6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hanover traveling west to Hamburg, Muenster, and Cologne

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

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Hanover, featuring fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and wallet-friendly activities. Start at Markthalle Hannover, a beloved food market in the city.

There are many interesting places to see in Hanover, and when you are ready for more, go to Hanover Zoo. This is one of the city’s most locally renowned mesmerizing spots of interest. After exploring the zoo, visit the locally renowned Herrenhausen Gardens.

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

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.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Scandic Hamburg Emporio, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Hamburg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Muenster, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Hamburg, including a museum, a concert hall, a historical landmark, a botanical garden and much more! Start your day at Miniatur Wunderland. This photogenic museum is a famous place to see in Hamburg. Then, wander over to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. If eye-catching sites excite you, this concert hall will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Elbe Tunnel. This stunning historical landmark is a favorite among visitors.

Hamburg offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Planten Un Blomen is a well-known spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

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

As you explore more of Muenster, 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Muenster by securing a reservation at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Coeur D'Artichaut, renowned for its delicious modern french and creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Spitzner, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern french menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Atelier offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Spooky's. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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 Duisburg, Königswinter, and Brühl. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Muenster, including a park, a zoo, a castle, an amusement park and much more! Start your day with a visit to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This well-known park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Duisburg Zoo, which may be one of the most visually striking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Muenster 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 Schloss Drachenburg, an interesting castle in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Phantasialand.

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.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional french and seafood menu. For a different culinary experience in Cologne, Ox & Klee shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern and creative cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, La Cuisine Rademacher is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Cologne. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

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.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, 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.

Today’s itinerary in Cologne covers several incredible sights, including a church, a museum, and a boardwalk. Start your adventure at Cologne Cathedral. This impressive church is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the photogenic wonders of Lindt Chocolate Museum, 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 Rheinboulevard. This curiosity-inducing boardwalk offers an enriching experience. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hanover. 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 harmony of flavors at Handwerk in Hanover by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Handwerk 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 Jante, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative and modern cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Votum, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative and modern menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Altstadt-treff after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to My Way Cocktailbar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

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