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Stocach is an unusual Stelplatz.
There is a Campsite, and Stellplatz, both attached to a large Motorhome/Caravan dealers premises.
You have the choice, you can stay on the ASCI registered campsite and pay 16Euro/night, plus tourist tax, or, you can stay on the Stelplatz, and pay 10Euro per night, including electricity and use of the (excellent) campsite facilities, including washing machines and dryers.
The stellplatz is actually more suitable for motorhomes, since it is more level, the only downside is you have to walk a bit further to the facilities.
We have reached a stage where we MUST do some chores, no clean clothes left!, so, most of our two days here are spent in using the washing machine.
The weather is not magnificent, but we do manage a walk into the rather pretty town.
We meet an English couple, the first we have seen for sometime.
They recommend, an aire at a place called Kaiserberg.
Kaiserberg, has toilets, but no showers or electricity, it is, as you can see, a "car park" aire.
It is extremely busy, even, in late September, so you need to be there not later than early afternoon to stand any real chance of getting a place.
It is 7Euro per 24hours, with free water, and service point, the attraction is the town, just a short walk away.
It is quite amazing, a middle ages village, preserved more or less intact, but, as a functioning village.
Clearly, it is something of a tourist attraction, but, it is not full of tourist tat, which often spoils places like this.
Given that we are only a short distance from the Rhine, quite how this place escaped destruction during both wars is a mystery.
The information board at the church, which was built around 1320, gives this amusing little tale. If you look at the freeze carved above the main entrance (which depicts the crowning of the Virgin Mary, in heaven), the small figure at the far right, is the architect /master mason, Conrad, who built the church, he has included himself in the heavenly group. Clearly he feels he deserved it!
So, we spend our afternoon and evening strolling through the streets, drinking in the pavement cafe, and later, having a meal.
The plan is to stop at a site just east of Strasbourg, in Germany.
Getting around Strasbourg turns out to be more difficult than we thought, we have to exit the Motorway and head for a place called Offenburg.
The trusty TomTom instructs us to exit the motorway, onto an exit slip, which then splits into four different options, none of them signposted Offenburg. Needless to say, we get it wrong, the satnav patiently leads us round in a circle to rejoin the motorway, back to have another shot, wrong!
It is not the TomTom’s patience which is stretched now, but, round we go again, third time lucky and soon we are in Germany.
Despite the trials of the Satnav, we have made good time, it is still grey and cloudy, so we decide it is a good day for travelling.
We reset the satnav for a site much further into Germany. But, the tone has been set, Tomtom is in the bad books, Kathleen questions why it has planned a route, which, at first sight does look a little strange. We need to go, more or less due east, but, the planned route takes us north east, then south west. It does look a bit less than direct.
The satnav is duly ignored, and we follow Kathleen’s more direct route.
We soon find out why the satnav did not choose this route, we are crossing a mountain. I swear we passed a few guys in turbans leading Elephants it was that high.
We arrive at Sonnen/Erpfingen, Azur Rosencamp (N48 21’47” E9 11’0”). Not one of our better choices. The sentiment is not helped by the chap in reception who upsets Kathleen by insisting on seeing our passports before he will check us in.
Kathleen spends the evening quotes sections from Fawlty Towers, "don't mention the war".
Only one night here.
We take advantage of the free German motorways to eat some miles, east towards Munich, which we pass around on the north side, then South and East again.
Just before we arrive at our stop for the night, we are greeted with this sight, has there been a natural disaster we wonder, a flood, a hurricane?
No, it is the aftermath of a pop festival!, it goes to show, Germans can be untidy too!
We find this very pleasant Stellplatz, just off the motorway at Ubersee-Almau (N47 48’35” E12 29’33”). 11Euro, Electricity, Toilets, Showers, and ten minutes walk to the village, excellent.
It is sort of in the grounds of a working farm, which can be seen in the
We walk into the village and enjoy a meal and or course a bottle of wine.
Thursday, we decide to move a short distance along the river, to a Stellplatz, we found whilst cycling along the Moselle.
We have arranged with Bryan and Joan, who are nearby, to meet at the Stellplatz.
Unfortunately, there is a little confusion, when we discover there are two Stellplatz in Longuich, and we have the sat-nav co-ordinates for the wrong one! The confusion is eventually sorted out, and we all arrive at the correct place at more of less the same time.
Longuich - Stellplatz – Feiten Weine & Edelbrande (Page 389)
As we arrive at the Stellplatz, a very helpful Welshman comes over and gives us a quick rundown of where everything is, who to pay etc.
It turns out he is called Phil and is here with his wife Lynne, in a campervan of course.
They have a tandem, and, very kindly offer Kathleen and myself a try at riding it. (photograph courtesy of Joan)
Kathleen is not happy because she is at the back and therefore not in control, but it is hilarious fun!
Bryan takes some video, which I will try and post at some point in the future, when I obtain a copy.
Phil makes matters worse, by pointing out that in cycling slang, the person at the back of the tandem is called "the Stoker", whilst the person at the front is called "the Captain". She does not like the idea of me being "the Captain".
As I said we have great fun mastering the technique of riding the thing, we have not laughed so much in ages, and entertain the whole place as we struggle to ride around in some kind of harmony.
We eventually get to be good enough to venture onto the cycle track, and manage to do a couple of miles without falling off, or crashing into anyone else.
On their way here, Bryan and Joan have found a source of cheap Grand Marnier, but Bryan has to hide their stash to prevent Joan from drinking all of it.
At this Stellplatz there are showers provided, so you do not have to use your van shower unless you particularly want to.
The cost of a shower is 1 Euro, but you get at least enough hot water for two showers, or of course to shower two people.
Kathleen’s notices that most people share a shower reducing the cost to 50 cents each.
A battle between her personal modesty and her legendary thrift ensues. Thrift wins.
I have great fun at her expense with suggestions such as the need to shower four times a day, at least, in such hot weather.
There is often a small queue to us the shower, typically two or four people, who sit on a convenient park bench near the shower, waiting their turn. To add to her discomfort I have succeeded in getting at least one squeal per shower out of her, much to her embarrassment, when we emerge from the shower, to the waiting people.
Friday, Bryan and Joan decide to cycle to Trier.
We have already done this, so we do not go with them. Kathleen succeeds in convincing them it is easier and shorter to cycle along this side of the river, rather than the other side (which we did).
Part of her convincing story is that since it is generally downhill on the way back, you can freewheel most of the way.
Needless to say, it turns out to be the same distance as our route (23 miles), with no freewheeling, I do not think Bryan will be taking advice on cycle routes from Kathleen again in the future.
While Bryan and Joan are cycling to Trier, we go in search of a church, since the weekend is approaching. We do a tour of the nearby towns and villages (12 miles) to determine which church offers a Mass at the most suitable time.
Those of you who are regular readers, may have noticed that in most if not all of the photographs in which Kathleen appears, she is wearing the same orange top.
Leaving aside her claims that she has no clothes etc etc, I took this quick photograph just to prove that it does get washed, daily.
Singing starts at 18:30, we are joined by a very lively German woman, who we had met earlier in the shower queue (with her husband, we assume).
I am not sure if she is naturally as lively, or if she is on something. She does not speak much English, and we do not know her name, Kathleen christens her “Mad Monica”. She joins in the singing with gusto. As far as we can understand her husband (or at least her shower partner) is a drummer in a band in Koln (Cologne).
Phil and Lynne join us and it emerges Phil is quite an accomplished singer, and Kathleen, Joan and Phil end up as a little trio, with the singing going on until about 23:00.
We have Dutch neighbours who act as an audience and it turns out their son is married to the daughter of the Technical Director of Newcastle United, he proudly shows us his Newcastle United shirt.
Of course Holland beat Brazil (2-1) so the Dutch are all in fine form, and not in the least concerned by their noisy English neighbours.
Saturday the hot weather continues without a break.
The four of us set off to cycle down river Moselle, towards Dhron Neumagen. Needless to say we stop after about 5 miles for a Radler (Shandy), Bryan and Joan opt to turn back at this point, since they want to do some shopping at the supermarket (perhaps Jaon has found the Grand Marnier stash?).
Refreshed, Kathleen and I cycle on to the next village (Thornich). It is unbearably hot, and we too decide to turn back at eight miles.
We come across a German couple, their bicycles laden with luggage walking along the cycle track. He has a puncture, and they do not have a tyre pump. He tells us his spare inner tube and tyre pump are in his car in Koln, obviously he was not a boy scout. We offer him the use of our tyre pump and one of our spare inner tubes. The inner tube is not the right size, but he is able to repair the puncture and get on his way.
We get back to the van, just in time, the inevitable end to the hot weather we have been having is a thunderstorm, and sure enough we get one.
It is spectacular, but it is all over in about an hour, and the sun is shining again, in time for the Germany v Argentina world cup match on TV in the bar at the Stellplatz, Germany thrash Argentina 4-0, so the Germans are absolutely ecstatic, mad Monica and her husband are shouting themselves hoarse.
Kathleen and I watch the match, in between waiting in the shower queue. This results in big embarassment for Bryan and Joan (well Joan is embarrased, I think Bryan just sees it as enhancing his "street cred"), who are in the shower when we arrive, to join the queue.
Kathleen and I knock on the door of the shower room, and shout for them them to hurry themselves up, since we are waiting our turn.
Of course we then wander off to watch the football, but Bryan and Joan think we are waiting outside, and put on a good show of teenage behaviour, by making suggestive noises and comments from within the shower room. When they emerge of course it is to see a queue of bemused strangers.
Well it is only fun, we may be pensioners, but we are not dead yet!
In the evening, there is food, wine and music, all outdoors, with temporary seating and pergolas to provide shade. You have to pay for the food and wine, but it is all very inexpensive. The "staff" are, we are told, all relations and friends of the owner, who do it just to help him out.
Sunday, Kathleen and Joan cycle off to church, whilst Bryan and I pack up our respective vans, ready to move on. We are heading to Luxembourg, where we duly arrive just after lunch time.
It is sad to leave Germany, we have had a wonderful time, I cannot understand why more British people do not come here on holiday.
Tomtom has her voice back, the volume had “accidentally” been turned down by “someone”.
Difficult to get lost in any case, it is simply a case of following the Rhine, which is pretty difficult to miss.
Reference yesterdays blog, we still have not encountered a bridge across the Rhine!
Geisenheim – Geisenheim am Rhein – ASCI2010-471
We have an excellent spot here.
We have a view over the Rhine.
I can sit and watch the barges ploughing up and down, when I have finished my chores that is.
Kathleen has her own little sunbathing area.
After yesterdays 18 mile ride, Kathleen cannot me motivated to do much today. We cycle only as far as the village (1 mile), to check out church times (it is Friday, so Sunday is fast approaching).
We find the church, and think we have it organised, we leave with a leaflet giving service times, and choose ourselves a bar to have a cooling glass of Rose.
The bar is run by a Sikh couple, who, it turns out, speak English (they were probably born in Leeds). Kathleen decides to ask them to translate the German leaflet into English for her. Only she could think of asking a Sikh for information on a Catholic church, and not see the irony of it.
We have English neighbours, Dennis and Trixie, from Snodland in Kent. They are the classic sort of pair you meet, 74 and 73 years old respectively, and still roaming across Europe in a campervan, they are leaving for Luxembourg tomorrow.
Saturday, we visit Rudesheim, a more touristy place, but nice once you get away from the “front” street.
We find another Catholic Church, this one has mass on a Saturday evening, so that is this evening planned.
Kathleen is in “topping up tan” mode, so I pedal off along the Rhine by myself, towards Wiesbaden, and get my exercise in for the day.
Just as well Kathleen did not join me, the cycle track on most of this stretch is gravel, rather than the smooth tarmac she prefers.
Late in the afternoon, a large number of campervans and cars arrive, all with kayak type canoes on their roofs. The cars and campervans are driven by people at least as old as us. They unload all of the kayaks and put them on the green beside reception.
I ask one of them what is going on. After we have got over my little joke about them coming to watch their team be beaten tomorrow, he tells me there is some canoeing event going on tomorrow, cannot quite understand what it is all about, but a sort of “Race for Life” in canoes as far as I can tell.
In the evening, Kathleen goes to mass in Rudesheim, then we find a place to eat.
Having eaten, we retire to a wine bar in the market square. It is just a wooden kiosk, with tables and umbrella’s set around it. The wine is remarkably good, and cheap. The clientele overflow the available tables and onto the park benches in the square.
We meet a young English couple, he is in the Army (at Munchen Gladbach), and she is a Teacher.
They are cycling along the Rhine, with their 11 month old baby daughter in a little trailer towed behind one of their bicycles, and are staying in small hotels along the way.
One of the things they tell us, is that tomorrow the road along he Rhine from Rudesheim to Koblenz will be closed to all motor traffic, and will be open only to Bicycles, Roller Blades and Pedestrians.
After the English couple have left to put the baby to bed, we are joined, or perhaps invaded is a better word by a whole group of Germans.
We think they are a family group, celebrating some occasion. They soon have three or four tables joined together, and all of the available seats, the proprietor even produces some folding chairs from somewhere.
It is just like a McCafffery family bus trip, taking over the whole place.
We eventually cycle back to the van, Kathleen dangerously drunk in charge of a bicycle.
Sunday, another beautiful sunny day. We decide to cycle into Rudesheim to see if the road is indeed closed, as we had been told it was going to be.
Sure enough, we find the roads, running along the river, on both sides of the Rhine, for a distance of 64km (40 miles) are closed to everything except bicycles, roller blades and walkers.
This we understand is an annual event, and judging from the huge number of people present, it is a very successful one.
Caught up in the excitement of it, we join the crowd and set off in the direction of Koblenz.
We do just over 7 miles (11km), before turning around and heading back for lunch, making 15 miles in total.
Kathleen is so convinced she could make it to Koblenz, if we had set off earlier in the day, the gauntlet has been thrown down, the plan is to return next year, on the same day and do the whole distance.
There are hundreds of people taking part, all shapes and sizes, and all ages from children to pensioners (like us I suppose!).
Every few kilometres along the way, they have set up seats and umbrella for shade, with stalls selling beer, bratwurst etc etc.
Everyone, young and old are having a wonderful time,
At one stage we pass the canoeists I mentioned earlier.
They have set off from the campsite where we are staying, just past Rudesheim, and are paddling their way down the Rhine to Koblenz.
Unfortunately for them, the river traffic has not stopped, and they have to compete with barges as you can see.
I did ponder just glossing over this part.
In the early evening I watched the England v Germany game in the World Cup. How humiliating to be beaten 4-1, while in a bar full of Germans who were enjoying their victory to the full.
Monday, we head west, towards the Moselle.
Bernkastel-Kues – Stelplatz
We find the Stelplatz easily, with the aid of the Tomtom.
It is associated with a Winery, and, is located at the end of a long tarmac track on the banks of the River Moselle, overlooking vineyards all around.
The chap who runs the Stelplatz is a card, he is very elderly (80 we are told), and he insisted on telling Kathleen, how exactly to open the box for the electric hook up.
He also emphasised, by telling her three times, that the box and the handle were plastic.
I can only assume they have met before and he is fully aware of her legendary patience when confronted with anything which does not work the way she wants it to first try.
There are spaces for about 45 vans, (all with electric hook up), but only seven occupied, including ourselves.
The nearest van is occupied by a very pleasant German couple, who even volunteer to bring shopping from the supermarket for us, on their motor scooter.
We get ourselves parked, it is a beautiful spot, overlooking the river, and just beyond the end of the stelplatz there is a cycle track into Bernkastle-Kues (about 2 miles along the river).
Naturally we cycle to Bernkastel-Kues and spend our time browsing around the quaint small town. It is so hot we are forced to have drinks and ice cream.
The place has several fountains and is full of half timbered buildings, still in amazing condition, and in everyday use as houses, shops and businesses
At one point we encounter a chap playing a violin in the street, the music is very good, so we decide to sit on the terrace bar of the hotel across the street and have a glass of wine, while we listen to the music.
Kathleen is feeling particularly generous and offers to pay for the drinks.
We must have chosen the most expensive hotel in town, two glasses of wine cost 9 Euro!, this plus the 1 Euro I had put in the violinists hat made it 10 Euro for two glasses of wine.
We decided the violinist must be a plant, put there by the hotel, to tempt people to sit at their very expensive terrace bar.
I continue my quest to try various items of German food, and Kathleen manages (in her best German) to buy various items from a small shop.
We emerge with Kartoffel Salad, Wurst Salad and a thing which looks like a cold beef burger, but is (we are told) called a Frikadel and is made of pork.
It turns out, the wurst salad is like poloney in mayonaise, the Frikadel is very nice, the Kartoffel salad is quite nice.
In the evening, as I wash the dishes, Kathleen begins playing her guitar, within a short time, she has attracted a German chap (Helmut), who also has a guitar, and says he is very much a beginner at playing it.
Things soon follow a familiar pattern, and Kathleen and Helmut are soon playing and singing together, Inger (Helmut’s wife) and myself, are allowed to join them (with wine of course) when we have finished our chores.
Despite our initial protests that we do not want to drink too much, nor stay out too late, we are there until midnight, with mosquito cream supplied by Inger, and three bottles of wine are consumed.
Tuesday, we say our goodbyes, exchange Email addresses etc, and head further South along the Moselle, toward Trier, which is likely to be our last stop before Luxembourg.
Schweich – Zum Fahrturm – ACSI2010-575
Goodness knows how you pronounce that!
The site is by the river, and we have a riverside pitch, so interesting views, but not the best site we have had in Germany.
The weather continues to be absolutely roasting hot. At home I would expect such weather to end in a thunderstorm, and I have the same expectation here, but when will it break?
I have another puncture!, this is my third puncture this trip, but I suppose, if you accept that I have cycled roughly 400 miles in the past three months, then three punctures is not really a bad average.
We venture out to check out the riverside cycle route, we plan to cycle to Trier tomorrow, but for today, we are content to cycle to Longuich and Roil, a total of about 10 miles.
In the course of our exploring we find a good stelplazt (Weinkultturgut Longen-Schloder p389 of Stelplatz book) which looks a better bet than the site we are on, and it is cheaper, so we may move there tomorrow or the next day.
Dinkelsbuhl – Stellplatz Contd
Overnight, it rains none stop. It stops briefly at about 9:30 on Friday morning, which allows me to cycle to the campsite to pay our 10Euro, and get our token to get through the barrier. By the time we leave, it has started to rain again.
I had hoped to take a photograph of the Stellplatz, but it was raining too hard!
Our destination is a site at Geslau (ASCI2010-475), which we think will be in cycling distance of Rothenburg.
When we arrive, it is pouring with rain, which never helps with first impressions of a place, plus it is very remote (it is not actually in Geslau, but at a hamlet called Lauterbach) and we have neglected to buy bread (or rice which we need), note the use of “we”, you know the score, no names, no pack drill.
After some discussion, we drive into town (Rothenburg) to buy supplies, the good news is, the supplies includes an Apple Strudel.
The rain continues, if anything it is worse. We decide, if we return to Geslau/Lauterbach, all we will be able to do is sit in the van and watch the rain. We study the Stellplatz map, and the ASCI map, and decide to head for Weikershiem/Laudenbach (ASCI-611).
This does mean we are missing out Rothenburg, but given that we have now done three medieval towns, we cannot summon much enthusiasm to walk around another one in the pouring rain.
Getting out of Rothenburg turns out to be something of a nightmare.
The Tomtom directs us down a road which is closed. Not sure why it is closed, all the signs are (understandably) in German. Our only options are ahead, which has a height limit too low for us, or a left turn into a car park. Fortunately the car pack has room to allow us to turn around.
We try following the signposts, for a diversion, but we run out of signs and end up at the bottom of a very steep hill, in a very small road, in a village, at yet another road closed sign. We are accompanied by a large German lorry, towing an equally large trailer. I manage to keep out of his way, while he attempts to turn around, which he does manage to do, but not before flattening a road sign, with the trailer. He does not seem too worried about this, as he smiles to us, and shrugs his shoulders French style.
At a junction at the top of the hill again, the German lorry stops, and waits until another passing lorry gives him directions, we opt to follow him, given that he is bigger than us, and if he can get past, so can we, until eventually the Tomtom begins giving us sensible directions again.
Weikershiem/Laudenbach – Schwabenmuhle – ASCI-2010-611
I hesitate to say this, but the rain has stopped. For the first time in I think four days, the sun is shining and we can actually see some blue sky!
This site is also in the Stellplatz book, and there is an area just outside of the site, which looks like you could park there. But inside the site everything is brand new, most of it looks as if it has never been used before, it is excellent. The owner and his daughter, do not really speak English, but they try hard, and with a bit of English, a bit of German and a bit of arm waving, we manage to communicate.
We cannot help but notice, the Germans have World Cup fever. People have flags in their windows, flags on their cars etc etc. I know they have thrashed Australia 4-0, and today when we arrive at this site, the owner is too engrossed in the football on TV, to check us in, Kathleen tells him she will come back when the match has finished.
We find the church in the village, the sun is shining, so Kathleen is happy. Added to this, one of the chaps watching the football, apparently plays the Organ at the church, and he is called Albert, so she has a date with him (at church) on Sunday.
Saturday, I hardly dare say this, it is not raining!
It is hairdressing day, so it is decided we will do the cycling in the morning, before the hair washing etc.
There is a cycle track to the next village, Weikersheim, and it is reasonably flat. On our way we spot a Lidl and an Aldi, both within 3km of the campsite, just on the outskirts of Weikersheim.
There is nothing Kathleen likes better than to have a Lidl within cycling distance.
As you can see, there is a wedding in progress, they must have started early, it is only 10:15 and they are at the photographs stage.
Sorry, we still have the sideways photograph problem!
Weikersheim is another village full of buildings from the middle ages, and has a large square with cafes/bars around it, and lots of tables to sit having a drink and/or food.
This suggests, they usually have fine weather and warm sunshine here, although, some of the cafes do have blankets provided to wrap around you, while you sit enjoying your drink (I am not joking!).
Just at the end of the square, behind where the couple are having their wedding photographs taken, there is a Schloss or castle / stately home.
As you can see, it is a very grand affair, and dates back to 1400 and something, if my memeory is working.
This shot is of the courtyard in front of the main building.
It also has gardens, some of which are the "usual" formal rose garden type etc, but, the part I liked the best, was a "Witches and Spells Garden".
Here, in addition to all kinds of "magic" props, like animal bones, hideous masks etc, they have figures of witches sitting on broomsticks, with their pet Raven in attendance, perched high above the footpath where you walk.
There were other amusing little touches to do with superstitions, for example, as you walk along the path, you are forced to walk under a ladder, propped against the wall, because there is nowhere else to walk.
Plus there is this chap, a figure of a wizard or goblin, I am not sure which, sitting on the branch of a tree, watching you as you walk through the garden.
We cycle on towards Creglingen (this is about 19km away, I do not expect to get that far).
As we went along, we pass a Stellplatz at Rottingen (it is in the book). I linger to check it out, for Bryan and Joan.
Kathleen pedals on regardless, see later.
There are about 20 vans there (all German as far as I can see, not that it really matters).
It is opposite the fire station and alongside the river.
The green portacabin type buildings are showers and toilets, at the time we are passing, there is even a cleaner there, doing the necessary.
There is also the usual fresh water and waste empting point, plus Electric hook ups.
Once I have finished taking the photographs, I pedal on after Kathleen.
We have been following a well signposted cycle track, along the river. I continued following the track, through Rottingen, and on toward Creglingen.
I usually pedal quite a bit faster than Kathleen, so when I have not caught up with her after about two miles beyond Rottingen, I conclude, she is not in front of me, but must have taken a detour.
Fortunately, we have our mobile phones with us.
Needless to say, I get no answer when I call.
Shortly after, I receive a text, to say she is in the church at Rottingen. I turn around and peddle back, to Rottingen (seen here).
It is verbotten to comment on who's fault this little mix up was.
We set out, together this time, still heading toward Creglingen.
We make it as far at a place called Klinger, before it is decided we have gone far enough and we turn around and head back.
As you can see, the cycle track is excellent, making its way gently through lovely quiet countryside, and is more or less flat.
Although it looks deserted, except for Kathleen pedalling on ahead, there are actually quite a lot of people cycling along, or having a picnic at tables provided along the way.
We return to Weikersheim, and pause in the square for a beer, before pedalling back to the campsite, to complete a 23 mile ride.
After lunch, Kathleen disappears for the rest of the afternoon to do the hairwashing / drying / straightening.
Wednesday, and we wake up to rain. We decide to give up, on waiting for better weather, and continue on our way along the Romantische Strasse.
There are no more campsites actually on, or reasonably near to the Romantische Strasse for some considerable distance, so we head for a Stellplatz (a German version of the French Aire).
Donauworth – Stellplatz
We have not used one of these before, so this will be another little adventure.
The Stellplatz is at Donauworth (for Bryan and Joan, or anyone else who may read this and come this way). We got it from the Stellplatz book (2010 version), it is Page 216. It is called Wohnmobilstellplatz am Festplatz. Which I think translates as “Mobile home parking place at the Festival Ground”.
The book says there are places for 8 vans, but when we get there we find there is marked out parking for 8 vans, plus unmarked space for about 4 more, on the edge of a large car park, but only 8 electric hook points (1Euro per 8hours of Electric at about 6amps).
There is a service point for fresh water, and a disposal point for Water and Chemical Toilet.
Water is 1 Euro/100litres, the actual parking is free, and you can stay for upto 5 days (we think), so in short it is 3Euro per day, or free if you do not bother with electric hook-up.
We arrived at about lunch time, at which point there were four vans, including ourselves. By 16:30 there were 10 vans, including one other Brit, the rest being German, Belgian and Swedish.
It is not very scenic, but it was quiet, and only five minutes walk into the town.
It is worth noting, if you may come this way, there was a poster for another StellPlatz, Wertingen (see Page 600 of Stellplatz book). It is a few kilometres off the Romantische Strasse, but the photograph looks very impressive.
Still on the subject of facilities, for the benefit of Bryan and Joan, or anyone else who may read this and come here, there is a town map at the tower on the edge of the old town. Among other things it shows the location of all of the Toilets, in the town, which Kathleen committed to memory.
Donauworth is a very pleasant little town, with lots of cafes and bars. It still has a significant proportion of the town walls and moat intact, dating back to the middle ages.
There is the usual crop of churches with incredible interiors (am I beginning to sound bored with them?).
This is just one of many ceiling paintings, and these are in churches in small towns/villages in Southern Germany, not major Cathederals. There must be dozens of them.
After a good initial explore, we settle into a pavement bar, a pleasant surprise the beers are only 2.5 Euro each for about a pint, the cheapest we have had I think. Kathleen gets her moneys worth by ensuring she makes good use of their toilet, since we are on our own facilities for as long as we stay here!
Thursday morning, surprise, it has not rained overnight, and it is not raining when we get up. The first time in several days.
We walk into Donauworth, for some groceries, and to have a bit more explore. We are very impressed by Donauworth, it is so beautifully kept, and a lot of the town walls, dating back to the middle ages are still intact. We do not know it yet, but there is even better to come.
Storks nest, on chimney of this building.
Really neat vegetable garden, this one taken especially for Martin.
Donauworth, Town Walls
Donauworth, Town Walls and moat.
We are beginning to think, there is so much to see on the Romantische Strasse, we will not be able to fit it all in, in the time we have available.
We come upon this place (Schlosse Harberg), as we drive along. It is free to park, and if you are happy just to browse and take photographs, that is free too. You can have a guided tour if you wish.
Kathleen can be seen checking out possible disposal points, since we will be on another Stellplatz tonight.
Next we come to Nordlingen. It is lunch time, so we stop, park and have a walk around the place.
Back to thos photographs which have not turned around!, damned computers.
We treat ourselves to a Latte Machiatta (a sort of fancy coffee), and enormous pieces of cake. Kathleen has (relatively) healthy Strawberry cake, I have a totally unhealthy slab of cream, black cherries, chocolate, ice cream and cake.
Nordlingen is even more impressive than Donauworth, with even more of its original Town Walls in tact.
Walking along the parapet of Nordlingen Town walls.
Nordlingen from the Town Walls.
More Nordlingen from the Town Walls.
Suitably filled with cake, we return to the van, and head for our destination for today, Dinkelsbuhl.
Dinkelsbuhl – Stellplatz
The Stellplatz is a sort of stripped down campsite and, I think, belongs to a campsite, which is about 500 metres along the road.
It is countryside on the edge of Dinkelsbuhl (about 1 mile, more or less flat, cycle track into town).
It is securely fenced, with “street lights” and an automatic barrier to let you in. You have to pay 10Euro per day, that is inclusive of Electricity (6amp), Water, waste disposal. You pay at the campsite about 500 metres along the road. You cannot get out until you pay!
There are marked out spaces for 14 vans. Once it is full it is full, no chance to squeeze in any more. There were only six vans there, including us. All German, except us of course.
We cycle into town, and explore, it is another beautiful little place, filled with building dating back to the Middle Ages, and all beautifully preserved, but still in regular use.
Dinkelsbuhl, town gate (c1340).
Dinkelsbuhl, street scene
Dinkelsbuhl, another town gate (c1640)
Dinkelsbuhl, houses built into town walls.
Lots of cake shops, it is clear, Germans like their cakes!
While we explore we see two of the German couples from the Stellplatz. On our return, I notice one couple have returned with a giant Strawberry flan (it must be at least 18” across and 3” deep). They sit and demolish half of it!
