6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne and Hamburg and surrounding area

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

Start your day with a visit to Westfalenpark. This captivating park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Rombergpark Botanical Garden, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Dortmund on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Phoenix-see, one of the city’s most locally appreciated lake. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for German Football Museum and Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Dortmund, 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Dortmund by securing a table at The Stage. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern and creative menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Grammons Restaurant, famous for its scrumptious contemporary and classic french dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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 3 vibrant destinations - Gelsenkirchen, Bonn, 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 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gelsenkirchen. This car ride takes around 32 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Nordstern Park, an increasingly popular park known for its noteworthy features.

Bonn’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Gelsenkirchen behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 16 min. Bonn welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your self-guided tour starts at Rheinaue, a well-known park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Bonn’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brühl. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Phantasialand, a famous amusement park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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

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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Grid Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Cologne Cathedral. This stunning church is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the eye-catching features of Lindt Chocolate Museum, a must-visit museum in the city.

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 1 hour 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Head to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a well-known park in Duisburg. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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 Hamburg. Hamburg 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.

As you explore more of Hamburg, 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Hamburg by reserving a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative and international menu. For a different taste experience, head to Haerlin, recognized for its delicious creative french and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit 100/200 Kitchen, a local favorite known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Hamburg. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative and modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Keep the evening going at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Scandic Hamburg Emporio, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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 Hamburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

Hamburg is home to plenty of attractions that offer a charming, an idyllic, a gorgeous, an eye-catching, a respected, and a symbolic! Start at Planten Un Blomen, an interesting botanical garden that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Elbe Tunnel, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall is one of the city’s most impressive spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Hamburg at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Miniatur Wunderland.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dortmund. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Café Brasserie Lotte, 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 ALEX Dortmund, 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 Kara's Restaurant - 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.

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