Park-up in the green heart of Germany
Finding that perfect park-up for your van often involves a bit of digging - lots of trial and error, or some serious research. But if you visit Ohrdruf, a quaint town nestled in central Germany, you won't be disappointed!
While it may not be the first place that jumps to mind on your travel bucket list, for van lifers it’s a peaceful oasis - especially thanks to its free motorhome service area!
But Ohrdruf isn’t just a practical pit stop; it’s a soothing retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history, making it well worth a day or two of exploration.
Conveniently located just off the A4 Autobahn - Germany's main east-west motorway - it's an ideal stop on your cross-country journey or if you're discovering the lush Thuringia region, often referred to as the "green heart of Germany" due to its dense forests and rolling hills.
Here's four reasons why Ohrdruf earns a place as a hidden gem for van lifers, motorhomers, and road trippers.
1) The Parking is a Dream
Let’s be honest - secure parking can make or break your day, especially after being off-grid for a while. When you’re running low on resources, finding a safe, reliable spot to recharge (both you and your van!) is crucial.
Ohrdruf offers a fantastic motorhome service area with everything you need: drinking water, grey and black wastewater disposal, and electricity points - all available on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. The best part? The dedicated parking is completely free, spacious, and plentiful! Plus, there are plenty of recycling bins to keep the area, and your van, free of rubbish.
Tucked beside a serene stream and the pretty Schloss Ehrenstein, this park-up is not only clean and quiet but also picturesque, with the sun lighting up the area well into the evening.
2) History and Scenery to Explore
Right next to your parking spot is the stunning Schloss Ehrenstein, a former castle that now stands as a cultural landmark. You can enter the castle for a small fee.
Surrounding the castle is a beautiful park that’s perfect for picnics, reading, walking your dog, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. There's also a children’s playground at the back of the park, perfect if you have any little ones travelling with you.
For nature lovers, the nearby Thuringian Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and outdoor adventures.
3) Nearby Options to Wine and Dine
Just a stone’s throw from the parking area is the laid-back Paradise Beach bar (don’t worry, it closes at 10 p.m., so there's no rowdiness here!).
And if you fancy a night off cooking, you can’t miss the local Greek restaurant nearby, Taverna Vasilis. It’s budget-friendly and serves up some fantastic dishes (be careful, the portions are huge!)
4) Convenience At Your Fingertips
Honestly, who doesn’t love having everything they need close by? Ohrdruf's town centre, only a five-minute walk from your parking spot, is charming in its own right and packed with essentials.
With its traditional half-timbered and colourful buildings, you’ll find bakeries, cafes, pharmacies, grocery stores, and a DIY shop. If you need a larger grocery run, Aldi and Lidl are just a short drive away (or a 20-minute walk from the parking).
Hidden Gem Rating
- Van-Life Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Scenic Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Peace & Quiet: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Local Attractions: ⭐⭐⭐
This article is part of vanlavita's 'Hidden Gem' series. For more information and a full list of destinations, check out the dedicated page below. 👇
Georgina
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