One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hamburg traveling south to Dortmund, Cologne, and Hanover

Day 2 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Hamburg. You have 1 night left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at St. Pauli Piers. This well-known pier is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Elbe Tunnel, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Planten Un Blomen, one of the most captivating places to see in Hamburg. This botanical garden is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Hagenbeck Zoo. Wander around and soak in the mesmerizing atmosphere this zoo offers. Then, head to Stadtpark, a top-rated park that adds another dimension to your day.

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.

Visit Europa Passage in Hamburg for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Europa Passage has to offer, including restaurants, cafes, attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Hamburg by securing a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. An esteemed 3-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative and international menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Haerlin, famous for its scrumptious creative french and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover 100/200 Kitchen, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative and modern cuisine in Hamburg. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the evening going at Cafe Miller, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Copa Cabana Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Fontenay Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure 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 2 vibrant destinations - Hamburg and Muenster. 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.

Today’s itinerary in Hamburg covers several incredible sights, including a church, a museum, a haunted house, a botanical garden and much more! Start your adventure at St. Michael's Church. This interesting church is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of Miniatur Wunderland, a must-see museum in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Hamburg Dungeon. This notable haunted house offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster, where you can take in romantic features. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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.

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, The Stage offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern and creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Grammons Restaurant, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary and classic french cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Vater&sohn. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Loka Lounge Dortmund, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Central Bar & More Dortmund provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 4 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 Essen, Rösrath, Königswinter, and Brühl. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Immerse yourself in Dortmund’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This UNESCO world heritage-designated museum is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Landschaftsschutzgebiet Wahner Heide, a must-visit nature reserve in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Schloss Drachenburg, a notable castle. For a change of scene, check out Phantasialand, known for its instagrammable features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Grid Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Toddy Tapper provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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 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 Koblenz and Keldung to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today’s agenda in Cologne includes a castle and a monument. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is must-visit castle and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Deutsches Eck, a well-known monument, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Eltz Castle, an instagrammable castle, also available for your discovery today.

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

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.

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.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne and Duisburg, 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 Hanover. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Cologne. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a church, a public square, a museum, a park and much more! Begin your adventure at Cologne Cathedral. This is a famous church you should not miss. Another must-see is Old Market, a notable public square in Cologne.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Lindt Chocolate Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, another of the city’s well-known attractions.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Hanover, 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 Hanover, 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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Handwerk, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern and creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Jante is one of the best restaurants for creative and modern cuisine in Hanover. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Votum. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative and modern cuisine in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Bar Seña, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Sternwarte is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Dormero Hotel Hannover ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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