Lower Saxony

On leaving Lowenhagen we decided to drive the short hop (approx 40 km) to Hann. Munden. Our home for the next 2 nights was going to be a Stellplatz. The Stellplatz is a place where motor homes can park up overnight, some have basic facilities, others not and they are a relatively cheaper alternative to camping sites. The Stellplatz at Hann. Munden was on a municipal car park with electricity, fresh water and waste disposal. Once we had sussed it all out we set off to explore Hann. Munden, the town we had been told not to miss. Hann. Munden has more than 700 hundred half timbered houses. Separated by some 6 centuries of history, they completely dominate the face of the town and their main attraction lies in the effect of the overall ensemble. The Rathaus (Town Hall) dates back in part to the 14th Centuury but the side facing the market (as shown in the picture)

was rebuilt at the turn of the 17th Century in the Weser Renaissance style.

To appreciate the beauty of Hann. Munden we climbed up to a 19th Century tower known as the Tillyschanze. For a small fee you can climb up the tower and from the top, enjoy spectacular views of the town. All this climbing on a warm sunny day was thirsty work so it was good to find a Gasthutte next to the tower where Harry could continue with his research in comparing the regional beers of Germany.  Of course I am helping Harry in his research! We stayed 2 nights in Hann. Munden and were very pleased that we had not missed this gem of a town.

Having been pleasantly surprised about living on a municipal car park, we thought we would try again. We had bought a book when we first arrived in Germany listing all the Stellplatzes so finding them was not going to be difficult especially with the help of our friend 'Tom'. We wanted to travel through Thuringia and the town of Bad Sooden - Allendorf seemed a good place to stop en route. Again the Stellplatz was excellent with only a few motor homes in situ. Now being Stellplatz experts, we soon got hooked up to the electricity, took on fresh water and disposed of our waste. Only 4 Euros to stay here with a bit extra for the electricity. This is the view from behind our van.

 

Bad Sooden - Allendorf is a spa town so when in Rome! Harry and I went to take the waters. Fantastic experience, indoor and outdoor bathing in temperatures of 32 C with various areas with jets and bubbles to pummel and massage your body. There was even a pool that had a wave machine which felt like we were swimming the Channel. Another crazy experience was in the outside pool. A circular area which, when you entered it, propelled you round like a washing machine - more like the wall of death in water. Getting in and out of the whirlpool was quite hairy and caused some hilarity to our fellow bathers - of course they are all experts in these matters and are regular users of 'the waters'. We stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed the various walks in the surrounding area.

On Saturday we travelled through Thuringia and were back on a site on the edge of a large reservoir. Although quite a large site it was well laid out and very tranquil. We appear to be a curiousity, mainly German and the occasional Dutch campers here. We have only seen one other GB sticker in the last 3 weeks. Even the girl in reception was surprised by our nationality and thanked me for being able to speak in German with her! We stayed at this campsite at Hohenfelden for 3 nights to catch up with domestic chores and to chill even though the weather wasn't too kind to us during this time. We had hoped to be able to publish this latest blog while we were at Hohenfelden but no Wi Fi on site so apologies for the lateness of our latest ramblings. We will try and get the next chapter on soon.

Lots of love

Kath & Harry xxx