13-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Karlsruhe traveling west to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, and Trier

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Photo of old Hygieia Fountain in Karlsruhe.
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Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 13-day road trip through Germany. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 3 nights in Karlsruhe, 2 nights in Frankfurt, 1 night in Cologne, 2 nights in Dortmund, 3 nights in Düsseldorf, and 1 night in Trier. 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 Karlsruhe, 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. Phantasialand and Cologne Cathedral are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Karlsruhe, Rust, Mannheim, Frankfurt, Königstein im Taunus, Bonn, Cologne, Brühl, Dortmund, Nordkirchen, Datteln, Gelsenkirchen, Essen, Düsseldorf, Krefeld, Oberhausen, Duisburg, Aachen, Koblenz, Keldung, Trier, and Speyer, 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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Day 1

Day 1

  • Karlsruhe - Arrival day
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  • Kaiserstraße
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Welcome to Karlsruhe, 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 Karlsruhe before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe. 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 Karlsruhe, 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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Day 2

Day 2

  • Karlsruhe
  • More

Drive 5 km, 49 min

  • State Museum of Natural History, Karlsruhe
  • Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe
  • ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
  • More

You have 1 night left in Karlsruhe. 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.

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 Karlsruhe, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Karlsruhe
  • Frankfurt
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Drive 358 km, 4 hours 26 min

  • Silver Star
  • Luisenpark
  • Wasserturm Mannheim
  • Paradeplatz
  • More

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Rust and Mannheim. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Frankfurt, where you'll spend 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Frankfurt. Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 11 km, 1 hour 3 min

  • Palmengarten Frankfurt
  • Iron Footbridge
  • Römerberg
  • Zoo Frankfurt
  • Zeil
  • More

Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Karlsruhe. You’ll stay in Frankfurt 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Frankfurt's best restaurants.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Frankfurt
  • Cologne
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Drive 207 km, 3 hours 2 min

  • Opel Zoo
  • GOP Varieté-Theater Bonn
  • House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • Rheinaue
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Königstein im Taunus and Bonn are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay 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.

Cologne 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 Cologne.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Cologne
  • Dortmund
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Drive 145 km, 2 hours 20 min

  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Phantasialand
  • More

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Germany includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Cologne and Brühl. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dortmund, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

At the end of the day, you will drive to Dortmund, 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 Dortmund's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Dortmund
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Drive 16 km, 52 min

  • Westfalenpark
  • Rombergpark Botanical Garden
  • Dortmund Zoo
  • More

You’ll stay in Dortmund 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.

Dortmund 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 Dortmund.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Dortmund
  • Dusseldorf
  • More

Drive 137 km, 3 hours 1 min

  • Schloss Nordkirchen
  • Henrichenburg boat lift
  • Nordstern Park
  • UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein
  • LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck
  • More

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Nordkirchen, Datteln, Gelsenkirchen, and Essen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Düsseldorf, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

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

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

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 119 km, 2 hours 5 min

  • Krefelder Zoo
  • Gasometer Oberhausen
  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Duisburg Zoo
  • More

On day 9 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Krefeld, Oberhausen, and Duisburg. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Düsseldorf, where you still have 2 nights left to stay.

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

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 Düsseldorf, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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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Day 10

Day 10

  • Dusseldorf
  • More

Drive 166 km, 2 hours 44 min

  • Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo
  • Carolus Thermen
  • Elisenbrunnen
  • Aachen Cathedral
  • More

On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Düsseldorf, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Aachen.

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

Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf.

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

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Dusseldorf
  • Trier
  • More

Drive 303 km, 4 hours 20 min

  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
  • Eltz Castle
  • Porta Nigra
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 11 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Koblenz, Keldung, and Trier. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Trier, where will spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Trier. 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 Trier, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Trier
  • Karlsruhe
  • More

Drive 248 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Trier Amphitheater
  • Technic Museum Speyer
  • Speyer Cathedral
  • More

Dive into day 12 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Trier and Speyer. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Karlsruhe, where you'll spend 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Karlsruhe, 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 Karlsruhe'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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Day 13

Day 13

  • Karlsruhe - Departure day
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  • Marktplatz
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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.

Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices.

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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How it works

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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.
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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