Relaxed 7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne

Your relaxed road trip in Germany continues on day 3 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Germany better by exploring the top attractions of Cologne and beyond. With 3 nights left in Cologne, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Oberhausen. This car ride takes around 1 hour 2 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Gasometer Oberhausen, an interesting museum known for its respected features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Oberhausen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 17 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a locally renowned park that everyone visiting Duisburg should see. Next, head to Duisburg Zoo. This picture-perfect zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Tiger & Turtle, an eye-catching art installation popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cologne at Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", 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 RheinZeit. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Cologne tonight.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Soul Bar Cologne offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Germany!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip in Germany, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Cologne and visit amazing attractions in Brühl and Cologne, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Cologne, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

A visit to Schildergasse is a must on the agenda today. This street is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights. Don’t forget to check out Belgisches Viertel as well, a neighborhood that adds another layer to your exploration.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the top-rated Cologne Cathedral and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Lindt Chocolate Museum, an eye-catching museum that draws visitors from far and near.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brühl. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Phantasialand, a spectacular amusement park in Brühl. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Limani, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Germany.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Suderman, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you’ll explore the area around Cologne, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Cologne will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Germany.

As you explore Koblenz’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 19 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Deutsches Eck. This captivating monument is a traveler-favorite in the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Keldung. This drive usually takes around 46 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Eltz Castle, a locally renowned castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Cologne has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Savor the flavors at Cafe Riese Köln, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bangkok Thai Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Servus Colonia Alpina. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cologne tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Koblenz can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Germany!

On day 6 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Germany, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Essen. 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 58 min. Upon reaching Essen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Museum Folkwang, a worthwhile museum in Essen. Explore its standout features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This curiosity-inducing laser tag arena is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most UNESCO world heritage-designated museum in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the increasingly popular Shaft Xii and discover what makes this museum unique.

Gelsenkirchen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Essen behind. This drive usually takes around 11 min. Gelsenkirchen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Nordstern Park and explore the noteworthy features.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Dortmund. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Germany.

Exploring the food culture in Dortmund offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

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.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Germany!