One-Week Relaxed Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Cologne

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Dortmund, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Dortmund is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Hörde. Around 693 visitors have rated this fascinating ortsteil and travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

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.

An excellent example is Restaurant Namu. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

60 Seconds to Napoli serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Dortmund has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,208 reviews.

Zum Alten Markt is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,074 customers, Zum Alten Markt is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Dortmund looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Strobels Dortmund, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,913 reviews.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Dortmund at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Dortmund, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous LWL Industrial Museum Zollern. This incredible museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,274 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Dortmund, the wonderful German Football Museum. This sports museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,274 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This must-see tourist destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,382 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Dortmund itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Dortmund. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurant YUMINI. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,893 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at FOOD BROTHER, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. FOOD BROTHER is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 2,283 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,934 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Dortmund and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Wenkers am Markt. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Tapas & More. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 964 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Uncle Tom's. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Uncle Tom's has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Essen. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Shaft XII is waiting for you. This top-tier point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,299 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This unique museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,630 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible kokerei zollverein. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,062 visitors, this coke plant is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck. This popular top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,674 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Museum Folkwang. This attraction is a valued art museum in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,003 visitors. Approximately 800,000 travelers come here every year to see it with their own eyes.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Essen has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cologne. In Cologne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,165 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Craftbeer Corner Coeln.

Locals also recommend Gruber's as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Gruber's as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Toddy Tapper. Toddy Tapper is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Gilden im Zims. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Gilden im Zims is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you’ll explore the area around Mainz, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights.

Around 18,012 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing monastery that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,644 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Nürburgring will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Germany more memorable. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,984 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Germany is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Mainz. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Mainz and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Mainz that will make your self-drive tour in Germany more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Cologne for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Germany by eating at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,757 customers, the dining experience Servus Colonia Alpina offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Germany.

The Little Steakhouse is another pleasant place to eat in Cologne. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Gaststätte Lommerzheim, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Cologne is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Jameson Pub Cologne, another well-known bar in Cologne. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,308 reviews.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Germany is all about!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Cologne. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Cologne, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,095 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Cologne. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,197 guests, Hyatt Regency Cologne is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Motel One Köln-Neumarkt offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Motel One Köln-Neumarkt is a top-rated budget hotel in Cologne with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 7,207 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Cologne. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cologne, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Old Market. This top-tier point of interest and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Cologne. The fascinating Old Market has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,654 travelers.

Cologne is also home to the captivating Rhine Garden Sculpture, a local fountain and another popular attraction in the city. About 6,550 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Museum Ludwig is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. This extraordinary art museum and travel destination hosts more than 304,942 visitors annually. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,323 travelers, Museum Ludwig proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Cologne Cathedral. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you as it does to more than 5,000,000 travelers every year. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing catholic cathedral and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 68,667 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Media Park Köln mbH. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating top-tier point of interest and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 3,883 visitors have rated the famous Media Park Köln mbH an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cologne, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cologne. At Max Stark, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Cologne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cologne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Cologne Chocolate Museum. This incredible museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,145 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Rheinpark. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Japanese Garden Leverkusen. This park has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,065 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cologne.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular The Corkonian Irish pub. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,421 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Barney Vallely's. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 956 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Dortmund, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany is waiting for you. This museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,357 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Rheinaue. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,075 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Schloss Drachenburg. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,991 visitors, this château is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Gasometer Oberhausen. This popular gas holder and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,657 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Düsseldorf has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Dortmund. In Dortmund, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,477 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Atlantico Café.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Kraftstoff. Kraftstoff is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 634 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through 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 Dortmund.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Dortmund once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Westfalenpark is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Dortmund. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,013 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 Dortmund or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Dortmund 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.