5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Frankfurt traveling east to Nuremberg and Karlsruhe

Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Bags included
Hotel
Select dates to customize hotels
Car rental
Customizable
Tours & tickets
Customizable
Travel plan
All inclusive app
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 5-day road trip through Germany. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Germany takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Frankfurt, 1 night in Nuremberg, and 1 night in Karlsruhe. 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 got you covered.

Upon arriving in Frankfurt, 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. Heidelberg Castle and Nuremberg Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Technikmuseum Sinsheim, learn more about the unique Römerberg, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Iron Footbridge.

As you hit the open road and drive through Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Sinsheim, Karlsruhe, and Heidelberg, 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, accommodation, 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!

Read more

Itinerary summary

See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize

Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
RömerbergIron FootbridgePalmengarten FrankfurtZoo Frankfurt
Schöner BrunnenImperial Castle of NurembergDocumentation Center Nazi Party Rally GroundsTechnikmuseum Sinsheim
Heidelberg PalaceHeidelberger MarktplatzOld Bridge HeidelbergNeckarwiese (Heidelberg)
Alte Oper

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Frankfurt - Arrival day
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Frankfurt and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Frankfurt for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Frankfurt is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Im Herzen Afrikas is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Frankfurt tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Gute Stute, known for its lively atmosphere. Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Gleis 25 offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Read more
Day 2

Day 2

  • Frankfurt
  • Nuremberg
  • More

Drive 233 km, 3 hours 7 min

  • Römerberg
  • Iron Footbridge
  • Palmengarten Frankfurt
  • Zoo Frankfurt
  • More

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 Frankfurt. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nuremberg, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Frankfurt’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Römerberg. This visually striking public square is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the respected features of Iron Footbridge, a must-visit monument in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Palmengarten, a well-known botanical garden. For a change of scene, check out Zoo Frankfurt, known for its visually striking features.

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

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Nuremberg by securing a table at Veles. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Essigbrätlein, famous for its scrumptious innovative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover etz, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative and regional cuisine in Nuremberg. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative and regional cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Continue your lively evening at Irish Castle Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Mata Hari Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Undecided Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3

  • Nuremberg
  • Steinsfurt
  • Karlsruhe
  • More

Drive 255 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Schöner Brunnen
  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
  • Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
  • Technikmuseum Sinsheim
  • More

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Nuremberg and Sinsheim. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Karlsruhe, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Nuremberg, including a monument, a castle, and a museum. Start your day at Schöner Brunnen. This culturally significant monument is an increasingly popular place to see in Nuremberg. Then, wander over to Nuremberg Castle. If picture-perfect sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. This standout museum is a favorite among visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sinsheim, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Nuremberg to Sinsheim may take around 2 hours 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sinsheim, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Technikmuseum Sinsheim, a popular aviation museum known for its heritage-rich features.

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

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Karlsruhe by booking a table at Bistro Margarete, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional regional menu. For a different culinary experience in Karlsruhe, sein shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious 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, TAWA YAMA FINE is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern and international cuisine in Karlsruhe. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Phono Craftbeer Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Electric Eel, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Jean-claude Cocktail Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Read more
Day 4

Day 4

  • Karlsruhe
  • Heidelberg
  • Frankfurt
  • More

Drive 152 km, 2 hours 28 min

  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Heidelberger Marktplatz
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Neckarwiese (Heidelberg)
  • More

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 Heidelberg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Karlsruhe, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Heidelberg may take around 55 min. Upon your arrival in Heidelberg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Heidelberg Castle and explore the majestic features. Next, make your way to Heidelberger Marktplatz, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the public square, continue to Old Bridge Heidelberg, a symbolic historical landmark. Nearby, you will also find Neckarwiese (heidelberg). This intriguing park is a top place to see in the area.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Jambo Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Cosy Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Read more
Day 5

Day 5

  • Frankfurt - Departure day
  • More
  • Alte Oper
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Zeil. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.

Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Alte Oper. This popular opera house is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience.

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

Savor the flavors at Zu den 12 Aposteln, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Chicago Meatpackers beckons with its unique menu offerings.

You’ll then say farewell to Frankfurt. 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!

Read more

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in Germany

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.