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

On day 2 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 Cologne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bielefeld, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Cologne, including a museum, a church, a zoo, a botanical garden and much more! Start your day with a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This notable museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Cologne Cathedral, which may be one of the most picture-perfect places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Cologne on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden, a well-known zoo in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Japanese Garden Leverkusen.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at GlückundSeligkeit, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, New Orleans offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Café Knigge is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bielefeld.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Die Villa, known for its lively atmosphere. Three Sixty Bielefeld is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Cutie offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Bielefeld for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Bielefeld is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and breathtaking views! Start at Heimat-tierpark Olderdissen, a locally renowned zoo that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Botanical Garden, enchanting visitors with its mesmerizing appeal. Continue your exploration at Sparrenberg Castle. This castle is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bielefeld at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Laserzone Lasertag Bielefeld. After exploring the laser tag arena, head to the often recommended Obersee. This lake will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

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Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bielefeld's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Nichtschwimmer, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? BRASSERIE Bielefeld offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss L'Osteria Bielefeld. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bielefeld.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Extra Blues Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Café Wunderbar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Faces Lounge & Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Hamburg. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 3 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Hamburg. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. St. Pauli Piers is the perfect place to start. This pier is one of the most popular places to visit in Hamburg. Next, head to Elbe Tunnel, a notable historical landmark, known for its culturally significant features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Panoptikum. This visually striking wax museum offers a unique experience that is highly recommended. Meanwhile, St. Michael's Church adds its own distinct charm to your journey. Finish your day with a visit to Elbe Philharmonic Hall, an instagrammable concert hall in Hamburg.

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 Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NOM vietnamese fusion food. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Cafe Miller, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Copa Cabana Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Fontenay Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night 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 to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Hamburg, including a museum, a haunted house, and a zoo. Start your day at Chocoversum - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This eye-catching museum is an interesting place to see in Hamburg. Then, wander over to Hamburg Dungeon. If instagrammable sites excite you, this haunted house will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Miniatur Wunderland. This instagrammable museum is a favorite among visitors.

Hamburg offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Hagenbeck Zoo is a notable spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Tower Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Black Forest Bar - By Henn is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Ciu` Die Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

Day 7 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Hamburg. You have 1 night left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Today's adventure in Hamburg promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at St. Nikolai Memorial. This picture-perfect monument is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Hamburg Townhall, another picture-perfect attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of the city’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its history-steeped features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Planten Un Blomen. This eye-catching botanical garden is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Stadtpark, a popular park, and take a stroll around the area.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hamburg. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Brücke 10, an iconic dining spot in Hamburg. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Shiso Burger Hamburg, a popular restaurant in Hamburg. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Im Sprinkenhof, a hidden gem nestled in Hamburg. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Meyer Lansky's after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Chug Club for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tipsy Baker Bar Hamburg is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Day 9 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Hanover for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today’s itinerary in Hanover covers several incredible sights, including a zoo, a park, a food market, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Hanover Zoo. This well-known zoo is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the romantic wonders of Eilenriede, a must-see park in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Markthalle Hannover. This frequently visited food market offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Market Church, where you can take in respected features.

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.

As you explore more of Hanover, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Savor the flavors at Guru, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Dublin Inn beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Resso’s Café | Restaurant | Lebenskultur. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Hanover tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Altstadt-treff, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of My Way Cocktailbar, a bar catering to every mood and preference.

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

On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Hanover, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Hanover and Laatzen. You still have 1 night left in Hanover.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Hanover, including a botanical garden, an aquarium, a park, an exposition center and much more! Start your day with a visit to Herrenhausen Gardens. This interesting botanical garden is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Berggarten, which may be one of the most eye-catching places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Hanover on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Sea Life Hannover, an up-and-coming aquarium in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Masch Park and Hanover Fairground.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Hanover and your accommodation.

As you explore more of Hanover, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Masa Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? BLOCK HOUSE Am Thielenplatz offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Cafe Extrablatt, Hannover Friesenstraße. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Hanover.

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