Across Germany 🇩🇪
Sven Walther
Erlangen / Schnaittach
After completing all our scheduled appointments in Austria (sounds way too much like work – but in between we really enjoyed the mountains), our next destination is the Netherlands. Looking at the map, this means we get to cross all of Germany.
The first destination was Erlangen (another work-related stop), but we took our time and first only drove as far as Allershausen, where we chose a parking spot near the cemetery. Once there, we discovered that other campers must have overdone it in the past, because we came across brand-new “No Camping” signs. Of course, we respected those and moved to the (huge) local sports complex instead.
We had a very quiet stay here and Lou enjoyed the sun with a good book.
Lou enjoys a book in the sun
The next day we continued on to the actual destination Schnaittach, where, thanks to an insider tip (greetings at this point), we found a large hiking parking lot. Up on the mountain below the fortress but (apart from two other campers) completely empty. Perfect – and of course we immediately climbed the mountain and hiked a loop around Rothenberg Fortress with a meal afterwards overlooking the valley.
Parking spot in the forest with other nomads
Entrance to Rothenberg Fortress
Wall of Rothenberg Fortress
Erlangen was then a business appointment – and since the weather was good, I was able to do it by motorbike. Everything working pretty smoothly so far.
Fulda
We continued northeast to Fulda – I had picked this stop because the Intercity Express runs well through to Berlin, and also because of the beautiful old town from my childhood.
The old town of Fulda
The motorhome parking area is very conveniently located between the (river) Fulda and the old town – right by the garbage collection depot. As soon as we arrived, I quickly walked to the station and headed off to Berlin. On the way back to the main train station after my appointment, I happened to catch the exact moment when Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed at the Chancellery under maximum security measures. Impressive, but also unsettling that this was necessary.
Zelenskyy landing in front of the Chancellery
While I was having business fun with Deutsche Bahn (my outbound train broke down en route and we had to change trains), Saskia and Lou were able to hike through Fulda from all angles.
Fulda Church of St. Bonifatius
Fulda old town
Lou with a large snail
Fulda panorama
Back in Fulda, I also had the chance to explore the old town – and in a supermarket we bought a new Sodastream (the “old” one was broken). Who could have guessed that they would just change the system so that it became incompatible with my existing CO₂ cartridges? On top of that, the expensive thing is also leaking 😡 – but more on that later…
Edersee
Inspired by an article in SPIEGEL Online, we continued on to the Edersee – a locally very well-known reservoir that varies greatly in water levels depending on the season. At the time of our visit, it was extremely low, so various old villages and a bridge reappeared – yes, the bridge in the photo is normally under water and instead a ferry runs there.
Edersee with normally submerged bridge
Edersee with normally submerged bridge up close
Edersee boat dock
We walk straight across the Edersee
For our overnight spot, we found the very end of a dead-end road in the middle of nowhere – within walking distance of the bridge but in complete tranquility.
Schermbeck
As the last stop before the border, another hiking parking lot awaited us. It turned out to be another lucky find, the surrounding forest was very diverse and the perfect dog-walking area.
The forest near Schermbeck