We're on a motorhome trip in Germany, and it's time for some reflection! What about the requirement for face masks? Is the unrest in the world noticeable in any way? How hot is it and how crowded are the pitches?
Table of contents
Keep your mouth guard handy!
The pandemic is in a relatively calm phase, and it is possible to travel again. To visit Germany you need to be vaccinated or show a negative PCR test (note that the rules are constantly changing and can vary between states) but when we went here, no one even checked our vaccination certificates. In other words, it felt very relaxed.
It has also become more relaxed about face masks, but it's still important to have your mouth guard ready! Every state has its own rules. When we arrived in Hamburg there were strict rules about ffp2 masks, but we were told that this would only apply for two more days, then the rules about masks would be gone.
On the first free day, we walked around without masks, only to realise that we were a minority. Germans like their masks and many wear them even when they don't have to. What's more, the requirement wasn't completely gone, as it turned out. No, they were still needed on public transport ... and at various attractions that had made their own decisions. In other words, it's best to keep your mask handy!
The war in Ukraine is reflected in flags and demonstrations
We were asked if we notice the war. Yes, in a way we do. We see the Ukrainian flag everywhere, sometimes even on public buildings. We have also seen demonstrations with Ukrainian music and calls to show support for Ukraine or donate money. But otherwise, we don't notice anything about the war here.
The summer heat is here
At the beginning of the trip it was a bit chilly, but during the last few days the summer heat has hit with full force. As I write this, we have 26 plus degrees (!) and bright sunshine. Absolutely fantastic!
The pitches are already quite full
The Germans love travelling with their motorhomes and the pitches are already quite full. When we arrived, in the afternoons, there have been vacancies, but not too many. Most of the motorhomes are registered in Germany, but we have also seen the occasional motorhome from the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria. Even a Swedish motorhome has been spotted!
Where are we now and where are we going?
We stayed a long time in Hamburg to explore that city properly, and there has been a lot of Hamburg here at freedomtravel.se. We have also had time to visit Bremen, which you could see on @freedomtravelnews on Instagram. Since then, we have travelled to Hanover and soon we will discover Celle. We are a bit behind with the reports, but you will soon be able to read more!
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Annar Aas says:
Following you with joy day by day!
11 May 2022 - 9:02
Helena says:
What fun to hear! Hope spring is nice in Sweden!
12 May 2022 - 7:20
joakim fransson says:
How far down in Germany are you going? If you're heading down towards Munich, try the Bauer-keller car park in Greding.
11 May 2022 - 9:49
Helena says:
I don't think we will get there during this trip, but thanks for the tips! There will certainly be more trips 🙂
12 May 2022 - 7:21
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We can probably agree with all your reflections after our four weeks in Germany and the Netherlands. It's nice that there is finally some heat. Then we wonder how it will be at Ställplatser this summer when there are so many motorhomes out already...
11 May 2022 - 9:55
Helena says:
Interesting to hear that you have similar experiences! And it's great with the heat!!! I also agree with the next thought. It feels like it can be very full on the pitches ...!
12 May 2022 - 7:22
Anette Åhnbrink says:
Nice to read about Hamburg! Sometimes you don't have to go so far to find nice places! But usually you are in a hurry to get there ...
We liked Bremen very much when we were there last autumn, so we're definitely going back there!
Celle is cute! There's a restaurant there that we managed to miss both times, Schweine-Schulze, let's see if you might have found it!
The mouth guard is as it is, on the way home in February we stopped in Alsfeld, would go in and buy sim cards, Robert was almost thrown out because he had the wrong kind! So now we will have ffp-2 everywhere next time we go! But ideally we want to avoid it completely ...
Looking forward to your posts, which are read every day, have an eye on insta too, so feels like we are travelling with you!
Roll slowly😎
11 May 2022 - 14:15
Helena says:
Sure, it's easy to rush past what's closest! And really agree about Bremen, a great city! Thanks also for the tips for Celle! When it comes to face masks, we are like you. We would prefer not to, but it is just to accept when it is required. In Hamburg we also had to change the kind, but at least they were nice when they pointed out 😉.
12 May 2022 - 7:24
Ditte says:
It's good that it's not yet too crowded but that it's possible to stand at certain intervals - Bremen is beautiful and so is Celler.
And the heat that has now arrived is, I imagine, welcome.
Keep up the good work.
11 May 2022 - 18:30
Helena says:
Of course, both Bremen and Celle are fantastic places! And the heat, yes, wonderful! Have fun!
12 May 2022 - 7:26
BP says:
What fantastic weather! Perfect timing for your trip.
Now Hamburg has really "stepped up its game" with beautiful buildings and more. I have always thought Bremen had more charm, more atmosphere. When I watched the films on your Insta, it still is. Bremen is a cosy city with a lot of atmosphere.
I only visited Hannover during the Hannover Messe, so I haven't seen much of the city itself.
11 May 2022 - 19:28
Helena says:
We can agree that Bremen is more charming! It is a fantastic little city! Then we liked Hamburg too, but it is a big city, so a bit different... Will come back to Hannover!!!
12 May 2022 - 7:27
Elisabeth says:
I follow with great interest and dream of having my own motorhome, or rather tinplate existence, before too long!
11 May 2022 - 22:22
Helena says:
Exciting! Hope you can realise your plans soon!
12 May 2022 - 7:28
Arne Lindh says:
Nice to follow you. It was a very long time since we were in Celle, about 30 years. Maybe a return visit in the autumn. It will be interesting to see where you end up in Croatia. We ourselves have been there a few times in recent years. Finida just south of Umag became a favourite place.
http://xoeocholivia.blogspot.com/2019/08/umag-med-omnejd.html
12 May 2022 - 18:45
Peter V says:
Great to read the posts, we are going down on 20/5.
We have planned a night in Celle, we will visit some asparagus farms etc.
14 May 2022 - 10:44