7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne, Neurath, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Cologne. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Cologne, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dortmund to Cologne may take around 1 hour 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cologne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Rheinpark, a locally appreciated park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Lindt Chocolate Museum and admire its visually striking features.

When you’re ready, continue to Rhine Garden Sculpture, an intriguing park beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Cologne Cathedral, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Old Market, an enchanting place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne 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 Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Have a fantastic dining experience at SAVOY Hotel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Café Reichard is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cologne.

Continue your lively evening at The Grid Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Toddy Tapper is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Legends Bar & Terrasse ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Say good night to Cologne and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Heidelberg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Pleikartsförster Hof, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Heidelberg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Neurath behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 32 min. Heidelberg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Heidelberg is Neckarwiese (heidelberg), an underrated park that draws attention for its peaceful features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Philosophers’ Way, a mesmerizing hiking area that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Old Bridge Heidelberg, an interesting historical landmark that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Heidelberger Marktplatz, a nearby public square, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at Heidelberg Castle, an enchanting castle and the perfect final attraction in Heidelberg.

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

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

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

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking in Pleikartsförster Hof’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 50 min. When you arrive in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Gallows Gate, a worthwhile point of interest in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This locally appreciated public square is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Medieval Crime Museum is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most photogenic museum in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the curiosity-inducing German Christmas Museum and discover what makes this museum unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the town, head to Castle Garden, a romantic park many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rothenburg ob der Tauber's best restaurants.

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

On day 6 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Nuremberg are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and set your GPS to Nuremberg. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 17 min. Upon reaching Nuremberg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, an interesting museum that everyone visiting Nuremberg should see. Next, head to Nuremberg Castle. This picture-perfect castle is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Schöner Brunnen, a detailed monument popular among locals as well as travelers.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Dortmund, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Strobels Dortmund, a popular restaurant in Dortmund. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dortmund at Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Lord. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Dortmund tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!