9-Day Germany Road Trip from Karlsruhe traveling west to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Freiburg im Breisgau

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Karlsruhe. You’ll stay in Karlsruhe for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Günther-klotz-anlage. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,134 visitors.

Next, make your way to Zkm | Center For Art And Media Karlsruhe. This top attraction is a research institute with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,781 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe. This zoo is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 16,946 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Panorama Terrace Turmberg. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,679 travelers.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Karlsruhe by securing a reservation at Bistro Margarete. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of regional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit sein, celebrated for its delectable 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 TAWA YAMA FINE, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern, and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Carlos Cocktailbar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Ubu, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Der Kofferraum - Cocktailbar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Speyer, and Mainz. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

After soaking in Karlsruhe’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Speyer. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 42 min. When you arrive in Speyer, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Speyer Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,279 visitors.

Technik Museum Speyer is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 24,541 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Speyer, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Mainz may take around 1 hour 13 min. Upon your arrival in Mainz, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Mainz Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Mainz, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,317 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 Cologne's best restaurants.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Cologne by securing a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional french, and seafood menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ox & Klee, famous for its scrumptious modern, and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern french cuisine in Cologne. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern french cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Toddy Tapper for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Legends Bar & Terrasse is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit today. This catholic cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors. Cologne Cathedral attracts up to 5,000,000 visitors every year.

Cologne Zoological Garden is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cologne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brühl may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Brühl, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Phantasialand. This much-appreciated amusement park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 91,824 reviews. Each year, 1,750,000 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, 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 Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами", 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 RheinZeit. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cologne tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soul Bar Cologne after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bonn. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Bonn, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,753 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Rheinaue. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,543 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Königswinter, 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 Bonn to Königswinter may take around 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Königswinter, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Schloss Drachenburg, a remarkable château where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,667 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 23 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Gasometer Oberhausen. This much-appreciated gas holder is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,693 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.

Savor the flavors at Limani, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cologne tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Suderman, known for its inviting atmosphere.

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

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Duisburg, 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 Cologne to Duisburg may take around 52 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Duisburg Inner Harbour. This inland port has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,519 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to German Inland Waterways Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 979 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,144 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Frankfurt, 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 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Frankfurt by booking a table at Gustav, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Frankfurt, Lafleur shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern french, and creative cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Erno's Bistro is known as a top local spot for its delicious classic french, and modern cuisine in Frankfurt. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Gute Stute, known for its lively atmosphere. Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Gleis 25 offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Dive into day 7 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 Freiburg im Breisgau. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Make Römerberg one of your first sightseeing stops in Frankfurt. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,968 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Iron Footbridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This point of interest is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,403 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,905 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Alte Oper. A trip to this popular concert hall is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 13,602 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Palmengarten. This botanical garden enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,461 local and international travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Freiburg im Breisgau, 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 Freiburg im Breisgau, 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Freiburg im Breisgau by securing a reservation at Eichhalde. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of italian, and classic cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Colombi Restaurant Zirbelstube, renowned for its delicious classic french, and mediterranean dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Wolfshöhle, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering classic menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Am Funkeneck, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Beat Bar Butzemann is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

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