Among the many ways to travel and explore, few things beat driving around yourself, whether it be Tuscany, New Zealand or across the U.S., there is a freedom that comes with being on your own, able to stop at will for a photo, to rest or… to relief yourself (yes, I said it …).
I have done some great drives and I thought I’d start a short series on these drives and, hopefully, hear back from you on your own favorite drives along the way.
Today, I share my drive to/from Maastricht, The Netherlands and Frankfurt, Germany over a dozen years ago. I was in Frankfurt for business for a few weeks and decided to visit a college friend who was an ex-pat in Maastricht. I rented my car in Frankfurt and made my way, in about 3 hrs, to Maastricht on the famous autobahn. The autobahn between some cities in Germany fails to meet the wild expectations we have in the U.S. about fast speeds as there is too much vehicular traffic on some of the routes. But some parts of the route I took where free and clear just for me. That and along the Mercedes-Benz upgrade they gave me were the perfect pairing for a FUN drive. On the outbound leg of the trip, I drove northwest towards Bonn and Cologne (Köln) on the A3 and then west on the A4 past Aachen straight into Maastricht. I wish I had had time to explore Aachen, having been a residence of Charlemagne and where many Holy Roman Emperors were crowned back in the day. For that matter also Cologne and Bonn. So much too see and so little time…
The outbound route I took
On the way back I took a different route based on my friend’s suggestion as the landscape would be much more rewarding. It was indeed! I don’t recall the details of the route (which cut at some point across the incredible Mosel River) but maybe someone will recognize some of the locales from the photos and let me know more precisely where I went through!
I highly recommend taking the “road less traveled”. In this case, not the A3! Western Germany, near the border with Luxembourg and France, is simply a beautiful place to visit, explore and drive. Get lost, take your time, and sample this area!
Love those German roofs and their architecture in general!!! Aachen must be an awesome city. There is a famous University , which specializes in EE there but can’t remember its name.
I like German architecture too. I need to head back and keep exploring the country…
Great pics. I think many people think of the many great cities in Germany and may no realize what a beautiful countryside they have as well.
Karl recently posted..Hiking in Ringebu Norway
Germany is so rich in history, architecture, and food and I think people only may think of it as beer and wurst!
I love a good drive – but can’t say I have done this one. I need to give Germany a bit more love
Mrs O., I was so pleasantly surprised at how much Germany has to offer!
I always think of the U.S.A when I think of road trips. I know they have roads in other countries, so it is cool to hear about a European version.
Traveling Ted recently posted..My manly bucket list to support #Movember & #ManlyMoments
Yes, Ted, Europe has roads!! It all started with the Via Apia… 🙂
I love Maastricht! Would love someday to drive this route.
Lesley Peterson recently posted..Montreal to New York City by train: Amtrak’s Adirondack route
If you do, Lesley, stop along the way – something I didn’t do – and tell me what neat discoveries you make!
How fast did you go on the Autoban? And this is a great series concept… As an American I love the open road form time to time, looking forward to learning more aobut drives across the world.
stay fast, Craig
craig zabransky (@StayAdventurous) recently posted..Adventure Awaits at the Niagara Falls
Quite fast, Mr. Z. German authorities may be reading…
i’ve been more into road tripping lately myself. biggest road trip yet for me this summer…MONGOL RALLY!! woooo!
lola recently posted..A City Experience & Country Escape in the UK with @FourSeasons
Hats off, Lola! That is one amazing drive you are about to head into!! Can’t wait to hear the stories you will have.
I’ve always wanted to take a car across Europe.. particularly through Germany and Italy. Great photos and what a beautiful drive. Must add to my list of things to do next time I’m in Europe.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..The World’s Dollar Menu
Thx, Kieu. I wish I had stopped more and taken more pix! I was kind of feeling rushed to get to the destination.
nothing like a road trip. You never ever know what will happen along the way.
Agreed, Mary Anne. Stopping and exploring what’s in between the starting point and the end point can be just as fun as making it to the destination!
I love to visit Germany because it has many attractions places! The combination of old-world charm and modern urban cities makes it an ideal destination for travelers. Thanks for your suggestions to visit Western Germany. I will make a plan to visit there on my next trip.