Leaving Holzminden in the early moring. at 2 AM
Braco, E77DX, Sven, DJ4MX and Tom,DM9EE, going to WRTC 2026 Eventcenter in Wyboston England.
so, it took us a whopping 10:14hours true time behind the wheel (plus ferry boat, waiting time, gas stop (we only had ONE 🙂 832km and „just“ 9,8 liter Diesel per 100km is phantastic for the heavily loaded car…… we made it !
Start: 02:00 AM arrived at 16:56 (still DL-time)
15 hours of travelling total !
Maybe 250 Liters Diesel @ 1,90€ average per Liter ? 350€ ferry cost
An Unforgettable Road Trip to WRTC 2026: From Holzminden to Wyboston
The excitement was palpable as three amateur radio enthusiasts—E77DX, DJ4MX, and DM9EE—loaded their gear into the Mercedes Vito in Holzminden. Their destination: the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) in Wyboston, UK. With transceivers and high spirits packed, they hit the road for an epic European transit.
The Continental Leg
The journey began smoothly as the Vito cruised down the A44 motorway, leaving Germany behind. The route took the team through the flat, scenic landscapes of the Netherlands and into Belgium. Driving through France, they finally reached the bustling port city of Calais, the gateway to the English Channel.
Crossing the Channel with DFDS
In Calais, the team boarded the DFDS ferry for the classic sea crossing to Dover. The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes, offering the perfect opportunity for the trio to stretch their legs, grab a coffee, and talk strategy for the upcoming competition.
As the ferry departs French shores, the vast expanse of the English Channel opens up. From the deck, you can see:
A busy maritime highway filled with massive container ships and distant vessels.The changing colors of the sea, shifting from deep blue to a chalky green near the coast.The slowly fading outline of the French coastline behind you.
Approaching the White Cliffs of Dover
The true highlight of the ferry crossing is the approach to England. Long before you dock, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover appear on the horizon. Rising up to 350 feet, these striking chalk cliffs stretch across the coastline, gleaming brightly in the sunlight. Striking black bands of flint run horizontally through the chalk, and the tops are capped with vibrant green grass. Watching this historic landmark grow larger from the ship’s deck is a breathtaking welcome to Great Britain.
The Final Stretch to Wyboston
After rolling off the ferry in Dover, the team adapted to driving on the left side of the road. They steered the Vito north, bypassing the bustling traffic of London by heading around the eastern side of the capital via the M25 and A1(M). Moving through the rolling hills of the English countryside, they finally arrived in Wyboston, ready to represent their callsigns and connect with the global ham radio community.
gasoline consumption for the total trip. Holzminden, WRTC, Holzminden
10 Liter Diesel per 100km is very good for a fully loaded car….we were not slow
