6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bremen traveling west to Dortmund and Cologne

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

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a romantic, a gorgeous, an instagrammable, a heritage-rich, a grand, a masterful, an UNESCO world heritage-designated, and a scenic. Whether you decide to explore Bremen on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Bremen is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking public square before continuing your journey. Bremen Roland is your next stop. This often recommended monument is one of the best-rated sights in Bremen.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Town Musicians Of Bremen. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Universum Science Center and Rhododendron-park Bremen.

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 Dortmund. Dortmund 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 Dortmund's best restaurants.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at The Stage, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern and creative menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Grammons Restaurant, known for its delicious contemporary and classic french cuisine.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Vater&sohn, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Loka Lounge Dortmund provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Central Bar & More Dortmund offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip 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 4 vibrant destinations - Essen, Königswinter, Heisterbacherrott, and Brühl. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dortmund, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Essen. This drive usually takes around 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Spend your afternoon discovering Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a popular museum known for its picture-perfect features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Essen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Königswinter may take around 1 hour 28 min. Upon your arrival in Königswinter, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Schloss Drachenburg. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Heisterbacherrott and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 7 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Heisterbacherrott beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Siebengebirge, an up-and-coming mountain range that draws attention for its idyllic features.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Grid Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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 4 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Keldung, Koblenz, Glees, and Cologne to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Start your day with a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This famous church is a must-visit in the village.

When you’ve had your share of Cologne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Keldung. Your travel time is around 1 hour 40 min.

Eltz Castle is a popular castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Keldung and set your GPS to Koblenz. 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 50 min. Upon reaching Koblenz, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make your way to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a locally renowned castle that draws attention for its historic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Deutsches Eck, a breathtaking monument that stands out in the village.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glees. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Maria Laach Abbey is a worthwhile monastery we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

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 in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 5 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 Cologne and Duisburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bremen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Prepare for a day full of a charming, an enchanting, a photogenic, and a historic. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Old Market. This captivating public square is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Lindt Chocolate Museum, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

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.

Spend your afternoon discovering Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a captivating park known for its standout features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bremen, 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 Bremen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, an iconic dining spot in Bremen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Jürgenshof, a popular restaurant in Bremen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Bremen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Wohnzimmer Bremen offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, König Lounge is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Cottons Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Head back to your accommodation in Bremen and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!