Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Land
Border Crossings
Germany is bordered (anticlockwise) by Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxem-
bourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. The Schengen
Agreement abolished passport and customs formalities between Germany and all border-
ing countries.
Bus
*
Eurolines
(
www.eurolines.com
)
is the umbrella organisation of European coach operat-
ors connecting over 500 destinations across Europe. Its website has links to each national
company's site, with detailed fare and route information, promotional offers, contact num-
bers and, in many cases, an online booking system. In Germany, Eurolines is represented
by
Deutsche Touring
(
www.touring.de
)
.
» If Germany's south is part of your European-wide itinerary, a
Eurolines Pass
(
www.eurolines-pass.com
;
15-/30-day peak-travel pass travellers over 26 €350/460, un-
der 26 €295/380)
can save you money. It allows for unlimited travel between 51 European
cities within a 15- or 30-day period. Buy online or from travel agents.
»
Busabout
(
www.busabout.com
; one loop £399)
is a hop-on, hop-off service that runs
coaches along several interlocking European loops between May and October. Stops in-
clude Munich, Stuttgart and Salzburg.
Boat
The Romanshorn-Friedrichshafen ferry provides the quickest way across Lake Constance
between Switzerland and Germany. Ferries operated by
SBS Schifffahrt
(
www.sbsag.ch
;
per person €8.60, bicycles €5.70, cars €18.20)
take 40 minutes.
Car & Motorcycle
» When bringing your own vehicle to Germany, you need a valid driving licence, your car
registration certificate and proof of insurance.
» Foreign cars must display a nationality sticker unless they have official Euro-plates.
» Equipment you need to have in your car by law includes a first-aid kit, spare bulbs and a
warning triangle.
» In winter, even away from the Alps, make sure your vehicle is fitted with winter tyres
and carry snow chains in the boot. Spiked tyres are prohibited.
