7-Day Germany Road Trip from Muenster traveling west to Cologne

On day 2 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 Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Feldhausen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 4 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nordkirchen. This drive usually takes around 37 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at Schloss Nordkirchen, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,745 reviews.

Gelsenkirchen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nordkirchen behind. This drive usually takes around 54 min. Gelsenkirchen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Nordstern Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,453 visitors.

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.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french, and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern, and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Grid Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Wuppertal. This drive usually takes around 45 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 12,835 visitors.

Sterkrade’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Wuppertal behind. This drive usually takes around 44 min. Sterkrade welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready to see some sights, Gasometer Oberhausen is a great place to start. This gas holder is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,693 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Duisburg, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sterkrade to Duisburg may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 reviews.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cologne's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at RheinZeit. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Continue your lively evening at Soul Bar Cologne, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 2 nights left in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Keldung. 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 40 min. Upon reaching Keldung, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Eltz Castle. This extraordinary castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,367 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Deutsches Eck. This headland is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,555 reviews.

Continue your journey at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This fortress is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,566 travelers from near and far.

When you’ve had your share of Koblenz, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Glees. Your travel time is around 31 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Maria Laach Abbey is a great place to start. This monastery is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,805 visitors.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Limani, a highly-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Suderman after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Brühl, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Brühl, and Cologne to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in 37,446 reviews.

Next up is Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the town, Cologne Cathedral welcomes 5,000,000 visitors annually.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brühl. This drive usually takes around 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park gets 1,750,000 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 91,824 reviews.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Cafe Riese Köln, 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 Bangkok Thai 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 Servus Colonia Alpina, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Essen, and Dortmund. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Muenster, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

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.

Make Museum Folkwang your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,999 reviews. More than 800,000 people visit this place of interest every year.

Next up, make a stop at Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,211 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Essen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dortmund. This drive usually takes around 34 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Westfalenpark. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,451 visitors.

Next, make your way to Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Muenster's best restaurants.

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 fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Eulen & Lerchen, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The James offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

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