5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Karlsruhe to Baden-Baden and surrounding area
Description
Included
Description
Explore the best of Germany on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Triberg im Schwarzwald, Hausach, Stuttgart, and Tübingen. This road trip itinerary in Germany seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
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 Karlsruhe and 2 nights in Baden-Baden. 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 Karlsruhe, 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 Mercedes-benz Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Triberg Waterfalls, learn more about the unique Old Bridge Heidelberg, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Heidelberger Marktplatz.
As you hit the open road and drive through Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Triberg im Schwarzwald, Hausach, Stuttgart, and Tübingen, 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!
Itinerary summary
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Karlsruhe - Arrival day
- More
- Kaiserstraße
- More
Welcome to Karlsruhe, 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 Karlsruhe's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Karlsruhe 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 Kaiserstraße, a must-see street, and 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 Karlsruhe. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Karlsruhe, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Make sure to reserve a table at Hotel Rio Karlsruhe, an iconic dining spot in Karlsruhe. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Zum Kleinen Ketterer, a popular restaurant in Karlsruhe. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Seng Sushi & Chinarestaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Karlsruhe. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Phono Craftbeer Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Electric Eel offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Karlsruhe. Jean-claude Cocktail Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Germany!
Day 2
- Karlsruhe
- Baden-Baden
- More
Drive 173 km, 3 hours 10 min
- Philosophers' Way
- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Heidelberger Marktplatz
- Heidelberg Palace
- Geroldsauer Wasserfall
- More
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 Heidelberg and Baden-Baden. In the evening, you’ll end up in Baden-Baden, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Karlsruhe today. One of the most intriguing attractions included on the itinerary is Philosophers’ Way. This romantic hiking area will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Old Bridge Heidelberg and learn what makes this visually striking historical landmark unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the frequently visited Heidelberger Marktplatz. After exploring the public square, head to Heidelberg Castle. This astonishing castle is a highlight in Karlsruhe. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the up-and-coming Geroldsauer Wasserfall. Enjoy exploring this incredible waterfall at your own pace.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Baden-Baden. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Baden-Baden. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Monte Christo, a popular restaurant in Baden-Baden. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Baden-Baden at Le Bistro, 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 Einhorn | Café • Restaurant • Weinbar. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Baden-Baden tonight.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Havana Shisha Lounge after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.
Say good night to Baden-Baden and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 3
- Baden-Baden
- More
Drive 217 km, 4 hours 17 min
- Triberg Waterfalls
- Husen Castle
- Nationalparkzentrum Ruhestein
- Sintersteinbrunnen
- The Baden-Baden Casino
- More
Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Baden-Baden, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Baden-Baden today. One of the most locally renowned attractions included on the itinerary is Triberg Waterfalls. This mesmerizing waterfall will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Husen Castle and learn what makes this visually striking castle unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the locally appreciated Nationalparkzentrum Ruhestein. After exploring the visitor center, head to Sintersteinbrunnen. This intriguing monument is a highlight in Baden-Baden. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the up-and-coming The Baden-baden Casino. Enjoy exploring this incredible casino at your own pace.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Baden-Baden and your accommodation.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Baden-Baden's best restaurants.
Make sure to reserve a table at Fritz & Felix, an iconic dining spot in Baden-Baden. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of RIVE GAUCHE BRASSERIE · Club Twenty One, a popular restaurant in Baden-Baden. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of RIZZI The Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Baden-Baden. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 4
- Baden-Baden
- Karlsruhe
- More
Drive 351 km, 5 hours 8 min
- Mercedes-Benz Museum
- Stadtmuseum Tübingen
- Hangender Stein
- More
Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Stuttgart, Tübingen, and Balingen, 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 Karlsruhe. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Baden-Baden, featuring fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Mercedes-benz Museum, a locally renowned museum in the city. Then, head to Stadtmuseum Tübingen and soak in the ambiance of this standout museum.
There are many interesting places to see in Baden-Baden and when you are ready for more, go to Hangender Stein. This is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots.
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.
As you explore more of Karlsruhe, 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.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at kap, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Enchilada Karlsruhe? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Badisch Brauhaus as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Karlsruhe.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Carlos Cocktailbar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Ubu is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Der Kofferraum - Cocktailbar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.
Day 5
- Karlsruhe - Departure day
- More
- Marktplatz
- More
Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Karlsruhe before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Marktplatz, a breathtaking public square before you head out.
On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Karlsruhe’s popular marketplace, Kaiserstraße. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces.
Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Karlsruhe.
If you're in the mood for something new, try L'Osteria Karlsruhe, another premier location with a delectable menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Karlsruhe. 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!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in Germany
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.
