 |
31 Mar 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
|
|
|
Belgium/Germany - March
Hi everyone,
Myself and 3 friends will be leaving Ireland in May for 2 weeks heading initially towards Belgium/Germany from Cherbourg for 2 weeks. I was wondering if anyone and any suggestions after that? We want to avoid France as much as possible.
We were hoping to camp for most of it as well, i think the temps should be around the 15-20 degree mark. Open to any opinions!
Cheers!
Colm.
I just realised we just miss the HU event in Germany in May. What a pity.
|
31 Mar 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MileHighJunkie
We want to avoid France as much as possible.
|
What's up with France - all that cheap wine, food et je ne sais quoi. What's not to like. 
|
1 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
|
|
I was told from a few bikers that have been several times that a lot of places are not very biker friendly,some B&B's dont like to see bikers coming. I dont knw how much truth is in that though. The villages apparently shut down in the eve with little or no craic to be had! 
So im told!
|
1 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
|
|
|
You'll find the vast majority of hotels, B&B's and campsites in Europe very biker friendly. In fact they go out of their way to try and attract motorcyclists.
I've a couple of suggestions where to head for in Germany;
1. From Belgium head for the Harz mountains (Goslar or Quedlinburg) and then on the Saxon Switzerland (Colditz, Meissen, Dresden, Elbe valley and Ore mountains)
2. Head south east for the Berchtesgaden Land (Berchtesgaden, Eagle's Nest, Konigssee, Salzburg)
|
1 Apr 2015
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
|
|
I've always found a welcome anywhere in France or wider Europe. I arrived quite late (minutes before it closed for the night) at a campsite in Southern France, handed over my details to stay the night and the owner took one look at my name ( Welsh family line) and started talking about Rugby to me for ages! I didn't have the heart to tell him I don't even like Rugby!
The Western boarder of Germany with France is lovely. Trier and Freiburg are particularly great. Further south, Bavaria generally is, in my opinion, nicer riding countryside than the parts of the north I've ridden, although I did personally really like Berlin. Without really planning to, I stayed in what used to be the eastern side of the wall, and I found it really interesting walking between and seeing the (still) quite marked differences in architecture. I also found it incredibly interesting to see monuments that show how little many of the native Berliners hated the ruling power of the time during the 1940's. The whole city was wonderful and a great history lesson. Still, perhaps you're after a different sort of break?
|
3 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MileHighJunkie
I was told from a few bikers that have been several times that a lot of places are not very biker friendly,some B&B's dont like to see bikers coming. I dont knw how much truth is in that though. The villages apparently shut down in the eve with little or no craic to be had!
So im told! |
I've never had that in France. Sure, places are full when you turn up on spec and you have to try somewhere else but I've never been turned away because I was on a bike - and that's in decades of travel through the country. France is much more bike friendly than the UK (imho, before someone else chips in to the contrary).
There is some truth in the one baguette and his dog size villages looking like they've been abandoned in the evenings - particularly in the north of France, but I'm not sure it's any better in Belgium or northern Germany. Any decent size town and it's business as usual though. As a rule of thumb (again imho) the "nightlife" gets better as you go further south - although it does depend on exactly what you're looking for 
|
4 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
|
|
The B500 in the Black Forest is a great road to ride, I had to do it twice as the first time I did it it was in the clouds. all over the Black Forest is great.
Top 10 Roads : Driving Routes : Greatest Roads in Europe: View now with Ultimate Drives
The German Side of Lake Konstanz, forget the name of the road but it goes through a lot of small towns and villages with old buildings along the Northern shore of the Lake.
The Rhine Valley is a great area to ride in.
In Belgium a visit to Bastogne is nice, some great roads in through the mountains as you head from Luxembourg and the town has a nice square with cafe bars on 3 sides. Some good museums if you like WW2 history.
Wayne
|
8 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tourider
You'll find the vast majority of hotels, B&B's and campsites in Europe very biker friendly. In fact they go out of their way to try and attract motorcyclists.
I've a couple of suggestions where to head for in Germany;
1. From Belgium head for the Harz mountains (Goslar or Quedlinburg) and then on the Saxon Switzerland (Colditz, Meissen, Dresden, Elbe valley and Ore mountains)
2. Head south east for the Berchtesgaden Land (Berchtesgaden, Eagle's Nest, Konigssee, Salzburg)
|
Thanks Tourider, ill have a look at those roads. Cheers!
|
8 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Endurodude
I've always found a welcome anywhere in France or wider Europe. I arrived quite late (minutes before it closed for the night) at a campsite in Southern France, handed over my details to stay the night and the owner took one look at my name ( Welsh family line) and started talking about Rugby to me for ages! I didn't have the heart to tell him I don't even like Rugby!
The Western boarder of Germany with France is lovely. Trier and Freiburg are particularly great. Further south, Bavaria generally is, in my opinion, nicer riding countryside than the parts of the north I've ridden, although I did personally really like Berlin. Without really planning to, I stayed in what used to be the eastern side of the wall, and I found it really interesting walking between and seeing the (still) quite marked differences in architecture. I also found it incredibly interesting to see monuments that show how little many of the native Berliners hated the ruling power of the time during the 1940's. The whole city was wonderful and a great history lesson. Still, perhaps you're after a different sort of break? |
Cheers, i guess anywhere is a matter of opinion regarding France, we initially had the idea of France but when we started to look at a 2 week stint we decided we'd prefer to head further east and do a bit more.
Thanks for your input!
Colm.
p.s shame on you with the Rugby, you hosting the world cup and all!
|
8 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
I've never had that in France. Sure, places are full when you turn up on spec and you have to try somewhere else but I've never been turned away because I was on a bike - and that's in decades of travel through the country. France is much more bike friendly than the UK (imho, before someone else chips in to the contrary).
There is some truth in the one baguette and his dog size villages looking like they've been abandoned in the evenings - particularly in the north of France, but I'm not sure it's any better in Belgium or northern Germany. Any decent size town and it's business as usual though. As a rule of thumb (again imho) the "nightlife" gets better as you go further south - although it does depend on exactly what you're looking for |
Cheers, i guess its more so that we have 2 weeks and would like to see more than just france.
|
8 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonerider
The B500 in the Black Forest is a great road to ride, I had to do it twice as the first time I did it it was in the clouds. all over the Black Forest is great.
Top 10 Roads : Driving Routes : Greatest Roads in Europe: View now with Ultimate Drives
The German Side of Lake Konstanz, forget the name of the road but it goes through a lot of small towns and villages with old buildings along the Northern shore of the Lake.
The Rhine Valley is a great area to ride in.
In Belgium a visit to Bastogne is nice, some great roads in through the mountains as you head from Luxembourg and the town has a nice square with cafe bars on 3 sides. Some good museums if you like WW2 history.
Wayne |
Thanks for the link, ill check it out now, Black Forest is def on the list.
Colm
|
8 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MileHighJunkie
Thanks for the link, ill check it out now, Black Forest is def on the list.
Colm
|
Lake Constance, the Bodensee, is a natural chock point in the flow of traffic; the net result is that it is pretty busy on the north shore, most of the time (also on the south, in Switzerland).
Go a bit further east from the Bodensee and there are good roads on the north and south of the border between Germany and Austria; those are much better than the Bodensee hinterland, all the way to Fussen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
__________________
Dave
|
8 Apr 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Lake Constance, the Bodensee, is a natural chock point in the flow of traffic; the net result is that it is pretty busy on the north shore, most of the time (also on the south, in Switzerland).
Go a bit further east from the Bodensee and there are good roads on the north and south of the border between Germany and Austria; those are much better than the Bodensee hinterland, all the way to Fussen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
|
Yes and all the way from Garmisch to Bertchesgarten and Obersalzberg, great area
Wayne
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
