5-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling north to Hanover and Hamburg

Aerial view of the cathedral in Cologne and Hohenzollern bridge over Rhein, Germany
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through Germany.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Germany. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Cologne, 1 night in Hanover, and 1 night in Hamburg, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Germany. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Cologne, Hanover, and Hamburg. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Germany you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Cologne, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Germany, including the stunning Cologne Chocolate Museum and Cologne Cathedral.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Germany. From the magnificent Herrenhausen Gardens to the breathtaking Miniatur Wunderland and Elbe Philharmonic Hall, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Hanover, and Hamburg, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Germany. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Germany.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Germany.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Germany has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Germany. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Germany extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

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

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne / 2 nights
Beautiful view of Hamburg city center with town hall and Alster river, Germany.Hamburg / 1 night
Photo of panorama of New City Hall in Hannover in a beautiful summer day, Germany.Hanover / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of Miniatur Wunderland (Miniature Wonderland), Hamburg, Germany.Miniatur Wunderland
Photo of iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall landmark in Hamburg, Germany.Elbe Philharmonic Hall
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
photo of view of Heide Park, Soltau, Germany.Heide Park
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum
Cologne Zoological Garden, Riehl, Nippes, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Zoological Garden
Herrenhausen Gardens, Herrenhausen, Hanover, Region Hannover, Lower Saxony, GermanyHerrenhäuser Gärten
Old Market, Altstadt-Nord, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyOld Market
photo of gasometer oberhausen germany .Gasometer
Markthalle, Centre, Hanover, Region Hannover, Lower Saxony, GermanyMarkthalle
photo of view of Rheinpark, Cologne, Germany.Rheinpark

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Cologne - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Cologne - arrival day

  • Cologne - Arrival day
  • More
  • Old Market
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Cologne has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Old Market. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,654 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne, Craftbeer Corner Coeln. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne is Gruber's. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

Cologne also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cologne is Toddy Tapper. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Cologne is Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Locals also enjoy Gilden im Zims. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Cologne and Hanover

Day 2

Day 2 – Cologne and Hanover

  • Cologne
  • Hanover
  • More

Drive 298 km, 3 hours 46 min

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

Day 2 of your road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Cologne and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Hanover. You will stay in Hanover for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Cologne is the amazing Cologne Chocolate Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible catholic cathedral, Cologne Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, Cologne Cathedral welcomes around 5,000,000 yearly visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Cologne by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Hanover, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Hanover, Bad Fallingbostel, and Hamburg

Day 3

Day 3 – Hanover, Bad Fallingbostel, and Hamburg

  • Hanover
  • Hamburg
  • More

Drive 173 km, 2 hours 22 min

  • Markthalle
  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • Heide Park
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Hanover is the amazing Markthalle Hannover. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,854 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Herrenhausen Gardens. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,891 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Hanover is another excellent way to spend your new day in Germany. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Germany’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Germany’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Germany’s scenic spots.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Hamburg.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try estancia steaks, one of the best restaurants in the city of Hamburg. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,416 customers.

Locals also recommend Hanoi Deli Rathaus as one of the best restaurants in the city of Hamburg. Hanoi Deli Rathaus is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,380 customers.

After dinner, visit Le Lion • Bar de Paris, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Hamburg. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Chug Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 734 customers.

Alternatively, Skyline Bar 20up is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Hamburg. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,995 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne

Day 4

Day 4 – Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne

  • Hamburg
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 448 km, 5 hours 21 min

  • Miniatur Wunderland
  • Elbe Philharmonic Hall
  • Gasometer
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you'll wake up in Hamburg and embark on a scenic drive to Cologne, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Hamburg before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Hamburg. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Miniatur Wunderland. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 86,083 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This attraction, a beloved concert hall, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 76,719 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Gasometer Oberhausen. This attraction is a gas holder that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,657 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Servus Colonia Alpina. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,757 customers.

Locals also recommend The Little Steakhouse, another of the best restaurants in Cologne. The Little Steakhouse is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

After dinner, visit Gaststätte Lommerzheim to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Jameson Pub Cologne. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Jameson Pub Cologne has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Germany, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Cologne - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Cologne - departure day

  • Cologne - Departure day
  • More
  • Rheinpark
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Rheinpark is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cologne. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,259 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Cologne and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Germany.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

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