10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling north to Hanover, Hamburg, and Muenster

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Cologne allows for both. Start by heading to Cologne Zoological Garden. This interesting zoo provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral, a famous church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating Lindt Chocolate Museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Visit Hohe Straße in Cologne for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique and luxurious stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Hohe Straße has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Cologne by reserving a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of french and seafood cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Ox & Klee, renowned for its delectable modern and creative dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Oberhausen and Hamm. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hanover, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Oberhausen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 2 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Gasometer Oberhausen, an interesting museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Sea Life Oberhausen, where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Oberhausen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Hamm may take around 1 hour 12 min. Upon your arrival in Hamm, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your self-guided tour starts at Maximilianpark Hamm, an interesting park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Hanover. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Hanover's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at Meteora, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bar Añejo beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Quarks Bar Hannover. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Hanover tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Seña offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Sternwarte is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Dormero Hotel Hannover is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Hanover, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Hanover, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Herrenhausen Gardens, a notable botanical garden in the city. Then, head to Berggarten and soak in the ambiance of this romantic botanical garden.

There are many interesting places to see in Hanover and when you are ready for more, go to Masch Park. This is one of the city’s most underrated spots. After exploring the park, visit the popular Hanover Zoo.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Hanover.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hanover. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Guru, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Dublin Inn offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Resso’s Café | Restaurant | Lebenskultur is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Hanover.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Altstadt-treff, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, My Way Cocktailbar is another popular option for a drink or two.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Hamburg has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Hamburg by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in the charming city of Hamburg. Your adventure starts at Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a top-rated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is St. Michael's Church. This interesting church is known for its stunning appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Hamburg's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Panoptikum. This detailed wax museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Elbe Tunnel is also worth visiting, along with St. Pauli Piers. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Hamburg's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining spot in Hamburg. If you're in the mood for something new, try Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Hamburg.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Cafe Miller, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Copa Cabana Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Fontenay Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Hamburg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

A blend of fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures await you in Hamburg on today’s itinerary. First up is the intriguing art gallery, Hamburger Kunsthalle. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Planten Un Blomen. A visit to this botanical garden is an enriching experience for all.

As you explore Hamburg’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Hagenbeck Zoo. This well-known zoo is an essential stop that should not be missed. Following that, head to Stadtpark, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Hamburg. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Edelcurry, a top-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Deichgraf Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Tower Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Black Forest Bar - By Henn, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Ciu` Die Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Say good night to Hamburg and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 8 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Hamburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Muenster, where you will stay for 1 night.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and breathtaking views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Chocoversum - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This popular museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is St. Nikolai Memorial, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Miniatur Wunderland, one of the most top-rated places to see in Hamburg. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Hamburg Dungeon. Wander around and soak in the instagrammable atmosphere this haunted house offers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Muenster, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Muenster. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Coeur D'Artichaut, known for its delicious modern french and creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Muenster is Spitzner, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious modern french menu.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, known for its inviting atmosphere. Atelier is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Spooky's provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Essen and Duisburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Muenster and set your GPS to Essen. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Upon reaching Essen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein and explore the respected features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Essen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 28 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your journey at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord and explore the breathtaking features. Next, make your way to Duisburg Zoo, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the zoo, continue to Tiger & Turtle, an instagrammable art installation.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Limani, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Suderman is an excellent place to start.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!