4-Day Germany road trip from Dortmund to Cologne

Say hello to Dortmund! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the region. You will stay in Dortmund for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Dortmund is a beautiful region with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Dortmund. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dortmund. 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.

Do not miss out on an incredible dining experience at The Stage, one of the finest Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dortmund, boasting 1 Michelin stars. Featuring delightful food options and modern and creative offerings, The Stage has garnered acclaim from numerous satisfied diners.

For local recommendations, look no further than Grammons Restaurant. This food haven in Dortmund has been awarded 1 Michelin stars. Featuring contemporary and classic french cuisine, this well-loved Bib Gourmand restaurant stands out as a favorite among local and international customers.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Zum Alten Markt. This highly regarded restaurant in Dortmund has earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 4,074 satisfied guests.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in Dortmund. Wenkers am Markt offers plenty of drink options for every taste and budget. Around 1,713 customers have given this bar an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Alternatively, go to a bar that locals recommend, like Tapas & More. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 964 customers.

If you're looking for something else, check out Uncle Tom's. This bar is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Germany, where you’ll be making 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Dortmund and Cologne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne. Cologne will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to German Football Museum. This sports museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,349 visitors.

Rombergpark Botanical Garden is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,482 visitors.

Dortmund Zoo is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 15,486 visitors.

LWL Industrial Museum Zollern is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,339 reviews.

After soaking in Dortmund’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cologne. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 9 min. When you arrive in Cologne, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

Discover the essence of culinary excellence at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a local dining experience. Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin-star rating and impressive menu, Le Moissonnier Bistro consistently impresses both foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional french and seafood cuisine.

Also highly recommended is Ox & Klee, one of the best 2-star Michelin establishments in Cologne. Take your pick from the modern and creative menu, which has consistently earned Ox & Klee high ratings and praise from satisfied guests. This top-rated Bib Gourmand restaurant promises a culinary experience you will remember.

Experience the best local flavors while in Cologne and reserve a table at the 1-star Michelin restaurant, La Cuisine Rademacher. Its delectable modern french offerings have contributed to impressive reviews from numerous patrons who’ve already savored its meals. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be particularly excited to experience this Bib Gourmand restaurant.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Cologne, Toddy Tapper. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Gilden im Zims is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Cologne, Brühl, and Dortmund. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 reviews. Usually, around 5,000,000 people visit Cologne Cathedral every year.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,118 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cologne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brühl may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Brühl, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Phantasialand. Over 1,750,000 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this amusement park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 89,377 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Brühl, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Dortmund may take around 1 hour 24 min. Upon your arrival in Dortmund, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Dortmund. Dortmund offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Restaurant YUMINI. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Dortmund has received a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from around 2,893 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, FOOD BROTHER should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Dortmund, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,283 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. This highly regarded restaurant in Dortmund has earned a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 1,934 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Kraftstoff, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 634 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is ALEX Dortmund, rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,929 customers. This spot is known for its unique atmosphere and impressive selection of beverages, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.

Steakhouse Rodizio is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,082 customers.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Day 4 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Dortmund’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, region’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Germany. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dortmund.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!