9-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven and surrounding area

Say hello to Dortmund! 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 Dortmund for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Dortmund 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 Westfalenpark or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Dortmund. 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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dortmund. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Zum Alten Markt, 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 Ringhotel Drees, 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 Strobels Dortmund, a hidden gem nestled in Dortmund. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Vater&Sohn, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. CENTRAL Bar & More Dortmund is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Gaststätte Lütge-Eck is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Germany!

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

Set your GPS to Düsseldorf and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 54 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Düsseldorf beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned German Football Museum. This popular sports museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,349 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Rombergpark Botanical Garden. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,482 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Dortmund Zoo. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 15,486 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is DASA Working World Exhibition. This museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,010 local and international travelers.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Brewery Schumacher, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Brewery im Füchschen? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The ASH Düsseldorf as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Düsseldorf.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Auberge Rock Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Engel Rockbar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Aachen and Düsseldorf. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Düsseldorf, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Aachen. Your travel time is around 1 hour 4 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Carolus Thermen. This extraordinary spa has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,303 visitors.

Next, make your way to Aachen Cathedral. This imperial cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,155 reviews.

Set your GPS to Aachen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Aachen beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Hofgarten, a remarkable english garden where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,417 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Rheinturm. This communication tower has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,916 travelers.

Schloss Benrath is another must-visit attraction. This renowned park offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,559 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

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.

As you explore more of Cologne, 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Limani, a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Toddy Tapper, known for its inviting atmosphere. Soul Bar Cologne is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 4 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Cologne. You have 2 nights left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Make Cologne Chocolate Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Old Market. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,740 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Cologne Cathedral is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 travelers come to Cologne every year to see Cologne Cathedral with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Cologne Cathedral, the perfect next stop is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,118 reviews.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Servus Colonia Alpina, a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Little Link, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Set your GPS to Keldung and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Keldung beckons with new experiences!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Eltz Castle. This extraordinary castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,041 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Koblenz. This car ride takes around 50 min.

Make Ehrenbreitstein Fortress your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this fortress an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,199 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Deutsches Eck. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,856 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this headland every year.

When you’ve had your share of Koblenz, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nürburg. Your travel time is around 49 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Nürburgring, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 35,289 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Jameson Pub Cologne, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Barney Vallely's? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Gruber's as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

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

On day 6 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 Duisburg and Essen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hamburg, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 26,756 reviews.

After soaking in Duisburg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Essen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 22 min. When you arrive in Essen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,908 visitors.

Next, make your way to UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,866 reviews.

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

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 Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, a highly-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're eager to try something different, consider NOM vietnamese fusion food, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Scandic Hamburg Emporio is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Copa Cabana Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Hamburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Wilhelmshaven, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Hamburg, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Wilhelmshaven may take around 2 hours 26 min. Upon your arrival in Wilhelmshaven, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Miniatur Wunderland one of your first sightseeing stops in Hamburg. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 87,297 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 St. Pauli Piers. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,128 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Elbe Tunnel. A trip to this popular road tunnel is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 34,570 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Planten un Blomen. This park enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 21,983 local and international travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Wilhelmshaven, 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 Wilhelmshaven's best restaurants.

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Hamm, Sterkrade, and Nordkirchen. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dortmund. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nordkirchen and set your GPS to Hamm. 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 43 min. Upon reaching Hamm, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Maximilianpark Hamm, a remarkable amusement park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,092 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sterkrade. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take the opportunity to see Gasometer Oberhausen. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,121 visitors.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dortmund. 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.

Savor the flavors at Café Brasserie Lotte, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, ALEX Dortmund beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dortmund tonight.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Dortmund’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Germany. Keep the spirit of your trip to Germany alive with these special souvenirs.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at KLUBHAUS1249, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Atlantico Café offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. 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!