Y'all know that I love a good rest stop. There are over 200 in my "Rest up!" collection that…read morerecords my rest stop reviews across the USA. Well, this is my first ever international rest stop, which in German is a "raststätte". It was helpful for getting settled into the rental car now that I've figured out the climate controls and don't need all these layers. Located about a half hour southwest of Düsseldorf, this stop was quite easy to negotiate and consistent with what one should expect from a rest area. Excellent signage that warns you about 5 km out that it's ahead. An easy deceleration ramp with signs that point the way for cars and trucks. Easy pull-through parking for both and a fuel station. Inside, restrooms (not free, which is the way such things work in Europe) that were extremely clean. A gift shop and convenience store with snacks and drinks that had a seating area if you'd prefer to not get crumbs in your vehicle. Getting back onto the autobahn was easy and I got to practice my shifting to get up to highway speed swiftly. I'm very pleased with this rest area and looking forward to a few more on this drive. [Review 16394 overall - 199 in Germany - 1901 of 2021.]

I stopped in for Aral gas. They advertise Burger King and other food but it all appeared to be…read moreclosed. If you want food, you can get it in the gas station shop. There is also a bathroom that is typical of this type of rest stop. The entrance fee to the bathroom can be applied to your purchase in the shop. The coffee venue appeared to be open but there was only one cashier so she probably operated both. When I was there, there wasn't anyone at the coffee counter. The cashier was very nice and friendly, so much so that it's noteworthy and worth mentioning. On a Saturday evening, it wasn't too crowded and there were only a few other people there. I like being able to get gas without being pressured to move quickly.

I have stopped at this gas station more than once on road trips. It is connected to a McDonald's…read more They have a clean bathroom (that costs 0.70 EUR). You can apply 0.50 EUR from the 0.70 EUR to your purchase in the shop. It's easy to use the gas station and of course you pay inside. They also have convenient parking in front of the building, in case you need somewhere to eat or drink (because you currently can't sit inside due to the pandemic). The facilities are clean and the people are friendly, which are a couple of reasons why I prefer stopping here when I'm on the road.