12-Day Germany Road Trip from Hamburg traveling east to Hanover, Halle, Dresden, Berlin, and Wismar

Say hello to Hamburg! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Hamburg for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Hamburg is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Elbe Philharmonic Hall or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Hamburg. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional creative and international menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Haerlin, renowned for its delectable creative french and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit 100/200 Kitchen, a local gem known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Hamburg. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Copa Cabana Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Hamburg has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Hamburg by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Miniatur Wunderland. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Hamburg, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 87,297 visitors.

St. Michael's Church is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,173 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Tierpark Hagenbeck. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 37,629 reviews.

Stadtpark is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,534 reviews.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Germany that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Hamburg has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in Germany by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Hamburg.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brücke 10, a top-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Shiso Burger Hamburg, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Das Feuerschiff LV 13. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Tower Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, CIU` DIE BAR offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Meyer Lansky's provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Hamburg and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 3 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 and Friedrichseck. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hanover, where you will stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see St. Pauli Piers. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,128 visitors.

Elbe Tunnel is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This road tunnel has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,570 travelers.

Set your GPS to Friedrichseck and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 1 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Friedrichseck beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Heide Park, a remarkable amusement park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 57,285 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Hanover, 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 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Meteora, a highly-rated dining destination in Hanover. If you're eager to try something different, consider Quarks Bar Hannover, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Guru. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Hanover this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bar Seña, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Sternwarte provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Hanover and Leipzig. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Halle. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Kick off the day at Markthalle Hannover, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,944 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Hanover Zoo. Hanover Zoo is a zoo with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 26,767 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Leipzig, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Hanover to Leipzig may take around 2 hours 48 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Leipzig, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Previous visitors have rated this heritage site an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 23,396 reviews.

Marktplatz Leipzig is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,350 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Halle. Halle offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Halle by securing a reservation at Speiseberg. This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kaffeeschuppen, a popular restaurant in Halle. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Wenzel Halle, a hidden gem nestled in Halle. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Two rooms, kitchen, bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Mo's Daniel's Bar & Restaurant is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Connoisseur also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Meissen, Moritzburg, and Hütten. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dresden, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Halle’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Meissen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 37 min. When you arrive in Meissen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Albrechtsburg. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,380 visitors.

After soaking in Meissen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Moritzburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Moritzburg, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Moritzburg Castle. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 23,838 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dresden, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Dresden, 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 an extraordinary dining experience at ElbUferei, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible mediterranean and international menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Genuss-Atelier is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Dresden. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Elements. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern and international cuisine in the city.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Gin House Dresden, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Nightfly shisha and cocktail, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, SonderBar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Dresden, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Berlin. You’ll stay here for 4 nights.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Church of Our Lady. This church building is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dresden, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 30,160 visitors.

Brühl's Terrace is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,650 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Zwinger. Visitors have rated this palace an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 49,362 reviews.

Semperoper is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an opera house rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 13,687 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Golden Rider, perhaps the most famous monument in Dresden. This attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,091 travelers.

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

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Berlin by reserving a table at Rutz. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different taste experience, head to Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, recognized for its delicious creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit FACIL, a local favorite known for its delightful creative and contemporary cuisine in Berlin. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative and contemporary foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Green Door Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Sharlie Cheen Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Berlin Icebar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Berlin, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.

Make Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this church building an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 21,457 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Siegessäule. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,275 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this victory column every year.

Set your GPS to Potsdam and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 46 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Potsdam beckons with new experiences!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Sanssouci Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 32,849 reviews.

Next up is Sanssouci. This palace has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 24,925 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Brandenburg Gate. This triumphal arch has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,759 reviews.

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

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

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Berliner Fernsehturm, an iconic dining spot in Berlin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of BrewDog Berlin Mitte, a popular restaurant in Berlin. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Gasthaus Krombach, a hidden gem nestled in Berlin. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at booze bar berlin, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Victoria Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 8 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Berlin. You’ll stay in Berlin for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Make Treptower Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 21,916 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at East Side Gallery. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 53,795 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year.

Berlin Cathedral is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This lutheran cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 36,300 visitors.

When you’re finished at Berlin Cathedral, the perfect next stop is Pergamon Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 29,287 reviews. Pergamon Museum attracts approximately 1,298,000 visitors annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Mauerpark. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,071 reviews.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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

Savor the flavors at SOY, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, YOSOY TAPAS BERLIN beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurant Trattoria Portofino. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Berlin tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Mikkeller Berlin, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, LIMONADIER Cocktailbar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Berlin. KASCHK by BRLO is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 9 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Berlin for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Alexanderplatz. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 212,589 visitors.

Next, make your way to Checkpoint Charlie. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 82,690 reviews.

While in Berlin, we also recommend a visit to Topography of Terror. This military museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 36,438 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Großer Tiergarten. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,328 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Berlin.

Make your way to Berlin Wall Memorial, perhaps the most famous museum in Berlin. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 40,977 reviews.

You can learn more about Berlin today by going on a tour. Berlin offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Café Anna Blume, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Byblos Restaurant Berlin is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Berlin tonight.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 10 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Berlin. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Wismar, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Berlin Zoological Garden. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 63,157 visitors.

Next, make your way to Potsdamer Platz. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 60,213 reviews.

While in Berlin, we also recommend a visit to Brandenburg Gate. This triumphal arch has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 161,792 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 45,332 travelers, this holocaust memorial is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Berlin.

Make your way to Charlottenburg Palace, perhaps the most famous château in Berlin. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 25,697 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Wismar. Wismar offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Dine in style at Wasserkunst, a top recommendation for dinner tonight.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

On day 11 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 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hamburg, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Südufer Pfaffenteich Treppe is a great place to start. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,595 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Schwerin Castle. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,599 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Zoo Schwerin. This site gets more than 138,000 visitors annually. The zoo has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,780 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Hamburg, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Hamburg.

Savor the flavors at Heimathafen, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hanoi Deli Rathaus beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Hamburg tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Chug Club, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Le Lion • Bar de Paris. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

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

Day 12 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Hamburg before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Hamburg’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany. Take home a piece of Germany with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

Make Planten un Blomen your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 21,983 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Hamburg.

Dine in style at estancia steaks, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Brooklyn Burger Bar boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to Hamburg. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!