12-Day Germany Road Trip from Karlsruhe to Heidelberg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Würzburg, Munich, and Stuttgart and surrounding area

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 Karlsruhe. In the evening, you’ll end up in Heidelberg, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you're ready to see some sights, State Museum Of Natural History, Karlsruhe is a great place to start. This natural history museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,255 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Günther-klotz-anlage. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,134 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe. The zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 16,946 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Heidelberg. Heidelberg offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 Heidelberg's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a top-rated dining destination in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Heidelberg this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Sonder Bar (pinte) is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Café Bar Goodfellas 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 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Heidelberg, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Drop by the renowned Heidelberg Castle. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,486 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Old Bridge Heidelberg. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,612 visitors, this point of interest deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

After soaking in Heidelberg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Mannheim. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 25 min. When you arrive in Mannheim, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at Watertower Of Mannheim, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable water tower has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,295 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Luisenpark is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,730 reviews.

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

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

Savor the flavors at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, VINCIdue beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Essighaus. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Heidelberg tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Destille after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Orange Cafe Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Lenox Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

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 - Speyer, and Koblenz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Speyer. This drive usually takes around 33 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Technik Museum Speyer. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,541 visitors.

Next, make your way to Speyer Cathedral. This top attraction is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,279 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 54 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Deutsches Eck, a remarkable headland where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,555 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cologne, 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 Cologne, 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Cologne by securing a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional french, and seafood menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ox & Klee, famous for its scrumptious modern, and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern french cuisine in Cologne. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern french cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the evening going at The Grid Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Toddy Tapper, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Legends Bar & Terrasse, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, and Brühl, 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 Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral typically receives around 5,000,000 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews.

Continue your journey at Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,676 travelers from near and far.

Cologne is also the home of Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

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

Kick off the day at Phantasialand, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 1,750,000 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 91,824 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Discover the culinary delights of Frankfurt by securing a reservation at Gustav. Esteemed for its 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Lafleur, renowned for its delicious modern french, and creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Erno's Bistro, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering classic french, and modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Gute Stute after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Gleis 25 is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Frankfurt. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Würzburg, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Römerberg your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,968 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Iron Footbridge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,403 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this point of interest every year.

Alte Oper is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,602 visitors.

When you’re finished at Alte Oper, the perfect next stop is Palmengarten. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,461 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 22,905 reviews.

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

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Würzburg by securing a reservation at KUNO 1408. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative, and modern cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Schönborn boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Hasenstall, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Loma, a bar that offers unique local touches.

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.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Würzburg, and Nuremberg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Munich, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wurzburg Cathedral. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,099 visitors.

Old Main Bridge is another popular attraction you could visit today. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,624 visitors.

Marienberg Fortress is also highly recommended by travelers. This fortress has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,044 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Würzburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nuremberg. Your travel time is around 1 hour 38 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Nuremberg Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 37,212 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Munich, 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 Munich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Atelier in Munich by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 2-star Michelin status, Atelier offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative french menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore EssZimmer, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french, and creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Alois - Dallmayr Fine Dining, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative, and modern menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Garçon, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Zephyr Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Holy Spirit 1 Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 9 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 Munich. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stuttgart, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Kick off the day at Marienplatz, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 119,529 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Viktualienmarkt. Viktualienmarkt is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58,600 reviews.

Deutsches Museum is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This national museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 34,868 visitors. In a single year, this national museum hosts approximately 1,250,000 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Stachus. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 25,328 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Nymphenburg Palace, a famous summer residence in Munich. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 31,669 travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Der Zauberlehrling, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Speisemeisterei, known for its delicious creative, and innovative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Stuttgart is Ritzi Gourmet, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious creative french, and modern menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Le Petit Coq offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Jigger & Spoon is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Schwarz Weiß 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!

Day 10 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Stuttgart 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 Mercedes-benz Museum. This extraordinary automobile museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 43,234 visitors. Each year, around 876,109 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Wilhelma. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 33,531 reviews.

While in Stuttgart, we also recommend a visit to Schloßplatz. This square has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 41,914 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Porsche Museum. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,681 travelers, this automobile museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Stuttgart.

Your discoveries in Stuttgart do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Stuttgart on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hotel Zur Weinsteige GmbH, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Kaffeerösterei Café Moulu offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Riedsee. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Stuttgart.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Si-centrum Stuttgart, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Mata Hari, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Mocha Espresso & Wine provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!