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Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 5 Oct 2020, 2:07pm
by Jdsk
Many shops are.

I like to know where I'm sleeping the following night so communicating on Sundays wasn't a big issue, but if you like leaving it late I imagine that it could be.

Jonathan

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 5 Oct 2020, 2:08pm
by nirakaro
Haha. On my ride up the Rhine, first day in Nederland was a Friday, and everything was shut for a public holiday – King's Day, IIRC, when Dutch people drink a lot, and show their silly side. A week later in Germany, it was a Friday, and everything was again shut for a public holiday. Following week, in Austria … guess what … everything was again shut for a public holiday.

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 5 Oct 2020, 4:14pm
by mjr
Haha yes. I've met King's Day in the Netherlands, Acension Day in France and some others unexpectedly.

https://www.feiertagskalender.ch/index.php?geo=0&hl=en is useful for Europe. It says today is Republic Day in Portugal.

If you hate German, you can use https://publicholidays.eu/ but you have to click through to each country, like on Wikipedia.

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 5 Oct 2020, 9:08pm
by ossie
foxyrider wrote:
I think largely due to the nature of the land, that stretch roughly Mainz to Speyer is almost bereft of campsites. There are a few within a short distance of the river but as its pretty boring and not exactly a touristy region there is a general dearth of camping opportunities. Must admit that when i did that section i used a site @ 10km from the river on the edge of the Pfalz.


I missed that place at Pfalz damnit. I couldn't find anything so negotiated £38 for a city centre hotel in Ludwigshaven with a pool and spa :mrgreen: (note when the exchange rate was good- plus the manager took pity on me)

It kind of went against my principals but the tent and everything needed drying out, I did my laundry, had a swim and popped around the corner for a pizza and a few beers. I reminded myself it was a holiday after all :-)...felt like luxury .

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 6 Oct 2020, 5:16pm
by foxyrider
st599_uk wrote:Is it still safe to assume that Germany is shut on Sundays?


Thats generally the case although you will often find bakeries will be open, at least in the morning. The exceptions are 'tourist' type shops, petrol stations and you may find the equivalent of WHSmith open at bigger railway stations.

In recent years some stores in the largest cities have opened on Sundays but for most Germans the day is for family and hobbies not shopping!

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 6 Oct 2020, 5:26pm
by st599_uk
I remember wandering around Köln one Sunday after a late night at Karneval. Only place open was the Gestapo museum café.

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 6 Oct 2020, 8:12pm
by ossie
Sunday is indeed 'the day of rest'. When I lived there decades ago doing the washing and hanging it out was frowned upon.

Things have relaxed though, however if you need supplies find a petrol station, that said many campsites do the essentials if you dont mind paying over the odds slightly. In Germany and France I tend to stock up on a Saturday.

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 10 Oct 2020, 8:19am
by willp01908
Just got back from riding the Rhine from Constance to Duesseldorf as part of a longer tour and even with the Covid, had very few issues. We were at the opposite end of the "season" from the OP`s intended start time and only had 1 campsite closed. We just pitched up in an area of some trees behind a car park next to the river. - June should be fine

Germany most definitely still closed on Sundays, though quite a few of the bakers seem to be opening lately. At least in the morning for coffee and cake.

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 10 Oct 2020, 12:52pm
by Furkuk
Thanks to all. Just need the virus to do one then we can all get back to normal.

Re: Eurovelo15

Posted: 10 Oct 2020, 8:46pm
by foxyrider
willp01908 wrote: though quite a few of the bakers seem to be opening lately. At least in the morning for coffee and cake.


Not a new thing, Germans like fresh rolls/bread for breakfast and torte for afternoon tea, the bakeries open at an appropriate time to supply these even on a Sunday. And for the traveller or bone idle you can usually get fruhstuck (breakfast) for a reasonable price too - very civilised. :D