Road trip to Germany - considerations?
Discussion
Aside from making sure insurance is sorted, I already have European breakdown cover because of the Range Rover but I'm taking the 435 so don't think I'd need it but it's peace of mind. I'm doing this mid-November, car is being serviced just before and I'm replacing 2 front tyres which are currently on about 5mm and slightly worn on the edges.
Will be getting into Calais and heading towards Dusseldorf, would you go North of Brussels or South?
From Dusseldorf, we'll be heading to Cologne and then on to Asslar. From Asslar, West to Nurburgring
From Nurburgring, back up towards Cologne then back towards Calais.
Given the various borders, does anyone have any advice? I've never done anything like this before!
Will be getting into Calais and heading towards Dusseldorf, would you go North of Brussels or South?
From Dusseldorf, we'll be heading to Cologne and then on to Asslar. From Asslar, West to Nurburgring
From Nurburgring, back up towards Cologne then back towards Calais.
Given the various borders, does anyone have any advice? I've never done anything like this before!
It’s Europe.
In France don’t break the speed limit, respect the limit in other countries and in in Germany if you’re on an unlimited autobahn enjoy the experience, be very aware a long way in the distance and slow down when the speed limit reduces otherwise you are very likely to receive a fine once you’re home.
Borders don’t exist once you’re across the channel.
Carry either good colour copies or original car documents just in case you’re stopped.
Nothing more difficult than driving in the UK but you drive on the right.
HTH.
In France don’t break the speed limit, respect the limit in other countries and in in Germany if you’re on an unlimited autobahn enjoy the experience, be very aware a long way in the distance and slow down when the speed limit reduces otherwise you are very likely to receive a fine once you’re home.
Borders don’t exist once you’re across the channel.
Carry either good colour copies or original car documents just in case you’re stopped.
Nothing more difficult than driving in the UK but you drive on the right.
HTH.
As above, it's really straightforward. Just follow the speed limits and have documents on you. Also, read up on the signage for the priorite a droit rule that applies all over the continent in various places. There is a yellow diamond shaped sign to learn the meanings of that we don't have here.
I would go south of Brussels on the motorway, south of Antwerp too. Your route looks to take you to some nice places. I don't know what the speed limits are on those Autobahns, however I did drive the A2 from the Dusseldorf / Essen area to Berlin over the summer and the unrestricted sections lasted for ages! I was in a VW T5 sadly but I still got it to 125mph and cruised at 100mph.
Do slow down for restricted bits, even if the Germans don't. They can chat with an officer easily and you can't if pulled over. Also, a fine when you're back in a foreign language is no fun.
I would go south of Brussels on the motorway, south of Antwerp too. Your route looks to take you to some nice places. I don't know what the speed limits are on those Autobahns, however I did drive the A2 from the Dusseldorf / Essen area to Berlin over the summer and the unrestricted sections lasted for ages! I was in a VW T5 sadly but I still got it to 125mph and cruised at 100mph.
Do slow down for restricted bits, even if the Germans don't. They can chat with an officer easily and you can't if pulled over. Also, a fine when you're back in a foreign language is no fun.
Going past Brussels towards Cologne and Dusseldorf really depends on the time of day/week. Watch on Google Maps (other traffic services are available) and if the Brussels Ring is at a standstill consider heading the north way via Antwerp. The actual time on the road is very similar, but if quiet the Brussels way "feels" more direct.
Look out for unmarked cars in Belgium, usually black BMWs. They require immediate payment on a scale related to the speed you get caught at. Ask me how I know...
And enjoy Germany, where you going is a great part of Europe.
Look out for unmarked cars in Belgium, usually black BMWs. They require immediate payment on a scale related to the speed you get caught at. Ask me how I know...
And enjoy Germany, where you going is a great part of Europe.
I've always really enjoyed euro road trips.
Vive la EU!
generationx said:
Look out for unmarked cars in Belgium, usually black BMWs
...And for crazy tailgating, lane changing and general driving standards that you might expect in a banana republic or a very bad day on the M25. Everywhere else is better, but watch out for Belgian plates.Vive la EU!
Winter Tyres! Although they are only a requirement in snowy and icy conditions the general consensus is that you fit them at the end of October in preparation for winter. Not sure what the fine is for causing an obstruction however i'm guessing it will cost more than a set of semi reasonable winters.
Check that where you are going doesn't require an Umweltplakkard (Not sure if thats spelt correctly) Easy enough to get with with your V5 at any Dekra station.
Check that where you are going doesn't require an Umweltplakkard (Not sure if thats spelt correctly) Easy enough to get with with your V5 at any Dekra station.
BOBTEE said:
Have some coins ready to use the toilets in service areas! Note, if you get a printed receipt/token thing you get your money back if you buy something in the shop... Bifi pizzas are an excellent choice!
Yep, most service station toilets in Germany are 70 cents to use (they are normally very clean) but you get a 50 cent voucher back which you can use on anything in the service station (except fuel I think). Note, if you get a printed receipt/token thing you get your money back if you buy something in the shop... Bifi pizzas are an excellent choice!Thanks guys, I've driven in Europe before albeit in a hire car, and I've done the Autobahn in an S65 AMG
What I haven't done is drive my own car and never the distance taking in a few different countries. I guess I'll be a bit more conspicuous but I don't plan on breaking any speed limits but do plan on enjoying the unrestricted sections.
I've not called my insurance yet, any guesses on how much they'll want to sting me for as until I get home I can't check documents to see what is covered? Really looking forward to it, should be an experience and hopefully the fact I'm visiting nice places including the Nurgurgring should make it seem less like work.
I've done some looking into separate insurance for the 'ring but again any advice appreciated.
But thanks for all the advice thus far, not sure what to do about winter tyres to be honest and I'm not taking the RR as it kind of defeats the object and it probably wouldn't make it there and back anyway!
What I haven't done is drive my own car and never the distance taking in a few different countries. I guess I'll be a bit more conspicuous but I don't plan on breaking any speed limits but do plan on enjoying the unrestricted sections.
I've not called my insurance yet, any guesses on how much they'll want to sting me for as until I get home I can't check documents to see what is covered? Really looking forward to it, should be an experience and hopefully the fact I'm visiting nice places including the Nurgurgring should make it seem less like work.
I've done some looking into separate insurance for the 'ring but again any advice appreciated.
But thanks for all the advice thus far, not sure what to do about winter tyres to be honest and I'm not taking the RR as it kind of defeats the object and it probably wouldn't make it there and back anyway!
Your insurance may already cover you for up to 90days abroad.
As said take good copies of paperwork, hi viz jackets, a GB sticker (if not on numberplate), spare bulbs (think this is a requirement still even if they are mostly useless on modern cars), approved breathalysers, warning triangle and first aid kit.
Be wary of roundabouts, they are odd at first especially in your own car.
As said take good copies of paperwork, hi viz jackets, a GB sticker (if not on numberplate), spare bulbs (think this is a requirement still even if they are mostly useless on modern cars), approved breathalysers, warning triangle and first aid kit.
Be wary of roundabouts, they are odd at first especially in your own car.
Fit winter boots, October to Easter as they say there.
Belgium, the roads are crazy and the police have high performance saloons audi S4’s.
I’d avoid Brussels and go via Antwerp.
Get a decent nav with traffic/or use via Michelin via in car system.
Your profile says nw, have you thought about the hull ferry to Belgium/Holland?
Enjoy!!!
Belgium, the roads are crazy and the police have high performance saloons audi S4’s.
I’d avoid Brussels and go via Antwerp.
Get a decent nav with traffic/or use via Michelin via in car system.
Your profile says nw, have you thought about the hull ferry to Belgium/Holland?
Enjoy!!!
The first thing you need to do as you seem to be making the ring a big part of your trip is to check the opening times, November can be very hit & miss because of the weather, planned opening times are here and if you hover over the green days (open) you'll see the times.
https://www.greenhelldriving.nuerburgring.de/#/lan...
You'll only get done for not having winter tyres on if you get caught in snow/ice and cause an obstruction or a crash, but if you do you'll be heavily penalised for not having the right tyres on.
The Brussels ring road can be a pain but nothing like the M25, and if you're going to Düsseldorf you should definitely head north, not south. For the sake of speed and ease I'd just risk the ring road and then Aachen --> Düsseldorf.
https://www.greenhelldriving.nuerburgring.de/#/lan...
You'll only get done for not having winter tyres on if you get caught in snow/ice and cause an obstruction or a crash, but if you do you'll be heavily penalised for not having the right tyres on.
The Brussels ring road can be a pain but nothing like the M25, and if you're going to Düsseldorf you should definitely head north, not south. For the sake of speed and ease I'd just risk the ring road and then Aachen --> Düsseldorf.
AB said:
Thanks guys, I've driven in Europe before albeit in a hire car, and I've done the Autobahn in an S65 AMG
What I haven't done is drive my own car and never the distance taking in a few different countries. I guess I'll be a bit more conspicuous but I don't plan on breaking any speed limits but do plan on enjoying the unrestricted sections.
Be warned that driving standards across Europe - with the possible exception of Belgium -What I haven't done is drive my own car and never the distance taking in a few different countries. I guess I'll be a bit more conspicuous but I don't plan on breaking any speed limits but do plan on enjoying the unrestricted sections.
are far higher than in the UK.
Drivers are far more situationally aware of what is going on around them.
So no clogging up lanes in a UK style light doze , please.
Folks on the German autobahn *will* be doing 200-250 kmh and more and expecting
you to cope. Looking at least twice before a lane change is a good idea.
France and Belgium aren't as speed obsessed as the Brits. 20-30 kmh over the motorway
limit won't even get you noticed, never mind ticketed.
dcb said:
Be warned that driving standards across Europe - with the possible exception of Belgium -
are far higher than in the UK.
Drivers are far more situationally aware of what is going on around them.
So no clogging up lanes in a UK style light doze , please.
Folks on the German autobahn *will* be doing 200-250 kmh and more and expecting
you to cope. Looking at least twice before a lane change is a good idea.
France and Belgium aren't as speed obsessed as the Brits. 20-30 kmh over the motorway
limit won't even get you noticed, never mind ticketed.
Plenty of Brits have experienced tickets for 20-30km/hr..not worth itare far higher than in the UK.
Drivers are far more situationally aware of what is going on around them.
So no clogging up lanes in a UK style light doze , please.
Folks on the German autobahn *will* be doing 200-250 kmh and more and expecting
you to cope. Looking at least twice before a lane change is a good idea.
France and Belgium aren't as speed obsessed as the Brits. 20-30 kmh over the motorway
limit won't even get you noticed, never mind ticketed.
johnwilliams77 said:
dcb said:
Be warned that driving standards across Europe - with the possible exception of Belgium -
are far higher than in the UK.
Drivers are far more situationally aware of what is going on around them.
So no clogging up lanes in a UK style light doze , please.
Folks on the German autobahn *will* be doing 200-250 kmh and more and expecting
you to cope. Looking at least twice before a lane change is a good idea.
France and Belgium aren't as speed obsessed as the Brits. 20-30 kmh over the motorway
limit won't even get you noticed, never mind ticketed.
Plenty of Brits have experienced tickets for 20-30km/hr..not worth itare far higher than in the UK.
Drivers are far more situationally aware of what is going on around them.
So no clogging up lanes in a UK style light doze , please.
Folks on the German autobahn *will* be doing 200-250 kmh and more and expecting
you to cope. Looking at least twice before a lane change is a good idea.
France and Belgium aren't as speed obsessed as the Brits. 20-30 kmh over the motorway
limit won't even get you noticed, never mind ticketed.
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