5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund traveling south to Cologne and Cochem

On day 2 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Cologne 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 ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dortmund, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cologne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 13 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Rheinboulevard and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Lindt Chocolate Museum, another highlight in Cologne. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Cologne Cathedral, a stunning church.

When you’ve had your share of Dortmund, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bonn. Your travel time is around 36 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Bonn is Beethoven-haus Bonn, an underrated museum that draws attention for its respected features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Beethoven-denkmal, a standout monument that stands out in the city.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at SAVOY Hotel, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cologne at Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Café Reichard. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Cologne tonight.

Continue your lively evening at The Grid Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Toddy Tapper is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Legends Bar & Terrasse ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Koblenz. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 19 min. Upon reaching Koblenz, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a well-known castle in Koblenz. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation. This increasingly popular tramway is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Deutsches Eck is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most picture-perfect monument in the region.

Set your GPS to Cochem and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cochem beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Reichsburg Cochem. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Historische Senfmühle Dehren Gmbh. This often recommended museum is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Pinnerkreuz. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant zum Onkel Willi, highly recommended for tonight's dining.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kelsey's Eck, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Trier and Monschau. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dortmund, where you'll spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Trier. This car ride takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Savor the day by heading to Liebfrauenkirche, a worthwhile church that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Porta Nigra, where you can soak in the historic surroundings.

Next, explore Trier Amphitheater, yet another intriguing place to see in the area.

After soaking in Trier’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Monschau. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 49 min. When you arrive in Monschau, it's time to take a break from the road.

Monschau is a curiosity-inducing historical landmark we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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.

Dine in style at Strobels Dortmund, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Lord. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Dortmund.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Gaststätte Lütge-eck offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

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