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Fairly large campsite, right on the banks of the Rhine, just a few miles to the south of Cologne. This was the first time we had camped in Germany, and I think that booking in advance is a bit alien to them. Travelling from the UK, we were fairly keen to know that we would have a place when we got there, but all I could get out of them was an email saying "no problem, we’ll have plenty of space". It turned out not to be a very accurate statement. The place was well filled when we arrived, but we checked in, and were told just to find somewhere suitable and pitch. Well, finding anywhere we would fit (with folding camper and awning, about 5m square) was tricky. We did find a pitch, but it was a rather tight squeeze. We noticed later that the site rules insist on 6m between units. Sensible rule, but I’m glad they weren’t enforcing it. That’s the negative bit over with. Most of the staff spoke English at least as good as my German, and were always happy to speak English, German or a mixture, as necessary. The site itself was generally ok, though nothing special. Except perhaps the toilet block. This had very good facilities, including soap and toilet paper, free showers with plenty of hot water, and plenty of everything - we never had to queue. Just be aware, though, that it is up a flight of stairs (though they do have disabled facilities at ground level). Sinks for washing up and laundry in a separate part of the same building, along with four or so gas rings, in case you don’t have your own cooking gear. Never seen that before, but perhaps it’s common in Germany. Lots of the pitches (more than half, I’d say) were occupied by permanent caravans, with roped off areas around them to stop visitors straying too close. There is a restaurant on site, but we didn’t try it. There is also a hotel, so this could be a good place to go for a joint holiday with friends or relations that don’t camp! The cycle/footpath along the Rhine runs between the river and the site, and there’s a gate directly onto it. Good for an evening stroll. With a few diversions into built-up areas, it goes all the way into Cologne, which is easy cycling distance, as long as you’re not new to it. Unfortunately, when we were there, there had been heavy rain, and parts of the path were still under water, and others were so muddy we could not cycle on them. So we gave up and went back to the campsite, and took the tram instead. The public transport here was great. There’s not a tram stop very near the site - you need to take the car, bike or bus. But once you’re on the tram (which turns into underground near the city) it’s an excellent service. We bought a family "welcome card" (available at the campsite and elsewhere) which gave us three days free travel for 3 adults (or 2+2) on all public transport for €38, which we thought was good value, as we went into the city all three days we were there.
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