Formula 1 Spielberg: Camping Guide for Dutch Fans

Every year thousands of Oranje fans head to Spielberg — and many of them come back to camp at the Schitterhof year after year. This guide explains exactly what you need to know as a Dutch guest: from the right socket to getting there and choosing your pitch.

Spielberg is no longer an insider tip for Dutch Formula 1 fans. Ever since Max Verstappen took to the top flight, the trip to Styria has become something like a must-do date in the calendar for many Oranje supporters. The Red Bull Ring sits right in the mountains, is easy to reach and far more relaxed than some overcrowded metropolitan circuit. Whether you arrive by motorhome, tent or caravan, for over two decades the Schitterhof has offered an official, quiet spot — just 900 metres from the main entrance.

This guide is aimed specifically at Dutch guests and answers the questions that keep coming up in practice: Which pitch suits my vehicle? Do I need a power adapter? What is the drive from the Netherlands like? And what sets the Schitterhof apart from the many other campsites around the Ring?

Which pitch category suits my Dutch motorhome or camper?

The pitch categories at the Schitterhof are based above all on vehicle length — and Dutch campers are often generously sized. Here is the rule of thumb: BASIC (approx. 30 m², slight slope) suits vehicles up to 6 metres or a car with a tent. Power is optional and costs extra. PREMIUM (approx. 48 m², level, power included) fits motorhomes up to 7.5 metres — covering the common overcab and semi-integrated models. PREMIUM XL (approx. 60 m² / 6×10 metres, level, power included) is ideal for car-and-caravan combinations or extra-long liners up to 9 metres. PREMIUM XXL (approx. 78 m² / 6×13 metres) is the largest category and takes luxury liners up to 12 metres — if you travel in a particularly long or heavy motorhome. If you arrive without your own vehicle, book the fixed Chalet made of Swiss stone pine (up to 4 people, power included, own parking space approx. 100 metres away).

Experience shows that Dutch regulars most often book PREMIUM or PREMIUM XL, because most of them come with semi-integrated motorhomes or car-and-caravan combinations. Every category except BASIC stands on level meadow — which makes levelling out and setting up an awning or canopy much easier.

Do I need a power adapter as a Dutch guest?

Clear answer: No. The pitch has the usual Schuko socket (type F, CEE 7/3) with 230 volts and 50 hertz — exactly the same system as in the Netherlands. Your Dutch Schuko plug fits directly, no adapter needed. If you also have a CEE connection ("camping plug") in your motorhome, you may need a CEE-to-Schuko adapter — but you probably know that one from home. The connected load is 8 amps (approx. 1.8 kW at once), enough for the fridge, lights, chargers and smaller appliances. Important: bring a splash-proof extension cable, ideally 40 metres long (at least 25 metres), protection class IP44 for outdoor use. Always unwind cable reels completely, otherwise the coiled reel can overheat.

Charging EVs via the pitch connection is not allowed for safety reasons — the lines are designed for household power, not vehicle charging. The nearest public charging point is at the RingRast filling station, approx. 500 metres away (billed via common charging apps such as SMATRICS, EnBW or Shell Recharge). You can charge e-bikes at the pitch without any problem.

What is the drive from the Netherlands to Spielberg like?

The most common route runs through Germany: A67/A3 towards Frankfurt, then A5/A8 via Munich and on via the A10/A8 in Austria to the Pöls/Judenburg exit. From there it is another roughly 30 kilometres on the S36 and B317 to Spielberg. In total, from the Netherlands (e.g. Utrecht or Eindhoven) reckon on around 900–1,000 kilometres and, depending on traffic, 9–11 hours of pure driving time. Many Dutch guests split the journey into two stages and stay overnight along the way — popular stopovers are in southern Germany (e.g. near Munich) or the Salzburg region.

For the final stretch: the address for your sat nav is Spielbergerstraße 12, 8724 Spielberg (GPS: 47.2140879, 14.7775305). On event days the approach to the Schitterhof is additionally signposted with a white sign and a black tent symbol — which makes finding your way easy. You drive straight to the check-in area, show the QR code from your booking confirmation there and get your wristband. After that you are guided to your pitch.

If you travel by public transport: the nearest railway station is Knittelfeld (approx. 4 kilometres away), from where shuttles run to the Red Bull Ring during events. There is a bus stop right in front of the campsite.

Why do so many Dutch people book the Schitterhof — and not one of the many other sites?

Let's be honest: around the Red Bull Ring there are dozens of camping options, some of them huge party camps with 24-hour music and correspondingly little sleep. The Schitterhof has deliberately positioned itself differently. Here guaranteed quiet from 23:00 applies, the grounds are monitored by security at night and lit. Families, older fans and anyone who wants to wind down after a long race day appreciate this in particular. Many Dutch regulars come back year after year — often in groups — because they are looking for exactly this mix of proximity to the track, good infrastructure and genuine quiet at night.

The Schitterhof has been the official camping partner of the Red Bull Ring (then still the A1-Ring) since 1999 and carries the non-transferable Farbcode WEISS in the official traffic and safety concept. That means: tested safety standards, officially issued camping stickers and decades of experience with major events. The site is just 900 metres from the main entrance