5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Muenster traveling south to Cologne and Düsseldorf

On day 2 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 Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Feldhausen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your day at Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster. This serene botanical garden is a frequently visited place to see in Muenster.

After soaking in Muenster’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nordkirchen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 37 min. When you arrive in Nordkirchen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Schloss Nordkirchen is an up-and-coming castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Gelsenkirchen 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. Gelsenkirchen beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Nordstern Park, a frequently visited park that draws attention for its picture-perfect features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Feldhausen. This car ride takes around 24 min.

Movie Park is an impressive amusement park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its photogenic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and spend some time relaxing 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 Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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 establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

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.

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.

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 Cologne and Brühl. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Cologne. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Cologne Cathedral is the perfect place to start. This church is one of the most top-rated places to visit in Cologne. Next, head to Lindt Chocolate Museum, an interesting museum, known for its instagrammable 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 Cologne Zoological Garden. This breathtaking zoo offers a unique experience that is highly recommended.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Brühl. 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 29 min. Upon reaching Brühl, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Phantasialand, a top-rated amusement park known for its eye-catching features.

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 Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf 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.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Düsseldorf by booking a table at Pink Pepper. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Yoshi by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese and sushi menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Le Flair, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing french and contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Engelchen, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bar Cherie is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Auberge Rock Pub also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Duisburg and Essen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Muenster, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Düsseldorf and set your GPS to Duisburg. 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 31 min. Upon reaching Duisburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Duisburg Zoo and explore the breathtaking features. Next, make your way to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, another highlight in the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Essen. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck, an intriguing laser tag arena that everyone visiting Essen should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This picture-perfect museum is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Muenster by reserving a table at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative menu. For a different taste experience, head to Coeur D'Artichaut, recognized for its delicious modern french and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Spitzner, a local favorite known for its delightful modern french cuisine in Muenster. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern french foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Continue your lively evening at Eulen & Lerchen, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The James is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

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