One-Week Relaxed Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Hamburg

Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Old Market, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,935 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Cologne. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

Start your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french, and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern, and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Cologne. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

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 a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Germany. Enjoy your first taste of Cologne as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Cologne, and meet locals along the way!

When you're ready to see some sights, Cologne Zoological Garden is a great place to start. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,676 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Media Park Köln mbH. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,045 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Cologne Cathedral. This site gets more than 5,000,000 visitors annually. The catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 reviews.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Cologne. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Cologne that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Germany more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Cologne to find the best options for you!

Exploring the food culture in Cologne 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.

Make sure to book a table at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cologne at Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами", a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is RheinZeit. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to 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.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soul Bar Cologne after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, die wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Germany.

Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Germany is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 4 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Germany.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Hanover. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 2 min. When you arrive in Hanover, it's time to take a break from the road.

Kick off the day at Herrenhausen Gardens, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,178 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Markthalle Hannover. Markthalle Hannover is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,074 reviews.

Hanover Zoo is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 27,161 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Hamburg. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

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 Hamburg.

Begin your culinary exploration in Hamburg by securing a reservation at The Table Kevin Fehling. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative, and international cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Haerlin, celebrated for its delectable creative french, and classic 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 100/200 Kitchen, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative, and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Hamburg.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Scandic Hamburg Emporio, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, HERITAGE Hamburg Rooftop Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Hamburg, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79,037 visitors.

Miniatur Wunderland is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 89,283 visitors.

Hamburg Dungeon is also highly recommended by travelers. This museum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,768 visitors.

Hamburger Kunsthalle is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,902 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Stadtpark. This park has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,877 travelers.

Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Hamburg, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining spot in Hamburg. If you're in the mood for something new, try Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Hamburg.

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 Cafe Miller, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Copa Cabana Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Fontenay Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Hamburg!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Hamburg. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Hamburg!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Loki Schmidt Garden Botanical of University Hamburg, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,097 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at St. Pauli Piers. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,508 travelers.

Elbe Tunnel is another must-visit attraction. This renowned road tunnel offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,850 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Panoptikum. This well-loved museum boasts a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 11,133 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, St. Michael's Church awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a church, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,524 previous visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Germany.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Edelcurry, a top-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Deichgraf Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Hamburg. The bars in Hamburg make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Tower Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Black Forest Bar - by henn offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Hamburg. CIU` DIE BAR is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Hamburg, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Hamburg, and meet locals along the way!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is CHOCOVERSUM - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,487 reviews.

Continue your journey at St. Nikolai Memorial. This church is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,254 travelers from near and far.

Hamburg is also the home of Planten un Blomen. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 22,471 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Hagenbeck Zoo. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 37,852 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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 Hamburg.

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Brücke 10, an iconic dining spot in Hamburg. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Shiso Burger Hamburg, a popular restaurant in Hamburg. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Im Sprinkenhof, a hidden gem nestled in Hamburg. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Hamburg.

Keep the evening going at Meyer Lansky's, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Chug Club, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Tipsy Baker Bar Hamburg, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Germany is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Nordkirchen and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the city of Gelsenkirchen and the town of Sterkrade. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Hamburg and set your GPS to Nordkirchen. 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 3 hours 17 min. Upon reaching Nordkirchen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Schloss Nordkirchen your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this palace an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,745 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nordkirchen and set your GPS to Gelsenkirchen. 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 54 min. Upon reaching Gelsenkirchen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Nordstern Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,453 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Gelsenkirchen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sterkrade may take around 13 min. Upon your arrival in Sterkrade, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to SEA LIFE Oberhausen. This aquarium is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars in 12,844 reviews.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Germany at Cologne. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cologne, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Make sure to book a table at Limani, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cologne at Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cologne tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Cologne. The bars in Cologne make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Suderman, a prime location for a drink.

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

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cologne.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Cologne is the remarkable Rheinpark. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,479 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cologne or just grab something light to keep you going.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bangkok Thai Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.