Site 4: Alfsee in Germany
This story happened on: 04/08/2016
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We're one week into our 'Five Countries in Five Weeks' and have now crossed the border into Germany. The journey from Heumans Bos to our next site, Alfsee Ferien und Erlungspark, was about three hours, although we stopped to stock up on food, which seems to be cheaper than in Holland.
Alfsee Ferien und Erlungspark is a large popular site near Rieste in Eastern Germany. It has over 750 pitches split into four areas. Pitches are flat and on wide open grassy fields, split into sections that are separated by trees and shrubs. Toilet blocks are centrally located; they are large, spacious blocks that are regularly cleaned. The one near us provided family washrooms. Dish washing facilities are also available and in addition to sinks, dishwashers are provided. Free tokens (1 per each night of your stay) are given out on arrival.
The main accommodation at this 5 star campsite is for tents, caravans and motorhomes but it does also provide appartments - two blocks named Flora and Fauna - and beach chalets. A 3 star hotel is also located on site.
The main reception area is open until late in the evening and is a central information point for the campsite and whole area. Behind the reception building is a plaza edged by a restaurant, supermarkets and stage area for entertainment. The supermarket offers a range of drinks (at reasonable prices) and food, including freshly baked bread and delicious looking cakes.
Beyond the central plaza are two watersports lakes. Before arriving at the lakes there is play area for children that contains trampolines (payable), mini golf and a climbing wall. The walk way to the lakes reminds me of walking along a pier or waterfront abroad since it is lined with a range of eating places, including a creperie, kebab stall, wurst stall and ice-cream stalls. You then enter the world of Waterskiing with rental shops hiring and selling equipment to eager customers. We sat in the Wasserski lake-side bar and watched extremely competent and athletic people perform tricks on their boards as they jumped off ramps and flipped in the air. The further lake seemed to attract the less confident clientèle (still mixed with some able ones). We watched and felt inspired to have a go. Tim, Amy and I have all tried waterskiing or wake-boarding in the past and were keen but the cost put us off. We were eager for Amy to get back on the water so she hired the equipment and had a two hour session for €22. After a couple of initial failed attempts at getting up (it was her first time on a cable system) the technique started to come back and she enjoyed herself.
Beside the lake there is a beach area where people can swim under life guard supervision. It is a sandy, clean beach with an area for volleyball and sandy football pitch. Pedaloes and SUP boards can be hired, although there is not very much room to explore since most of the water is used for the water skiing.
The park is aimed at families and at this time of year there are plenty of children enjoying the facilities. There are playgrounds dotted around the site as well as a larger one near the Kuddel-Muddel (children's centre). Animation activities run throughout and one particular favourite is the clown who runs a children's disco / party on Tuesdays and Saturdays. His popularity also extends into the site marketing since his image appears everywhere!
Alfsee is located near to a reservoir and on our day at the site we hopped on the e-bikes, hired out from reception, and had great fun cycling around the circumference of the reservoir (8km) a couple of times. As well as bikes there also carts that can be hired - popular with the kids. On our way back we called at the other nearby attractions which included a maze play park, petting zoo, indoor play park and go karting. Unfortunately the Mini golf overlooking the reservoir was closed (on Tuesdays). All of these attractions are privately owned but on arrival at the site you are presented with Alfsee cards that provide discounts to most if not all the attractions.
For the less energetic there is Saunaland. Opened in December 2015, this hub of relaxation offers a small swimming pool for fitness sessions and general swimming, massage packages and saunas. Be warned, you are expected to go into the sauna without clothes. There is a 'special' session on Wednesday for people who wish to wear swimsuits, but apparently this isn't proving very popular!
The Alfsee campsite is a fantastic site for families and certainly offers a wide range of numerous activities to fill your time. Even though the site is large it is well managed and there is a relaxed atmosphere. We were very impressed with the quality of the facilities. It is definitely worth considering spending more than a couple of nights here to fully appreciate them.
@meekroadventure