Following our stay in Belgium we were now heading through The Netherlands to Germany. We had planned three stops Dusseldorf, Hanover and Berlin. Being ultra organised for a change, we had actually booked all our sites en route but as it turned out, it was totally unnecessary. Nearly all the campsites we stayed on, except for Berlin had plenty of spaces this early in the year. Actually, even Berlin would also have been fine, except that we had arrived over a busy weekend!
After a four hour drive, we were at Rheincamp Meerbush, a lovely river side camp just outside Dusseldorf. The site is on the River Rhine with the added interest of all the passing river traffic. There is a ferry which goes from just by the campsite across the river to a lovely village where on our return journey at the end of the trip, we enjoyed a very nice meal and drink in the Beer Garden. From Meerbush it is easy to get a tram into Dusseldorf or to visit the big camping exhibition Caravan Salon Dusseldorf usually at the end of August , beginning of September. Rheincamp Meerbush gets very busy around these events so it would be best to book then.
April sitting happily by the river. We could watch the river traffic from the back window. Slightly over cast on our first visit but beautiful on the way home.
Our very own river beach.
A bargain to cross the river on the ferry across just 3 euros.
What a difference a bit of sun makes! The locals were out sucking up a few rays.
Meerbush. I don't think the bunting was out for us but we enjoyed the ambiance and a beer.
Lots of delightful bike rides or walks from the campsite. On our return visit the beach cafe was open too. Morning bread can be ordered. You can choose to have a riverside pitch for an extra 3 euros, we splashed the cash to enjoy the view. You can also swim from the riverbank if you are careful. Sanitary facilities are clean and adequate and there is also a kitchen for campers. Not cheap at 30 to 33 euros depending on the time of year but we will be back.
Buzz enjoyed his stay.
A little R & R for our furry friend.
The next stop on this part of the journey was outside Hanover. Camping Arnumer See. Quite a longish drive from Meerbush, it took us around 5.5 hours with a few stops. With hind sight we could have planned another stop in between.
A short dash cam of the journey from Meerbush to Arnumer See.
The campsite situated just outside Hanover. Local shop very near by including a good butchers. Supermarkets a 5 minute drive up the road.
April happily by the lake. On our return journey it was really hot and people were swimming in the lake. Good sanitary facilities 50c for a shower. There is also a restaurant on the camp site, the food was really good. The campsite is quite small with room for a few tourers, best to arrive mid afternoon.
Morning over the lake at Arnumer See, another beautiful day.
Our next stop in Germany on the way out was Berlin. Berlin City Camping 2.
Berlin somewhere we had always wanted to visit but never quite got around to.The campsite was easy to find and Madam Satnag did the business as usual. The site was by the river 45 minutes away by tram/bus to Berlin City Centre. Fortunately we had booked because as it was a weekend it was busy. We arrived at around 2.30 pm so had plenty of time to park up and have lunch.
The campsite was in the grounds of a hotel. There was a bar that overlooked the river.
Pleasant views from the campsite bar. The bar also did light meals. The campsite gradually got busier over the weekend but the facilities were fine.
The next morning we were up bright and early ready to explore. There was a very pleasant walk down to the bus stop through a very rural area.
We caught a bus to Wannsee and were helped by a lovely German couple who explained one daily ticket would cover all the transport. At Wannsee they helped us find the right tram to the city. Transport in Berlin was amazing and so easy. There was even room on the tram for bikes.
Once in Berlin we headed for the sights. We managed
The Reichstag. Sadly we did not bump into Angela.
Remnants of the Berlin wall. We did not make it up into the Reichstag's Dome as you had to get tickets and there was a massive queue. We wandered on through the city taking in the sites. The Tier Garden was beautiful I had an encounter with a charming soldier!
We did all the usual touristy things.
Checkpoint Charlie.
The Brandenburg Gate.
Mingling with a few celebs ( just not sure, exactly who they were!)
Soaking up the atmosphere. We took a leisurely river boat cruise around the city. Of course we had to sample the beer.
We ended our fabulous day out by visiting the Jewish Memorial Museum."Welcome to Jerusalem". Very thought provoking. Berlin is on the list for a revisit.
I have to say we really enjoyed Berlin and it had to be one of the highlights of our holiday.
Our last stopover in Germany on this trip was on the way back. We stopped at Potsdam but only for the night. Potsdam is on the other side of Berlin and sadly we did not have the time to explore it. We stayed at Camping Sansoussi by the river.
This site had lots of potential. The poshest camp loos we have ever seen. We managed to get a meal in the camp restaurant although it was very busy. From the campsite it would be easy to get public transport or a ferry to Potsdam and to explore some of the schlosses. Certainly on the agenda for another trip.
We enjoyed Germany, expensive but lovely and on the list for another year.
Next stop Poland, before we join the tour!
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