6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund traveling west to Cologne

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Brühl and Cologne. You still have 2 nights left in Cologne.

Today's adventure in Cologne promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Lindt Chocolate Museum. This instagrammable museum is a highlight of any visit in the village. Then, enjoy Cologne Cathedral, another breathtaking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Cologne Zoological Garden, one of the village’s most well-known attractions, known for its breathtaking features.

Set your GPS to Brühl and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brühl beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Phantasialand, an extraordinary amusement park that everyone visiting Brühl should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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.

Dine in style at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out RheinZeit. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cologne.

Keep the evening going at Soul Bar Cologne, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

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 19 min. When you arrive in Koblenz, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make your way to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a popular castle that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Deutsches Eck, a historic monument that stands out in the city.

Set your GPS to Keldung and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 46 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Keldung beckons with new experiences!

Your self-guided tour starts at Eltz Castle, an interesting castle 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 the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

As you explore more of Cologne, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Limani, a highly-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Suderman, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 5 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 Duisburg and Essen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 52 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Duisburg Zoo. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the zoo before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This well-known park is a traveler-favorite in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Essen. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, an UNESCO world heritage-designated museum that stands out in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Dortmund, 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 Dortmund's best restaurants.

Discover the culinary delights of Dortmund by securing a reservation at The Stage. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern and creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delicious contemporary and classic french dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Gaststätte Lütge-eck offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

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