Loop 5 is a shopping centre (mall) in Weiterstadt, near Darmstadt, and it's big, in fact it will probably be the death nell of Darmstadt centre.
On the plus side, parking is free, on the minus side parking is a nightmare. Round and round and up you go and where you stop nobody knows. It is fun watching people from Darmstadt try to negotiate the ramps (there are no hills in Darmstadt aka Flatstadt) most people seem to have forgotten how to use the clutch.
Once you're in the centre good luck on finding anything. There are some signs to the larger shops, like Saturn, but they appear and disappear more often than David Blaine. I did find one rather confusing map, with a list of shops on it, but I would say wear comfy shoes and be ready to walk round in circles.
If you need refreshment, there is a foodcourt, with quite a bit of choice, if only you could get served. The usual nightmare of queuing in Germany as people mill around aimlessly.
I ended up fleeing to the BioLaden round the corner from the foodcourt. Where I found they have a nice little cafe where you can buy soup, salads, etc. It's very reasonably priced and it's a lot less stressful.
There are shops here that you won't find elsewhere locally, especially clothes shops, but you have to wonder how long some of them will survive.
If you love shopping you'll probably love Loop 5. If you'd rather have a tooth pulled than go to a boutique, I suggest you book a dentist appointment if your partner suggests a trip out there. read more