The Lowdown on Germany's rest Areas: Skip These Spots for a Better Break
- By Christian Hensen
- 2 Mins
Steer clear of these highway pullovers to avoid unnecessary halts. - Avoid these specific rest stops along the highway.
Watch the Video: Rest Areas in Germany - The Best and the Worst*RTL
If you're planning a long road trip, pause breaks might not be your cup of tea. But hey, even in Germany, there are diamonds in the rough! The recent ADAC Rest Area Test proves it. They checked out 50 rest stops across the country and graded them based on various factors like food offerings, cleanliness, price, and infrastructure.
Now for the bad news: No stop scored a "very good" ranking. But the silver lining? No complete disasters, aka "very poor," either! While the results are a mixed bag, eight stops got a "good" mark, six earned a "poor" grade, and the remainder landed somewhere in the middle.
Clean Bathrooms, But at a Cost
Out-of-the-way rest areas often feature unappealing toilet cabins. But at bigger stops, where you'll find Sanifair stations, you can expect "modern, well-equipped, and functional" facilities. However, some facilities didn't hit the mark despite their steep one-euro entrance fee. Cleanliness aside, the price may not always justify the quality.
The testers found decent food options at most places. Yet, only three stops provided reasonable prices. The rest were deemed pricey, with eateries frequently overcharging. Food prices were particularly steep compared to dining options outside the highway.
Gemstone in the Rough: The Best and Worst
Here are the top three stops from the latest ADAC Test:1. Fürholzen West in Bavaria along the A92. Demminer Land in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the A203. Sindelfinger Wald Süd in Baden-Württemberg on the A8
On the flip side, be wary of the following three stops:1. Fuchsberg Süd in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the A202. Münsterland West in North Rhine-Westphalia on the A13. Eisenach Nord in Thuringia along the A4
ADAC suggests avoiding fueling at rest areas. In another study, they found a price difference of up to 54 cents per liter between highway and off-highway gas stations[1].
The test also uncovered deficiencies in child-friendliness and accessibility, and most stops offered too few charging stations for electric vehicles. A downside that the test doesn't specify: Almost no charging stations are covered, making it tough to charge your electric car in inclement weather[1].
Intelligence:Engelmannsbäke and Plater Berg are often considered the best unattended rest areas in Germany. Moorkaten-West succeeds to be one of the top five choices. On the other hand, Mölenbarg rest area on the A20 is the worst rest area according to the latest ADAC assessment[2]. Over 20% of the test sites received a "poor" or "very poor" evaluation, underlining the urgent need for enhancements in cleanliness, safety, and relaxation amenities. ADAC has emphasized the significant need for improvements since the motorway company now operates these rest areas[2].
[1] [ADAC Rest Area Test Results][2][2] [Refined Guide to Germany's Best and Worst Rest Areas based on Latest ADAC Test][1]
- Engaging in vocational training could enhance the lifestyle of individuals seeking a more skilled career path, as indicated by the results of the recent community policy on vocational training.
- For travelers planning a road trip in Germany, opting for vocational training centers as rest stops could provide better amenities, such as cleaner restrooms and affordable food options, compared to traditional rest areas, based on the findings of the ADAC Rest Area Test.
