5-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund traveling south to Aachen, and Koblenz

Welcome to Dortmund, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Dortmund's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Dortmund. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Meeting, die Café-Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Zum Alten Markt offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ringhotel Drees. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dortmund.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Vater&sohn stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Central Bar & More Dortmund is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 2 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 Dortmund. In the evening, you’ll end up in Aachen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at German Football Museum. This sports museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,503 visitors.

When you’re finished at German Football Museum, head to Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern. This one-of-a-kind museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,363 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Dortmund Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 15,732 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Casino Hohensyburg. This casino is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 2,302 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 Aachen. Aachen 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.

As you explore more of Aachen, 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Aachen by securing a reservation at La Bécasse. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of classic french cuisine. Alternatively, Kanpai Sushi beckons with its unique menu offerings.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Die Wg, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Gin Library. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Domkeller, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Brühl, Königswinter, Heisterbacherrott, Keldung, and Koblenz, 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 Koblenz. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in Aachen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brühl. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 51 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see Phantasialand. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 91,824 visitors and gets around 1,750,000 visits every year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brühl and set your GPS to Königswinter. 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 39 min. Upon reaching Königswinter, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Schloss Drachenburg, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable château has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,667 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Koblenz, 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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Koblenz. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Verbene, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Piper's Corner Celtic Irish Pub is another top choice with a popular menu.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Spökes, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Dubai Shisha Lounge, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Excalibur - The Rock Cafe likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Cologne, and Duisburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Koblenz, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cologne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 22 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Lindt Chocolate Museum. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral welcomes around 5,000,000 visitors yearly and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews.

While in Cologne, we also recommend a visit to Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Duisburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 57 min. Duisburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

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 an authentic adventure.

Have a memorable dining experience in Dortmund by booking a table at The Stage, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern, and creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Dortmund, Grammons Restaurant shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious contemporary, and classic french cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Dortmund’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,572 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café Brasserie Lotte, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? ALEX Dortmund offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Kara's Restaurant - 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!