13-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bremen to Wilhelmshaven, Essen, Cologne, Hanover, Kiel, and Hamburg and surrounding area

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Photo of ancient Bremen market square in the centre of the Hanseatic City of Bremen with view on famous Church of Our Lady.
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Description

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 13-day road trip in Germany! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Bremen, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Duisburg, Essen, Brühl, Cologne, Hanover, Kiel, Laboe, Kappeln, Nieby, Schleswig, Loopstedt, Hamburg, Unewatt, Ulstrup, Schausende, and Neuharlingersiel.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 3 nights in Bremen, 1 night in Wilhelmshaven, 1 night in Essen, 1 night in Cologne, 1 night in Hanover, 1 night in Kiel, and 4 nights in Hamburg. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Germany. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Bremen, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Germany on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Germany. Miniatur Wunderland and Phantasialand are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bremen, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Duisburg, Essen, Brühl, Cologne, Hanover, Kiel, Laboe, Kappeln, Nieby, Schleswig, Loopstedt, Hamburg, Unewatt, Ulstrup, Schausende, and Neuharlingersiel, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.

Throughout your road trip in Germany, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Germany.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Germany fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Germany today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day1

Day 1

  • Bremen - Arrival day
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  • Town Musicians of Bremen
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Welcome to Bremen, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Bremen before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Bremen is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bremen. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 13-day road trip in Germany!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Bremen
  • More

Drive 23 km, 1 hour 5 min

  • Schnoor
  • Bremen Roland
  • Bremen Cathedral
  • Universum Science Center
  • Rhododendron-Park Bremen
  • More

You’ll stay in Bremen for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

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

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Day3

Day 3

  • Bremen
  • Wilhelmshaven
  • More

Drive 145 km, 2 hours 3 min

  • Bremerhaven Zoo
  • Aussichtsplattform Sail City
  • Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8 ° Ost
  • German Emigration Center
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bremerhaven are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Wilhelmshaven, where you will stay for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

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

Head back to your accommodation in Wilhelmshaven and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

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Day4

Day 4

  • Wilhelmshaven
  • Essen
  • More

Drive 351 km, 4 hours 27 min

  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Duisburg Zoo
  • Duisburg Inner Harbour
  • Tiger & Turtle
  • More

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 1 place, which are Duisburg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Essen, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Essen. Essen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Essen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Essen
  • Cologne
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Drive 133 km, 2 hours 3 min

  • Kokerei zollverein
  • Krupp Park
  • Phantasialand
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Essen and Brühl. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day6

Day 6

  • Cologne
  • Hanover
  • More

Drive 306 km, 3 hours 43 min

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • More

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Cologne. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hanover, where you'll spend 1 night.

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.

Hanover is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Hanover.

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

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Day7

Day 7

  • Hanover
  • Kiel
  • More

Drive 293 km, 3 hours 46 min

  • Schrevenpark
  • Naval Memorial
  • U-995
  • Laboe-Strand
  • More

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Kiel and Laboe. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Kiel, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Kiel. Kiel offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

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

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Day8

Day 8

  • Kiel
  • Hamburg
  • More

Drive 250 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Schleibrücke Kappeln
  • Geltinger Birk
  • Gottorf Castle
  • Wiederaufbau von Wikinger Häusern "Haithabu
  • More

On day 8 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 4 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Kappeln, Nieby, Schleswig, and Loopstedt are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hamburg, where you will stay for 4 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Hamburg. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

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

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Day9

Day 9

  • Hamburg
  • More

Drive 367 km, 4 hours 55 min

  • Landschaftsmuseum Angeln
  • Glücksburg Castle
  • Holnis Nordspitze
  • Halbinsel Holnis
  • More

Wake up to day 9 of your road trip in Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Unewatt, Ulstrup, Holnis, and Schausende. With 3 nights to stay in Hamburg, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Hamburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day10

Day 10

  • Hamburg
  • More

Drive 7 km, 30 min

  • St Michael's Church
  • Townhall
  • Miniatur Wunderland
  • Hamburg Dungeon
  • Elbphilharmonie
  • More

You have 2 nights left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Hamburg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day11

Day 11

  • Hamburg
  • More

Drive 27 km, 1 hour 12 min

  • St. Pauli Piers
  • Elbe Tunnel
  • Planten un Blomen
  • Tierpark Hagenbeck
  • Stadtpark
  • More

Day 11 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Bremen. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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.

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

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Day12

Day 12

  • Hamburg
  • Wilhelmshaven
  • Bremen
  • More

Drive 398 km, 4 hours 55 min

  • Deutsches Marinemuseum Wilhelmshaven
  • Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge
  • Neuharlingersiel harbour
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 12 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Wilhelmshaven and Neuharlingersiel. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bremen, where will spend 1 night.

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

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

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

Read more
Day13

Day 13

  • Bremen - Departure day
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  • Bremen
  • More

Day 13 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home.

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!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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