Germany by campervan: food and supermarkets
Where to buy food in Germany, which supermarkets to use, opening hours and practical tips for eating on the road. What to know before you go.
Published 18 September 2026Last checked 18 September 2026
Currency
Euro
EUR. Cards are normal, cash is still needed
Language
German
English is widely spoken in cities
Driving
Right
Autobahn has no general speed limit
Power
230V, type F
The standard round two-pin Schuko
Tap water
Safe to drink
Ask for Leitungswasser
Emergency
112
Police 110. ADAC breakdown 089 20 20 40 00
Food and shops
Food and shops
Plan the week around Sunday closing and the rest is easy. Germany has a dense network of discount supermarkets. Aldi and Lidl cover the basics, while Netto and Penny fill the same role near smaller towns. Rewe and Edeka have a wider range, and Kaufland combines a large shop with a car park that usually fits a van.
Where to shop
- Best value: Aldi or Lidl.
- Full range: Kaufland or Edeka.
- Camper access: Kaufland branches on commercial estates are usually easiest for campervans.
Supermarkets, and what each one is for
| Chain | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi and Lidl | The cheapest weekly shop, with a short own-label range that covers almost everything a van needs. | Everywhere, edge of town, easy parking |
| Netto and Penny | The same discount format in smaller towns and village outskirts, often the only shop for miles. | Smaller stores, shorter hours |
| Rewe and Edeka | Full range, fresh counters, regional products and a good vegetarian shelf. More expensive. | City centres and stations too, where they open longest |
| Kaufland | Hypermarket. Bulk water, gas cartridges, camping bits and a car park built for trailers. | Edge of town, the easiest big shop in a van |
| Bio shops | Alnatura, Denns and the health food aisle for anything specialised, gluten free or vegan. | Cities and larger towns |
Eating out without getting it wrong
- Kitchen hours are narrow. Roughly 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 outside cities. Between them you can drink, and often order cake, but not eat a meal.
- Check the Ruhetag. Many country restaurants close one full day a week, commonly Monday or Tuesday, and the sign is on the door.
Stocking the campervan
- Bread, sausage, cheese, beer and mustard are worth buying here. So is anything from a bakery, which is the one German food that is hard to match elsewhere.
- Gas is a national system. German bottles are exchanged at petrol stations, hardware stores and gas dealers, and they are not interchangeable with French or Italian ones. A refillable tank with an ACME adapter is the practical answer for a long trip.
