5-Day Germany Road Trip from Hamburg traveling south to Muenster, and Dortmund

Say hello to Hamburg! 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 Hamburg for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Hamburg 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 Elbe Philharmonic Hall or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Hamburg. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hamburg. 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 delicious meal at Gastwerk Hotel Hamburg, a highly-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're eager to try something different, consider SuRolls, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at bona'me. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Scandic Hamburg Emporio for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like St. Pauli Piers. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,508 visitors.

Next, make your way to Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,850 reviews.

While in Hamburg, we also recommend a visit to Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 89,283 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Hagenbeck Zoo. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 37,852 travelers, this zoo is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Hamburg.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Muenster by booking a table at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Muenster, Coeur D'Artichaut shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern french, and creative 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, Spitzner is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Muenster. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue your lively evening at Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Atelier is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Spooky's ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, 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 Dortmund. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Muenster, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cologne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 47 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Cologne Zoological Garden, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Cologne Cathedral. Cologne Cathedral is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 reviews. Attracting more than 5,000,000 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

Old Market is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,935 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dortmund, 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 explore more of Dortmund, 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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Dortmund by securing a reservation at The Stage. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern, and creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Grammons Restaurant, celebrated for its delectable contemporary, and classic french menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Vater&sohn, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Dortmund. Central Bar & More Dortmund is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Dortmund, and Borstel in der Kuhle. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hamburg. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Westfalenpark. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dortmund, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,451 visitors.

Rombergpark Botanical Garden is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,572 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dortmund and set your GPS to Borstel in der Kuhle. 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 3 hours 6 min. Upon reaching Borstel in der Kuhle, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Borsteler Schweiz. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 188 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.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative, and international menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Haerlin is one of the best restaurants for creative french, and classic cuisine in Hamburg. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at 100/200 Kitchen. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative, and modern cuisine in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Cafe Miller. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Copa Cabana Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Fontenay Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

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

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Hamburg's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.

Drop by the renowned Planten Un Blomen. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 22,471 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Edelcurry, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Hamburg. 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!