7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Muenster to Essen, Dortmund, and Hanover and surrounding area

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.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Muenster allows for both. Start by heading to Schloss Nordkirchen. This locally appreciated castle provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Movie Park, an eye-catching amusement park, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Nordstern Park, an intriguing park.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Essen by reserving a table at Hannappel. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and classic menu. For a different taste experience, head to Schote, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Kettner's Kamota, a local favorite known for its delightful austrian and french contemporary cuisine in Essen. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning austrian and french contemporary foodies seeking culinary excellence.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Südrock Rock Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Gentlem, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Essen and Bochum. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Essen’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This UNESCO world heritage-designated museum is sure to ignite your curiosity.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to + Fossilium Bochum Zoo, an underrated zoo.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dortmund. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a harmony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, The Stage offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern and creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Grammons Restaurant, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary and classic french cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Vater&sohn after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Loka Lounge Dortmund for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Central Bar & More Dortmund is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Dortmund, Horn, and Porta Westfalica. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hanover, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. The first attraction of today is Dortmund Zoo. This interesting zoo is a picture-perfect place to see in Dortmund. Continue your discovery at Westfalenpark, an eye-catching park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Dortmund, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Externsteine. This interesting rock formation offers a peaceful encounter with Dortmund. Next, make your way to Emperor William Monument to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Dortmund.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Hanover. Hanover 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 Hanover. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Begin your culinary exploration in Hanover by securing a reservation at Handwerk. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Jante, celebrated for its delectable creative and modern 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 Votum, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Keep the evening going at Bar Seña, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Sternwarte, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Dormero Hotel Hannover, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Hanover, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Hanover allows for both. Start by heading to Landesmuseum Hannover. This beloved museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Masch Park, a romantic park, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Hanover Zoo, a locally renowned zoo. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the frequently visited Hanover Fairground.

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

As you explore more of Hanover, 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 Guru, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Dublin Inn offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Resso’s Café | Restaurant | Lebenskultur. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Hanover.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Altstadt-treff, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to My Way Cocktailbar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

On day 6 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 Hanover. In the evening, you’ll end up in Muenster, where you will stay for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and wallet-friendly activities in Hanover. Begin your sightseeing with Markthalle Hannover. This often recommended food market is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Eilenriede, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Hanover, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Sea Life Hannover. This locally appreciated aquarium is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Berggarten, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Herrenhausen Gardens is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Muenster, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Muenster, 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Muenster by booking a table at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Muenster, Coeur D'Artichaut shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern french and creative cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Spitzner is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Muenster. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Eulen & Lerchen, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The James. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

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