7-Day Germany Road Trip from Bremen traveling west to Cologne, and Dortmund

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Bremen for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Drop by the renowned Rhododendron-park Bremen. This popular botanical garden has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,244 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Universum Science Center. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,274 visitors, this science center deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Bremen. This college town has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,746 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Bremen Roland. This roland statue and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,405 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Town Musicians Of Bremen. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,109 travelers, this literary work is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Bremen.

You can learn more about Bremen today by going on a tour. Bremen offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bremen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Jürgenshof offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bremen.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Wohnzimmer Bremen. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, König Lounge offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Cottons Pub, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 3 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 Gelsenkirchen, and Essen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Gelsenkirchen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 45 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gelsenkirchen beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Nordstern Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,453 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Essen. This car ride takes around 10 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Essen, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 visitors.

Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,211 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Museum Folkwang. Visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,999 reviews. Museum Folkwang receives around 800,000 visitors every year.

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 Cologne. Cologne 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.

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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional french, and seafood menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Ox & Klee, renowned for its delectable modern, and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit La Cuisine Rademacher, a local gem known for its delightful modern french cuisine in Cologne. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Grid Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Lindt Chocolate Museum. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral welcomes around 5,000,000 visitors yearly and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews.

While in Cologne, we also recommend a visit to Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Brühl’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 29 min. Brühl welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Phantasialand, a remarkable amusement park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 91,824 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 1,750,000 visitors.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Wuppertal, Sterkrade, and Duisburg, 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 Dortmund. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Wuppertal. This car ride takes around 45 min.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,835 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Wuppertal, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sterkrade. This drive usually takes around 44 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Gasometer Oberhausen. Previous visitors have rated this gas holder an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,693 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dortmund, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Dortmund by reserving a table at The Stage. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern, and creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delectable contemporary, and classic french dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dortmund.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Vater&sohn, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Dortmund. Central Bar & More Dortmund is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Dortmund. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bremen, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like German Football Museum. This extraordinary sports museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,503 visitors.

Next, make your way to Westfalenpark. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,451 reviews.

While in Dortmund, we also recommend a visit to Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Dortmund Zoo. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 15,732 travelers, this zoo is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Dortmund.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Paulaner's a der Schlachte, an iconic dining spot in Bremen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bolero Schlachte, a popular restaurant in Bremen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Vengo die Gemüseküche, a hidden gem nestled in Bremen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Schwarzer Hermann. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Eisen, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.