Читать книгу The Rhine Cycle Route. From source to sea through Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands онлайн

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Hay barn in Switzerland used for ‘schlaf im stroh’ (Stage 2)

Bett+Bike

This is a German scheme run by ADFC (German cycling club), which has registered over 5000 establishments providing cycle-friendly accommodation. It includes a wide variety of properties, from major hotels to local B&Bs, listed by state in an annually updated guidebook. Participating establishments display a Bett+Bike sign. For more information visit www.bettundbike.de.

Youth hostels and backpackers

Rüdesheim youth hostel sits among the vineyards of Rheingau (Stage 16)

There are 40 official youth hostels (YH), many in historic buildings, on or near the route (six are in Switzerland, one in Liechtenstein, one in Austria, 29 in Germany, one in France and two in the Netherlands). These are listed in Appendix D. To use a German youth hostel you need to be a member of an association affiliated to Hostelling International. If you are not a member you will be required to join the local association. Rules vary from country to country but generally hostels accept guests of any age, although visitors over 27 may face a small surcharge (€3 in Germany). Rooms vary from single-sex dormitories to family rooms of two to six beds. Unlike British hostels, most continental European hostels do not have self-catering facilities but do provide good-value hot meals. Hostels get very busy, particularly during school holidays, and booking is advised through www.hihostels.com.