First night in the Taunus Mountains
Once the car was equipped and the fridge full, the next task began: finding a suitable wild camping spot for the night. I had marked interesting locations on Google Maps in advance – an excellent way to plan campervan trips, as the map simultaneously provides a clear picture of driving distances and routes. I usually add many potential spots, from which one can choose and narrow down based on personal preference during the trip.
I had picked the first destinations near Frankfurt, in the Taunus Mountains. We decided to head for the road leading to the summit of the mountain for the first night. The higher we drove, the foggier and more eerie the landscape became. Steep forested slopes and rain added an exciting tone to the atmosphere. Finally, we arrived at a secluded gravel parking spot in the middle of the forest, found through the Park4Night app. The place was quiet and peaceful – perfect for an overnight stay.
However, the silence was broken when the living area heater refused to cooperate. The heater repeatedly went into fault mode, and I couldn't get it to start, even though I was familiar with the system. Annoyance began to rise, as the car quickly grew cold, and we hadn't prepared with thick blankets. Eventually, I located the problem in the new GOK Caramatic gas cylinder changer, which differed from the Truma models I was used to. The valve had a safety feature that prevents gas flow if the pressure drops. The problem was solved when I realized I had to press the valve button deeper with a key – my finger didn't go down far enough. As soon as the heater started, I immediately felt relieved. We slept peacefully through the night with the rain pattering on the roof and the warmth returning to the car.
Idstein – sushi and a fairytale old town
In the morning, we continued our journey towards the charming town of Idstein, located in the Taunus Mountains. Along the way, we stopped at a hardware store to buy a second gas cylinder – just in case. Idstein immediately captivated us: the old town was full of beautiful timber-framed houses, narrow alleys, and inviting cafes with shelves overflowing with pastries. However, we ended up eating excellent sushi before continuing our journey to the next destination.
Rüdesheim am Rhein – wine and river landscapes
Next, we headed down from the mountains to the Rhine River, to Rüdesheim am Rhein. This charming wine town is famous for its historic Drosselgasse lane, local Riesling wines, and stunning river views. Despite its compact size, the town offered plenty to explore – on one side flowed the mighty Rhine, while on the other, vine-covered hills rose majestically.
At this time of year, Rüdesheim was pleasantly quiet. The streets were mostly filled with groups of retirees and school classes, and cruise ships steadily glided along the river. They stopped in various riverside towns, and it seemed that these cruises were particularly popular with older people. We walked through the town in a couple of hours and stopped by the river at a restaurant called Brutzelhaus to sample local pastries.
In the evening, we decided to find a new wild camping spot well before dark. We first visited St. Hildegard's Abbey in the hills above Rüdesheim, but the place was closed, and parking among the vineyards was not allowed. Eventually, we found a peaceful picnic area on a hilltop in Geisenheim – amidst fields and forests. It offered fine views, and we spent the evening cooking and relaxing.
(If you want to find the same wild camping spots, search for the user "Vanstoori" in the Park4Night app.)
The tale of Loreley and the legends of the Rhine
The next morning, the journey continued towards Loreley – a steep rock on the Rhine. From the summit of Loreley, a famous view of the river unfolds, and the place is imbued with a mythical atmosphere.
According to legend, the beautiful maiden Loreley sat on the rock, combing her golden hair and singing so enchanting that the crews of passing ships forgot to steer their vessels and were shipwrecked. Loreley has since become a symbol of the Rhine and an icon of German Romanticism.
We left the car by the river and climbed the steep stairs up to the viewpoint – about a 15-minute ascent. Later, we realized that we could have also driven to the top, but a small hike was good after the drive. The statue of Loreley was surprisingly small, but the views were all the more impressive: the river narrows precisely at this point, and the current is so strong that ships had to use full power to navigate it. We spent almost an hour on the summit in the sunny landscape before continuing our journey towards Koblenz.
Koblenz – city of rivers
Koblenz is a historic city where the Mosel and Rhine rivers meet. It is known for its magnificent Deutsches Eck viewpoint, old town, and castles that tell of its rich history. I also knew the city for a more modern reason – it is the hometown of the quickly rising EDM artist Bennett.
We easily parked the car along the river, near the old town, and set off on foot to explore the city center. We wandered through the alleys of the old town, ate delicious burgers, and tasted local beer at the Hans im Glück restaurant on the market square.
We could have stayed longer in Koblenz, but parking time was running out – and our minds were already on the next destination: the tulip splendor of the Netherlands. Before leaving, we still visited the famous Deutsches Eck, where the Mosel and Rhine converge, and continued our journey towards new adventures.
