As an add on to my article ” How to avoid problems when driving your Motorhome in Europe ” the German national tourist office have just produced a free guide to campsites in Germany. The guide is written in English and designed for campers, caravanners and Motorhome owners and is aimed specifically at us Brits.
You can either use the on-line version or if you prefer you can order a written copy from the website. The website states that ” This online camping guide contains a selection of over 1,000 campsites in Germany. When choosing which sites to include in the guide, we considered a wide variety of useful details. Information about their location on the shores of beautiful lakes or other inland waterways, for example, or in other places with great tourist appeal. Other criteria included excellent sanitary facilities – above the average European standard – as well as safety and cleanliness. Child- and family-friendly campsites and places where you have the option to rent a long-term pitch (available almost everywhere) are also listed. ”
The website has a great deal of information on it and I’m sure that if you are planning a trip to Germany then you should be able to organise the whole thing through the site.
Motorhomes specifically have rest areas called ” Entsorgungs-Station ” with a rest stop display similar to the French Aires. You are also allowed to stop at a motorway service station for 24 hours although I’m not sure why you’d want to stay that long but there you go.
As in the previous post there is a legal requirement for Motorhoming in Germany:
- High visibility vests are compulsory for each occupant. This is because they must be worn if you break down on a motorway and then have to leave your Motorhome
- A warning triangle is compulsory and must be used in the event of a breakdown
- Headlight beam deflectors are compulsory
- Spare bulbs are recommended
- First aid kit is compulsory
- Fire extinguisher is recommended
On top of these you should always take with you a valid passport, your Motorhome log book, a valid driving license and ensure you have valid Motorhome insurance. A GB sticker will need to be displayed if your Motorhome doesn’t have the new style EU numberplate with the blue stars on it. You should also take with you your European Health Insurance Card and if you don’t have one of these then apply online and it’s free. It’s also worth taking out holiday accident insurance just in case.Please also ensure that if you have an MOT certificate for your Motorhome then it doesn’t run out whilst you are abroad because you will not be able to renew it until you get home.
It is very important that you check yourself prior to travelling and ensure you have everything because the regulations do change. Please remember that if you do get stopped by the police in Europe and you are illegal in any way then they will make you pay an on the spot fine.
