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

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Cologne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bielefeld, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day at Cologne Cathedral. This picture-perfect church is a widely recognized place to see in Cologne. Then, wander over to Lindt Chocolate Museum. If picture-perfect sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Cologne Zoological Garden. This instagrammable zoo is a favorite among visitors.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bielefeld. Bielefeld 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 Bielefeld. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at GlückundSeligkeit, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, New Orleans offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Café Knigge is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bielefeld.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Die Villa, known for its inviting atmosphere. Three Sixty Bielefeld is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Cutie provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure 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 places, which are Hanover and Munster. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hamburg, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Hanover, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bielefeld to Hanover may take around 1 hour 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Hanover, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Herrenhausen Gardens, a captivating botanical garden that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Markthalle Hannover, where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings.

Next, explore Hanover Zoo, yet another locally renowned place to see in the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Munster. This car ride takes around 1 hour 14 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at German Tank Museum and explore the eye-catching features.

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.

Hamburg is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Hamburg.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional creative and international menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Haerlin, renowned for its delectable creative french and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit 100/200 Kitchen, a local gem known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Hamburg. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Hamburg. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bremen, where you'll spend 1 night.

Enjoy all that Miniatur Wunderland has to offer. This is a spectacular museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Elbe Philharmonic Hall, an impressive concert hall in Hamburg.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to St. Pauli Piers. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Elbe Tunnel, another of the city’s locally renowned attractions.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bremen, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Rosso Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Red Rock, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Sammy`s Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Head back to your accommodation in Bremen and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Essen and Duisburg are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Essen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 53 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Essen beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Essen is Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a captivating museum that draws attention for its stunning features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Essen and set your GPS to Duisburg. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 28 min. Upon reaching Duisburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Duisburg Zoo. This captivating zoo is a traveler-favorite in the city.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Soul Bar Cologne. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, another top-rated bar in the area.

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