Month trip to Germany Sept- Oct

Left the UK on the 18^th Sept for a month of touring in Germany.

This was our first trip out to Europe with the caravan after an absence from caravanning for about 15 years. We had a holiday home in Spain for 12 years but missed the ability to visit new places, so sold up last Christmas and bought a caravan.

Used Members advice to plan the trip, so thanks, especially Dianne T for her web site info.

Used the CC site at Folkestone as very convenient stop with good facilities, also the pub across the road serves good food and beers which saves on cooking and washing up.

Used P&O ferries for the crossing, choosing the largest boat as better half not great sailor, booked in euros as cheaper than the pound price.

First stop was Campsite du Clair de Lune in Maubeuge; this was from the CC brochure and was the only site pre-booked. Good site, good pitches, slightly muddy due to the rain the previous week and not busy. There is a WW1 restored fort near the town which we did not have time to visit but it looked interesting. Stayed 1 night.

Next stop Camping Krounebierg in Mersch north of Luxembourg. Site from the ACSI APP which we downloaded to our IPad and used offline to plan our route, very impressed with the APP. The site was good; pitches are terraced with plenty of space and choice. We caught the train from the town into Luxembourg City which is worth a visit, cost only 4euros each and the parking at the station was free. Weather starting to dry out and we stayed 2 days.

Next stop Moselcamping Cochem, chosen as within walking distance of the town, there must be about 20 campsites along the river valley. We were able to pitch on the river bank but could only stay 3 nights as that pitch was booked for the weekend. As with most sites we visited there are a lot of long stay caravans (not statics) mostly German owners. The town was lively for the time of year with river cruise boats using it to stop over. Restaurants plenty and good value, had first schnitzel and beer of the trip. There is an Aldi and REWE supermarket (much better) just outside the site. There is a bit of noise from the barges, and also the railway line across the river, especially the freight trains running through the night. We did visit a few villages along the river valley but this time of year they were very quiet and not as interesting as Cochem.

Next stop Campsite Geisenheim au Rheine, booked in for 2 nights, but then extended to 6 nights as weather dry and sunny, and plenty to see in the area. Had a bit of fun and games getting to the site as the bridge over the Rhine to the east of Rudesheim was closed to traffic over 2.5m wide. We approached the bridge racking our brains on the caravan width and as not sure used the escape road when the cones looked very close. First tried to cross using a ferry which we found to take only cars, and then crossed using the one at Bingen. Site entrance closed 1-2pm, accepted ASCI card, and good pitch on the river bank. Facilities good and there is an Italian restaurant outside the site which we noticed was very busy with locals from the area. Great pizza and service so would recommend it. The site is within walking distance of Geisenheim which this time of year was quiet, not very interesting, and ok for a coffee or beer in the square. Rudesheim a lot more interesting and busy. We followed advice and used the cable car to the top of the vineyard slopes; walk across the top passing a large monument and down to the next village on a chair lift. We then returned to Rudesheim on the river boat which was our first ‘river cruise’. It was a great day out and at a great price of only 8 euros each. Lots of towns to visit by either boat or car, but Rudesheim the liveliest. The CC brochure site in Rudesheim looked busy but is within easy walking distance of the town.

Next stop Campsite Haide, outside Neckargmuned near Heidelberg. Again we used the ferry, about 16 euros, but had more fun and games heading south, it should have been a straight run, but as soon as we got on the motorway the sat nav declared the motorway ahead was closed and we headed off to the east towards Frankfurt. It is worth noting that unlike France, Germany has few service stations and no rest stops, so in the end we just followed the Sat Nav, whilst the map reader fumed. Entrance to site is better approached from the west, Heidelberg, which of course we did not do, and had to do a U-turn. Another couple of observations on German roads are that they are like the UK in being busy and that roundabouts are almost unknown. Again had a good pitch on the river bank, more barges to watch. This time of year its worth arriving early as you get to pick the best spots for sun and views. Caught the bus into Heildelberg the next day, stop is about half a mile down the road and across the river at the loch gate. Heidelberg very pretty and a trip up the cable car to the castle is worthwhile. We discovered that we were at the start of the castle route which we found out about at the tourist information shop.  Bring on the end of roaming charges as WIFI is only sporadic on the sites as it is needed to do more research on the go. Visited 30-3 Oct and weather was good.

Next stop Campsite Belchenblick, near Staufen in the Black Forrest. Site closed 12.30 to 3pm. It’s in the CC brochure, site facilities a bit dated but clean and warm. Pitched next to’ long term ‘caravans which are geared up for the winter snow. The German owners were very friendly but as we don’t speak German conversation was a bit limited. Booked in for a couple of nights but then extended it to a week. We liked Staufen which is an easy walk along the river bank. It’s not big but has a good atmosphere, with something going on most days. Plenty of bars and restaurants would recommend the Corn Exchange for schnitzel and the liver dish and the outside wine bar on the main street for a good local wine. We tried quite a few German wines but I must admit they are a bit flowery for our taste; this was one of the better ones.  Half way through our stay we asked about the free train travel, and used it to go to Freiberg, a good day out with plenty to see including a market around the cathedral. The free trains cover the Black Forrest and if we return we would use them a lot more. Very impressive. We had a look at Campsite Munstertal about 5 miles up the road, it looked busy, but more modern and larger than Belchenblick and has a train station at the site entrance. Another thing to ask for is WIFI as you get it for 5 euros for your stay duration. Left on the 9^th Oct to start journey back. Weather by this time turning colder, ok during the day when sunny. Booked our ferry crossing from the site, again in euros.

Next stop Campeole Le Brabois, Nancy. Site closed 1to2pm, Good site, in CC brochure. Can get bus free into city with stop just outside site. Nancy very pretty in centre, we visited on Sunday and found the streets filled with a flea market and busy with locals. Site muddy due to rain the week before. We caravaners are second class as the campervan lot get to park on hard standing. Our Dutch neighbours were wearing flip flops we were in wellies. Stayed 2 nights weather was good but definitely now autumn, with the leaf fall more advanced than in the UK.

Next stop Au Bord de L’Aisne, north of Reims. Again another CC brochure site, with good facilities and pitches. Met our first Brit in 4 weeks.  Used the park and ride tram into the city, it’s about a 16km drive south of the town but costs only 4 euros. We have been impressed with the public transport for tourists very cheap or free, the UK could do better. The cathedral is a must see because of its size but unless we missed something not much else to see. It was heavily shelled during WW1 so perhaps buildings replaced in centre. Stayed 2 nights, site very quiet so men and women used same facilities.

Last Europe site, Campsite Pommiers des Trais Pays, south of Calais,  arrived in heavy rain, no one at reception but notice on door to pitch up and sort out things later. Tried a grass pitch but too muddy, moved to one with plastic mesh, a campervan one. Facilities ok but I must admit not keen on mud, hard standing pitches are a must this time of year. There is a Carrefour near the site which is good for a last fuel fill up. Left site next morning to catch ferry, intended to use last aire de rest south of Calais for breakfast but this was closed, looked permanent, just as well approaching the port we were stopped in traffic due to migrants breaking through the security fence. About 30 had got through and were on the road mainly trying to get into the Lorries. One tried the caravan door. Police now guarding the fence hole but not yet  removing the migrants from the road. Once on the move no further problems but did not see police checking vehicles after immigration.

Stayed again at Folkestone site, great no mud, intended to visit Dover Castle but arrived too late, so will add it to next year’s wish list.

We enjoyed our first trip abroad with the caravan for many years, being retired now it is more relaxing than with the kids and on a tight schedule. Would go earlier next time, beginning of Sept to take advantage of lighter nights. We used a Freeview recorder box which we downloaded a lot of films and programmes in the 6 weeks before we left the UK, not having a Sat dish. This worked well we were able to watch when and what we wanted to,  especially as the nights got darker.

Again thanks for all the advice etc.