Relaxed 9-Day Germany Road Trip Starting from Cologne to Dortmund

Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cologne. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Cologne’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Toddy Tapper is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Soul Bar Cologne, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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 Höningen, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the village’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the village's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Höningen, and meet locals along the way!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Beethoven Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,720 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Rhine Garden Sculpture. This fountain has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,663 travelers.

Museum Ludwig is another must-visit attraction. This renowned art museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,390 travelers and attracting 304,942 annual visitors, 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 Cologne Cathedral. This well-loved catholic cathedral boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 69,905 reviews. In a single year, approximately 5,000,000 visitors add this sightseeing spot to their travel itineraries.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Höningen by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the village’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities.

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

Make sure to book a table at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, 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 Servus Colonia Alpina, 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 Little Link. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cologne tonight.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Germany.

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Cologne, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Wildlife park Dünnwald. This extraordinary zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,311 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden. This top attraction is a zoo with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,118 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Fish Market. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,790 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Cologne Chocolate Museum. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 travelers.

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.

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 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.

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

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

Day 4 of your self-drive tour in Germany is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Dortmund 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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Old Market. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,740 visitors.

Wallraf–Richartz Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This art museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,723 visitors. Wallraf–Richartz Museum attracts up to 153,566 visitors every year.

Rheinboulevard is also highly recommended by travelers. This promenade has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,210 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.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Japanese Garden Leverkusen. This park has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,148 travelers.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Dortmund in this laid-back road trip in Germany. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

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 Dortmund.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Dortmund by booking a table at The Stage. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Grammons Restaurant, celebrated for its delectable contemporary and classic french menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. You might also want to secure a reservation at Strobels Dortmund. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dortmund this evening.

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

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Vater&Sohn, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, CENTRAL Bar & More Dortmund offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Gaststätte Lütge-Eck. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Westfalenpark is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,165 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,482 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Dortmund U-Tower. The office building has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,532 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Steinwache. This memorial is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 238 reviews.

LWL Industrial Museum Zollern is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this museum, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,339 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

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 Dortmund, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Café Brasserie Lotte, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, ALEX Dortmund is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dortmund 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 Dortmund. The bars in Dortmund make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Dortmund, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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 Dortmund, and meet locals along the way!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Phoenix-See. This much-appreciated lake is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,608 reviews.

Next up is Hörde. This ortsteil has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 700 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is German Football Museum. This sports museum has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,349 reviews.

Museum of Art and Cultural History is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 677 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Florianturm. This television tower is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,245 reviews.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Dortmund, 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 for your relaxed road trip across Germany.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at KLUBHAUS1249, an iconic dining spot in Dortmund. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Atlantico Café, a popular restaurant in Dortmund. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of FOOD BROTHER, a hidden gem nestled in Dortmund. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 7 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dortmund, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Drop by the renowned Alte Körne. This popular naturschutzgebiet has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 308 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Brewery-Museum Dortmund. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 880 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to St. Reinoldi. This church building has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,488 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Hoesch Museum Dortmund. This museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 277 local and international travelers.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Germany more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Germany. Dortmund offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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 Dortmund, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Savor the flavors at Mama Mia, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Lemongrass beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider 60 Seconds to Napoli. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dortmund tonight.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Dortmund and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Germany. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Germany tomorrow with new energy.

On day 8 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Germany. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Germany.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cochem, 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 Dortmund to Cochem may take around 2 hours 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cochem, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Brauselay, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This naturschutzgebiet is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 170 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Reichsburg Cochem. Reichsburg Cochem is a hilltop castle with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21,768 reviews.

Historische Senfmühle Dehren GmbH is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,818 visitors.

Upon your arrival in Ellenz-Poltersdorf, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take the opportunity to see Metternich castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,350 visitors.

In the city of Cologne, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Germany.

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.

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

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

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

Day 9 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.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Cologne’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.

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.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Little Steakhouse, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.