Road Test: Steer Clear of These German Rest Areas (Warning: Not All Rest Stops Are Created Equal)
- Author: Christian Hensen
- Reading Time: Approx. 3 Mins
Avoid pausing at these roadside halts - Steer clear of these parking spots at all costs.
Ever found yourself groaning at the thought of taking a break during a long drive? Well, if you're cruising through Germany, you might want to prepare yourself. German rest areas aren't exactly known for their top-notch offerings, unlike their Italian counterparts. Imagine stopping for a delightful espresso and authentic pasta at an Autogrill – now that's something to look forward to!
But fear not! The latest ADAC Rest Area Test has some good news and some bad news. The good news is that no rest areas received a dismal "very poor" rating. The bad news? None of them received a "very good" rating, either. Let's breakdown the results: Eight rest areas got a "good" score, six received a "poor," and the rest landed somewhere in the middle.
Toilets With a Price Tag
Unlike those unmanned rest areas with their infamous buildings, you can count on one thing at larger rest areas – clean, modern facilities. However, don't expect them to be spotless even when you pay the entrance fee of one euro.
As for the food, you might find the conclusions surprising. The testers were generally satisfied with the options, but just three out of 40 facilities offered fair prices. The rest were considered overpriced, with shops marking up products significantly compared to service stations off the highway.
The Cream of the Crop – And the Dregs
The crème de la crème of the current ADAC test can be found at "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.
On the flip side, the bottom three are situated at "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.
Remember, the ADAC advises against refueling at rest areas. In another test, they found that motorists pay up to 54 cents more per liter of gasoline at highway stations compared to service stations near exits.
The test also highlighted issues with accessibility and child-friendliness, and most rest areas had too few fast-charging stations for electric cars. Oh, and did we mention that charging stations are usually not covered, making it tricky to juice up your car during inclement weather.
So, What's Next?
If you're curious about rest area evaluations, keep an eye out for the following factors:
- Cleanliness and Maintenance: Quality of facilities, cleanliness of restrooms, and general upkeep.
- Safety: Lighting, security presence, and emergency services accessibility.
- Amenities: Availability of food, drinks, parking, and services like petrol stations or electric charging points.
- Accessibility: Easy accessibility from major highways.
For specific recommendations, take a peek at ADAC's official website or give them a call. Their expertise and the most up-to-date information are just a phone call away!
- The community policy should include recommendations for choosing rest areas during long drives in Germany, as some rest stops may not offer top-notch services.
- Vocational training programs could be initiated in Germany for car maintenance, considering the high prices and perceived overpricing of food and goods at rest areas.
- Home-and-garden stores could consider the lifestyle of German travelers who frequent rest areas and price their products competitively to cater to their needs.
- Electric vehicle owners might benefit from vocational training in car-maintenance, especially when dealing with the shortcomings of rest area charging stations, which are often exposed to the elements during inclement weather.
- The ADAC's community policy could incorporate provisions for addressing the lack of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles at German rest areas during their evaluations.
