The first tent was under the fruit tree.
60 years ago, Nikolaus Schausten came up with an idea that most Cochemers thought: He's crazy. At that time, some tourists from the Netherlands asked him if they could pitch their tents on his orchard in Cochem's Enderttal. Asked, done. When then more and more Moselurlauber wanted to camp there, thought Schausten unceremoniously, then I just set up his own campsite. That was in 1957. Now is 2017, and the campsite still exists. Meanwhile led in the third generation, by grandson Christian Reif and his wife Melanie.
"Have a nice season with you", says Melanie Reif and with a glass of sparkling wine, gives a warm welcome to some of her regular guests, who are sitting in the sun in front of the restaurant of the campsite. Some of them have been here for more than 40 years. Sometimes even their children or grandchildren continue this tradition. "Many of our guests come back and give us good reviews on the Internet," says the 40-year-old. The hoops have been running their course for 20 years, both summer and winter. Although there is the most business between spring and autumn, some guests also visit the city on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. "They then visit the Cochem Christmas market or other events," says the couple, while they enjoy a coffee between their guests.
Gabi Saueressig from Duisburg and her husband have been regular guests of the Reifs for more than 15 years. "We stretch out here in the winter and enjoy the peace, because then not so much going on," says the 64-year-old. They used to come by motorbike and tent, today they have a caravan. "And in the meantime, our grandchildren are also coming here," says the Duisburg-born, while Lina, Benni and Jasmine play around her. There is plenty of room in the meadows, which extend in the valley over four terraces of the campsite.
What makes the special atmosphere on the campsite, is quickly clear. It is the casual, friendly way of dealing with each other that gives you the good feeling of being part of the community. "We like the contact with the different people, that's a wonderful change, no day is like the other one," enthuses Melanie Reif. Over the years, the two have even learned Dutch and a little bit of Spanish. The couple also live right on the square, the three children always have their parents around them. "You are your own boss here and can implement your own ideas," says Christian Reif. Several years ago, three guest rooms and a kitchen were added. The couple constantly thinks about how it can further develop the business.
"The two are doing everything for us here", praises Mientje Sünder Meier the use of Reifs. The 73-year-old Dutchwoman and her husband Hans have been loyal to the course for 35 years. They have not missed a year since. "We came here when the parents were still leading the place, so Christian was only five years old," recalls the Dutchwoman. The cozy and familiar atmosphere made the two to permanent campers in Enderttal, earlier also came with the children. They set up their car in the upper part of the square, where there used to be a vineyard. Here it is green and calm. Close by is also the car of Carine Van Decraen and Jaak Ceyssens from Belgium. They came to the Endert valley for the first time five years ago. "Back then we were looking for a permanent camping site, so we liked to stay here," recalls the 52-year-old. She found friends here.
The guests come mainly from the Netherlands or Belgium. But also Australians, New Zealanders, Japanese or South Africans were already among the campers. "We all welcome each other with open arms and have no problem with motorcyclists or dogs, as many other campsites," says Melanie Reif. The family has two dogs, two cats and two rabbits. "Last year, the dog left one of our guests heading for Valwig, so we started off and helped looking," recalls the 40-year-old. "We could write a book with such stories," she adds, laughing.
The Reifs do a lot to ensure that their guests can spend a good time on the Moselle. But what about your own holiday, when the place is open year-round? "We always leave with our children for 14 days during the autumn holidays, during which our family helps out at the campsite," explains Melanie Reif. In addition, the two can recover a little in the winter, there is not so much operation on the square.
Melanie and Christian Reif will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the campsite on 16th September under the motto "Black & White". Long-time guests will then be honored, there will be a musical program and for children actions like face painting or a bouncy castle. Just so that everyone has a good time together again.