6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling north to Bielefeld, Hamburg, and Bremen

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Photo of Cologne sunset city skyline with Cologne Cathedral and Rhine River, Cologne, Germany.
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Description

Explore the best of Germany on a remarkable 6-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Cologne, Bielefeld, Hanover, Munster, Hamburg, Bremen, Essen, and Duisburg.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Germany. You will spend 2 nights in Cologne, 1 night in Bielefeld, 1 night in Hamburg, and 1 night in Bremen. 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Cologne, 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. Miniatur Wunderland and Elbe Philharmonic Hall are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cologne, Bielefeld, Hanover, Munster, Hamburg, Bremen, Essen, and Duisburg, 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, accommodations, 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!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Cologne - Arrival day
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  • Schildergasse
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Say hello to Cologne! 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 Cologne for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Cologne is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cologne. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas 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 Cologne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Germany!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cologne
  • Bielefeld
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Drive 200 km, 2 hours 44 min

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Cologne Zoological Garden
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Cologne. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bielefeld, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bielefeld. Bielefeld offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Bielefeld is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bielefeld.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Bielefeld
  • Hamburg
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Drive 294 km, 3 hours 59 min

  • Herrenhäuser Gärten
  • Markthalle
  • Hanover Zoo
  • German Panzer Museum Munster
  • More

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

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Hamburg. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Hamburg
  • Bremen
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Drive 128 km, 2 hours 10 min

  • Miniatur Wunderland
  • Elbphilharmonie
  • St. Pauli Piers
  • Elbe Tunnel
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Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Hamburg. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bremen, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bremen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Bremen
  • Cologne
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Drive 354 km, 4 hours 33 min

  • UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein
  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Duisburg Zoo
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Essen and Duisburg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Cologne - Departure day
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  • Old Market
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Day 6 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

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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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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