5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Stuttgart traveling north to Cologne and Karlsruhe
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Germany as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Stuttgart, Cologne, Koblenz, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, and Sinsheim.
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 Stuttgart, 1 night in Cologne, 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 Stuttgart, 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. Cologne Cathedral and Mercedes-benz Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Stuttgart, Cologne, Koblenz, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, and Sinsheim, 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
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Day 1 – Stuttgart - arrival day
- Stuttgart - Arrival day
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- Schlossplatz
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Say hello to Stuttgart! 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 Stuttgart for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Stuttgart 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 Schloßplatz 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 Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart. 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Tavern Waldhorn, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Café Le Théâtre offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Wirtshaus Garbe is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Stuttgart.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Le Petit Coq, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Jigger & Spoon, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Schwarz Weiß Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Germany!
Day 2 – Stuttgart and Cologne
- Stuttgart
- Cologne
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Drive 375 km, 4 hours 29 min
- Mercedes-Benz Museum
- Wilhelma
- Nunos porsche Museum
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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 Stuttgart. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Stuttgart, including a museum and a zoo. Start your day at Mercedes-benz Museum. This history-steeped museum is a notable place to see in Stuttgart. Then, wander over to Wilhelma. If awe-inspiring sites excite you, this zoo will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Porsche Museum. This heritage-rich museum is a favorite among 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 Cologne. Cologne 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 Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.
Keep the evening going at The Grid Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Toddy Tapper, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Legends Bar & Terrasse, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!
Day 3 – Cologne, Koblenz, and Karlsruhe
- Cologne
- Koblenz
- Karlsruhe
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Drive 324 km, 4 hours 13 min
- Old Market
- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
- Emperor William Memorial at Deutsches Eck
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Cologne and Koblenz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Karlsruhe. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer a charming, an enchanting, an eye-catching, a historically significant, a monumental, a symbolic, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed! Start at Old Market, an interesting public square that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Cologne Cathedral, enchanting visitors with its picture-perfect appeal. Continue your exploration at Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is one of the city’s most popular spots.
After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Koblenz. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 24 min. When you arrive in Koblenz, it's time to take a break from the road.
Your self-guided tour starts at Deutsches Eck, a locally renowned monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Karlsruhe. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
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.
Start your culinary exploration in Karlsruhe by securing a reservation at Bistro Margarete. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of regional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit sein, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover TAWA YAMA FINE, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Phono Craftbeer Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Electric Eel provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Jean-claude Cocktail Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!
Day 4 – Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, Sinsheim, and Stuttgart
- Karlsruhe
- Mannheim
- Schwetzingen
- Stuttgart
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Drive 209 km, 2 hours 51 min
- Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe
- Wasserturm Mannheim
- Schwetzingen Palace
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, and Sinsheim. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Stuttgart, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a peaceful, a stunning, and an instagrammable. Whether you decide to explore Karlsruhe on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picturesque zoo before continuing your journey.
Mannheim’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Karlsruhe behind. This drive usually takes around 53 min. Mannheim welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Spend your afternoon discovering Watertower Of Mannheim, a well-known monument known for its romantic features.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Schwetzingen. This drive usually takes around 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Spend your afternoon discovering Schwetzingen Palace, a beloved castle known for its enchanting features.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart's best restaurants.
Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Stuttgart by securing a table at Der Zauberlehrling. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Speisemeisterei, famous for its scrumptious creative and innovative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Ritzi Gourmet, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative french and modern cuisine in Stuttgart. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative french and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Si-centrum Stuttgart, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Mata Hari, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Mocha Espresso & Wine provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!
Day 5 – Stuttgart - departure day
- Stuttgart - Departure day
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- Jubiläumssäule
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Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.
Prepare for a day full of an enchanting, a picture-perfect, a history-steeped, a grand, and a noteworthy. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Jubiläumssäule. This frequently visited monument 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 Stuttgart.
Savor the flavors at Wielandshöhe, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, AMADEUS Restaurant & Bar beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Stuttgart. 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!
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