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.

Immerse yourself in Hamburg’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at St. Pauli Piers. This romantic pier is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the culturally significant features of Elbe Tunnel, a must-visit historical landmark 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 Planten Un Blomen, a captivating botanical garden. For a change of scene, check out Hagenbeck Zoo, known for its stunning features. We also recommend visiting Stadtpark. This park is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

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.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative and international menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Haerlin, known for its delicious creative french and classic cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Hamburg is 100/200 Kitchen, a renowned restaurant with a 2-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious creative and modern menu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Cafe Miller after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Copa Cabana Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Fontenay Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable 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 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.

Hamburg is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a church, a museum, a haunted house, a botanical garden and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the interesting St. Michael's Church and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Miniatur Wunderland, an instagrammable museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Hamburg Dungeon, one of the city’s most well-known spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster.

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

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Dortmund by booking a table at The Stage. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Grammons Restaurant, celebrated for its delectable contemporary and classic french menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Vater&sohn, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Central Bar & More Dortmund provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 breathtaking 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 captivating castle. For a change of scene, check out Phantasialand, known for its instagrammable 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 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 harmony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Le Moissonnier Bistro offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious french and seafood menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Ox & Klee, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern french menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Grid Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Toddy Tapper is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. The first attraction of today is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This well-known castle is a breathtaking place to see in Cologne. Continue your discovery at Deutsches Eck, a breathtaking monument with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Cologne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Eltz Castle. This locally renowned castle offers a visually striking encounter with Cologne. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Cologne.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

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

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.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Soul Bar Cologne, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 widely recognized 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 interesting attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Hanover. Hanover 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 Hanover. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Hanover by booking a table at Handwerk, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Jante, renowned for its delectable creative and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Votum, a local gem known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Hanover. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!