5-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund traveling east to Hanover, and Hamburg

Say hello to Dortmund! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Dortmund for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Dortmund is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Westfalenpark or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Dortmund. 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 in Dortmund. 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Meeting, die Café-Bar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zum Alten Markt is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Ringhotel Drees. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dortmund tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Vater&sohn, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Central Bar & More Dortmund. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Germany!

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to German Football Museum. This sports museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dortmund, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,503 visitors.

Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,363 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Dortmund Zoo. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 15,732 reviews.

Casino Hohensyburg is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a casino rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,302 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Hanover, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Hanover by booking a table at Handwerk, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern, and creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Votum, renowned for its delectable creative, and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Jante, a local gem known for its delightful creative, and modern cuisine in Hanover. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Seña offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Sternwarte is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Hanover, and Friedrichseck, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Hamburg. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Make Markthalle Hannover one of your first sightseeing stops in Hanover. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,074 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Herrenhausen Gardens is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,178 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Friedrichseck. This car ride takes around 1 hour 5 min.

Take the opportunity to see Heide Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 57,821 visitors.

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

As you explore more of Hamburg, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Have a memorable dining experience in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling, renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative, and international menu. For a different culinary experience in Hamburg, 100/200 Kitchen shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative, and modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Haerlin is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative french, and classic cuisine in Hamburg. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue your lively evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Say good night to Hamburg and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 4 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 Hamburg, and Muenster. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,850 reviews.

Continue your journey at Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 79,037 travelers from near and far.

Hamburg is also the home of Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 89,283 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Hamburg, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Muenster may take around 3 hours 7 min. Upon your arrival in Muenster, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,810 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Dortmund. Dortmund offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Dortmund by reserving a table at The Stage. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern, and creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delectable contemporary, and classic french dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dortmund.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Gaststätte Lütge-eck. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes.

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

Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Dortmund’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Kick off the day at Rombergpark Botanical Garden, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dortmund.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. 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!