We are heading down to Italy in the summer, but staying at naterersee Austria for 5 days to explore the Alps before we head down to Bella Italia at Garda. We have done quite a bit of traveling in France and have been down to the Venice area a couple of times with the old FC. (travelled via Switzerland and St Gotherd tunnel) Both main sites are booked but wouldn't mind advice re the route and possible overnight stops. The plan is to travel down to Folkstone from the Doncaster area and get a early tunnel crossing and travel for another few hours or so in Europe, Possible first stop at camping Le Pommier Rustique south of Namur, day 2 hit the road down through Luxemborg via Saarbrucken, Karlshrue, Stuttgart then overnight at Camping Waldpark Hohenstadt just north of Ulm. This leaving day 3 via the Fernpass to Innsbruck.
Must admit to being more than a little uneasy about the Fernpass. I know some of you have gone this way, perhaps it's more the thought of towing with the van up a Alpine pass. Would really appreciate some feedback from those who have been this way. In my head I am picturing very steep inclines, hairpin bends mile after mile, with huge drops to side of me and the van. hopefully you can put my mind at rest, otherwise in need a plan B.
Also really appreciate comments re overall route, does it seem sensible? any alternatives re route or stopovers greatly appreciated. Given restrictions to time off work I really don't have the option of taking my time on the journey south so need to get there as quick but obviously as sensibly as we can.
Regards
Mark
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The Fern Pass is not really a problem road and if you look here at this blog you can see some pictures. For the main part its a two way road with no really steep hills but it is a bit twisty so depending on traffic it can be slower but its far shorter than taking the easier route via Munich. We have done it about three time now in two different cars. Twice north to south and once south to north. I would have no issue with using the route again. Don't forget you will need a Vignette to use Austrian motorways. They are not that expensive and only need them for the car, not the caravan. You can purchase them before you go or buy them at any fuel station near to the Austrian border. Its slightly cheaper to buy two 10 day vignettes, one on the way in and one on the way back.
We used the Fern pass when we went to Lake Garda in 2011, and as David says is not difficult. It was busy when we used it and there was no room at any of the vista point pull ins. So we did the complete descent in one hit , it was a bit twisty but not a problem. We wouldn't hesitate to use it again as far shorter than around Munich.
------------- 74,going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder
Appreciate the response guys, think I really just wanted the reassurance that the pass wasn't quite as scary as my imagination had led me to believe.
David re the Vignette for Austria thanks for the info I was aware it was cheaper than the swiss equivalent, and will probably wait to buy whilst on route rather than buying upfront now as per your suggestion.
Any thoughts all re my proposed route and the suggested overnight stops, this side of my plans are not set and would really appreciate other options or suggested overnight stops, only stipulation is I want to be in Austria come day 3.
Many Thanks
Mark
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Your route is fine and Camping Waldpark is a nice campsite. We prefer to travel down through France to Chalons and then out to Metz and into Germany that way as we prefer the French roads. Lots don't like going this way because of the tolls but the roads are better!!!
The roads in Belgium are not the best in Europe, but it does not put me off using them.
They are as busy as the M60, or M61 at peak times, so be aware of that, but there are no tolls, which is a great saving. Could just be me being a tight Lancastrian.
Jim.
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Although you are from the dark side of the Pennines, you would seem to be talking the same language as a "careful" Yorkshireman.
Thanks for the clarity on the Belgium roads, will bare your comments in mind, hopefully with a early tunnel crossing we may avoid the worst of the traffic.
Last September we returned from Switzerland via Belgian motorways and can confirm they aren't the best however they were starting miles and miles of roadworks and looked to upgrading many of them so maybe they will be better in 2013.
I too am a careful Tyke whereas the OH is really tight and we both took solace on the bumpy roads with the lack of tolls.....and the cheaper fuel in Luxembourg.
We will miss our European travel this year due to circumstances and are already planning May 2014 with a similar plan to OP.
------------- Hugh and Penny
2014 30+ nights.
2015
Jan 3 nights Chatsworth
Feb 2 nights Bridlington
March 3 nights Greatham Retreat CL
April 4 nights Crofton Hall CL
May/June Germany 15 nights
I have driven in Belgium many times so I am well aware of the road conditions! Some of the off motorway roads are quite bad, although it does depend where in the Country to are.
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Topic: Trip to Austria then Lake Garda
