6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne, Essen, and Hamburg and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Dortmund are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Whatever your travel style is, German Football Museum is an essential stop in Dortmund. This worthwhile museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Dasa Working World Exhibition, an intriguing museum. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating Dortmund Zoo.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. 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 Cologne's best restaurants.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Grid Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Toddy Tapper is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Cologne and Duisburg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Essen, where you'll spend 1 night.

Check out the spectacular church, Cologne Cathedral. Afterward, continue to Lindt Chocolate Museum, a museum every traveler should visit. As you explore Cologne’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden. This notable zoo is an essential stop.

When you’ve had your share of Cologne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Duisburg. Your travel time is around 57 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, an interesting park in Duisburg. Explore its respected features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Hannappel, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern and classic menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Schote is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Essen. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Kettner's Kamota. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for austrian and french contemporary cuisine in the city.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Südrock Rock Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Gentlem is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Lengerich. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hamburg, where will spend 1 night.

Unesco-welterbe Zollverein makes a great addition to your morning plans. This notable museum is an UNESCO world heritage-listed place to see in Essen. Continue your discovery at Shaft Xii, a symbolic museum with stories to tell.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Essen.

Set your GPS to Gelsenkirchen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gelsenkirchen beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Gelsenkirchen is Nordstern Park, an up-and-coming park that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lengerich. This car ride takes around 1 hour 20 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Lengerich is Canyon, a curiosity-inducing canyon that draws attention for its scenic features.

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

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at The Table Kevin Fehling in Hamburg by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 3-star Michelin status, The Table Kevin Fehling offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative and international menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Haerlin, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative french and classic cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at 100/200 Kitchen, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative and modern menu.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Scandic Hamburg Emporio. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Hamburg and Behringen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Elbe Tunnel brings Hamburg's character to life. This instagrammable historical landmark is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Elbe Philharmonic Hall, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Miniatur Wunderland, one of the city’s most astonishing attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Behringen may take around 44 min. Upon your arrival in Behringen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Behringer Heide and explore the idyllic features.

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

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at The Stage, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern and creative menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Grammons Restaurant, known for its delicious contemporary and classic french cuisine.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a prime location for a drink.

Head back to your accommodation in Dortmund and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.