13-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund traveling west to Cologne, Bernkastel-Kues, Koblenz, Düsseldorf, and Essen

Greet day 3 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Cologne for your remaining 4 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Krefeld and Oberhausen.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Cologne, including a zoo, an aquarium, and a museum. Start your adventure at Krefelder Zoo. This popular zoo is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Sea Life Oberhausen located in Cologne for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Gasometer Oberhausen. Its eye-catching features will captivate you.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at RheinZeit. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Soul Bar Cologne, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 3 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and romantic experiences in Cologne. Begin your sightseeing with Lindt Chocolate Museum. This locally renowned museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Old Market, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Cologne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Cologne Cathedral. This famous church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Cologne Zoological Garden, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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 Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Limani, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Suderman, where the evening is just getting started.

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

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 2 nights left in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in Cologne. Begin your sightseeing with Rheinaue. This interesting park is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Gop Varieté-theater Bonn, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Cologne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany. This locally renowned museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Schloss Drachenburg, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Phantasialand is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cafe Riese Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bangkok Thai Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Servus Colonia Alpina as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Koblenz and Trier. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bernkastel-Kues, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Cologne today. One of the most popular attractions included on the itinerary is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This picture-perfect castle will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Deutsches Eck and learn what makes this culturally significant monument unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the notable Porta Nigra.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Burgruine Landshut, a highly-rated dining destination in Bernkastel-Kues. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Alt Bernkastel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Düsseldorf and Duisburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Essen, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Start by visiting Rheinpromenade, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic boardwalk is sure to impress. Next on your list is Burgplatz, another must-visit landmark and frequently visited public square renowned for its enchanting features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Düsseldorf by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Hofgarten. This eye-catching park is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Düsseldorf experience. We also recommend visiting Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a captivating park. Nearby, you'll also find Duisburg Zoo, ready to add charm to your journey.

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

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Essen by securing a table at Hannappel. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern and classic menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Schote, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Kettner's Kamota, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite austrian and french contemporary cuisine in Essen. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for austrian and french contemporary cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Südrock Rock Pub is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Gentlem, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Diamond Cocktail Lounge. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

On day 11 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Essen, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

+ Fossilium Bochum Zoo is must-visit zoo and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Bochum Park, an underrated park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to German Mining Museum, a standout museum, also available for your discovery today.

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

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

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

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Metropol Café-bar Essen, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Temple Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Zum Pümpchen provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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 12 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 Gelsenkirchen, Bottrop, and Feldhausen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

Essen is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, an art installation, and an amusement park. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the intriguing Nordstern Park and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Tetrahedron In Bottrop, a detailed art installation that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Movie Park, one of the city’s most astonishing spots that you shouldn’t miss.

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

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, The Stage delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern and creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Grammons Restaurant, acclaimed for its delectable contemporary and classic french specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a prime location for a drink.

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.