5-Day Germany Road Trip from Karlsruhe traveling west to Cologne

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Karlsruhe and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Karlsruhe for 2 nights 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.

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 Marktplatz 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 Karlsruhe. 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 Karlsruhe. 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.

Make sure to book a table at Hotel Rio Karlsruhe, a popular restaurant in Karlsruhe. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Karlsruhe at Zum Kleinen Ketterer, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Seng Sushi & Chinarestaurant. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Karlsruhe tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Phono Craftbeer Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Electric Eel offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Jean-claude Cocktail Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Karlsruhe, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Take the opportunity to see Schlossgarten. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,162 visitors.

After soaking in Karlsruhe’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Rust. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 13 min. When you arrive in Rust, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Europa-park. This amusement park gets 5,700,000 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 166,036 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Silver Star. This hypercoaster has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 7,899 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Karlsruhe.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Bistro Margarete, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional regional menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, sein, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Karlsruhe is TAWA YAMA FINE, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious modern, and international menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Carlos Cocktailbar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Ubu is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Der Kofferraum - Cocktailbar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 3 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 Keldung, and Koblenz. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Keldung. This car ride takes around 2 hours 45 min.

Drop by the renowned Eltz Castle. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,367 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 50 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,566 reviews.

Continue your journey at Schloss Koblenz. This point of interest is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,252 travelers from near and far.

Koblenz is also the home of Deutsches Eck. This headland has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,555 visitors.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cologne. 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of french, and seafood cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Ox & Klee, renowned for its delicious modern, and creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern french menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Grid Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Toddy Tapper is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Dive into day 4 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 Karlsruhe. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Cologne Cathedral. This much-appreciated catholic cathedral is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews. Each year, 5,000,000 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

Next up is Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Karlsruhe, 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 Karlsruhe. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kaiseki Japan Restaurant Karlsruhe, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'Osteria Karlsruhe? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Café Palaver as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Karlsruhe.

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

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 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.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Karlsruhe’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Make Friedrichsplatz one of your first sightseeing stops in Karlsruhe. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,500 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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!