One-Week Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling east to Hanover, Hamburg, and Bremen

Say hello to Cologne! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Cologne for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Cologne 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 Media Park Köln mbH or 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 Cologne. 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 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional french and seafood menu. For a different culinary experience, Ox & Klee shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. 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, La Cuisine Rademacher is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Cologne. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Cologne. You have 1 night left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit today. This catholic cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 visitors. Cologne Cathedral attracts up to 5,000,000 visitors every year.

Cologne Zoological Garden is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,118 visitors.

Rheinpark is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,361 reviews.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Cologne, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Cologne below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Servus Colonia Alpina? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Little Link as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sterkrade, 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 Cologne to Sterkrade may take around 1 hour 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sterkrade, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Gasometer Oberhausen, a remarkable gas holder where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,121 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at SEA LIFE Oberhausen. This aquarium has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 12,643 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sterkrade, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Hamm may take around 1 hour 12 min. Upon your arrival in Hamm, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Maximilianpark Hamm. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,092 reviews.

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

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Meteora, a top-rated dining spot in Hanover. If you're in the mood for something new, try Quarks Bar Hannover, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Guru. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Hanover.

Continue your lively evening at Bar Seña, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Sternwarte is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Hanover, Friedrichseck, and Bad Fallingbostel. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hamburg. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Herrenhausen Gardens. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,866 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Hanover, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Friedrichseck. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 5 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Heide Park. This extraordinary amusement park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 57,285 visitors.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Hamburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a symphony of flavors at The Table Kevin Fehling in Hamburg by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, The Table Kevin Fehling delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative and international cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Haerlin, acclaimed for its delectable creative french and classic 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 100/200 Kitchen, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated , it's a top choice for creative and modern cuisine in the city.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Scandic Hamburg Emporio offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Copa Cabana Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Hamburg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Hamburg Dungeon, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,598 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 87,297 travelers.

St. Michael's Church is another must-visit attraction. This renowned church offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,173 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 Elbe Tunnel. This well-loved road tunnel boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 34,570 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, St. Pauli Piers awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a sightseeing destination, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,128 previous visitors.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Hamburg has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Hamburg offers and add your favorites to your Germany travel package below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Hamburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brücke 10, a highly-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're eager to try something different, consider Shiso Burger Hamburg, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Das Feuerschiff LV 13. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

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 Hamburg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bremen, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Townhall one of your first sightseeing stops in Hamburg. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,211 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Elbe Philharmonic Hall is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This concert hall is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 77,649 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Planten un Blomen. This park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 21,983 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Stadtpark. A trip to this popular park is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 20,534 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Tierpark Hagenbeck. This zoo enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 37,629 local and international travelers.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Bremen. Bremen offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, an iconic dining spot in Bremen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar, a popular restaurant in Bremen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Paulaner's a der Schlachte, a hidden gem nestled in Bremen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Red Rock, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to wohnzimmer Bremen. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Eisen, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Essen and Duisburg, 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.

Set your GPS to Essen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 53 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Essen beckons with new experiences!

Journey into the unknown at UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,866 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 28 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Drop by the renowned Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,756 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Duisburg Zoo. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 21,129 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cologne, 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Jameson Pub Cologne, a highly-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Barney Vallely's, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Gruber's. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Day 8 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Maximize your last day in Germany and go on a shopping spree in Cologne’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Germany, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Germany home with you through these charming souvenirs.

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 12,740 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cologne.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. 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!