Unlike driving in the UK, Germany drives on the right-hand side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the left. There are also speed limits that you'll need to keep in mind: within city limits, the speed is restricted to 50km/h (31 mph) but on country roads and highways, it varies between 100km/h (62 mph) - 130km/h (81 mph). Unlike UK’s roundabouts, in Germany, priority is given to the vehicle coming from the right, unless otherwise indicated.
Parking
Parking in Soest is generally straight-forward with numerous paid parking lots around the city, within easy walking distance of various attractions. Some streets offer free parking but lookout for ‘parken mit Parkscheibe’ signs (which indicate limited free parking with a parking disc).
Choosing the Right Car
For a trip to Soest, a compact or mid-size car would be the best fit. The city streets are well-paved but can be narrow, hence a smaller car would be easy to manoeuvre. For families or larger groups, SUVs or minivans are a great option for a comfortable ride.
Must-See Sights in Soest
Soest city centre (Altstadt)
Discover the historical charm of the city centre, which boasts well-preserved medieval buildings, numerous museums and churches such as the St. Patrokli Cathedral.
Möhnesee
A short drive from Soest, Möhnesee is a beautiful lake, offering outdoor activities like swimming, sailing, cycling and walking trails.
Day Trips from Soest
Münster
Drive up to Münster, famous for its historical architecture and vibrant student life. Visit the St. Paulus Dom and enjoy a stroll around Prinzipalmarkt, filled with charming shops and restaurants.
Dortmund
Set your navigation to Dortmund, an hour's drive away. Dortmund offers great shopping, cool breweries and numerous cultural sights like the U-Tower, Museum of Art and Cultural History.
Essential Travel Information
Currency
Germany uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but taking some cash would be handy for smaller shops or cafés.
Climate
Soest has a moderate maritime climate, cool to warm in summers (15 - 25°C) and chilly in winters (0 - 5°C). Rainfall can be expected throughout the year.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to spend your days exploring Soest or venture out to nearby towns, a hired car lets you experience it all without the constraints of timetabled tours. Happy driving!
