Rest Stops on Highways Where You Must Take a Break

Run across a lush green meadow, stretch your stiff joints, feel the sun on your skin-and all with a tasty, freshly brewed coffee in hand? Many drivers and their passengers long for this during a long drive on the freeway.

Right next to Germany's highways, there are exciting opportunities for a break away from the usual gas stations and the bland roadside scenery. We introduce you to some rest stops with that special extra-ordered by ascending highways.

Entering the Jägerheim Rest Stop on the A1 in Lohne (Lower Saxony) feels more like stepping into a forest cabin than being directly by the highway. The red brick houses create a homely feel from the outside, and it continues to be cozy inside. Travelers relax in the armchairs or by the brick fireplace, with food offerings far removed from the typical sausage with potato salad.

Right behind the rest stop, the greenery unfolds: Narrow paths between fields and trees invite long-distance travelers to stretch their legs with an extensive walk.

If you enjoy watching cars, you get a firsthand view at the Dammer Berge Rest Stop in Lower Saxony, as it is one of two bridge inns in Germany. That means you sip a coffee high above the Autobahn 1 as cars, trucks, and motorcycles zip by underneath.

With a total length of 103 meters and a width of 18 meters, the bridge spans the A1 between Osnabrück and Bremen, offering the best views for all car enthusiasts.

For those who prefer to stretch their legs, next to the fascinating bridge construction, there is a highway chapel on the west side. On both sides, playgrounds offer a chance to expend some energy.

Making just a short stop at the Strohofer Geiselwind Service Area on the A3 between Würzburg and Nuremberg is almost impossible. An adventure world with archery, GPS scavenger hunts, and a climbing forest ensures that the break at this rest area lasts longer than anticipated.

Additionally, there are various restaurants and shops, a church, a fitness center, and an event hall. If you want to explore the whole complex thoroughly, just stay overnight: Accommodations are available at the adjoining hotel or in small wooden huts.

When you've reached the Frechen-Süd Rest Stop, you might still have the typical traffic jam around Cologne ahead of you. Before the stop-and-go, you can relax here with a fantastic view of the Rhine metropolis-complete with a free view of the world-famous cathedral. Between gentle green hills, church spires and high-rises rise in the distance.

Meanwhile, children expend energy on the playground as the electric car charges. Mom and Dad get a coffee as having a hot drink in hand enhances the enjoyment of the Cologne panorama.

On the A4 lies the Eichelborn-Süd Rest Stop between Erfurt and Gera. This is the perfect spot if you want an extensive stretch: It's located in the protected middle Ilmtal landscape. Meadows, forests, and hiking trails begin right behind the parking area.

High up at the Taunusblick Rest Stop on the A5 near Frankfurt. This pause opportunity, with an observation tower, is located between the Bad Homburg Cross and the Northwest Frankfurt Cross. The steel construction takes you 25 meters closer to the sun and clouds, offering a view over the highway.

Turning slightly more, you see the Taunus mountains, and a bit further, you admire the impressive Frankfurt skyline. To enjoy this unique view, you must conquer 100 steps-although there's also an elevator.

To refuel, a schnitzel with homemade Frankfurt green sauce awaits you below, and on summer days, the hosts fire up the grill. For kids, there are plenty of play opportunities both inside and out.

Corners and edges are scarce at the Art Rest Stop Illertal-Ost on the A7 in Baden-Württemberg. Austrian artist and planner Herbert Maierhofer created this unique place as a total work of art, favoring curves over corners.

Instead of a flat roof, colorful formations rise, reminiscent of soft ice cream and cupcake toppings. Large windows, curved walls, and bright sculptures also contribute to the feeling of being in an amusement park.

The colorful theme continues inside, where the kitchen serves Swabian specialties, vegetarian dishes, and pizzas. Coffee and cakes are also on the Art Rest Stop's menu.

Am I still on the way or have I already arrived at my vacation destination? Many travelers visiting the Chiemsee-Nord Highway Rest Stop for the first time would love to stay. The reason is the magnificent view of Lake Chiemsee behind the parking area.

Above the clear lake waters, seagulls sail from one shore to the other, hoping to snag a tasty snack from rest stop visitors. Many travelers spend their break right by and on the wall separating the lake from the parking area. If you've already eaten your travel provisions, you can organize a resupply at the associated rest stop.

Looking for positive energy while driving? Then make a stop at this rest house on the A8 in Baden-Württemberg between Stuttgart and Ulm. Gruibingen is home to Europe's first rest area built following the principles of Feng Shui.

The architect designed the building, meticulously avoiding corners and edges. The building's layout is at a precisely calculated angle to the roadway to let the Feng Shui work its magic.

In the shop, apart from gum and magazines, you'll find essential oils and wind chimes, with organic-certified food. Besides rest station classics like schnitzel, sausage, and fries, wok dishes with plenty of vegetables are also served here.

The courtyard houses a fountain to supposedly activate the life energy or 'Qi' of guests, while indoors, a 'room of silence' offers meditative calm against the ambient engine noise. Additional relaxation can be found in extensive outdoor areas featuring green pastures, crossed by a meandering stream.

The Frankenwald Rest Stop spans the A9; it is the second bridge inn besides the Dammer Berge Rest Stop in Lower Saxony. This unique spot opened in 1967 at a pivotal point, offering travelers a view of the former inner-German border and its fortifications from this elevated bridge over the highway.

Thankfully, those times are long gone. Today, people watch cars speeding under the bridge, the Saale River, and the surrounding forests over quick snacks or hot coffee. The next border is far away.

On the A40 between Bochum and Dortmund, there's mainly extraordinary architecture to admire. The landmark of the rest stop is a highly visible headframe. This steel structure is 15.75 meters high and weighs 26.5 tons, with two observation platforms at 4.30 meters and 7.10 meters.

Also notable is the two-story rest stop building with a curved, hill-like landscape-adapted, and green-roof construction. The sun terrace features 66 seats. Unusual: The curry sausage sauce bubbles from a fountain. The nearby playground is a paradise for children.

On the A61 south of the Koblenz interchange, there's a rest stop directly at the Moselle Valley Bridge. From the parking lot and the nearby walking trail, guests enjoy the stunning Moselle Valley panorama with its many wine terraces.

Three hiking routes pass directly by the rest stop: Mosella-Zauber, Winninger Wine Educational Trail, and Moselle Ridge Trail.