Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Another Driving in Germany Thread

Search

Another Driving in Germany Thread

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 12:33 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Another Driving in Germany Thread

Sorry, I didn't want to hijack the others here and my question is different. Unlike the other thread where there was a concern of driving on the autobahn, I plan to stay off the autobahn as much as possible as my goal isn't to get from point A to B as quickly as possible but to see as much as I can between point A and B. Examples include driving up the Rhine on B9 and along the Mosel on B53. I really don't want to be in a hurry so I can view what is around me as I drive and will want the opportunity to pull over as photo ops present themselves. How busy are these roads? Are there fairly frequent places to pull over? Is this type of plan possible?

Thanks.
Jump is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 12:49 PM
  #2  
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,016
Likes: 0
>fairly frequent places to pull over?
Yes, perfect infrastructure. "Official" parking spots well marked every few kms. Probably unlike anywhere else in Europe. Many of those spots are full with trucks at night, but during daytime there's no problem. Traffic depends, but fairly havy everywhere. Main problem are trucks that use the federal highways because of the road toll on the Autobahn.
logos999 is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 01:23 PM
  #3  
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
To make sure there is no confusion: The road toll on the German autobahn is for trucks only, not passenger cars. Austria is a different story.
treplow is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 01:38 PM
  #4  
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Depends.
B9 between Bonn and Koblenz is a 4-lane freeway for most of the latter part. B42 on the other side of the Rhine is less busy, and a regular 2-lane highway.
When you check your routes on Google maps you see the freeway section in dark yellow/orange while the regular 2-lane highways are yellow.
B53 does not follow all the Mosel but only the upper section. The lower Mosel valley got the B49 or B416. All three are fine for your purposes.
Cowboy1968 is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 02:22 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,009
Likes: 0
Sometimes you will come across amazing scenery and will be looking for a place to pull over and not find anything until you get to a pull out with a totally obstructed view or no view at all! My husband is a photographer and he has been frustrated many times on our trips. But it's not just Germany. We've found this to be true everywhere!
bettyk is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 03:11 PM
  #6  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
Have driven all thru Europe......Germany to me is the most driver-friendly, great signs, autobahn a breeze, my only complaint would be that there seems to be major construction everywhere...the side roads are great especially those marked for tourism (romantic road/wine roads)....mk
mike1728 is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 05:27 PM
  #7  
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 0
I concur with Betty - I have driven the Mosel and Rhine and remember often having a hard time finding a pull-out when I needed it for a photo op. But that's no different from many other places in the world. Since I had a co-driver I sometimes shot photos out the window as we slowed down...which doesn't get you the best shots in the world, but it's better than nothing. If you are driving solo it becomes more difficult because it is hard to watch the scenery, the road, and look for a pull-off at the same time. If you are not in a rush then you should be willing to turn around and go back to find the right spot...and not hurrying is of course the best way to travel. The other option is to park where it is safe and legal and walk along the road (there are many walking/biking paths along the rivers) to get your shot.

If I had lots of time, I would probably do a river cruise on either of the rivers for the best unobstructed views of the castles and vineyards.
hausfrau is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2010 | 07:32 PM
  #8  
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Be sure and pass by the Lorelei. It is a beautiful view of the Rhine
SCAPEL is offline  
Old Aug 23rd, 2010 | 01:19 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info everyone!
Jump is offline  
Old Aug 24th, 2010 | 07:59 AM
  #10  
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
Pack a picnic lunch. Pull over and spend some time.
norrisken is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Brockbank
Europe
4
Jul 3rd, 2009 09:20 PM
redwoodcitymom
Europe
25
Mar 28th, 2007 03:49 AM
windowlicker
Europe
15
Apr 24th, 2005 01:45 PM
jarrelljl
Europe
17
May 21st, 2004 02:27 AM
Mike
Europe
23
Aug 15th, 2002 11:34 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -