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Top Train Stations in Germany: A Mix of Greatness and Subpar Experiences
Top Train Stations in Germany: A Mix of Greatness and Subpar Experiences

Driving Through Germany? Skip These Highway Rest Stops, According to ADAC Test

  • By Christian Hensen
  • Approx. Reading Time: 2 Mins

Need a breather on a long road trip? Be wary of German rest areas. Here's what's good, bad, and downright ugly.

Avoid Pullovers at These Rest Stops at All Costs - steer clear of these parking areas at all costs

Imagine a perfect rest stop during an exhausting road trip — good food, clean restrooms, and reasonable prices. In Italy, this dream might become a reality thanks to their Autogrills offering great coffee and delicious dishes. But what about Germany? Not so much, at least based on ADAC's latest Rest Area Test.

Looking at 40 rest stops across the country, testers evaluated factors like food offerings, restroom condition, pricing, and infrastructure. Despite none of them scoring "very good," it's not all doom and gloom. No rest stops received a "very poor" rating either.

But what about those shining beacons of comfort? Eight rest stops scored a "good," six received a "poor," while the rest fell somewhere in the middle. So where should you avoid? Here are the lowlights:

Toilets That Stink (and Cost an Arm)

Fancy a visit to a modern, well-equipped bathroom? Sure, but be prepared to pay for it. Though rest areas often sport "modern, well-equipped, and functional" restrooms (operated by Sanifair), falling short on cleanliness isn't uncommon, especially given the one-euro entry fee.

The food situation might surprise you: despite reporting that testers were "almost always satisfied" with offerings, only three out of the 40 evaluated rest stops offered fair prices. The rest? Overpriced and not worth the bite.

Top 3 (and Bottom 3) Rest Areas According to ADAC

Among the best? "Fürholzen West" in Bavaria on the A9, "Demminer Land" in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the A20, and "Sindelfinger Wald Süd" in Baden-Württemberg on the A8.

And what about the worst? Avoid "Fuchsberg Süd" in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the A20, "Münsterland West" in North Rhine-Westphalia on the A1, and "Eisenach Nord" in Thuringia along the A4.

Has your tank run dry? ADAC advises against refueling at rest stops. Despite paying up to 54 cents more per liter on the highway compared to nearby gas stations, it's still a common practice. If safety is a concern, go with nearby fuel stations instead.

It's not just refueling that leaves room for improvement — accessibility, child-friendliness, and the number of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles are all lacking at most rest areas.

And let's not forget about those electric car charging stations? They're essential for your journey, but uncovered during bad weather? Not ideal. Be sure to pick covered charging stations.

Do you have more questions about German rest stops? Good luck finding precise info from your search engine. It's best to consult the ADAC's official publications or website for accurate information.

Want to ensure a safe and comfortable journey? Here are some general tips for rest stops in Germany:

  • Safety and Cleanliness: Look for well-lit and secure rest areas, especially for overnight parking.
  • Amenities: Many rest areas offer toilets, picnic tables, and sometimes even restaurants or gas stations nearby.
  • Accessibility: Choose rest areas that are easily accessible from major highways or autobahns.

For more detailed insights, check the ADAC's official resources or local travel guides. Happy driving!

  • The ADAC's latest Rest Area Test reveals that none of the evaluated rest stops in Germany were rated "very good," but none were also rated "very poor."
  • Despite testers being "almost always satisfied" with food offerings at German rest stops, only three out of the 40 evaluated offered fair prices, with the rest being overpriced.
  • Among the best rest stops in Germany, according to ADAC, are "Fürholzen West" in Bavaria, "Demminer Land" in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and "Sindelfinger Wald Süd" in Baden-Württemberg.
  • In contrast, it's advisable to avoid "Fuchsberg Süd" in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, "Münsterland West" in North Rhine-Westphalia, and "Eisenach Nord" in Thuringia, as per ADAC's evaluation.
  • Reports suggest that it's more cost-effective to refuel at nearby gas stations instead of at rest stops, where fuel prices can be up to 54 cents more per liter.
  • Apart from the high prices at rest stop toilets, their cleanliness can sometimes be lacking, especially when there is a one-euro entry fee.
  • To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, look for well-lit and secure rest areas with adequate amenities, and choose those that are easily accessible from major highways or autobahns.
  • For detailed insights and accurate information, it's best to consult the ADAC's official publications or website, and local travel guides.

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