6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Muenster traveling south to Essen and Cologne

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Nordkirchen, Feldhausen, and Gelsenkirchen, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Essen. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Nordkirchen’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Muenster, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nordkirchen may take around 37 min. Upon your arrival in Nordkirchen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take your self-guided tour to Schloss Nordkirchen, a beloved castle that everyone visiting Nordkirchen should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Set your GPS to Feldhausen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 55 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Feldhausen beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Movie Park, an impressive amusement park known for its photogenic features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gelsenkirchen. This car ride takes around 24 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Nordstern Park, a beloved park known for its breathtaking features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Essen, 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 Essen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Essen by booking a table at Hannappel, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern and classic menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Schote, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Kettner's Kamota, a local gem known for its delightful austrian and french contemporary cuisine in Essen. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Südrock Rock Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Gentlem, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Diamond Cocktail Lounge provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Essen and Duisburg. 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 2 nights.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. The first attraction of today is Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This notable museum is an UNESCO world heritage-listed place to see in Essen.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Essen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Duisburg may take around 18 min. Upon your arrival in Duisburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Duisburg Zoo. Spend some time admiring the gorgeous 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.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

A top thing to do today is to explore Schildergasse, a must-see street in Cologne. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the top attractions in the area.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Cologne. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Lindt Chocolate Museum is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Cologne. Next, head to Cologne Zoological Garden, a locally renowned zoo, known for its visually striking features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RheinZeit as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Soul Bar Cologne, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

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

Start by visiting Old Market, a prime spot to begin your journey. This history-steeped public square is sure to impress. Next on your list is Rhine Garden Sculpture, another must-visit landmark and intriguing park renowned for its enchanting features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Cologne by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Museum Ludwig. This eye-catching museum is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Cologne Cathedral also adds charm to your journey.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Dortmund. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 6 min. When you arrive in Dortmund, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Westfalenpark, a notable park that draws visitors from near and far.

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 Muenster. Muenster 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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Muenster. 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Muenster by booking a table at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Coeur D'Artichaut, celebrated for its delectable modern french and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Spitzner, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Eulen & Lerchen, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The James is another popular option for a drink or two.

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