One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hamburg traveling south to Dortmund, Cologne, and Hanover

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Hamburg has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Hamburg.

St. Pauli Piers leaves a lasting impression. This pier is one of the most captivating places to visit in Hamburg. Next, head to Elbe Tunnel, a well-known historical landmark, known for its breathtaking features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Planten Un Blomen. This eye-catching botanical garden is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Hagenbeck Zoo and Stadtpark Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Hamburg, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a memorable dining experience in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative and international menu. For a different culinary experience in Hamburg, Haerlin shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative french and classic cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, 100/200 Kitchen is known as a top local spot in Hamburg for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Cafe Miller is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Copa Cabana Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Fontenay Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous 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 places, which are Hamburg and Muenster. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dortmund, where will spend 1 night.

Whatever your travel style is, St. Michael's Church is an essential stop in Hamburg. This interesting church provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Miniatur Wunderland, a photogenic museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Hamburg Dungeon, a notable haunted house.

Set your GPS to Muenster and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Muenster beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster, a worthwhile botanical garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dortmund. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Dortmund. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Experience a symphony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, The Stage delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern and creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Grammons Restaurant, acclaimed for its delectable contemporary and classic french specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Vater&sohn, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Loka Lounge Dortmund, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Central Bar & More Dortmund provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 4 destinations, including Essen, Rösrath, Königswinter, and Brühl. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cologne, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Essen, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dortmund to Essen may take around 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Essen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, an interesting museum in Essen. Explore its respected features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Rösrath, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Essen to Rösrath may take around 1 hour 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rösrath, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Landschaftsschutzgebiet Wahner Heide. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing features of the nature reserve before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Königswinter and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 37 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Königswinter beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Schloss Drachenburg, an interesting castle that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. The Grid Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Toddy Tapper, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Legends Bar & Terrasse. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Koblenz and Keldung. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cologne, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Koblenz’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 19 min. Koblenz welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, an interesting castle known for its culturally significant features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Deutsches Eck, a locally renowned monument.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Keldung. This car ride takes around 46 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Eltz Castle. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Soul Bar Cologne, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Cologne and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

On day 6 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Cologne and Duisburg are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hanover, where you will stay for 1 night.

Experience Cologne Cathedral, an astonishing church in the city. Then, head to Old Market and soak in the ambiance of this awe-inspiring public square.

There are many interesting places to see in Cologne, and when you are ready for more, go to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This is one of the city’s most notable eye-catching spots of interest.

Duisburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 10 min. Duisburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord and explore the gorgeous features.

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

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Hanover by securing a reservation at Handwerk. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Jante, celebrated for its delectable creative and modern 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 Votum, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

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