German Football Trip

[Floating Fox]

After I went to Watch some matches earlier this year, and wrote my blog (see signature) I know a lot of you said you'd like to do the same thing some time. Well here's your chance!

We're (Thats me and my Barnet supporting mates) currently planning next years trip. I thought I'd give y'all a heads up in case anyone fancied it, so you can book time off etc.

Currently looking at going over for two main games. Nice for us, its after our season has finished.

12/13th May 09 Hamburg vs Bochum

16th May 09 (Confirmed date) Bochum vs Frankfurt - This game probably being a relegation decider and everyone knows how good Frankfurt fans are.

Obviosuly if the fixtures come out nicely (they release the exact dates around 3months before) we would be able to get a few more games in at 2nd Division teams. We'd definatly be in Hamburg for at least one night if not more. Hamburg is very fine city, unfortunatly, St.Pauli are away during the week we visit. However we'd probably visit the stadium.

The main travel we're looking at currently is getting the Eurostar to Brussels and then an overnight sleeper train to Hamburg from there onwards, after the all important break for beer of course. This would take place the day before the Hamburg match, so either on the Monday or tuesday. You arrive at Hamburg on the morning of the match. Obviously people could fly in, I found the Eurostar was much more fun though.

Hotels are cheap as chips, if you don't mind a lack of quality too. I think when we went last time it cost me around 20 Euros a night!

At some point we'd need to get to Bochum which is relativly easy. A train ticket is available where 5 people can travel anywhere in Germany for 35 Euros (the lot of you). Works out around a fiver each. The train does take a while but it gives you time to get over the previous nights drinking. Nice countryside too.

We'd stay minimum of 1 night in Bochum too, which is a nice little city with a good nightlife. The locals will make you feel more than welcome.

Way home is Eurostar or flying again. Bochum to Brussels is slightly more complicated and I think cost me about 30 Euros last time. I can't remember exactly how much. You get to go through Koln (Looks like a lovely city). If fixtures come out right, Aachen might play on the sunday, which is a stop along the way to Brussels, and a possible extra game. I've been told its pretty special to watch a game there too. If this isn't the case, We would spend sunday evening in Brussels which is SUPERB for beer (I passed out in the hotel last time! ). Possible game in Belguim.

Eurostar back to London on Monday morning/afternoon (Last time, Barnet lads went back early morning for work, we stayed in Brussels to cure hangover!!).

Its an epic trip, and something you should do sometime in your life. I'm excited just making this thread about it. Lots of quality beer and real football. Mans dream!

I spent between 300-400 quid on 4 days last time. This would probably be 5 days.

If anyone is interested send me a PM, I'll give you details as soon as I get them

[Maybes]

Andrew

I am definately interested in this. As you probably know Bert and myself were looking into going a Werder game this month but the dates caused a problem.

This sounds quality. How much is the eurostar? How long etc?

[Fez of Mahrez]

Registering interest.

[Floating Fox]

Andrew

I am definately interested in this. As you probably know Bert and myself were looking into going a Werder game this month but the dates caused a problem.

This sounds quality. How much is the eurostar? How long etc?

Eurostar, if booked in advance is £49 return. Bargain imo. The Sleeper to hamburg is another £21, and is not only a bargain but possibly one of the best journeys I've ever had It also stops at Bremen if you wanted to go there instead

Time? 2h30 to Brussels? Not great but its not as bad as it sounds! Think we left London around 4-5ish, then had a couple of hours in Brussels, got tinned up for the sleeper to Hamburg, which left around 10ish. Arrived in Hamburg early morning.

Are you any good at table football? We need someone after being humiliated by Barnet everytime we played last time! <_<

[CosbehFox]

Sounds cracking.

This guy's one of my heros - http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/

I turn 21 in between those dates. I run to create my own trip.

[Maybes]

Eurostar, if booked in advance is £49 return. Bargain imo. The Sleeper to hamburg is another £21, and is not only a bargain but possibly one of the best journeys I've ever had It also stops at Bremen if you wanted to go there instead

Time? 2h30 to Brussels? Not great but its not as bad as it sounds! Think we left London around 4-5ish, then had a couple of hours in Brussels, got tinned up for the sleeper to Hamburg, which left around 10ish. Arrived in Hamburg early morning.

Are you any good at table football? We need someone after being humiliated by Barnet everytime we played last time! <_<

Fairly average Im affraid. Anyone else who I know that would be going? So basically travel is £70? I will tag along and just go the same games as you mate.

[Sparky]

Would defo be interested for this but my stag doo is only 2 weeks after and will need to be putting my cash towards that

[Floating Fox]

Andrew

I am definately interested in this. As you probably know Bert and myself were looking into going a Werder game this month but the dates caused a problem.

This sounds quality. How much is the eurostar? How long etc?

A little bit more here mate. Bear in mind Eurostar is cheaper than it says on there. Last time we didn't bother we the cabins on the sleepr, we just got seats. The seats come in cabins of their own though, 6 seats to a cabin.

Luckily we booked together, so the four of us took up most seats. We shared with one Belguim guy who was a good laugh and showed us a few things along the way. The other cabins in our carrige were next to empty so when we wanted a lie down we just went in there.

Registering interest.

Will let you know when I know more fezzler. You'd love it out there. How was Paris? I didn't see any pictures from the game??

[Maybes]

My 21st is on May 23rd.....go then!!

[Simi]

Andy. What's the minimum cost mate? Defintley interested.

Wank - Looks like this will clash with exams.

[Floating Fox]

Sounds cracking.

This guy's one of my heros - http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/

I turn 21 in between those dates. I run to create my own trip.

My Mates blog Great read. He goes out there too much though! <_< <_<

Fairly average Im affraid. Anyone else who I know that would be going? So basically travel is £70? I will tag along and just go the same games as you mate.

Erm theres one lad who comes games with me I'd rope in. Ramp? Don't know if you know him. I'm sure you can rope our berty into coming?

Travel is £70 cheapest, gets pricey if you don't book in advance though. Thats why I put this out already.

[Guest]

Oh to be young and carefree again.

[Maybes]

My Mates blog Great read. He goes out there too much though! <_< <_<

Erm theres one lad who comes games with me I'd rope in. Ramp? Don't know if you know him. I'm sure you can rope our berty into coming?

Travel is £70 cheapest, gets pricey if you don't book in advance though. Thats why I put this out already.

When are you looking to be booking etc mate? I will definitely come, however it is dependant on when my study days are at work, as I may possibly have refresher classes to attend before my June exams....aaaarrgggh!!! However I would still come for the weekend game at least!!

[Ross-Kemp]

My 21st is on May 23rd.....go then!!

Another FT'er whose birthday is on the 23rd <_<

[syston_fox]

Whats the date for our play offs in case we end up in the top six?

Im very interested in doing something like this but dont want it clashing with Leicester games...

No worries: Found it:

Season ends for Leagues 1 & 2 on 2 May 2009 with the Championship ending 3 May - presumably for live TV coverage on that day.

Play-off semi-finals to be played between 8th & 17th May with the Finals at Wembley, as usual, over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

League 2 Final - Saturday May 23rd

League 1 Final - Sunday May 24th (also last day of the Premiership)

[Fez of Mahrez]

Will let you know when I know more fezzler. You'd love it out there. How was Paris? I didn't see any pictures from the game??

Alex is putting them up either tonight or tomorrow I think. Quality atmosphere, really impressive. I forgot my camera that night though, twat.

[Floating Fox]

My 21st is on May 23rd.....go then!!

Its the last round of Fixtures that weekend. That'd mean less games. Probably just the one infact. However, Bochum play away at Cologne, which is easy to get to. My mates been to Cologne before and says he wasn't impressed, however my cousins live nearby and I wouldn't mind going back out just for this game, early 19th for me too

Andy. What's the minimum cost mate? Defintley interested.

Wank - Looks like this will clash with exams.

I spent at least £300 last time and ran out!

Oh to be young and carefree again.

No excuse. My dad can use it because his other half doesn't like football, but you. No way.

When are you looking to be booking etc mate? I will definitely come, however it is dependant on when my study days are at work, as I may possibly have refresher classes to attend before my June exams....aaaarrgggh!!! However I would still come for the weekend game at least!!

As soon as the midweek game vs Hamburg is announced, around 3 months before I think. I'll let you know as soon as I hear more, probably after christmas though.

Whats the date for our play offs in case we end up in the top six?

Im very interested in doing something like this but dont want it clashing with Leicester games...

Last years final was on the 25th, I imagine this year 24th this year.

Going out now, will answer all questions tomorrow!

[potter3]

interested but you just had the choose the time right before/in my exams <_<

[syston_fox]

Well im definetely interested but looks like the trip will potentially clash with the play off semis.... which could mean joining up later / leaving you earlier if I did decide to make the effort.

[Guest]

No excuse. My dad can use it because his other half doesn't like football, but you. No way.

It could be in the middle of my finals though.

[Ryanside]

Heading to Hamburg just before Xmas, unfortunately there will be no football since they have their xmas break. Fantastic city, lived there for a year.

Been to watch both St Pauli and HSV many times. Cant beat standing and having beer being delivered to you from the beer man. I'm in Oz so wont be joining, would be well up for this otherwise.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Hopefully going to Dortmund / Cologne on the 11th April.

Should be good. Can't wait.

[Tommeh]

Defenatly interested andy, will have 1 Alevel resit around that time but hopefully they won't clash.

Need a good trip like, this countrys going down the shitpan at the moment.

[Floating Fox]

Hopefully going to Dortmund / Cologne on the 11th April.

Should be good. Can't wait.

Shame you won't be able to get tickets for the terrace (Biggest in Europe). I reckon its sold out with season tickets!

Apparently they have some on ebay though. And you do realise the game might be played on the Friday/Saturday/Sunday of that weekend dontcha?

Defenatly interested andy, will have 1 Alevel resit around that time but hopefully they won't clash.

Need a good trip like, this countrys going down the shitpan at the moment.

I'll let you know when I hear some more mate

[Uncle Albert]

Think I am going to Monchengladbach to watch a game in February half term and possibly a PSV game. Wont cost me nothing in accomodation a bus to Monchengladbach stadium is nothing so only got to pay for an hours train to PSV. Cant grumble at that.