Germany - Heidelberg Area

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by Jim and Emmy Humberd

4 of our 75 Campsites in Germany

A tourist who is able to travel throughout the US in a car or an RV, or by bus or train, will be able to travel around Germany just as easily. Restaurants, hotels, points of interest and the route to the next destination are just as easy to find. The ability to communicate in German would be helpful, but with hand signals and a good German/English dictionary, the tourist will be able to find his way from place to place.

Our first night (of 968) in Europe years ago, was spent at a campsite just a couple of miles east of Heidelberg, on the left bank of the Neckar River. Our flight from Los Angeles had been a day late, so consumed with jet-lag, the four of us, Jim, Emmy, Daughter Linda, and friend Linda (Pupa), all napped for an hour or so in the middle of the afternoon, in spite of the river traffic noise. Over the next twenty-five years we’ve spent seven nights in hotels or nearby campgrounds, and have visited, or just driven through this glorious city, a dozen times.

The campsites in Berchtesgaden and Obersalzberg are surrounded by some of the most outstanding mountain scenery in the world. We’ve been here five different years, and each time we have visited, it has rained and rained. Of course if it wasn’t for all the rain, the countryside wouldn’t look nearly so nice as it will if we ever get here when it isn’t raining.

Each time we approach Rothenburg, Emmy wonders if it can really be as delightful and captivating as she remembers from our last stay. On our several visits so far, she has yet to be disappointed. From the campsite in nearby Ditwanger, it was only a mile or so drive to Rothenburg, where, after sunset, floodlights illuminate the Rathaus, the Plönlein (narrow half-timbered little house), and several of the city gates. Another one of those “not-to-be-missed,” wonderful vacation escapades.

Our Dinkelsbühl campsite was on high ground just north of town, and permitted a view of the lighted, walled ancient town after dark. The next morning we were thrilled to buy some plain ol’ Kraft American cheese in one of the stores. When we are on a three to six-month trip we do appreciate any taste of home we can discover. We have asked German tourists what they miss most when they travel in the US, and it’s almost always “… das Bier und das Brot.” (the beer and the bread).

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