7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling north to Hanover, Hamburg, and Bremen

Dive into day 2 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.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots in the charming city of Cologne. Your adventure starts at Cologne Cathedral, a famous local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Museum Ludwig. This increasingly popular museum is known for its breathtaking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Cologne's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Cologne Zoological Garden. This visually striking zoo offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Rheinboulevard is also worth visiting.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Hanover. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Discover the culinary delights of Hanover by securing a reservation at Handwerk. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern and creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Jante, renowned for its delicious creative and modern 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 Votum, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative and modern menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

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

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Hamburg. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Hamburg, including a haunted house, a museum, a church, a historical landmark, a pier and much more! Start your adventure at Hamburg Dungeon. This locally renowned haunted house is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Miniatur Wunderland located in Hamburg for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of St. Michael's Church. Its grand features will captivate you. After the church, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Elbe Tunnel. Visitors usually appreciate the culturally significant features of this historical landmark. Next up is St. Pauli Piers, a highly recommended pier.

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 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining spot in Hamburg. If you're in the mood for something new, try Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Hamburg.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Cafe Miller, known for its inviting atmosphere. Copa Cabana Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Fontenay Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Hamburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bremen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Hamburg. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a concert hall, a botanical garden, a park, a zoo and much more! Begin your adventure at Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This is a widely recognized concert hall you should not miss. Another must-see is Planten Un Blomen, a locally renowned botanical garden in Hamburg.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Stadtpark. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Hagenbeck Zoo, another of the city’s well-known attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Altonaer Volkspark, an enchanting place of interest in the city.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Hotel Robben, a top-rated dining destination in Bremen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Dorint City-Hotel Bremen, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Market Hall Eight Bremen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bremen this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Rosso Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Red Rock for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Sammy`s Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Essen and Duisburg. 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.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at the notable Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, an UNESCO world heritage-designated museum in Bremen. Next, go to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord.

After visiting Unesco-welterbe Zollverein and Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, have a stroll along Bremen's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Duisburg Zoo. This breathtaking zoo offers a unique experience.

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 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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Soul Bar Cologne, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!