First time on continent

[engelside]

Off to visit our eldest in Berlin on Friday. Harwich - Hook of Holland. First time on the continent in the van so was looking for any obvious issues I should be aware of with driving (briefly) through Holland. Thanks

 

[Nigel Crompton]

Beware, there are lifting bridges on motorways .... and the older, pre-war German autobhans don't have services. (Wehrmacht didn't need 'em)

 

[canopus]

Also bear in mind that France, Holland and one or two other places might be added to the no-go list later this week.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Just enjoy the experience

 

[WJACC]

Also bear in mind that France, Holland and one or two other places might be added to the no-go list later this week.

more a case of the ' don't come back' list

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[engelside]

Also bear in mind that France, Holland and one or two other places might be added to the no-go list later this week.

I know that is a possibility, just have to deal with that if it does come to pass.

 

[engelside]

Trying to establish if there is a low emission zone in Rotterdam, looks like it only applies to vehicles over 3.5tonne - ours i3850 gross weight. Will this be a problem?

 

[Garfields]

Off to visit our eldest in Berlin on Friday. Harwich - Hook of Holland. First time on the continent in the van so was looking for any obvious issues I should be aware of with driving (briefly) through Holland. Thanks

They drive on the right


Sorry I will get my coat

 

[suavecarve]

Also bear in mind that France, Holland and one or two other places might be added to the no-go list later this week.

Should any of the countries go on the naughty list whilst you are out there, they only have a bearing on your Q14 if you stop to socialise (including going into the petrol station to pay for fuel) or you pick up a passenger.
The general way to avoid the Q14 (if it exists at the time) is to drive straight to your port (Harwich) from a "safe" country.
There is highly likely to be an ongoing thread on here about it. Best tactic is to read the info put up with an authoritative link e.g gov.uk

 

[WJACC]

Trying to establish if there is a low emission zone in Rotterdam, looks like it only applies to vehicles over 3.5tonne - ours i3850 gross weight. Will this be a problem?

It will apply to that weight of vehicle, but there was talk late last year that Rotterdam was abolishing it, but it might have been replaced by something else.

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[GAVLAD]

You’ll love it and will want to holiday in your van abroad every year.
I wouldn’t worry to much about the emission zone in Rotterdam unless you are planning on going into the suburbs and centre. If you are travelling through after getting off/going to the ferry, you’ll be fine.
What you will need is the German emissions sticker to be displayed on your front window. Unfortunately, it’s too late to order this by post but you should be able to buy this from a garage in Germany.
Go to website:
Germanemissionsticker.com
This will give you all of the info that you need and will advise where to buy from, what documents you need to take with you etc.
If you’ve already got one, just take your log book, MOT certificate and insurance certificate with you in case you need it for any reason.
The camper contact App might be useful to have for stop offs too.
Enjoy

 

[orridge]

Trying to establish if there is a low emission zone in Rotterdam, looks like it only applies to vehicles over 3.5tonne - ours i3850 gross weight. Will this be a problem?

Nope only applicable to lorries.

 

[karalal]

Trying to establish if there is a low emission zone in Rotterdam, looks like it only applies to vehicles over 3.5tonne - ours i3850 gross weight. Will this be a problem?

From the hook you will bypass the center of rotterdam on your journey to germany

 

[Speve]

Don’t get in the outside lane on the German autobahn it is for racing drivers

 

[WillH]

On the Autobahn things in your mirror may be much, much faster than you've ever seen!

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[Nigel Crompton]

Take your kayaks, too. Lotsa lovely waterways, including the Spree ..

 

[Vipar]

Stop and think. I have a righthand drive so I should be next to the kerb.

Be very careful when turning left onto a dual carriageway

 

[nicholsong]

Don’t get in the outside lane on the German autobahn it is for racing drivers

...Because except where signed, usually around junctions, there is no speed limit on autobahns in Germany and it is normal to see a car doing 200kph, with another one coming up behnd doing 230 and flashing to get past.

 

[engelside]

Thanks for the driving on the continent tips. Most welcome, but I have driven my car many times in Europe so it was more the first time in a van tips I am after

 

[meanders]

Have another 'driver' you 100% trust in the passenger seat. Almost essential when approaching roundabouts and some acute angle junctions. If driving with an empty seat you may end up crossing the van to look for approaching traffic from the left, then pulling out 'blind'.

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[peterc10]

Don't bother booking campsites. Germany, like many other European countries, have a large network of informal places to stop with a motorhome which are called Stellplatz. Usually found close to interesting places or with nice views. Nearly all have fresh water and places to dump your grey and black waste. Many have EHU as well. Prices range from free to €12.

Get paid for apps from Campercontact and park4nights to find them all.

 

[philb 1]

Don't forget to turn off the speed camera alerts on your sat nav as some Contries it is illegal big fine if you get caught

 

[Tony50]

We use to go to Holland my son worked there, advice he gave us was cyclists are known never to be in the wrong, so don't hit one or let them hit you, because it will be your fault