Germany is covered by an excellent and extensive system of major roads (prefixed 'B') and motorways (prefixed 'A' for Autobahn). There are no tolls or speed limits on the Autobahnen but a maximum of 130kph (81mph) is recommended. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) or 100kph (62mph) on major and minor roads outside the cities and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas. Traffic drives on the right. Seat belts must be worn at all times and children under 12 are forbidden to travel in the front seat without a child restraint.

National Express (tel: 0870 580 8080, in the UK; website: www.nationalexpress.com) runs a regular coach service from London to Hamburg.

If you want to take your car to Hamburg from the UK, you will have to take the Eurostar to Calais or Brussels and drive for a further 763km (477 miles) or 588km (365 miles) respectively.

The main German automobile association is ADAC (website: www.adac.de).

Emergency breakdown service: ADAC (tel: 01802 222 222).