Abenteuer & Allrad 2015
Land Rovers take centre stage at Germany's premier off-road and overland adventure show
Europe’s largest adventure and off-road exhibition opened its doors in Bad Kissingen, Germany, for four days of 4x4s, accessories and overland travel. Once again, the weather played into the hands of the organisers and exhibitors with plenty of sunshine and temperatures climbing to 38°C. Compared to 2014’s record number of visitors, this year’s attendance of 54,100 was just 1% lower which, despite the economic climate and ensuing reluctance to travel in some parts of Europe, is once again proof of how hugely popular the show is.
The extensive camp area has become a firm favourite among many of the enthusiasts that attend and was a temporary home to around 4500 travellers and 1800 vehicles arriving from the most distant corners of Europe.
Once the show closes and the sun sinks behind the forested hills beyond the river, barbecues and log fires punctuate the darkness inviting friends and strangers to share their stories – social networking the old-fashioned way.
With more than 250 exhibitors, the outdoor show area was not only stage to quads, ATVS, pick-ups, and expedition trucks, but also to a wealth of accessories and equipment for each category of vehicle and every kind of adventure you may wish to embark upon.
Land Rover Germany displayed their latest models and offered rides with skilled drivers on a circuit of mixed terrain, which included a giant see-saw.
For the more ambitious and experienced off-roaders, a selfdrive course made it possible to climb behind the wheel of a selection of vehicles including fully-equipped expedition trucks, or even the highly-capable ex-military 4x4 MAN KAT, to kick up dust along the trail and drive through a water hole.
The German Land Rover Club was allocated a spot next to the self-drive course, which meant they were coated in a thickening layer of dust thrown up when the trucks went by. But with a tent for protection, they kept their spirits up and were keen to talk about the club and the vehicles they had on display, which included an early Range Rover and some overland-prepared Defenders.
It goes without saying, Series Land Rovers are just as much a part of the scene as their more modern counterparts and several nice examples were to be seen.
Taubenreuther, better known for their off-road accessories, displayed a fully restored 88 inch with a Fairey capstan winch. The restoration was completed in 2013 and included some light modifications to the suspension. Very clean and tidy, except for the unavoidable, yet characteristic, dust, it was showing a sales price of 12,500 Euros with room for negotiation.
Another thoroughly restored Series III stood on the Matzker stand surrounded by a full range of specially equipped new Land Rovers, including an Fia-prepared rally Defender. This was marked up for sale as well, but at a considerably higher price beyond the 20,000 Euros mark.
Now this show is a far cry from a collection of new and used spare parts – the focus is on preparing vehicles for serious off- roading and long-distance travel. Consequently, the companies who choose to exhibit here are mostly displaying products, which have proven themselves many-fold under the rigours of time, whilst the personnel behind them are seasoned drivers with the hands-on knowledge to give you good advice for your vehicle and its intended purpose. I spent a long time talking to cabin builders and manufacturers of tanks and other equipment for example, but there isn’t enough room here to cover everything.
As far as really practical appliances for a Land Rover go, Jeremy Bergh, who owns Alu- Cab from South Africa and is responsible for the product development, demonstrated his self-supporting 270 degrees awning. Once installed, it opens out to cover the side and rear of the vehicle in under a minute. If the wind is up, you can use ropes, which are tucked away inside the beams to add more stability.
Packing it away is equally easy and quick. He also makes an aluminium roof conversion with integrated tent/ bed and a useful bonnet box (if you don’t carry your spare there). These and other products are available through his European distributor Genesis Import.
If you are planning to travel outside of Europe, FamousWater.com produce compact and affordable water purification and desalination units. They were the first to produce an autonomous desalination system which has since been developed to include fresh water decontamination as well – all fitted inside a portable aluminium box. Of course they also have filtration systems for your on-board tanks: pre-filters for when the tanks are replenished and in-line filters between the tank and the tap.
A show like this wouldn’t be complete without the odd globetrotter talking about their travels and experiences. On the Saturday, Explorer Magazine had two couples sharing their stories: Martin Zech told of his two-year trip with his wife through 25 countries in South America and Asia driving a small 69 bhp converted van – and all on a shoestring budget. He has since produced a 90 minute film, which will soon be available in English.
Sabine and Burkhard Koch have covered more than 300,000 km in 11 years in their purpose-built truck, which they've named the Pistenkuh (which translates to the 'trail cow'). They have produced a terrific series of films covering trips through a number of very different countries and terrain - and these too will soon become available in English, so watch this space.
If you are passionate about your vehicle, travel and exploration, then Abenteuer & Allrad is an event you should not miss and need to put in your diary for next year. Due to take place between May 26 and 29, the 18th anniversary of Europe's largest cross-country fair promises to be a good one. Meet and talk to people who live and breathe 4x4s, check out the latest and greatest in off-road products and get inspiration from the array of vehicles on display (as well as drive some of them). Check out www.abenteuer-allrad.de for more information.