One-Week Germany Road Trip from Frankfurt traveling south to Nuremberg, Munich, Ulm, and Karlsruhe

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Frankfurt and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Frankfurt for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Frankfurt 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 Nizza 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 Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt. 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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Gustav in Frankfurt by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 2-star Michelin status, Gustav offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Lafleur, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french and creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Erno's Bistro, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional classic french and modern menu.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-Central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Gleis 25, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Frankfurt, 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 Nuremberg. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Römerberg. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,391 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Iron Footbridge. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,044 visitors, this sightseeing destination deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Palmengarten. This botanical garden has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,050 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Alte Oper. This concert hall and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,371 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Zoo Frankfurt. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 22,563 travelers, this zoo is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Frankfurt.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Nuremberg. Nuremberg 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nuremberg.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Nuremberg by booking a table at Veles, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Essigbrätlein, renowned for its delectable innovative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit etz, a local gem known for its delightful creative and regional cuisine in Nuremberg. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Irish Castle Pub is an excellent place to start. You could also check out bierwerk, offering a different kind of charm.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

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

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Nuremberg Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 36,670 visitors.

When you’re finished at Nuremberg Castle, head to Nazi party rally grounds. This one-of-a-kind building complex is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 5,423 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. This military museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 15,648 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nuremberg and set your GPS to Dachau. 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 Dachau, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, a remarkable cemetery where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,420 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Munich, 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 Munich, 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Munich by booking a table at Atelier. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of creative french cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to EssZimmer, celebrated for its delectable modern french and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Alois - Dallmayr Fine Dining, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Zephyr Bar. Alternatively, go to Pusser's, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Boilerman Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Munich for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Kick off the day at Olympiapark, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This olympic park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 68,103 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit BMW Welt. BMW Welt is a music venue with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31,941 reviews. Attracting more than 3,000,000 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

BMW Museum is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This automobile museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 35,349 visitors. In a single year, this automobile museum hosts approximately 250,000 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Stachus. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 24,791 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on English Garden, a famous park in Munich. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 61,616 travelers.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Germany that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Munich has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in Germany by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Dine in style at Andechser am Dom, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Augustiner-Keller boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Nur Einmal Leben. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Munich.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Keg Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Havana Club offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

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 5 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Munich and Hohenschwangau. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ulm, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Marienplatz. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,139 visitors.

Viktualienmarkt is another popular attraction you could visit today. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58,191 visitors.

Deutsches Museum is also highly recommended by travelers. More than 1,250,000 people visit this top attraction every year. This national museum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 34,643 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Munich, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Hohenschwangau. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 46 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Drop by the renowned Hohenschwangau Castle. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 32,469 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Neuschwanstein Castle. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 89,719 visitors, this sightseeing destination deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Ulm, 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 Ulm's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Begin your culinary exploration in Ulm by securing a reservation at Treibgut. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary and international cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Seestern, celebrated for its delectable modern french menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover bi:braud, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Buddha Lounge, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, vorglühBar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Olga. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Stuttgart. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Karlsruhe, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stuttgart. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 10 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Schloßplatz. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 41,355 reviews.

Next up is Mercedes-Benz Museum. This automobile museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 42,800 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, Mercedes-Benz Museum welcomes 876,109 visitors annually.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Wilhelma. This zoo has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 33,034 reviews.

Porsche Museum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This automobile museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,816 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe's best restaurants.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Bistro Margarete in Karlsruhe by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Bistro Margarete delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious regional cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at sein, acclaimed for its delectable modern 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 TAWA YAMA FINE, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated , it's a top choice for modern and international cuisine in the city.

Keep the evening going at Phono Craftbeer Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Electric Eel, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Carlos CocktailBar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

On day 7 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 Heidelberg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Karlsruhe and set your GPS to Heidelberg. 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 46 min. Upon reaching Heidelberg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Neckarwiese (Heidelberg) is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,998 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Heidelberg Palace. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 54,117 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Heidelberger Marktplatz. The sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,651 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Old Bridge Heidelberg. This sightseeing destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,389 reviews.

Church of the Holy Spirit, Heidelberg is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this church building, rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,505 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at Chicago Meatpackers, a popular restaurant in Frankfurt. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Frankfurt at Zum Gemalten Haus, 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 Kiwi’s - Café, Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Frankfurt tonight.

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

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

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Frankfurt’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany. Take home a piece of Germany with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

Take the opportunity to see Alte Brücke. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,019 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Zeil Kitchen | Vegan Restaurant, Cafe, Catering & Eventlocation in Frankfurt am Main, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Metropol am Dom - Café & Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Cafe & Bar Celona Frankfurt.

You’ll then say farewell to Frankfurt. 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!