Hit the Road: Steer Clear of These German Service Stations!
- by Christian Hensen
- 2 Min
Obstructing the use of these designated stopping points is discouraged. - Beware of these Parking Areas: Better to Avoid Them Entirely
Check out the Video: Germany's Top and Bottom Rest Stops RTL On a lengthy road journey, most drivers tend to dread those obligatory breaks. German rest stops may have a not-so-great rep compared to others, like Italy's Autogrill offering great coffee and affordable Italian cuisine.
But even in Deutschland, it's not all doom and gloom, as proven by the current ADAC Rest Area Test. This assortment assessed 40 rest areas across the nation, reviewing factors such as food options, restroom conditions, pricing, and infrastructure.
The downside: None of the inspected service stations received a top-tier "excellent" ranking. The upside: There were no abysmal failures, earning a "very unsatisfactory". The rest is a mixed bag: Eight rest stops scored "good", six were "unsatisfactory", with the rest occupying the middle ground.
Modern Toilets, High Costs
Contrary to basic rest areas with those iconic toilet huts that warn you off with their overwhelming scent, you can at least trust the sanitation facilities at larger rest stations. These, usually managed by Sanifair, are often "modern, well-equipped, and functional", according to assessors. However, cleanliness has been a letdown in certain facilities despite the steep one-euro entry fee.
The food assessment might come as a surprise. In the ADAC's report, testers were "almost consistently satisfied" with the food offerings at rest stations. Nonetheless, only three out of the 40 tested facilities offered affordable prices. The rest were deemed overpriced, with shops frequently charging excessive rates, especially when compared to off-highway service stations.
Top and Bottom Rest Stops According to ADAC
The leading three rest stops hail from the current ADAC test, including "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.
At the bottom of the ranks are "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.
In general, ADAC advises against refueling at rest stops. Their previous test revealed that you could pay an additional 54 cents per liter at rest stops compared to service stations near exits.
The test also uncovered deficiencies in child-friendliness, accessibility, and the lack of quick-charging stations for electric vehicles. While charging stations are available, they're often not covered, making charging in bad weather a challenge.
- To ensure a better travel experience, consider the community policy of various German rest stops as some may be more enjoyable than others.
- Vocational training could be beneficial for those who manage German rest stops, as improving food pricing and cleanliness could enhance the overall experience.
- During your road trip, be particularly mindful of rest areas in the Bavaria, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Baden-Wuërttemberg regions, as several outstanding rest stops are located there.
- Home-and-garden and car enthusiasts may be disappointed to find that electric vehicles might not be as conveniently charged at German rest stops, as charging stations are often not covered or insufficient.
- While rest stops in Germany offer modern, well-equipped toilets, the high costs might deter budget-conscious travelers, so it's wise to plan meals accordingly to avoid overpriced options.
