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

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Photo of old Hygieia Fountain in Karlsruhe.
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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 14-day road trip in Germany! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Frankfurt, Königstein im Taunus, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Essen, Krefeld, Oberhausen, Duisburg, Feldhausen, Bottrop, Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Cologne, Königswinter, Brühl, Aachen, Koblenz, Keldung, Trier, and Speyer.

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, 3 nights in Düsseldorf, 1 night in Dortmund, 2 nights in Cologne, 1 night in Aachen, 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, Mannheim, Frankfurt, Königstein im Taunus, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Essen, Krefeld, Oberhausen, Duisburg, Feldhausen, Bottrop, Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Cologne, Königswinter, Brühl, 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
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Day 1

Day 1

  • Karlsruhe - Arrival day
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  • Kaiserstraße
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Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Karlsruhe and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Karlsruhe, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Karlsruhe. 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. 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 14-day road trip in Germany!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Karlsruhe
  • More

Drive 25 km, 1 hour

  • State Museum of Natural History, Karlsruhe
  • Japangarten
  • Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe
  • Panorama terrace Turmberg
  • More

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

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

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Karlsruhe
  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 149 km, 2 hours 19 min

  • Luisenpark
  • Wasserturm Mannheim
  • Kunsthalle Mannheim
  • Paradeplatz
  • More

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Mannheim. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 6 km, 39 min

  • Palmengarten Frankfurt
  • Alte Oper
  • Römerberg
  • Iron Footbridge
  • Zeil
  • More

You’ll stay in Frankfurt for 1 night.

Set aside time today to explore Zeil, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

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 Frankfurt's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Frankfurt
  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 246 km, 3 hours 29 min

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Königstein im Taunus and Bonn. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Düsseldorf, where will spend 3 nights.

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

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.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Dusseldorf
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Drive 103 km, 2 hours 19 min

  • UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein
  • LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck
  • Villa Hügel
  • Japanese Garden
  • Nord Park
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Essen and Düsseldorf. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Düsseldorf, where you still have 2 nights left to stay.

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

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

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

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Dusseldorf
  • More

Drive 119 km, 2 hours 5 min

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

Greet day 7 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Düsseldorf, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Krefeld, Oberhausen, and Duisburg.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Düsseldorf'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 8

Day 8

  • Dusseldorf
  • Dortmund
  • More

Drive 121 km, 1 hour 53 min

  • Movie Park Germany
  • Tetrahedron in Bottrop
  • Nordstern Park
  • More

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Feldhausen, Bottrop, and Gelsenkirchen. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dortmund, 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 Dortmund. Dortmund offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go 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 Dortmund, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Dortmund
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 100 km, 1 hour 55 min

  • German Football Museum
  • Westfalenpark
  • Rombergpark Botanical Garden
  • Dortmund Zoo
  • More

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Dortmund. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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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Day 10

Day 10

  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 3 km, 41 min

  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Schildergasse
  • Belgisches Viertel
  • More

You have 1 night left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

A visit to Schildergasse is a must on the agenda today. This street is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cologne. 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 11

Day 11

  • Cologne
  • Aachen
  • More

Drive 160 km, 2 hours 43 min

  • Schloss Drachenburg
  • Phantasialand
  • Carolus Thermen
  • Aachen Cathedral
  • Elisenbrunnen
  • More

On day 11 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Königswinter, Brühl, and Aachen are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Aachen, where you will stay for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Aachen, 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 Aachen. 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 12

Day 12

  • Aachen
  • Trier
  • More

Drive 309 km, 4 hours 21 min

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

Your itinerary for day 12 of your road trip in Germany includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Koblenz and Keldung. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Trier, 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 Trier. Trier 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 Trier's best restaurants.

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

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Day 13

Day 13

  • Trier
  • Karlsruhe
  • More

Drive 248 km, 3 hours 16 min

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 13 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Trier and Speyer. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Karlsruhe, where will spend 1 night.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Karlsruhe. 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 14

Day 14

  • Karlsruhe - Departure day
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  • Marktplatz
  • More

Day 14 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.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. Savor your final moments in Germany at a cozy cafe while relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.

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.

We guarantee

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

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