Eckernförde 2013

In April a week on the Baltic was on our agenda. As we wanted to spend at least a week in one and the same place, we decided on a campsite right on the Baltic Sea. After some research on the internet, we chose the Heide family's campsite in Klein Waabs. Besides pitches right by the water, the site has its own indoor pool and various other amenities.

On Friday we drove from Hanover to Klein Waabs, 320 kilometres away and about 10 kilometres from Eckernförde. Apart from the last 30 kilometres, the journey was all on the motorway and therefore very quick (except for the Elbe Tunnel on a Friday ;-) ). The last 10 kilometres from Eckernförde to Klein Waabs are very winding, and you start to wonder whether they want any visitors here.

Having survived the slalom course, we quickly found the well-signposted campsite. We registered briefly at reception, received a welcome pack with all the information and went straight to our booked pitch. Because it was pre-season, the whole campsite was still very empty, and only the seasonal campers were busy cleaning. After a quick look at the pitch, we concluded that we wouldn't be able to get our motorhome onto it, as a tree made access a bit difficult. A quick call to reception to explain our challenge, and we could simply choose another pitch. No sooner said than done. We parked the motorhome on our new pitch so that we could reach the waste water and fresh water connections directly with a hose. Most of the pitches have fresh water, waste water and electricity connections. Great comfort :-)

Link to the campsite

On Saturday morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we quickly took the scooter off the rack and set off for Eckernförde. So back along the slalom course – but on two wheels it's fun.

Eckernförde with its great harbour and the adjoining pedestrian zone invites you to linger. The weather god was kind to us and gave us a lovely calm and sunny day. The first boats were being spruced up for the new season.

Right by the harbour we spotted a sign saying "Bonbonkocherei" (sweet-making). Curious, we followed the sign and found ourselves in front of a shop where we could watch the sweets being made. Until then I had only known such shops from Denmark. It's great fun watching the individual products being made – and of course you could buy the treats too ;-)

After a hearty meal, we explored the campsite in more detail on a walk. The indoor pool (with lifeguard) is clean and nicely laid out. There are excellent shopping facilities in the large supermarket with a bakery and butcher's. Then we inspected the showers: the individual shower cubicles (no coins needed) are clean and in good condition. The shower blocks (there are several) are heated, and the showers have shower gel dispensers.

After a lovely first day of our holiday, we were able to enjoy the sunset over Eckernförde Bay. On Sunday, after a leisurely breakfast, we set off on the scooter for Damp. Damp is a well-known seaside resort, only 10 kilometres from the campsite. At the entrance to the village we immediately noticed that there were no signs to the centre, so we simply headed towards the coast. After ending up in 3 dead ends (without any dead-end signs, of course), we finally found the centre – or at least the edge of it: no entry for motorhomes, trucks and motorcycles. After so much friendliness towards guests, we promptly turned round and left Damp again. We came to the conclusion that there are plenty of other great towns on the Baltic.

Our next stop was Kiel, 45 kilometres away. Our destination was the ferry port, where the ferries to Norway and Sweden depart. As these destinations are served daily, there are always some ferries to admire in the harbour.

When we got back, we swam a few lengths in the pool and then got the barbecue out :-)

On Tuesday we had an appointment at a Frankia workshop, as the gas struts on the drop-down bed needed replacing. We went to the dealer Tank Reisemobile in Dänischenhagen, 30 kilometres away. The struts were replaced straight away in their own workshop: 158 euros for the struts, and a round 160 euros including fitting – great service.

Wednesday: windy, but sunny, dry and warm.

Our outing that day was the Gettorf animal park. What makes it special is the "Crazy House" – a house that stands on its head.

Thursday was all about rest and relaxation. On Friday we left the campsite and headed home.