6-Day Germany road trip Starting from Dortmund to Cologne

Dortmund city centre aerial panoramic view
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
6 days & 5 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
5 nights included
Car rental
6 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 6-day road trip through Germany.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Germany. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Dortmund and 2 nights in Cologne, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Germany. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Dortmund and Cologne. We'll help you experience the best 6 days in Germany you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Dortmund, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Germany, including the stunning Cologne Chocolate Museum and Cologne Cathedral.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Germany. From the magnificent Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord to the breathtaking Deutsches Eck and Nürburgring, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Dortmund and Cologne, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Germany. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Germany.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Germany.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Germany has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Germany. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 5 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 5 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Germany extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Germany fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Germany today!

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Included

Hotel, 5 nights
Rental car, 6 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of Dortmund city centre aerial panoramic view in Germany.Dortmund / 3 nights
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne / 2 nights
Duisburg - city in GermanyDuisburg
Koblenz - city in GermanyKoblenz

Map

Attractions

Photo of the German theme park Phantasialand.Phantasialand
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
NürburgringNürburgring
Deutsches EckDeutsches Eck
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum
Cologne Zoological Garden, Riehl, Nippes, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Zoological Garden
photo of view of Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord Industrial Culture Park Germany .Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
Duisburg ZooDuisburg Zoo
photo of view of Dortmund - city in Ruhrgebiet (Ruhr Metropolitan Region) in Germany. Rose garden in Westfalenpark.,Dortmund Germany.Westfalenpark
Ehrenbreitstein FortressEhrenbreitstein Fortress
Dortmund ZooDortmund Zoo
Old Market, Altstadt-Nord, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyOld Market
Tiger & Turtle, Wanheim-Angerhausen, Duisburg-Süd, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyTiger & Turtle
Rombergpark Botanical Garden, Hombruch, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyRombergpark Botanical Garden
Image of the museum in September 2015German Football Museum
Duisburg Inner Harbour, Kaßlerfeld, Duisburg-Mitte, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyDuisburg Inner Harbour
photo of view of Maria Laach Abbey in Germany. Autumn landscape. The medieval church in autumn forest, Gless, Germany.Maria Laach Abbey
LWL Industrial Museum Zollern, Lütgendortmund, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyLWL Industrial Museum Zollern
Burg Hörde, Hörde, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyHörde

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Dortmund - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Dortmund - arrival day

  • Dortmund - Arrival day
  • More
  • Hörde
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dortmund. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Dortmund has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Hörde. This attraction is an ortsteil and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 693 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund, Restaurant Namu. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund is 60 Seconds to Napoli. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,208 customers.

Locals recommend Zum Alten Markt as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,074 customers.

Dortmund also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dortmund is Strobels Dortmund. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,913 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 6-day vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Dortmund

Day 2

Day 2 – Dortmund

  • Dortmund
  • More

Drive 36 km, 1 hour 20 min

  • LWL Industrial Museum Zollern
  • German Football Museum
  • Rombergpark Botanical Garden
  • Dortmund Zoo
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Dortmund has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Dortmund by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Dortmund. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations like the extraordinary LWL Industrial Museum Zollern. This attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,274 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Dortmund is the spectacular German Football Museum. This attraction is a sport museum and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,266 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,382 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Dortmund.

Your discovery of Dortmund does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dortmund on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Germany, be sure to eat at Restaurant YUMINI, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,893 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Dortmund is the popular FOOD BROTHER. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,283 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Dortmund is Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Wenkers am Markt is one of the best bars in the city of Dortmund for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

Tapas & More is another of the most popular bars in the city of Dortmund. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 964 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Dortmund is Uncle Tom's. Uncle Tom's has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Dortmund!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Duisburg, Bergheim, and Cologne

Day 3

Day 3 – Duisburg, Bergheim, and Cologne

  • Duisburg
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 197 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Duisburg Zoo
  • Duisburg Inner Harbour
  • Tiger & Turtle
  • Phantasialand
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,545 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Duisburg Inner Harbour. This inland port and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,446 visitors.

Tiger & Turtle is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular top-tier point of interest, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 7,589 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Duisburg is another excellent way to spend your new day in Germany. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Germany’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Germany’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Germany’s scenic spots.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Cologne.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Craftbeer Corner Coeln, one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Locals also recommend Gruber's as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. Gruber's is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

After dinner, visit Toddy Tapper, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Alternatively, Gilden im Zims is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Mainz and Cologne

Day 4

Day 4 – Mainz and Cologne

  • Koblenz
  • Cologne
  • More

Drive 270 km, 3 hours 48 min

  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Deutsches Eck
  • Maria Laach Abbey
  • Nürburgring
  • More

You still have 1 night left in Cologne.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This incredible attraction is a fortress and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,012 visitors.

Deutsches Eck is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,451 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Maria Laach Abbey. This amazing attraction is a monastery and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,644 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Nürburgring. This best-rated sightseeing destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,984 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Germany to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Cologne.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne, like Servus Colonia Alpina. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

The Little Steakhouse is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Cologne. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Cologne, Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Jameson Pub Cologne. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Cologne and Dortmund

Day 5

Day 5 – Cologne and Dortmund

  • Cologne
  • Dortmund
  • More

Drive 100 km, 1 hour 53 min

  • Cologne Chocolate Museum
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Cologne and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Dortmund. You will stay in Dortmund for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Cologne is the amazing Cologne Chocolate Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Old Market. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,654 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Cologne is the outstanding Cologne Cathedral. This popular catholic cathedral and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Cologne by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Dortmund, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Atlantico Café, one of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,477 customers.

After dinner, visit Kraftstoff, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Dortmund. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 634 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Dortmund - departure day

Day 6

Day 6 – Dortmund - departure day

  • Dortmund - Departure day
  • More
  • Westfalenpark
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Westfalenpark is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dortmund. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,013 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dortmund and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Germany.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Germany!

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Experiences

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