Date

Maritime campsite

RV port in the Marina Rünthe

The marina virtually on the doorstep. The nature reserve around the corner. A supermarket within walking distance. And the Autobahn 1 only about three kilometers away: The RV port in Bergkamen-Rünthe is just as suitable for a stopover on a long trip as it is for a short vacation.

The site in Bergkamen's marina has been in existence since 2007. Even then, Detlef Göke was the leaseholder of the site, which was originally designed for twelve motor homes. "Just one year later, we were pitch of the month in Promobil magazine in August," recalls Göke. The mentions in this "camper bible" quickly made the RV port with its idyllic location a popular place to go, and it soon became clear that twelve pitches were not enough. So Göke redesigned the area in the middle, originally intended as a seating area, and expanded the facility so that since then there has been room for 18 motorhomes and campers. "And they don't have to be very small - vehicles up to twelve meters long can be parked here.

Those who take a break or vacation at the RV port for ten euros per 24 hours combine the advantages of civilization and nature. The Marina Rünthe has restaurants and a café, and a stroll along the moorings quickly leads to a conversation with the boat owners. Cyclists and dog owners can relax in the nearby nature reserve around the Beversee or find recreation on - and on hot summer days in - the Datteln-Hamm Canal.

However, there are two restrictions: First, the name says it all - the RV port is actually only intended for RVs. "Caravans need too much space to maneuver," explains Göke. For another, reservations are not possible. "Our regulars already know that, they come by and see if there's room," Göke tells us. "But it's also possible to call my office - my office is right across the street, I take a look outside and can tell campers if there's still a spot available or not."

By Linda Ehrhardt (WA)