We are thinking about a tour of Germany next year (2026) and are just starting to plan where we want to go. Our plan is to spend the max 90 days on the trip. We will first head to the Netherlands to visit our son who lives in the northern part near Groningen.
From there we will head towards Germany. We will have our caravan so planning to stop for a week or two in each location. We also have a dog so where we go will have to be dog friendly, so city centres are probably ruled out. The only area we want to head to is the south towards Austria to see the castles. Apart from that we are open to suggestions.
Any suggestions for good sites and areas to visit? We plan to be there between May to July. Any suggestions will be helpful.
Thanks.
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In the past we toured extensively in Germany and Austria. I think dogs are generally welcome but you have to check individual sites. Where you may find them unwelcome is on sites which border swimming lakes as often those sites don't accept dogs, but again you need to check. I think it a shame if you discount visiting cities as you will miss out on some real treats in both Germany and Austria. Obviously its possible to tour without going to large places and, especially in Germany there are lots of attractive small towns. Had you not mentioned Austria I would have suggested the Baltic Coast as being something a bit different. You can always check out my blogs on my website which might give you a few ideas. www.davidklyne.co.uk
Thanks for the comments. It's not that we don't want to visit cities as I agree there is much to see. It was having a dog with us that will make it difficult as we would be restricted where we could go etc. We hadn't thought of the Baltic coast, so will have a look at what that area has to offer. We have three months to wander and will be heading into Germany probably in the north having come across fron northern Netherlands.
We have researched a similar trip but not actually done it (yet).
For your start of Groningen I would likely make a first stop in Maastricht.
Then our idea for what it's worth would be to start from the Mosel, likely Landal Warsberg in Saarburg (where we have been before). From there to the Black Forest, one stop in the North (Natur Camping Langenwald) and one near Freiburg (Camping Munstertal). Then to Lake Constance (Campinggarten Wahlwies) and across South Bavaria into the Austrian Tirol near Innsbruck and back through Liechtenstein and Switzerland, likely Luzern and Basel.
An evening class in German might be a good idea too
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Thanks for your suggestion, they are most welcome. We have just over a year to plan this trip so open to all suggestions. Our daughter in law speaks fluent German, French and Dutch but sadly will only be accompanying us for a short part. So I think we may be wearing out Google translate.
Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 17/1/2025
We have researched a similar trip but not actually done it (yet).
For your start of Groningen I would likely make a first stop in Maastricht.
If you're thinking of making Maastricht a stop then I'd recommend Camping de Oosterdriessen we stayed there a few years back, the lake was welcome on a very hot day, the bar was very welcome after a long and stressful drive and the bus into Maastricht just outside the campsite gates was very convenient.
Make sure you cross the bridge to get the benefits of both sides of Maastricht and check when Andre Rieu is doing his homecoming gigs as it gets rather busy around then!
My September trip was to Germany. First to Hoeve de Gastmolen, close to Aachen. About 20 minute walk into Vaals, then a bus ride into Aachen to see Charlemagne’s cathedral and museum. Next stop was Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel, after a trip through the Eifel national park. Camping Gülser Moselbogen again is a walk and a bus ride from the city centre. The third centre, further up through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim am Rhein, which was nearly full - September is wine tasting time. I can recommend all three sites. I’ve written more about my adventures on my Blog
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Germany is such a big country with so much to see. A stop at Rudesheim is well worth it and around Titisee in the Black Forest. If you consider there don't forget to take advantage of the Black Forest card. It's Free!!! And allows you access to many attractions.
Thanks very much for your comments and recommendations. All very welcome as we decide which areas to concentrate on. As you say irvine45 Germany is a big country and probably best to pick a region and do more in-depth research. Unlike Americans who think London, Edinburgh and Loch Ness is all the UK has to offer.
Quote: Originally posted by boblynn on 20/1/2025
Thanks very much for your comments and recommendations. All very welcome as we decide which areas to concentrate on. As you say irvine45 Germany is a big country and probably best to pick a region and do more in-depth research. Unlike Americans who think London, Edinburgh and Loch Ness is all the UK has to offer.
Call all dogs Lumpi. Eventualy you'll find one called Lumpi.
Order ein beir or ein rot wien at a bar.
At the restaurant order snitzel because it is prima.
If you want to visit the local castle ask "Wo is zie burg bitter!"
Yes I did that German course at school in the 1970s and it taught me all I needed to know.
Quote: Originally posted by Bramston on 20/1/2025
Call all dogs Lumpi. Eventualy you'll find one called Lumpi.
Order ein beir or ein rot wien at a bar.
At the restaurant order snitzel because it is prima.
If you want to visit the local castle ask "Wo is zie burg bitter!"
Yes I did that German course at school in the 1970s and it taught me all I needed to know.
I don't think you need a year to plan any trip. I've visited / lived in/ worked in Germany and never planned anything except booking the ferry.
I can't remember the name of the website, but there is an excellent German site that lists all the motorhome halts and sites in Germany, and some in other countries too.
As for recommendations, I'm very fond of the Rhine, Mosel and Saar areas.
You can buy rail passes for most areas at very attractive prices, and I often left the van on site and used the train to see local areas without having to worry about parking, environmental zones etc..
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Touring Germany - need suggestions
via mobile 17/1/2025 at 1:14pm
