Salzburg to mix up the scenery.

Where to Stay: Camping Nord-Sam

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)

• Why it’s great for families: It’s a green oasis with a heated outdoor pool—essential for weary kids after a drive. There is a bus stop right outside the gate that takes you into Salzburg center in 15 minutes, so you don't have to move the van.

Family Eats & Activities

• Eat at Sternbräu (Rating: 4.3/5): A huge restaurant with a fantastic courtyard garden. They have a dedicated kids' menu and a play corner.

• Activity: Mirabell Gardens. Famous for the Sound of Music, but for kids, it’s just a cool place to run around, see the dwarf statues, and explore the hedge maze.

Leg 4: Salzburg to Prague

• Drive Time: ~4 hours 30 mins

• Route: Open Leg 4 in Google Maps

The final stretch is an easy cruise through Upper Austria and South Bohemia. If the kids need one last break, the town of Český Krumlov is roughly halfway and offers a fairytale castle atmosphere and bears in the castle moat (a guaranteed hit with children)