I feel like you can’t really say you’ve experienced Germany until you’ve been a victim to the autobahn.

No, I don’t mean by victim you’re bound to end up dead, but no matter what time of day you’re driving the autobahn, you’re bound to experience at least one heart pounding moment where you fear for your life.

This all sounds so terrible on paper, but in reality the autobahn is the most remarkable highway I have ever been on.

Coming from a girl who drove often 2 hours to work and 2 hours home from work from Toronto to Oakville on a daily basis, I have a serious appreciation for good drivers and efficient roads.

So, here are 4 great reasons why I love the autobahn so dearly:

1. Drivers with Manners

Hasn’t anyone ever heard of the rule ‘the right lane is for driving and the left lane is for passing’? Apparently not in Canada. Perhaps it is because we are so multicultural now that we have drivers from all walks of life and all areas of the road on 16 lane highways in the heart of the city, or perhaps it’s simply because we are quite selfish on our journeys. Either way, drivers on the autobahn will always follow this rule. If you don’t drive in the right lane, be prepared to have the fright of a lifetime. Unless your drive 150+ km/hour don’t expect to spend anytime in the ‘fast lane’

2. The Beauty of Speed

Well, it’s a given that if you’re driving on the autobahn without any existent accidents ahead, you really can get anywhere you’d like while making great headway and arriving safe (god forbid anything happens on the way). I’m currently on the road driving from Freiburg to Berlin. While in Canada, I would have never even considered driving 10 hours for a one weekend getaway. Here, in Germany you don’t really have to plan ahead for insane rush hour traffic and wild 16 lane accidents. I’ve spent a total of about 3 months here in Germany already and not once have I experienced traffic the way I have in Toronto.

3. The Scenic Route

Highway driving in most cities isn’t the exciting part of a journey, it is the back country roads that let people relax and enjoy their car ride. On the autobahn, not only are you going to get where ever you are going fast, but you are also going to be surrounded by breathtaking views and acres upon acres of luscious green woods.

4. No Police Men

Perhaps it is because the Germans are trustworthy or simply because the polizei are stupid, but there are no cops on the autobahn. Perhaps you’ll encounter one or two police cars in a day attending to an accident on the autobahn, but there are no officers on the road enforcing speed or safety. Given that most people on the autobahn have great manners when it comes to driving, police aren’t really needed all that often. The lack of speed signs allows you to drive at whatever speed you are comfortable with. Boy it would be nice not to worry about the popo following your every turn on the highway.

So folks, there you have it… four seriously great reasons why you need to experience driving the autobahn for yourself. If you’re taking a trip to Germany or even driving through to get to Brussels, Amsterdam, Italy, Austria, France or Switzerland, take the autobahn and you’ll be in for a beautiful and exhilarating experience.

I know not many people get the opportunity to jump off and start exploring right away, but it is possible. I left with no more than $500 savings and jumped into my new adventures. Maybe this post I wrote will perk you up, Luxury Travel for Less Money.