Avoid pausing at highway rest areas. - Avoid making stops on the highway.
In the latest ADAC Rest Area Test, conducted in 2022, no specific best or worst rest areas in Germany were identified, leaving travellers without a definitive guide for choosing the most amenity-rich stops.
The test, which assessed 40 rest areas across the country, focused on aspects such as cleanliness, facilities, signage, safety, and service. However, the results published mainly covered general ADAC information, events, racing, and unrelated topics, leaving out the specific rankings of top and bottom locations.
If you are looking for the exact 2022 rankings by ADAC, it is recommended to visit their official website or check their 2022 reports, where the lists are usually published. These lists typically include the top-ranked rest areas, known for cleanliness, safety, good food options, sufficient parking, and good restroom facilities, as well as the lowest-ranked rest areas, often criticized due to poor maintenance, lack of security, insufficient parking, or limited services.
Despite the lack of specific rankings, the test did reveal some notable trends. For instance, almost none of the charging stations at rest areas are covered, making charging in bad weather a challenge. Additionally, the majority of the rest areas were considered too expensive, with shops being overpriced compared to service stations off the highway.
On the positive side, larger rest areas in Germany typically have modern, well-equipped, and functional toilets, usually operated by Sanifair. However, most rest areas offer too few fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.
The ADAC also advised against refueling at rest areas due to potential price differences of up to 54 cents per liter compared to service stations near exits. Some larger rest areas charge a €1 entrance fee, but not all of them impress with spotless cleanliness.
The test also highlighted significant shortcomings in terms of child-friendliness and accessibility. Only three out of the 40 tested areas were deemed to offer fair prices for food, and unlike Italian Autogrills, German rest areas do not have a reputation for great food and fair prices.
In summary, while the 2022 ADAC Rest Area Test did not provide a clear list of the best and worst rest areas, it did reveal some trends and areas for improvement in Germany's rest stops. For a comprehensive list of the rankings, travellers are advised to visit ADAC's official website or their 2022 reports.
Community members may want to refer to the official policy of ADAC for vocational training opportunities related to home-and-garden improvements, travel planning, or facilities maintenance within rest areas, as the 2022 ADAC Rest Area Test did not provide specific rankings of top and bottom locations.
In striving for a more sustainable lifestyle, it's worth noting that multiple rest areas lack adequate coverage for electric vehicle charging stations, adding a hurdle to eco-conscious travel.
