Top 3 Itineraries in Erlangen

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Erlangen.

If you only have a few days, Erlangen weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Erlangen offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Erlangen are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Erlangen’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Erlangen offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Germany's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Erlangen truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Erlangen belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Erlangen are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Erlangen and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Erlangen itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Erlangen for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Erlangen without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Erlangen!

A scenic 15-day road trip through Erlangen, Köln, Leipzig, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Frankfurt am Main is one of the best ways to experience Germany. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 15-day itinerary means that Erlangen can easily be combined with other top destinations in Germany without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Erlangen, Köln, Leipzig, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Frankfurt am Main by public transport, renting a car in Germany opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 15 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Leipzig

• Arrival city: Leipzig
• Accommodation: hotel in Leipzig, e.g., Capri by Fraser Leipzig
• Sightseeing: Marktplatz Leipzig

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Leipzig. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Leipzig

• Destinations: Leipzig
• Driving distance: 135.93 km, approx. 1 hour and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Weimar, e.g., Hotel Schillerhof
• Sightseeing: St. Nicholas Church, Monument to the Battle of the Nations, and Leipzig Panometer

Set out on a day of discovery and visit St. Nicholas Church, Monument to the Battle of the Nations, and Leipzig Panometer. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Leipzig, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Weimar.

Day 3: Discover Erlangen and Weimar

• Destinations: Erlangen and Weimar
• Driving distance: 247.65 km, approx. 3 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Nuremberg, e.g., Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg
• Sightseeing: Botanical Garden, Park a der Ilm, Goethe's House, and Schlossgarten Erlangen
• Recommended tour: Medieval Tour of Nuremberg with a Spanish Guide in Germany

Spend the day exploring Botanical Garden, Park a der Ilm, Goethe's House, and Schlossgarten Erlangen. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Nuremberg.

Day 4: Experience Dachau and Nürnberg

• Destinations: Dachau and Nürnberg
• Driving distance: 184.62 km, approx. 2 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Munich, e.g., H2 Hotel München Olympiapark
• Sightseeing: Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, and The Beautiful Fountain
• Recommended tour: Munich Walking Tour Through the History of Hitler and the Third Reich

Continue your journey through Dachau and Nürnberg, where you can explore Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, and The Beautiful Fountain. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Munich.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in München

• Destinations: München
• Driving distance: 2.85 km, approx. 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Munich, e.g., H2 Hotel München Olympiapark
• Sightseeing: Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, and Marienplatz
• Recommended tour: Half-Day Tour of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in Germany from Munich

Drive through München, stopping to visit Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, and Marienplatz. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of München

• Destinations: München
• Driving distance: 105.06 km, approx. 1 hour and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, e.g., moun10 urlaubswohnen
• Sightseeing: BMW Welt, BMW Museum, English Garden, and Olympiapark München

Spend time discovering BMW Welt, BMW Museum, English Garden, and Olympiapark München, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Day 7: Spend Time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Hohenschwangau

• Destinations: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Hohenschwangau
• Driving distance: 296.77 km, approx. 4 hours and 19 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Stuttgart, e.g., Motel One Stuttgart-Hauptbahnhof
• Sightseeing: Marienbrücke, Hohenschwangau Castle, Partnachklamm, and Neuschwanstein Castle

Explore Marienbrücke, Hohenschwangau Castle, Partnachklamm, and Neuschwanstein Castle at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Stuttgart.

Day 8: Explore Stuttgart

• Destinations: Stuttgart
• Driving distance: 32.22 km, approx. 1 hour and 16 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Stuttgart, e.g., Motel One Stuttgart-Hauptbahnhof
• Sightseeing: Porsche Museum, Schlossplatz, Mercedes-Benz Museum, and Wilhelma

Continue your road trip through Stuttgart, enjoying the flexibility to explore Porsche Museum, Schlossplatz, Mercedes-Benz Museum, and Wilhelma and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Pforzheim, Bruchsal, and Steinsfurt

• Destinations: Pforzheim, Bruchsal, and Steinsfurt
• Driving distance: 179.49 km, approx. 2 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Heidelberg, e.g., Lotte
• Sightseeing: Castle of Bruchsal, Wildpark Pforzheim, and Technik Museum Sinsheim

Visit Castle of Bruchsal, Wildpark Pforzheim, and Technik Museum Sinsheim as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Heidelberg.

Day 10: Uncover Heidelberg and Mannheim

• Destinations: Heidelberg and Mannheim
• Driving distance: 107.06 km, approx. 2 hours and 19 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Frankfurt, e.g., Staycity Aparthotels Frankfurt Airport
• Sightseeing: Heidelberger Marktplatz, Old Bridge Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, and Wasserturm Mannheim
• Recommended tour: Heidelberg Castle and City Day Tour from Frankfurt

Continue your exploration of Heidelberger Marktplatz, Old Bridge Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, and Wasserturm Mannheim, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Frankfurt.

Day 11: Journey Through Frankfurt am Main

• Destinations: Frankfurt am Main
• Driving distance: 11 km, approx. 1 hour and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Frankfurt, e.g., Staycity Aparthotels Frankfurt Airport
• Sightseeing: Römerberg, Zoo Frankfurt, Iron Footbridge, and Palmengarten Frankfurt
• Recommended tour: Heidelberg Castle and Old Town Tour from Frankfurt

Take in the highlights of Römerberg, Zoo Frankfurt, Iron Footbridge, and Palmengarten Frankfurt, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Koblenz and Keldung

• Destinations: Koblenz and Keldung
• Driving distance: 280.22 km, approx. 4 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cologne, e.g., Leonardo Royal Cologne Bonn Airport
• Sightseeing: Eltz Castle, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, and Deutsches Eck
• Recommended tour: Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine

Take the opportunity to explore Eltz Castle, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, and Deutsches Eck, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Cologne.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Köln and Eckdorf

• Destinations: Köln and Eckdorf
• Driving distance: 246.59 km, approx. 3 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bielefeld, e.g., Steigenberger Hotel Bielefelder Hof
• Sightseeing: Phantasialand, Cologne Cathedral, and Lindt Chocolate Museum

Explore Phantasialand, Cologne Cathedral, and Lindt Chocolate Museum as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Bielefeld.

Day 14: Maximize the Last Day in Köln and Eckdorf

• Destinations: Bielefeld and Hannover
• Accommodation: hotel in Leipzig, e.g., Capri by Fraser Leipzig
• Sightseeing: SEA LIFE Hannover, Natural History Museum, Bielefeld, and Berggarten Hannover
• Recommended tour: Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off

Enjoy your last full day on the road, visiting SEA LIFE Hannover, Natural History Museum, Bielefeld, and Berggarten Hannover and making time for spontaneous detours or local events. Return to Leipzig for your final night. End the day's journey with a check-in at a top-rated hotel in Leipzig.

Day 15: Bid Farewell to Leipzig

• Departure city: Leipzig
• Driving distance: 1.07 km, approx. 13 minutes
• Sightseeing: Mendebrunnen

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Leipzig. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1689 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Erlangen.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Erlangen for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Erlangen with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Erlangen without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Erlangen

Arrive in Erlangen and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Parade ground.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. L'Osteria Erlangen is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Erlangen's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Erlangen by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Botanical Garden, Orangerie, and Schlossgarten Erlangen.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Erlangen in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Erlangen

Spend your last few hours in Erlangen soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Erlangen, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Erlangen travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Erlangen offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Erlangen itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Erlangen weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Erlangen

Arrive in Erlangen around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Sculpture Garden Heinrich Kirchner, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Erlangen’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Erlangen with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit City Museum Erlangen early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Botanical Garden, stopping by Brucker Lache for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Erlangen

Make the most of your last few hours in Erlangen before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Erlangen. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Erlangen itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Erlangen, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Erlangen for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Erlangen in a way that feels truly unforgettable!