7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne, Neurath, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 7-day road trip through Germany. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Germany takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Dortmund, 1 night in Cologne, 1 night in Neurath, 1 night in Pleikartsförster Hof, and 1 night in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Germany. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Dortmund, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Germany on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Germany. Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Nuremberg Castle, learn more about the unique Lindt Chocolate Museum, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Westfalenpark.
As you hit the open road and drive through Dortmund, Cologne, Bornich, Braubach, Biebernheim, Neurath, Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Nuremberg, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.
Throughout your road trip in Germany, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Germany.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Germany fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Germany today!
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Day 1
- Dortmund - Arrival day
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- Westfalenpark
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Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Dortmund and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Dortmund is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Westfalenpark, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Dortmund. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
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.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Meeting, die Café-Bar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Zum Alten Markt? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ringhotel Drees as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Dortmund.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Vater&sohn. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Central Bar & More Dortmund, another top-rated bar in the area.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Germany!
Day 2
- Dortmund
- Cologne
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Drive 99 km, 1 hour 56 min
- Rheinpark
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
- Rheingarten (Köln)
- Cologne Cathedral
- Old Market
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Dortmund today. One of the most intriguing attractions included on the itinerary is Rheinpark. This romantic park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Lindt Chocolate Museum and learn what makes this instagrammable museum unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the increasingly popular Rhine Garden Sculpture. After exploring the park, head to Cologne Cathedral. This spectacular church is a highlight in Dortmund. As your day continues, stop by Old Market, known for its history-steeped features.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of 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.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Café Reichard. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.
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.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 3
- Cologne
- Neurath
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Drive 231 km, 3 hours 34 min
- Aussicht Spitznack
- Marksburg
- Stolzenfels Castle
- Rheinfels Castle
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Bornich, Braubach, Koblenz-Stolzenfels, and Biebernheim. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Neurath, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at the underrated Aussicht Spitznack, a peaceful observation deck in Cologne. Next, go to Marksburg.
After visiting Aussicht Spitznack and Marksburg, have a stroll along Cologne's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Stolzenfels Castle. This visually striking castle offers a unique experience. Rheinfels Castle is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Neurath. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the village.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Neurath. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!
Day 4
- Neurath
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Drive 130 km, 2 hours 50 min
- Neckarwiese (Heidelberg)
- Philosophers' Way
- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Heidelberger Marktplatz
- Heidelberg Palace
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On day 4 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 Heidelberg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pleikartsförster Hof, where you will stay for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming city of Neurath. Your adventure starts at Neckarwiese (heidelberg), a curiosity-inducing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Philosophers’ Way. This beloved hiking area is known for its eye-catching appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Neurath's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Old Bridge Heidelberg. This culturally significant historical landmark offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Heidelberger Marktplatz is also worth visiting, along with Heidelberg Castle. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Pleikartsförster Hof, 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 in Pleikartsförster Hof. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the hamlet, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Say good night to Pleikartsförster Hof and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!
Day 5
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Drive 167 km, 2 hours 26 min
- Gallows Gate
- Plönlein
- Medieval Crime Museum
- German Christmas Museum
- Burggarten
- Blade Gate
- Town Hall
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rothenburg ob der Tauber. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Gallows Gate. Continue your discovery at Plönlein, Wandbrunnen (rothenburg Ob Der Tauber), a visually striking public square with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Pleikartsförster Hof, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Medieval Crime Museum. This increasingly popular museum offers an eye-catching encounter with Pleikartsförster Hof. Next, make your way to German Christmas Museum to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Castle Garden, a worthwhile park that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Blade Gate, a worthwhile sightseeing destination in the town. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Pleikartsförster Hof.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of 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.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 6
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Dortmund
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Drive 550 km, 6 hours 39 min
- Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
- Schöner Brunnen
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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 Nuremberg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dortmund, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. Whether you decide to explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this heritage-rich museum before continuing your journey. Nuremberg Castle is your next stop. This notable castle is one of the best-rated sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Schöner Brunnen. This breathtaking monument is a sight to behold.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dortmund. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Dortmund, 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 delightful dinner at Strobels Dortmund, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Lord as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Dortmund.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!
Day 7
- Dortmund - Departure day
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- Rombergpark Botanical Garden
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Day 7 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Rombergpark Botanical Garden, a masterful botanical garden before you head out.
Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Dortmund’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Dortmund Indoor Market Hall. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.
Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dortmund.
Savor the flavors at Café Brasserie Lotte, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, ALEX Dortmund beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!
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