Has anyone been to this show in previous years - was it worth it, and where did you stay? We've got a 'continental' caravan with a fixed bed (it's actually a Swift, based on the Dutch Toscane) and we love it. It's now coming up to five years old and we thought we might replace it next year, before we retire. All the current crop of imports here are tending to 'go British' with ovens, three windows, etc., and we just want simplicity. We thought we'd go to the Dusseldorf show, having previously been impressed by the choice of completely different layouts when we went to the Caravan Show in Amsterdam. This year the Dusseldorf show takes place at the end of our planned holiday so we thought we might spend our last couple of days in Germany and take a look at the show - but thought someone on here might have been - and have some advice about a nearby site where we can park the van.
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Hi, We have been there twice now (living & working in Germany helps!). Its really well worth it. Allow 2 days to see the exhibits - its held in the Messe which is roughly the size of the NEC in Birminham. The Messe is on the edge of the city and right on the banks of the Rhine. We've not camped there as we only live a half hour away, but the temporary camp site they set up looks quite nice. There is not too much evidence of British built vans in the halls which is a shame, however, it would take a lot to get me away from the fantastic Hobby range - nothing quite like them.
There are not too many campsite in and around Dussseldorf but you may wat to ty some site over toward Venlo in Holland - about an hours drive away. That way you could experience caping in Holland at the same time.
If you do stay outsideof the Messe camp site, getting to the messe is a dawdle. Just look for the signs for the airport at Dusseldorf and your there! Parking is just like at the NEC - Park & Ride.
Thank you for this helpful information. We're now more urgently looking to replace our van as, sadly, we damaged the rear last night whilst bringing it home to 'pack'. It is useable, but may not be economically repairable!!! We'd love a Hobby, but they are a bit weighty for our car and we're not able to change the car. I quite like the look of the Knaus recent models (seen in a French Caravanier magazine in June). We haven't planned where to stay yet - but may try to get on the campground at the show as we're only able to spend one day looking around the show - and we need to be as near as possible!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We went last year and are going this year again. The overnighting at the show is very good with busses leaving every 10 min. to the showground. They have showers and toilets enough . When you book in, a man will ask you if you need any water and or toilet to be emptied . He'll will fill the watertank while you book in. There is a beer tent with entertainment and food stalls and beer bar outside the tent. Enormous atmosphere and well worth it. There is space for 2500 motorhomes/caravannes of which 800 have electric. If you go the first weekend you have got to be very early for electric. You pay 20 euros with electric and 13 euros without. You can buy your entrance tickets when you book in so that you don't have to stand in line the next morning. All very well organized and well worth the visit.
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.