Avoid Pulling Over at These Parking Spots

A Guide to German Rest Stops: Some Are Worth A Pit Stop, Others -- Not So Much

• By Christian Hensen
• 2 Min Read

Avoid Pull-Over Spots Along These Highways - Avoid Pulling Over at These Parking Spots

Looking for a break during your long automobile journey? While German rest stops aren't revered as their Italian counterparts, there are still decent stops that'll make your driving time more bearable.

The German automobile club, ADAC, recently put thirty-four rest areas to the test, evaluating a variety of factors, such as food offerings, restroom conditions, prices, and infrastructure. Unfortunately, none of the tested stops received a "very good" score. However, it's worth noting that no rest area received a "very poor" grade either.

Here's a rundown of what to expect at these stops:

Clean Toilets -- But At a Cost

While smaller, unmanned rest stops with odorous buildings aren't uncommon, major rest areas usually offer clean, modern, and functional toilets. But, some facilities fall short on cleanliness despite the one-euro entrance fee.

Satisfaction with Food Offerings -- But the Price Is Steep

Despite quick-stop restaurants offering food that generally meets testers' expectations, many stops charge excessive prices. Only three out of the thirty-four tested facilities offered fair prices.

The Best and Worst of German Rest Areas According to ADAC

1. Top Rest Stops
2. Fürholzen West, Bavaria (A9)
3. Demminer Land, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (A20)
4. Sindelfinger Wald Süd, Baden-Württemberg (A8)
5. Bottom Rest Stops
6. Fuchsberg Süd, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (A20)
7. Münsterland West, North Rhine-Westphalia (A1)
8. Eisenach Nord, Thuringia (A4)

Note: ADAC advises against refueling at rest stops since you might pay up to 54 cents more per liter along the highway compared to service stations near exits.

Shortcomings to Consider

• Child-friendliness: Many stops lack facilities aimed at children.
• Accessibility: Rest stops often lack proper accessibility features.
• Fast-charging Stations for Electric Cars: Few options are available for electric vehicle owners.
• Weather-resistant Charging Stations: Charging your electric car at rest stops during bad weather can be difficult, as most charging stations lack cover.

For more detailed rankings or reviews, consult the ADAC's website or publications to get the latest and most accurate information. Keep in mind these general evaluating tips:

1. Cleanliness and maintenance: Focus on stops with immaculate facilities to ensure a comfortable rest.
2. Services Offered: Look for rest stops with a variety of amenities, such as food, beverages, and clean restrooms.
3. Safety: Assess the overall security of the area, especially if you plan to stop overnight.
4. Accessibility: Check for easy access from the highway or main roads.
5. Reviews and Feedback: Consider checking reviews from other travelers for a firsthand account of conditions at rest stops.
6. The community policy at German rest stops should focus on maintaining clean toilets, even though some facilities may charge an entrance fee.
7. Vocational training could be offered at German rest stops, as they have the potential to provide satisfactory food offerings, despite the overpriced nature of some quick-stop restaurants.
8. If you're planning a vocational training program at German rest stops, consider focusing on improving accessibility features and offering fast-charging stations for electric cars, as current facilities may lack these amenities.
9. For an enjoyable lifestyle during your travel in Germany, consider choosing rest stops with weather-resistant charging stations for electric cars, as charging your vehicle during bad weather can be challenging at current rest stops.
10. While driving your car on the autobahnreststa in Niedersachsen, you may want to avoid those located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and North Rhine-Westphalia, as they have been rated as some of the worst rest stops by ADAC, according to their criteria.

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