berlin road trip

The Best Road Trips from Berlin

12/07/2017 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

Lately I’ve been spending more time in Berlin and it’s been so lovely, but since I can’t sit still I have been ardently searching for little road trips as well.

You know, ones that don’t take you away for too long but that give you a completely different experience and environment?

I find that most people when visiting Berlin forget that there are amazing things outside of the city, too, so I urge you to leave enough time to visit some of the surrounding places in Brandenburg and Saxony. It’s totally worth it and far less crowded than the other parts of the country!

I’m sure you’ve already heard of Dresden and Leipzig, so I’ll focus on some of the under-the-radar gems that you might not have known about.

I’m all about the curious, the quirky, and the beautiful.

Compare prices and rent your car here!

Let’s hit the road:

Table of Contents

Even though Berlin is an incredibly green city, with half of the city devoted to parks , no park can compare with getting fully into nature.

The nice thing about Berlin’s location in rural Brandenburg is that it doesn’t take long to be in quiet, natural areas.

Spreewald is a popular weekend getaway for locals, but I find that by going during the week and especially during the shoulder or off seasons, and by heading away from the main tourist areas, I can kayak down the rivers in peace and silence. Bonus: The kayak rental only costs €10 for two hours.

It’s only an hour away from Berlin and with a car, you can access the more remote areas. It’s also easy to reach on public transport.  Check out my guide here.

Rakotzbrücke

Maybe you’ve seen this dreamy bridge on Instagram and  Pinterest . It’s been making the rounds as of late.

Its name translates to Devil’s Bridge thanks to its strangely round shape and sharp, jagged rocks. From almost any direction, it forms a perfect circle reflecting on the water below.

It’s just a 2-hour drive away from Berlin and though it’s in the middle of nowhere, it’s a perfect stop on your way to or from Saxon Switzerland (more on that below).

I should warn you that you can’t walk on the bridge anymore, but it is still quite striking to see in person and I highly recommend it for those who love all things artsy and quirky. Read my full guide here. 

Kulturinsel Einsiedel

While we are on the topic of quirky, if you dig that kind of thing, you absolutely must stop by this curious amusement park.

I saw a photo of these painted trees on Instagram and wanted to stop by purely for that, unaware that it was actually a full-on cultural “fun” park.

When my friend and I first pulled up, we walked in and inquired about exploring. The girl behind the desk said that we could have 90 minutes for free and if we wanted to stay any longer, she would keep a €15 deposit (€9 during low season) from us. It sounded like some kind of test, can you possibly bear to leave this place after 90 minutes?

It turned out to our delight that we absolutely could not. I walked back in after 20 minutes and told her to keep the money.

Kulturinsel Einseidel is a labyrinth, with tree houses and mazes that take you underground into the dark and back out into the light, through tunnels and up chain links, down slides, on trampolines, and through secret passageways. It felt like I was in a 24/7 Halloween, though the real inspiration is drawn from the myths and stories from the people of Turisede. It’s not just a fun park, but an homage to the people who used to live there and their culture.

This place is also a hotel of sorts. You can book one of the little cabins to stay in, and request that they do a boiling cauldron bath “spa” for you. I would love to go back and rent this whole place out with a bunch of friends and just see what kind of mischief we can get up to with glow sticks and walkie-talkies. You can find more on their website. 

Saxon Switzerland

Further south, on the border with the Czech Republic, Saxon Switzerland is about three hours from Berlin and worth at least two days.

The sandstone rocks that rise dramatically upwards out of the trees are amazing for hiking, rock climbing, and free climbing.

Hikes range from the five-minute walk from the parking lot to the famous Bastei Bridge to upwards of a week for the Painter’s Way. I have all the details here .

Moritzburg Castle

Full disclosure: I didn’t go inside the castle, I just flew around it with the drone, but if you’re heading back up north to Berlin from Saxon Switzerland anyways, via Dresden, you might as well see this castle surrounded by a moat.

It’s a tiny little detour but I love castles and couldn’t help myself. Could you?

This university town about an hour outside of Berlin is famous for its castle and many lovely, tree-lined walkways. Since most of Germany’s more famous castles are down south, it’s nice to have such gorgeous gardens and buildings nearby.

I honestly found the inside of the schloss to be gaudy, but lots of gold and clashing marble colors was just the style for the times! It’s worth going inside if you’re a castle lover and want to see what it was like to live there back in the day. Otherwise, walking around the gardens and town are free to enjoy. It’s an easy drive or train ride from Berlin on the S-Bahn.

Do it yourself

To do this trip justice, I’d give it a minimum of four days, three nights.

Here’s the map:

These are just a few awesome stops, but there are many quaint towns along the way, like Gorlitz, where Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel was filmed.

Brandenburg and Saxony both have a long list of curious little places that are worth checking out – these are just a few that I’ve been to myself. I loved them all, and highly recommend each stop.

However as long as I’m a resident of Berlin my search is never-ending. If you have some favorites, let me know in the comments!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Berlin Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay, and What to Eat

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Renuka says

12/08/2017 at 4:36 am

I love road trips! Nice to know about so many road trip options from Berlin. Will make a note of it and visit one of these places when I’m in Berlin. Thanks 🙂

patrick says

12/14/2017 at 4:29 am

Looks like a nice extension to a trip to berlin

Six road trips to see the best of Germany's countryside

Jul 29, 2023 • 6 min read

Germany is the perfect European country to road trip in, with manicured roads and incredible scenery © Lukas Bezila / Lonely Planet

Germany , birthplace of the autobahn , is a wonderful country for driving tours. It’s big and varied enough to allow longer, more ambitious trips, yet has plenty of small, distinctive regions begging for in-depth exploration. Throw in a superb road network (including over 13,000km of autobahnen ), an orderly and predictable driving culture and a wealth of rental options, and you’ve got everything you need for a driving holiday.

It’s also increasingly easy to minimize the carbon emissions of road trips in Germany. Electric vehicles are freely available from the many car-rental and -sharing operations vying for your custom, and most parts of the country are well served for charging infrastructure (check  PlugShare  for the closest options).

The road trips suggested below are given approximate distances, suggesting  meandering, scenic itineraries between their start- and end-points, rather than direct drives. Read on for six best road trips taking you through the best of Germany.

1. The German Baltic Coast

Best road trip for beaches and islands 

  Lübeck-Binz; approximately 417km (259 miles); allow three to four days

  Germany’s share of the southern Baltic Coast is adored by locals, but curiously under appreciated by international visitors. This scenic driving route strings together historic maritime cities of the Hanseatic League (a medieval confederation of trading ports) like Lübeck , Wismar and Stralsund ,  Greifswald plus the natural splendor of places like the Darss-Zingst Peninsula . Expect sandy beaches, historic architecture and opportunities to island hop (some islands like Rügen are accessible by bridge).

Planning tip:  Seasonal variations are extreme in Germany’s far north. If you're heading here in winter, rather than summer, be prepared for bitter cold winds and the potential for snow.

2. The Fairy Tale Road

  Best for fans of the Brothers Grimm 

Hanau-Bremerhaven; approximately 707km (439 miles); allow five to six days

Starting in little Hanau, birthplace of famous folklorists, the Brothers Grimm, the popular Fairy Tale Road runs north through Marburg, with its handsome Altstadt ; Kassel, home to 560 hectares of stunning Unesco-listed baroque parkland known as the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe ; Bodenwerder , home of the "Liar Baron" von Münchhausen; and Hamelin , of Pied Piper fame. With more than 60 stops along the way, this route can be tackled by public transport, but a car lets you fully explore any diversions at your own pace.

 3. The German Castle Road 

Best for medieval castles and baroque palaces

Mannheim-Bayreuth; approximately 600km (373 miles); allow four to five days

The towns and countryside between Mannheim and Bayreuth retain some of southern Germany’s most impressive medieval castles and baroque palaces. Particularly notable piles include the Barockschloss Mannheim , the largest baroque palace in the country; the Renaissance ruin of the Schloss Heidelberg ; the 14th-century Burg Guttenberg , looming over the Neckar Valley; and Nuremberg’s imposing Kaiserburg , which dominates its carefully reconstructed Old Town. If palace fatigue sets in, you can always escape to a contemporary art gallery, fascinating local museum, or settle into a traditional tavern to sample the local sausages and beer.

  Planning tip: If you’re intending to linger in Nuremberg, you’ll get excellent value from a Nürnberg Card , available in advance from the website, and delivered to your email. Just €33 gets you 48 hours of unlimited public transport, free admission to the major sights and museums and 50% discount on activities such as tours of the underground tunnels and bunkers of Nürnberger Unterwelten .

4. The Romantic Road

  Best for picture-perfect German landscapes  

Würzburg-Schwangau; approximately 350km (217 miles); allow three to four days

The Romantic Road , a sublime meander through the Germany of popular imagination, is one of the country’s best drives. Its combination of sublime Bavarian landscapes, medieval villages, historic centers and alpine foothills pretty much ticks all the boxes. Of particular note are the Würzburg Residenz , a Unesco-listed baroque palace built for the local prince-bishops; the impossibly photogenic and gloriously intact medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber ; the complete medieval walls, towers and gates of the similarly ravishing Dinkelsbühl; and the romantic excesses of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau  castles (the former famously used as the model for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty ). 

Planning tip: It’s best to avoid touring the Romantic Road in the height of the summer school holidays when the region can be a victim of its own popularity. If you do this trip in winter, Bavaria's chocolate-box towns look even prettier under a layer of snow.

 5. The German Alpine Road 

Best for stunning scenery, spa towns and mountain lakes

Lindau-Königssee; approximately 450km (280 miles); allow four to five days

 Skirting the mountainous border with Austria , this is the perfect road trip for those with a head for heights. From laidback Lindau on the southern shores of glittering Lake Constance to the mountain-framed waters of the Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land , it’s a procession of towering summits, alpine pastures, peaceful spa towns and glittering mountain lakes. Greatest hits include the sumptuous Schloss Linderhof ; the high-altitude honeypot of Garmisch-Partenkirchen ; and boat trips on the ravishingly photogenic Königssee itself. 

Planning tip: Be prepared for snow and ice on high roads in winter; anticipate potential road closures and ensure your car hire includes extra such as chains.

6. The German Wine Route 

Best for wineries and gastronomy

Schweigen-Rechtenbach-Bockenheim an der Weinstrasse; approximately 96km (59 miles); allow one or two days

Germany’s north-western Palatinate (Pfalz) region is rightly famed for its vineyards, forests, villages and castles. The short, well established German Wine Route takes in the best of the country’s biggest contiguous wine-growing area, including the Hambacher Schloss , known as Germany’s "cradle of democracy"; the appealing market-square and gastronomic excellence of diminutive Deidesheim; and the parks and hot waters of the spa town, Bad Dürkheim.

Tips for driving in Germany

 Driving in Germany is a dream. The roads are excellent, as is road signage, and you’ll generally share the road with predictable and considerate drivers. The driving culture is law-abiding and pleasantly lacking in surprises. Here are some key dos and don’ts while road-tripping in Germany.

• Wear a seatbelt and stick to speed limits (30km/h in residential streets; 50km/h on main city streets; and 100km/h outside built-up areas, unless otherwise marked) – both are enforced in Germany, and speed cameras are ubiquitous. 
• Make sure your vehicle is up to your chosen route, whether that means the high speeds on the autobahn or steep slopes and winter conditions on the German Alpine Road .
• Make use of the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), Europe’s largest motorists’ association. Its site is full of information on driving routes, road laws, vehicle maintenance, accessibility issues and more.
• Don’t exceed the permissible blood-alcohol limit whilst driving – 0.05% (which is about one to two standard drinks only). 
• If you can avoid driving in larger cities, where traffic is stressfully dense and parking scarce and expensive.

This article was first published August 2020 and updated July 2023

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10 Best Road Trips Near Berlin

Escape to brandenburg this weekend.

The best road trips near Berlin include exciting journeys to stately palaces, haunting WWII sites and stunning natural parks. While Germany’s pulsating capital offers plenty of things to see and do, there’s more to explore within a short drive of the CBD.

Whether you’re a long-term resident or traveling with an extra day to spare, these Berlin road trips offer an enticing escape from the bustle of the city. Check out the broad range of options below, appealing to various preferences. Some are accessible via public transportation, so a private vehicle or rental isn’t strictly required.

Sanssouci Palace

A magnificent prussian palace in potsdam.

Sanssouci Palace is the former summer residence of the Prussian Monarch, and this grand home is surely fit for a king. Famed for its iconic terraced vineyards and posh 18 th -century decor, the Potsdam estate encapsulates the grandeur of the old-world ruling elite.

While you’re there, wander around Potsdam to see the lush English gardens at Charlottenhof Palace and the historic Roman Baths . For Cold War history, stroll across the Glienicke Bridge where captured Warsaw Pact agents were exchanged for Western spies. Further visit Orangery Palace , the Dutch Quarter , and Museum Alexandrowka for more historical insights. Allow an entire day to enjoy the area in full.

Location: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany

Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 2.30 pm

Phone: +49 (0)331 9694200

Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum

A silent reminder of a dark past.

The Sachsenhausen Memorial marks one of Nazi Germany’s most horrendous concentration camps. Join a guided tour to learn about its past. Several original buildings still stand today, from guard towers to cramped prisoner barracks and dank communal latrines. The most harrowing stop is Station Z, which was home to gas chambers and mass burial grounds.

A well-structured onsite museum offers complementary information for the tour. The site resides near Oranienburg, about an hour north of Berlin. While it’s not exactly an enjoyable excursion, most visitors find the trip entirely worthwhile for its significant historical value.

Location: Str. d. Nationen 22, 16515 Oranienburg, Germany

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm

Phone: +49 (0)330 1200200

photo by Greg Schechter ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

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A pristine recreation lake just outside berlin.

Lake Müggelsee is a popular destination for Berliners seeking a quick nature escape. As the largest lake in the region, the 4.5-km waterbody packs out with locals during summer who come to cool off in its clear, refreshing waters. Most gravitate around the 3 official bathing neighborhoods: Friedrichshagen , Lido Müggelsee , and Small Müggelsee .

You’ll find a wide array of watercraft available for hire, from high-octane motoboats to the more placid paddleboats and canoes. Straddling the northern shore is the Museum im Alten Wasserwerk , a historic 19 th -century waterworks facility that still serves the city today. Take the subterranean Spreetunnel Friedrichshagen if you need to cross the Müggelspree River.

Location: Müggelseedamm 307, 12587 Berlin, Germany

The Reformer’s house

Lutherhaus is a well-preserved Wittenberg museum honoring the “Reformer” Martin Luther. Not to be confused with the American civil rights activist, Luther was a former friar who became a prominent German priest and theologian.

Martin Luther lived and worked in this Augustinian monastery for 35 years during the early 1500s. During that time, he made his pivotal “reformatory discovery,” taught lectures to foreign scholars, and penned some of his most acclaimed theological works. The site opened as a museum in 1883 and remains in immaculate condition, much like it was centuries ago.

Location: Collegienstraße 54, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany

Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Phone: +49 (0)349 14203171

Devil’s Bridge

A whimsical bridge with a big social media following.

Devil’s Bridge, or Rackotzbrücke in the local tongue, is a stunning stone brick pedestrian bridge that’s a big hit among Instagrammers. The fairytale-like construction resides in the leafy Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau, a full 2-hour drive from Berlin. Nonetheless, many camera-toting enthusiasts make the long trip for the coveted social media snap.

Unfortunately, you can’t cross the iconic structure on foot these days. Not to worry, though, as that won’t ruin your photo op. We recommend combining your road trip with Bad Musaka, a nearby spa town home to the UNESCO-listed Muskauer Park. 

Location: Halbendorfer Str., 02953 Gablenz, Germany

Phone: +49 (0)357 6222828

Peacock Island

A lush little island with peacocks and age-old prussian sites.

Peacock Island, or Pfaueninsel, is a pretty little Havel Lakes islet that’s home to a flock of boisterous, colorful birds. Although the peacocks are the island’s namesake, there’s a plethora of other things to see. Spend a few hours exploring the former Prussian bolthole, stopping in at Kavaliershaus Castle , the Beelitzer Jagdschirm , and the forest-shrouded Fontäne .

Other wildlife roams the island, including enormous water buffalo and curious woodpeckers. A short, affordable ferry connects the island to the shore, running every 15 minutes or so during peak periods. If you’ve gotten more time, the Wannsee region is home to the historic town of Potsdam and a string of pretty Havel Lakes beaches.

Location: 14109 Berlin, Germany

Schlosspark Köpenick

An island park with a grand palace and art exhibition space.

Schlosspark Köpenick is a scenic Dahme River island housing the Baroque-era Köpenick Palace. This striking 16 th -century castle once hosted Prussian royalty but now serves as an art exhibition hall. A broad selection of elegant centuries-old works lines its ornate stucco-strewn walls. Step outside to admire the façade as it shimmers in the reflective lake below.

Surrounding the palace lies the lush Schlosspark Köpenick Park and its tranquil waterfront walking trail. Located on the eastern edge of the city, it’s a popular spot for locals to escape the bustle of Berlin. Boat rentals are available at Solarwaterworld , just past the palace.

Location: Alt-Köpenick 1, 12557 Berlin, Germany

Open: Thursday–Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm

Phone: +49 (0)302 66424242

Brandenburg an der Havel

A historic village with gothic architecture and intriguing museums.

Brandenburg an der Havel is a historic town west of Berlin, famed for its Gothic redbrick buildings. Highlights include the 15 th -century Old Town Hall and the ruins of its medieval city walls. Don’t miss the Brandenburg Cathedral , a beautiful baroque building with a museum in its old vaults.

A slew of other impressive steeples lies scattered around town, including the Evangelical temples of Saint Katharinen and St. Gotthardt . For historical insights, visit the Brandenburg State Archeology Museum . Housed in the late-medieval St. Paul’s Monastery, the sprawling exhibition showcases 10,000 artifacts, mainly from the Stone and Bronze ages.

Location: Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany

Phone: +49 (0)338 17935112

A gorgeous old spa town home to the famous Muskauer Park

Bad Muskau is a picturesque spa town straddling the banks of the Lusatian Neisse River on the Polish border. The big-ticket attraction here is Muskauer Park , a lushly landscaped expanse surrounding a romantic moated castle. Spanning 8.3 sq km, the UNESCO-listed park is the largest English-style garden in continental Europe.

Parts of the town reside in Poland, though travelers are free to wander across the border without passing through formalities. Nonetheless, bring your passport because police conduct occasional spot checks. Visitors should consider combining their road trip with the nearby Devil’s Bridge .

Location: 02953 Bad Muskau, Germany

Journeys through a leafy forest

Spreewald is a thickly forested biosphere reserve with a labyrinth-like maze of rivers and canals. This gorgeous UNESCO-listed expanse is best explored on the water. Jump on a traditional Kahn boat cruise or hire a kayak for the afternoon. Windmills, cottages, and tall leafy trees line the tranquil waterways, while curious wildlife roams through the forest.

The quaint little towns of Lübben and Lübbenau serve as the main jumping-off points. From there, a string of scenic hiking trails is available if you’d rather explore on foot. Come mid-week to escape the crowds, especially during summer.

Location: Bahnhofstraße 15, 03096 Burg (Spreewald), Germany

Phone: +49 (0)356 03759560

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Driving in Germany? This is the Ultimate Germany Road Trip Guide

Germany is an easy country to get around and it is no wonder why you are searching for a way to make driving in Germany, on the ultimate German road trip a reality.

Renting a car in Germany is a great way to see the countryside and it will allow you to get off the beaten tourist path and really discover what Germany has to offer. Renting a car allowed us to discover a piece of Germany most tourists just see from a window of a tour bus.

This guide is stuffed full of useful information that I wish I had found before road-tripping through Germany. From top road-tripping routes in Germany to the rules of the road and even basic information about what side of the road they drive on in Germany.

If you want the ultimate German road trip experience and are looking to discover Germany off the beaten path as we did, look no further. Everything you need to know about taking a Germany road trip.

Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? We use Discover Car Hire for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Top Germany Road Trip Routes

Table of Contents

Germany’s Romantic Road (this is what we did) is 261 miles long and drives you through the heart of Bavaria. Highlights include Munich, Nordlingen, Dinkelsbuhl, Rothenburg , Nuremberg, Bamburg and Fussen where you can visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. This is one of the most popular routes to take in Germany.

The German Castle Road is 625 miles long with more than 70 castles and palaces. The Castle Road is a theme route in southern Germany and a small portion in the Czech Republic, between Mannheim and Prague.

The German Fairy Tale Road starts in the town of Hanau, Germany and is one of the top road trip routes around Christmas for the large Christmas markets.

The German Wine Road is 50 miles long throughout southwest Germany. The wine route stretches through the middle of the Palatinate (Pfalz, former Rheinpfalz), the biggest coherent wine-growing area in Germany.

It is really up to your personal preference as to which route you should take, but we can tell you from experience that the Romantic Road is absolutely stunning and a classic way to get into the rich traditions of this beautiful country.

Get the best guide book on Germany for your Ultimate Germany Road Trip

As mentioned above, we primarily drove the Romantic Road, however, we did have some deviations in it and ultimately planned a route that took us from Munich to Berlin in 5 days.

We started in Munich, visited Dachau and then drove south to overnight in Fussen where we visited the Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle. We then drove North to Rothenburg, stopping off in small villages along the way when the weather was clear.

We encountered a lot of rain on our road trip, so this affected where and for how long we stopped in between overnights. We spent 1 night in Rothenburg before heading over to Nuremburg for 2 nights.

Leaving Nuremberg, we had planned to stop in Bamburg but rain so heavy it was causing people to pull over on the AutoBahn deterred us and we pushed all the way to Berlin without another stop.

We will be back to drive more of Germany, including more stops on the classic route of the Romantic Road and then head over to the Black Forest and Stuttgart. There is so much to see.

Despite the bad weather, we loved our trip and uncovered so many gems. Having a car gave us a chance to stay in small towns, like Rothenburg and experience it after all the tour buses left. This was magical and something special.

Read about our first-hand account of time well spent with our 4 Days in Munich Itinerary- Things to Do in Munich.

What Kind of Car Should I Rent?

Most rental cars in Germany are manuals. Very few are automatics and the automatics they do have are only midsize and large automobiles. If you’re a beginner or novice manual driver you should stick to an automatic. Germany is not a good place for a traveler to learn how to drive a manual.

Does size matter for renting a car in Germany? Small is better for getting around the little back streets and for fitting into narrow parking spaces around Germany. We wanted that classic European rental car where we could barely fit our luggage and that was what we rented.

However, since we wanted an automatic they only had midsize cars and large SUVs. They did not tell us this until we picked up our rental. All the small compact cars were manual. So do not be surprised if you do not get what you reserved.

Dealing with Parking in Germany

We had no issues finding parking during our road trip to Germany. This was one of my first worries about renting a car in Germany, however, it was quickly erased with available parking lots and perhaps some luck in finding street parking.

Most hotels and hostels will offer parking along your route but some do charge you depending on the location; we made sure to book hotels that offered free on-site parking.

The off-site parking can cost 9-12 euros per day, so it pays to look into that information before you make a booking. Public parking is metered unless the sign allows the use of a parking disc.

For metered parking lots be sure to check the signs for the parking rules in each spot. All public parking lots offer free parking between 8 PM to 6 AM.

How to Use a Parking Disc in Germany

Just a few minutes into our Germany road trip I started to dig in the glove box. I found this dial card that looked like something out of a first-grade classroom but what I found was a parking disc.

It is required to use a parking disc while parking in signed areas throughout Germany. Parking disc is in every rental car glove box and they are simple to use.

The parking disc allows you to park free for a certain time in certain public parking lots. All parking spots in Germany are well marked with signs allowing free parking from 1 to 4 hours depending on the sign.

This is when you must use a parking disc and if you park in a spot that requires a parking disc and you do not display a parking disc, you will be fined.

Fines vary from 10 to 20 euros. Just use the dial and round up to the nearest time on the dial. For example, if you arrive at 10:40, set the dial to 11. 

After you set the time you must display this in your window for parking attendants. We did see a few checking and handing out fines. If you do not have a German parking disc you can easily buy one at petrol stations or DYI stores.

Keeping Your Rental Car Safe

Even though Germany is one of the safest countries in the world, it is recommended to lock your car doors. We locked ours everywhere since we had our drone and other valuable items inside the car. Our trunk was covered and hid those items out of sight to deter break-ins.

We always made sure even if something was in the back seat it was hidden by a jacket or sweatshirt. We did not see or experience any issues with vandals but we were smart about parking. We made sure to park in well-lit areas with lots of room for other cars to operate around us.

Finding room to park your car where you won’t get a ding is a challenge, but something you should be aware of doing.

It is not uncommon for the car rental companies to chart every single ding on their rental cars and it won’t take you long to see that your car is likely really marked up when you pick it up. the tight parking makes it difficult to keep the car dent free, but it is possible.

Renting a GPS Unit

You can rent a GPS system with your rental car and the GPS units can cost $45-$60 dollars depending on your rental. They also recommend insurance in case the unit stops working or gets stolen, this is an extra fee. Renting a GPS in worth every penny unless you can use your phone.

We used Google maps on our phone throughout our whole road trip and as a result, didn’t rent a GPS unit. If you do not have phone service, Google Maps will still work without service but you will have to connect to WiFi load your location and stops.

After it’s loaded, your good to go without any service or WiFi. You will not be able to make adjustments but it works just like you have service so you can pinpoint where you are. We used T-Mobile throughout all of Germany on our unlocked iPhone and it worked well for us.

Maybe you are not nuts about not having a GPS system. I understand and phones are great but sometimes you will have a service and sometimes you will not. We recommend the Garmin Nuvi 57LM GPS Navigator System or TomTom VIA 1535TM 5-Inch Bluetooth GPS Navigator you to get if you are looking at buying a GPS system.

Note: You want to select a GPS that has international maps.

Germany Road Conditions-What to Expect

The roads in Germany are well built and well maintained with proficient road signage. However, there was a lot of construction throughout our drive making some of our drives slow.

The construction areas were well marked. Germany is well known for its AutoBahn and the traffic on these moves fast with no speed limits for normal traffic.

On major highways, the traffic moves fast and be sure you pass only on the left and once clear move over to the right. Dotted yellow lines mean you can switch lanes were solid yellow lines mean to stay in your lane even if you can pass.

We ran into this a lot in construction zones; it was typical for the two-lane highway to split off into a construction zone into two different directions but then connect back together once we were through the construction zone.

City and village roads vary from cobblestones to concrete and asphalt roads. There are many one way streets with concrete dividers in-between the lanes, so if your arrival location is on the left you’re going to have to pass it and make a u-turn when you can.

You will also need to watch out for trams and metro’s throughout Germany as they use the same roads that the cars use. Speeds are marked though every city varying from area to area. The two default speed limits are 50 Km/H (31 MPH) inside built-up areas and 100 KM/H (62 MPH) outside built-up areas.

The country roads twist and wind throughout the German countryside. Most country roads are large two-lane highways but you will have to look out for farmers on tractors along with the occasional biker. Most of the country roads cut right through the towns so there is no need to exit if you want to check out a random city.

Welcome to the Autobahn where some parts of the highway have no speed limits. Drive to your comfort and keep right allowing faster traffic to be able to pass you on your left. There is a minimum speed to maintain and you can get a fine for driving too slow since you are considered a hazard.

While parts of the autobahns and many other freeway-style highways have posted limits up to 130 KM/H (81 MPH) based on accident experience, congestion, and other factors, many rural sections have no general speed limit. Any person driving a vehicle may only drive so fast that the car is under control.

Speeds must be adapted to the road, traffic, visibility and weather conditions along with personal skills and characteristics of the vehicle and load.

In our personal experience, village signs, speed limits, and exits are not well marked. They are often placed right at the exit leaving you no time to prepare for the exit you want to take. So exits come up quickly and most of the time involves a sharp turn so be prepared when exiting off the highway.

Be Aware of Bikers-They Are Everywhere

Watch out for Bikers! Germany is popular for bikers. So most towns have bike lanes on the streets or sidewalks. At times, the bikers seemed to own the road and had no problems making sure the cars knew that.

This can get a little hectic in cities. Most country roads have a special biking path along the highway for biking but we did run into a few bikers riding on the highway with traffic. Just give them room and once you can pass, pass by giving them lots of room to the bike.

It’s typical for drivers to give the right way to pedestrians and bikers. This was surprising to us as there were many times while we were walking cars would stop to let us cross the road at intersections, even if we didn’t have a green light.

They would even stop and hold up traffic. It’s the law for pedestrians to cross on a green but if it’s not marked the pedestrians have the right of way.

Rental Car Facts, Extra Fees & Useful Information

Your own driver license from your home country, state or province is valid in Germany as long as it is valid in your home country. Some places suggest that you get an international driver’s license to accompany your valid license, but we don’t think this is necessary for Germany unless your license is not in English.

• The minimum age to drive in Germany is 18.
• Seat belts must be worn in Germany by all passengers, even on tour buses.
• A deposit of 800 euro is required to rent a car in Germany and will be held against your credit card until the rental is returned undamaged.
• It cost an extra 20 euro to add a second driver.
• Cars are not allowed to travel to Africa; sorry your Germany to Africa road trip is not permitted. I guess people try to smuggle rental cars into Africa .
• Germany has no toll  highways.
• The use of mobile phones is prohibited while your vehicle is in operation. The only time you are permitted to use a mobile phone is if you’re parked and the engine is turned off. You may use a hands-free device while driving only if it does not impede your hearing.
• Do not run your engine while you are parked. There is a 3-minute rule to running your engine. Even on the hottest and coolest of days, you can only pre- start your car 3 minutes before driving and a person must be in the driver seat.
• Motorists are prohibited from unnecessarily revving their motors and slamming of car doors can result in a fine.
• It is also illegal to cruise in Germany. You can not drive back and forth unnecessarily through towns.
• Traffic drives on the right and passes on the left.
• Drivers must have insurance and must carry proof of the insurance as well as proof of ownership or registration and rental papers at all times.
• Vehicles must carry a warning triangle and a super-duper highway first aid kit.
• You are required to place the warning triangle 100 meters behind your vehicle if it is disabled.
• Always lock your vehicle and take the keys whenever you leave it.
• It is illegal to drive with your parking lights only; you must use your headlights at night and during inclement weather.
• You cannot turn right on red in Germany unless there is a green arrow on the traffic signal. When a right on red is permitted you must come to a complete stop before making the turn.
• Germany has zero-tolerance for alcohol. If you’ve had a sip, don’t drive. Be responsible and do not drink and drive.
• The shops are closed on Sundays in Germany. Do not save your shopping for Sunday. It was surprising how whole towns shut down, even in tourist sections. Only some tourist restaurants and bars would be open.
• You can find grocery stores throughout Germany. Stores like Lidl , Netto , Penny, and Aldi are popular among locals and have a great selection of goods. They are well stocked with anything you could want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We easily cut our food bills in thirds by shopping at local grocery stores. Large beers are no more than 1 euro for 0.5 liters where at the local bars they were 3 to 4 euro.
• Having lunch packed we could easily   pull off anywhere, we found local parks, rest area’s and lookouts were our favorite places to enjoy lunch.
• Gas Stations are found throughout all of Germany and usually had large convenience stores attached, just like  in  the United States. They have all of your needs from Petrol fuel, snacks, sodas to sit-down restaurants. Pumps are marked with the type of fuel in German and English, making it easy to fill up. There was no need to  pre- pay before fueling, just pick your fuel type and start pumping.

IMPORTANT: Many German cars use diesel, not petrol. The rental car company should have the gas door marked, but if they do not, make sure you check the fuel type in the manual before filling up.

Rest Stop Bathrooms

You will have to pay for the use of most bathrooms in Germany. This is even the case at gas stations, even if you’re buying gas or basic goods so be prepared to shell out some coins.

We found free bathrooms at free-standing rest areas, ones that did not have a gas station. They are found along the major highways and are marked well with signs. All bathrooms had toilet paper and hand soap for use.

Information on Traffic Fines

Police can be found throughout all of Germany. Just like the USA they use marked and unmarked police cars. Some areas are controlled by automatic speed cameras. We never receive a ticket, however, we did have a worming light flash at us when we were speeding.

Police are allowed to collect fines for minor traffic offenses on the sport. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, you can usually pay with a credit/debit card. If you refuse to pay on the spot you may be assessed a high fine when you go to court, and some fines are based on your income. German police are very professional and corruption in very rare. You will always be given a receipt for payment.

Most moving-violation enforcement in Germany is done via enforcement cameras. Germany probably uses such cameras more than anyone else (except possibly Britain). Permanent and temporary cameras– both automated and manually-operated– are used to catch speeders, red-light violators, and tailgaters.

Sometimes an obscure sign will warn you of the existence of such a camera, but it’s usually too late by the time you see it.

Citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within a few weeks. If you’re driving a rental car, the ticket will go to the rental agency. They, in turn, will report you to the police as the driver of the vehicle and the ticket will be forwarded to you.

Some rental car shops will pay the ticket then charge you a larger fee on top of the ticket.

Don’t Forget These Items for Your Germany Road Trip

• 4 in 1 USB charging cable for your phone or tablet.
• Lonely Planet guidebook to Germany .
• Eco-Defense All Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray, No Deet
• Repel 100 Insect Repellent, 4 oz. Pump Spray, Single Bottle
• Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray
• Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes, 15 Count
• Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen, SPF 30 Plus, 3 Fluid Ounce
• Banana Boat Sports Performance Lotion Sunscreens with PowerStay Technology SPF 30, 8 Ounces
• Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, 8-Ounce
• YOURSELF Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel, XL:72″x32″
• Outdoor Products Shasta Backpack, 30-Liter
• Outdoor Products  Dry Bag 20-Liter
• Universal Waterproof Phone Case
• Aquamare Waterproof Pouch Dry Bag Case with Waist/Shoulder Strap Fanny Pack
• Keen Sandals
• Crocs waterproof shoes
• Merrel hiking shoes .
• Plastic trash bags for wet/muddy clothing
• Changes in clothing
• Food & Water (Pack a cooler, We stocked up at every town, so we had food for lunch. This saved us a ton of money. )
• Water Bottle, Fill up right out of the tap or even out of rivers with Lifestraw Go Water Bottle with Integrated 1,000 Liter Lifestraw Filter
• Baby Wipes or Wet Wipes
• Hats (We love our Buff’s .)
• Travel First-aid Kit
• Rain Pancho
• Columbia Watertight Rain Jacket
• Pocket Knife to cut fruits you may find along your road trip adventure.
• Costa Polarized Sunglasses
• Suncloud Polarized Sunglasses.
• Day Bag (We love our Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 backpack because it locks up 100%)
• GoPro Hero 5 Black
• 10-25″ Telescoping Pole (Selfie Stick)
• GoPro Suction Cup Car Mount
• Camera (We carry the Canon 6d DSLR camera with Canon 24-105L lens. )
• Camera Rain Cover
• Bring along a Frisbee , ball, or beach tennis rackets so antsy kids (and adults!)  can blow off a little steam at rest stops.
• Auxiliary Audio Cable for music that works on all phones and iPods. Not all cars have Bluetooth and the radio works part of the time. That’s if you can find something in English.
• Power cords for phones, GoPro’s and anything else you may need to change. I love our car power inverter that allows us to the plugin using a USB or a basic three-prong plug. It works great for charging up my drone.

We can’t wait to explore Germany again, next time we will rent a camper and explore this amazing country.

Using Discover Car Hire in Germany

If you are looking for the best place to book a car rental in Europe, then look no further. Discover Car Hire  offers some of the best car rental deals in Europe. When you search, you get all the available rates and results in one place. Not only does it save you time, but it saves you money since they contract with companies for better rates.

Our experience using Discover Car Hire was seamless and one we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or use again ourselves. If you are planning a road trip in Germany or anywhere else in Europe, be sure to check them out.

Where Did We Stay During Our Germany Road Trip?

Our road trip started in Munich at the Hotel Jedermann . This hotel is located very close to the train station and numerous public transport options. Read reviews for Hotel Jedermann at TripAdvisor .

This was probably our favorite night during our European travels. Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein is at the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle- literally we could see the castle from our room window. Read reviews for Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein at TripAdvisor .

Hotel Gaston Post is located just outside the city walls of medieval Rothenburg making it a quieter option for your stay. They also have onsite FREE parking which is a huge bonus! Read reviews for Hotel Gaston Post at TripAdvisor .

The Hotel Elch is located in an amazing part of the city and we were able to access all the best sites on foot. Plus the breakfast buffet was well rounded and tasty. Read reviews for Hotel Elch at TripAdvisor .

After some really bad weather, we pushed through our last day to end our road trip in Berlin at the Three Little Pigs Hostel . We also stayed at Hilton Berlin , Circus Hotel and Huettenpalast while visiting Berlin multiple times this summer. All are fabulous options depending on your budget.

Read reviews and check prices with our  Hotel Search Engine , that gives you the best hotel deals found across the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

Top tours you cannot miss on your Germany Road Trip

• Private Munich Bike Tour: Pedal through Munich’s scenic streets with a private guide on this 3-hour bike tour, and see firsthand why this Bavarian metropolis ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. Cycle at your own pace along the bike-friendly streets, winding your way through the timeworn lanes of Munich Old Town and the verdant expanse of the English Garden. Stop as often as you like to take photos, learn more about the sights, or enjoy a well-earned stein in a beer garden.
• Munich by Night and Dinner at Hofbrauhaus: The guide and traditional entertainment give you marvelous insights into the Bavarian culture. Plus the food at Hofbrauhaus is outstanding!
• Munich Old Town Walking Tour: First time in Munich? Take in the best bits of the Bavarian capital on this 2-hour walking tour of Munich’s Old Town. Admire architectural wonders like the Old Town Hall, St Peter’s Church, and the Munich Residenz; stroll through the lively Viktualienmarkt, and see the world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll have ample opportunities to learn more about Munich’s history, cultural heritage, and beer-brewing legacy
• Third Reich Bike Tour in Munich: Uncover Munich’s role in the rise and fall of the Nazi Party on this half-day bike tour. Trace the history of the Third Reich as you follow a guide on a 5-mile (8-km) route through the city. Pass by sites such as the Hofbrauhaus, where Hitler and the National Socialists held their first meeting in 1920, and Odeonsplatz, the site of a fatal gunfight that broke out between the Nazis and Bavarian police.
• Hitler and the Third Reich Munich Walking Tour:  Delve into Munich’s dark past and the birth of the Nazi ideology on a revealing 2.5-hour city walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, discover the sites that provided backdrops to Adolf Hitler and his followers as they set about founding the Third Reich, giving Munich its title as the ‘Capital of the Nazi Movement.’ See beer-halls where Nazi brown shirts first gathered, buildings from where Hitler delivered speeches, and memorials to opposers
• Full-Day Bavarian Castles Tour from Fussen:  Step into the fairy-tale world of Bavaria and visit majestic castles, alpine lakes and medieval towns on this full-day tour from Fussen. Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the dreamy Neuschwanstein Castle, famously the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Then, visit Linderhof Castle, another of King Ludwig II’s magnificent castles, and Hohenschwangau Castle, the ‘Mad King’s’ childhood home.
• Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Fuessen Including Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride:  Visit the popular Neuschwanstein Castle on this guided, 4-hour tour from Füssen. This “skip-the-line” ticket allows for quick access to the inside of the medieval masterpiece for a guided walking tour. Neuschwanstein Castle was one of three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and would eventually become the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s movie Sleeping Beauty. After the tour, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride down to the village of Hohenschwangau.
• Full-Day Tour to Rothenburg:  Visit the city of Rothenburg, the Jewel of the Middle Ages, on this guided, full-day sightseeing adventure from Frankfurt. Enjoy free time to explore the sights and sounds of this picturesque town, widely considered to be the most well-preserved medieval old town in all of Germany. Then join a guided city tour through the town’s winding, cobbled lanes.
• If you buzz out of town without spending a night, you won’t have a chance to head underground at the Altstadthof Brewery for a guided tour of their historic rock-cut cellars.
• Nuremberg Castle Without the Crowds. The centerpiece of tourism in Nuremberg, the castle sits on the tallest part of the city and looks down over all that is below.
• Exclusive Roof Top Tour of St Sebald Cathedral
• Berlin Segway Tour:  Experience Berlin like never before on this guided, educational and entertaining, 3-hour small-group Segway tour. Berlin is Germany’s capital and cultural centerpiece. Cruise to all its main sites — like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island, Reichstag, Gendarmenmarkt and many more — stopping frequently to hear fascinating stories, take pictures and discuss Berlin’s history.
• Berlin Bike Tour: Get to know the best of Berlin on this guided, 4.5-hour bike tour. Learn the history of the city, from its beginnings to its role as the capital of the Nazi Third Reich, to the divided city of the Cold War, to the modern-day capital of a unified Germany. This tour includes a trip to the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate and more. Ride along the Spree River, through Tiergarten Park and stop at a beer garden for lunch (own expense).
• Dresden Day Trip from Berlin:  Absorb the wealth of culture and elegant architecture found in Dresden, longstanding hub of German arts, during this 10-hour day trip from Berlin. Begin with a guided tour of the city center on foot, learning about its history as you explore the Zwinger palace, Semperoper (Semper Opera) and Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady).
• Private Berlin 3.5-Hour Walking Tour: Cold War In Berlin. Enjoy a 3.5-hour walking tour in Berlin and learn about the cold war sites of Berlin, including all major sites in the center of the huge world clash between America and Russia. See the East Side Gallery, the wall Memorial, the Stasi headquarters, Checkpoint Charlie, the main memorial for the Russian soldiers, Oberbaumbrücke and Bornholmer straße checkpoint.

Useful Terms to Know

• Abbiegen – turn
• Abstand- distance (to the vehicle in front of you)
• Ausfahrt – exit
• Alkohol – alcohol
• Ampel – traffic light
• Bahnübergängen – railroad crossing
• Beschädigung – damages
• Bußgeld – fine, penalty
• Drogen – (illegal) drugs
• Fahrverbot – loss of driving privileges
• Fehlverhalten – incorrect driving in specified situations; (literally: inappropriate behavior)
• Fristüberschreitung – inspection or emission control violations (expired inspection stickers)
• Fußgängerüberweg – crosswalk
• Geldstrafe – fine, penalty
• Geschwindigkeit – speed; unangepasste Geschwindigkeit = uncontrolled speed (over the speed limit)
• gefährliche Überholvorgänge – illegal, unsafe passing
• Handyverbot – cell phone use prohibited while driving
• Punkte – points
• Rechtsfahrgebot – failure to use the right-hand lane
• Rückwärtsfahren – backing
• Sicherheitsgurt – seat belt
• Übertretung – Violation (often used with Geschwindigkeit to indicate km above the posted speed limit)
• Unfall – accident
• Verkehr – traffic
• Verkehrsübertretung – traffic violation
• Verstöße – violations
• Vorfahrt – right-of-way
• Wenden – turning

More on Germany:

• 4 Days in Munich Itinerary-Things to do in Munich
• Germany Travel Guide
• Things to Do in Nuremberg & 2 Day Nuremberg Itinerary
• Germany’s Romantic Road: The Only Guide You Need
• 12 Best Photo Spots in Berlin Germany
• Camping in Berlin with Huettenpalast
• 20 Simply Unreal Castles in Germany to Visit
• 10 Best Day Trips from Munich Worth Doing
• How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
• 13 Perfect Things to do in Hamburg, Germany

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

30 thoughts on “Driving in Germany? This is the Ultimate Germany Road Trip Guide”

hello, very detailed post, thanks for sharing. what was the approximate cost of the rental per day, all fees included?

Glad you like the post and found it helpful! Costs for rental are going to vary widely depending on the time of year, length of trip, and type of vehicle that you rent, so it’s best to check with the rental office for accurate pricing. Cheers!

Just so you know, it is forbidden to set the parking disc for a time after you arrive! Also you dont immediately go to court if you dont pay a fine on the spot bit you have to pay for the work to send it to you (which can be alot more than you would think).

My family and I are considering doing this in the fall. We are trying to figure out what a good gas budget is. Can you give an advice on that?

Hi Janet! Gas prices are ever changing, but this is what I typically do to budget for fuel when road tripping. I will plan my route out and then use Google Maps to determine the approximate number of miles that I am going to drive on the trip. Then I search online to see what the current gas prices are (it is per liter in Europe). I then lookup the class of car I am planning to rent and it’s estimated mpg rating. I take the total miles I am going to drive, divide that by the mpg then multiply by the cost per liter/gallon. This will give you a rough estimate of your fuel costs. Of course, be sure to add some fluff in there in case you end up changing your route (get lost, lol). Enjoy Germany!

very informative..how many days was your road trip for?

Glad you found our guide useful! We traveled around Germany for 3 weeks. 🙂

Hi would you recommend going during Christmas break? I would love to go with my famly. Love your blog.

Hi Lydia! Absolutely, Christmas time is a fantastic time to be in Germany because of all the Christmas Markets! We are actually headed to Europe at the beginning of December this year for two weeks for this very reason. 🙂 Thanks for the love, we’re happy to have you here! – Lina

Very good article thank you.

I just found one mistake. Having a beer and driving back afterwards is pretty common in germany and therefore you are allowed to have 0.5 promille in your blood. Which is at least a beer 😉

https://etsc.eu/blood-alcohol-content-bac-drink-driving-limits-across-europe/

Thanks for the very helpful information! I am planning a trip into southern Germany in July of 2018. Is there any advice you could give me on using my drone in Germany?

Hi Kendall, the laws surrounding drone usage in Germany are quite complicated, so it’s best to check with the official Federal Aviation Office’s regulations before you start your trip. There are plenty of places to fly but some definite no-no’s! Just follow the laws and you’ll be fine. Cheers!

wonderful … thank you!!

I spent about 12 years in Germany, both in the Military and as a Civilian. Most of that time was spent South of Munich, in Bad Aibling and Bad Tölz.I guess the main thing you omitted was the HORREDOUS traffic jams (Verkher Stau) during the summer vacation periods for other countries and Construction Sites (Baustelle). Also you should mention that Germany has a magnificent traffic alert system that will “break into” your radio with emergency information. Additionally, the cost of fuel is very high and is sold by the Liter (3.78 liters=1 gallon).

Hi Mike, we never had any issues with traffic jams during our trip in June…. that is why we didn’t have a mention of them. Construction on the Auto Bahn was very minimal also. Our vehicle was pretty fuel efficient so we didn’t notice too much of a gouge on fuel expenses but yes, fuel in Europe, and most other parts of the world, is higher than in the states. Thanks for stopping by, cheers!

Really nice cool guide. Even I as a German find it very useful!!

Thank you for your warm words about Germany. 🙂 I’m sorry that you had such bad weather.

I´m a hardcore cabrio- (convertible) driver living in Germany and have driven most of our great road trip routes. It’s a good decision to visit the Black Forrest! Don’t forget the lovely road called “Schwarzwaldhochstrasse”. You*ll love it! 😉 I also would highly recommend you my favourite road called “Deutsche Alpenstraße”

Best wishes from Germany, Dirk

Btw: You`re right with your statement, that cruising in Germany is not allowed. But it is so little pursued that no one knows. 😀 So don´t panic our Police is very cool about that! 😉

I believe that your rental was exactly the same model Opel that we rented at Frankfurt in June. We spent more than we wished but was well pleased with the automatic and air equipped vehicle. Buick has now introduced the same model here. We traveled to the Bitburg area, Trier and then to Wurzburg and Giebelstadt where we stayed for three days enjoying the area where we were stationed as an Army Air Traffic Controller. The Diesel engine was an unexpected benefit with great mileage and easily obtained fuel points and pricing. Those traveling to Europe must know that fuel is priced per liter (about 0.9 qt), not per gallon.

Great article! Helpful but … as a german I had to laugh on some parts. May I suggest some corrections? (Just imagine my german accent.)

Cruising ist NOT forbidden. Just do it.

I don’t think anybody was ever fined for slamming the doors or revving. May happen, but you would really have to try hard to get fined … maybe right in front of the police or something …

LifeStraw for water in Germany?!? First of all, bottled water is VERY cheap, but if you like to, you can drink tap water (in 99% of all cases). Water quality in Germany is exceptionally high, in some areas even better (!) than bottled water.

I really liked your article! 🙂

Thanks for your comment! No worries, our article is based on the information that is available to foreigners. Regarding the Lifestraw, you are right, you do not need to filter the water. That is the brand of water bottle we happen to carry to reduce plastic use when we travel! Glad to have you stop by. 🙂

you should have gone to Bamberg, too. It’s not far from Rothenburg and Nürnberg – and you’d have loved it 🙂

It was on the itinerary but the morning we left Nuremburg it was raining so hard we opted to not stop, as it would have been miserable! Can’t control the weather, unfortunately.

This is a Great blog. We are going to munic in less than a month those were some very helpful tips thank you so much.

Great to hear! Enjoy Germany, it’s a great country for a road trip.

Hi! It was such a lovely article to read! I spent a month in Bavaria when I was younger, and now I’m hoping to take my husband. I never even thought about a road trip until I came across your article! Thanks 🙂

Hi Danielle, That is so awesome to hear! Absolutely, do it! Lina

Hi! My husband and I have just started looking into planning a road trip in Germany and this blog looks like it will be extremely helpful. Where did you spend the nights? And did you book hotels ahead of time?

Hi Courtney, Glad to hear you found us! Road tripping through Germany is fabulous! We started in Munich and ended in Berlin. We stayed near Neuschwanstein, Rothenburg and Nuremburg. I will add hotel locations to the post! Yes, we did book ahead of time because it was high season. You could wing it but know that might mean staying a ways from the center area and parking is not easy.

What a helpful article for driving in Germany! I wish I had seen this before the trip I took along the lovely Fairy Tale Road.

Exactly! That is why we wrote this, we couldn’t find all the information in one place before our trip. Glad you think it is helpful. Cheers!

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• Travel Guide

The Best Road Trips From Berlin

Published: October 2, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Mira Etter

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Destinations
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a road trip from Berlin is an excellent way to explore the diverse beauty and rich cultural heritage of Germany. With its well-maintained road network and picturesque landscapes, the country offers an adventure-filled journey that will leave you with lasting memories. From stunning castles and tranquil lakes to charming towns and vibrant cities, there are countless destinations to discover just a short drive away from the bustling capital.

Whether you have a weekend getaway or a longer vacation in mind, these road trips from Berlin are sure to satisfy your wanderlust. Each destination offers a unique blend of history, nature, and local charm. So, buckle up, adjust the radio station, and hit the road as we guide you through the best road trips from Berlin.

But before we begin, it’s essential to highlight the importance of proper planning. Make sure to check your vehicle’s condition, review traffic regulations, and choose the best time to travel. Additionally, consider spending a night or two at each destination to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and explore all the attractions at your own pace.

Now, let’s dive into the top road trip destinations from Berlin.

Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace

A short drive from Berlin, Potsdam is a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. This charming city boasts an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the breathtaking Sanssouci Palace. Once the summer residence of Frederick the Great, this magnificent palace is surrounded by stunning gardens and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Prussian royalty.

Exploring the palace complex is like stepping back in time. Marvel at the grandeur of the grand staircase and the splendor of the Marble Hall. Don’t forget to stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, which are dotted with fountains, statues, and charming pavilions. The Chinese House and the Orangery Palace are also worth a visit.

Aside from the palace, Potsdam’s Old Town is a treat for history buffs. Take a leisurely walk through the Dutch Quarter, characterized by its distinctive red-brick buildings and picturesque courtyards. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the city and a significant reminder of Germany’s tumultuous past.

Potsdam is also home to the Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference was held in 1945. Here, you can learn about the historic meeting between the leaders of the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, which shaped the post-World War II world.

After a day of exploring the city’s historical sites, unwind by the stunning Tiefer See lake or take a boat ride along the Havel River. If you have time, consider including a visit to the nearby Babelsberg Park and Palace, known for its picturesque views of the river and its charming mix of architectural styles.

Potsdam offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal road trip destination from Berlin. Whether you’re captivated by the grandeur of Sanssouci Palace or want to delve into the city’s eventful past, Potsdam is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Nestled in the heart of Brandenburg, the idyllic Spreewald region is a verdant oasis that offers a unique and enchanting road trip experience from Berlin. Known for its intricate network of canals, lush forests, and charming traditional villages, Spreewald is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the best ways to explore Spreewald is by taking a leisurely boat ride along the canals. Hop aboard a traditional wooden punt and let your guide navigate through the maze-like waterways, passing by picturesque meadows and verdant landscapes. Keep an eye out for the iconic thatched-roof houses, where locals reside in harmony with nature.

The region is home to an array of diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spot rare species like kingfishers, otters, and even beavers as you glide through the peaceful waters. For a more immersive experience, rent a canoe and paddle your way through the canals, immersing yourself in the tranquility of this unique ecosystem.

Aside from its natural wonders, Spreewald also offers a taste of local tradition and culture. Visit the charming village of Lehde, which feels like a living open-air museum, with its preserved traditional houses and bustling farms. Indulge in the local specialty of Spreewald gherkins, renowned for their crunchiness and distinctive flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the numerous hiking and biking trails that crisscross the region. The Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its expansive meadows, ancient forests, and pristine rivers. Lace up your hiking boots or hop on a bike and venture into this untouched natural wonderland.

Conclude your visit to Spreewald with a relaxing spa treatment at one of the wellness retreats dotted throughout the region. Unwind in a sauna, indulge in a massage, or simply unwind amidst the serene natural surroundings.

With its tranquil beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, Spreewald offers a serene and rejuvenating escape from the bustling city life of Berlin. Whether you choose to paddle along the canals, explore the charming villages, or immerse yourself in nature, Spreewald promises a road trip experience filled with unforgettable moments.

A road trip from Berlin to Dresden is a journey into the heart of Baroque architecture, art, and culture. Located on the banks of the Elbe River, Dresden is a city that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with a vibrant cultural scene.

One of Dresden’s most iconic landmarks is the Dresden Frauenkirche, a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The majestic dome, reconstructed after it was destroyed during World War II, is a testament to the city’s resilience. Step inside the church to admire its stunning interior, including its intricate stone carvings and breathtaking altar.

Continue your exploration by visiting the Zwinger Palace, a stunning architectural masterpiece. This magnificent palace complex houses a variety of museums and art galleries, including the Old Masters Gallery, which showcases works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

No visit to Dresden is complete without exploring the Semperoper, Dresden’s famous opera house. Admire the remarkable Neo-Renaissance architecture from the outside or step inside to catch a world-class performance.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Brühl’s Terrace, known as the “Balcony of Europe.” With its charming promenade and stunning views of the Elbe River, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the Procession of Princes, a 335-meter mural depicting the rulers of the House of Wettin.

Dresden’s Neustadt district offers a vibrant and alternative vibe, with its trendy boutiques, cool cafes, and lively nightlife. Take a detour from the historical sights and immerse yourself in the local scene, or explore the quirky Kunsthofpassage, a collection of colorful and whimsical courtyards filled with unique shops and cafes.

If you have time, venture outside of Dresden to explore the stunning natural beauty of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Just a short drive from the city, this national park boasts breathtaking rock formations, picturesque hiking trails, and panoramic views.

From its striking architecture to its rich artistic heritage, Dresden is a city that captivates and inspires. A road trip from Berlin to Dresden is a journey that promises grandeur, culture, and a glimpse into Germany’s revered past.

Rügen Island

A road trip from Berlin to Rügen Island is a journey to one of Germany’s most enchanting destinations. Located in the Baltic Sea, Rügen Island is known for its stunning coastline, white sandy beaches, and charming seaside resorts.

Start your exploration in the charming town of Binz, famous for its elegant beachfront villas and picturesque promenade. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the Baltic Sea. Don’t miss the opportunity to dip your toes in the refreshing waters or simply relax on the pristine sandy beaches.

Continue your journey to the Jasmund National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of the park is the magnificent white chalk cliffs, including the iconic Königsstuhl. Embark on a hike along the well-marked trails and marvel at the stunning views of the cliffs and the vibrant green forests.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the seaside resort of Sellin is a must. Take a ride on the historic Sellin Pier, adorned with beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Explore the charming streets lined with traditional thatched-roof houses or take a dip in the refreshing waters of South Beach.

Discover the hidden treasures of Rügen Island by venturing into the picturesque fishing village of Vilmnitz. Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere and witness the traditional fishing techniques still practiced today. Don’t forget to sample the local seafood specialties, such as freshly caught fish and mouthwatering smoked herring.

If you’re seeking tranquility, head to the island’s eastern part and visit Hiddensee. This car-free island offers a peaceful retreat with its unspoiled nature, sandy beaches, and charming thatched-roof cottages. Rent a bicycle and explore the island’s natural beauty or simply relax and enjoy the serenity.

Leaving Rügen Island without experiencing the Rasender Roland is a missed opportunity. This nostalgic steam-powered narrow-gauge railway takes you on a whimsical journey through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and pristine nature. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the nostalgic ambiance as you wind your way through the island.

Rügen Island’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it an ideal road trip destination from Berlin. Whether you choose to indulge in relaxation on the sandy beaches, hike along the dramatic cliffs, or explore the charming seaside towns, Rügen Island promises an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Mecklenburg Lake District

A road trip from Berlin to the Mecklenburg Lake District takes you to a region blessed with serene lakes, lush forests, and picturesque landscapes. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” this enchanting destination offers a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Start your journey in the charming town of Waren, located on the shores of Lake Müritz, the largest lake in Germany. Explore the quaint streets lined with timber-framed houses and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Rent a boat and navigate through the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the shores and soak up the natural beauty.

Continue your road trip to the captivating town of Rheinsberg, famous for its stunning Rheinsberg Palace. This exquisite Baroque palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and offers breathtaking views of Lake Grienerick. Take a guided tour to learn about the palace’s history and enjoy a leisurely walk through the idyllic gardens.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Müritz National Park is a must. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the white-tailed eagle and the osprey. Embark on a bike ride or hike through the park’s well-marked trails, immersing yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this natural wonderland.

As you journey through the Mecklenburg Lake District, be sure to visit the picturesque town of Plau am See. Explore the medieval Old Town, characterized by its cobblestone streets and charming historic buildings. Visit Plau Castle, which houses the Town Museum, or take a relaxing boat trip along the Elde River to admire the town’s stunning waterfront.

For a unique experience, venture to the village of Wustrow, located on the island of same name. This idyllic island is known for its thatched-roof houses and rich fishing heritage. Stroll along the narrow streets, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and savor fresh fish from the local fishermen.

Whether you choose to relax by the pristine lakes, explore the charming towns, or immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, the Mecklenburg Lake District promises a peaceful and rejuvenating road trip. With its serenity and untouched landscapes, this destination is a haven for those seeking a true connection with nature.

Harz Mountains

A road trip from Berlin to the Harz Mountains takes you to a picturesque region characterized by majestic mountains, dense forests, and enchanting medieval towns. Located in central Germany, the Harz Mountains offer a diverse range of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Begin your adventure in the historic town of Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the charming old town with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the impressive Imperial Palace. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Rammelsberg Mine, a fascinating industrial monument that allows visitors to delve into the region’s mining history.

Next, head to the scenic town of Wernigerode, known for its colorful, timber-framed houses and the fairy-tale-like Wernigerode Castle. Take a ride on the historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, affectionately called the Brockenbahn, which winds its way through the serene landscapes and up to the summit of the legendary Brocken Mountain.

The Harz Mountains offer an abundance of hiking trails, catering to both novice and experienced hikers. Lace up your boots and embark on a hike to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in the region, for stunning panoramic views. Explore the mystical Bode Gorge, with its rushing waterfalls and deep ravines, or visit the Hexentanzplatz (Witches’ Dance Floor) and Thale, known for its legends of witches and magical folklore.

If you’re a history enthusiast, a visit to the former East German border town of Braunlage is a must. Take a cable car ride to the top of the Wurmberg, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the region’s divided past at the Grenzlandschaft Museum. You can also explore the Harzer Roller Museum, dedicated to the tradition of keeping and breeding the Harz Roller canary, a species known for its beautiful singing.

For a unique experience, consider taking a trip to the unique town of Quedlinburg. This beautifully preserved medieval town is known for its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the impressive Romanesque-style Collegiate Church. Stroll through the narrow alleys, visit the Quedlinburg Castle, or simply enjoy the town’s serene atmosphere.

The Harz Mountains offer a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture that is sure to captivate every traveler. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a peaceful escape, a road trip to the Harz Mountains is a journey filled with stunning landscapes and timeless charm.

Baltic Coastline

A road trip from Berlin to the Baltic Coastline takes you to a picturesque region renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, and refreshing sea breezes. From vibrant beach resorts to serene nature reserves, the Baltic Coastline offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.

Begin your journey in the popular beach resort of Kühlungsborn. With its long sandy beach, lively promenade, and elegant seaside villas, Kühlungsborn is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, indulge in fresh seafood, or simply soak up the sun on the beach.

Continue your road trip to the charming town of Warnemünde, famous for its lighthouse and colorful fishing boats. Explore the picturesque old town, visit the historic Teepott building, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the seaside promenade. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local specialty, Rostocker Rauchwurst, a smoky and flavorful sausage.

For nature lovers, make sure to visit the beautiful Jasmund National Park on the island of Rügen. Take a hike along the dramatic white chalk cliffs that overlook the Baltic Sea and be captivated by the breathtaking views. The soaring cliffs, dense beech forests, and pristine beaches make this national park a true natural wonder.

If you’re looking for a tranquil beach retreat, head to the remote and untouched beaches of Usedom Island. With its long stretches of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Usedom is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Take a leisurely bike ride along the coastal paths, explore the charming seaside villages, or simply bask in the tranquility of the surroundings.

No trip to the Baltic Coastline is complete without a visit to the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. With its well-preserved medieval old town, Lübeck offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Explore the narrow streets lined with Gothic buildings, visit the iconic Holsten Gate, and indulge in the famous Lübeck marzipan, a sweet treat that has been produced in the city for centuries.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, outdoor adventures, or a cultural experience, the Baltic Coastline has something for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and rich cultural heritage, a road trip along the Baltic Coastline is a journey filled with natural beauty and coastal charm.

Tropical Islands Resort

A road trip from Berlin to the Tropical Islands Resort is a journey to a tropical paradise in the heart of Germany. Located inside a massive hangar, this unique resort offers a tropical oasis complete with palm trees, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

As you enter the resort, you’ll be transported to a world of tropical bliss. Take a dip in the largest indoor water park in Europe, featuring thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and refreshing pools. Enjoy the year-round summer climate inside the hangar, making it the perfect escape from the city’s colder months.

For ultimate relaxation, head to the resort’s spa area, where you can indulge in a variety of rejuvenating treatments and therapies. Unwind in the saunas, steam baths, and hot tubs, or treat yourself to a soothing massage. You can even find an outdoor area to enjoy the sun and fresh air.

Tropical Islands Resort offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy lodges to luxurious tents and stylish rooms. Spend a night in a unique accommodation that suits your preference, and wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and the peaceful ambiance of the resort.

With its vibrant tropical theme, the resort features a variety of restaurants and bars offering a wide range of cuisines. Sample delicious dishes from around the world, sip on exotic cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment that adds to the tropical atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a fun adventure, the resort offers activities such as mini-golf, high ropes courses, and an indoor rainforest with tropical plants and wildlife. You can also take a walk through the neighboring biosphere reserve and explore the beautiful nature that surrounds the resort.

Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, the Tropical Islands Resort provides a unique and unforgettable experience that transports you to a tropical paradise. Soak up the sun, make a splash in the water park, or simply relax in the lush surroundings—no passport required.

Jasmund National Park

A road trip from Berlin to Jasmund National Park is a journey to a natural wonderland filled with dramatic landscapes, ancient forests, and breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. Located on the island of Rügen, Jasmund National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its rugged cliffs, diverse flora and fauna, and tranquil beauty.

The highlight of Jasmund National Park is the awe-inspiring white chalk cliffs that tower above the Baltic Sea, including the famous Königsstuhl (King’s Chair). These majestic cliffs, plunging into the sparkling blue waters, create a dramatic and picturesque scene that is truly unforgettable.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the park, follow the well-marked hiking trails that wind their way through ancient beech forests and along the cliff edges. The paths offer breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Join a guided tour or rent a kayak to explore the park from the water. Paddle along the meandering rivers, discover hidden bays, and marvel at the untouched beauty of this unique coastal landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife like red deer, white-tailed eagles, and migratory birds that call the park home.

For a deeper understanding of the park’s rich biodiversity and natural history, visit the National Park Centre. Discover interactive exhibits, learn about the unique geology of the region, and explore the fascinating world of the ancient beech forests that have stood for centuries.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, find a secluded spot along the coastline and bask in the tranquility of the surroundings. Listen to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing against the cliffs and feel the refreshing sea breeze on your face.

Before leaving Jasmund National Park, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the enchanting Herthasee, a picturesque lake nestled in the heart of the park. Surrounded by lush greenery, this serene lake offers a peaceful retreat and the chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

A visit to Jasmund National Park is a journey into an untouched natural paradise and a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Baltic Sea coastline. Whether you’re hiking along the cliffs, kayaking in the crystal-clear waters, or simply taking in the magnificent views, the park is sure to leave you in awe of its natural wonders.

A road trip from Berlin to Leipzig takes you to a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and artistic heritage. Located in the state of Saxony, Leipzig offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for any traveler.

Start your exploration in Leipzig’s historic city center, where you’ll find architectural gems such as the Leipzig Opera House and the iconic St. Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach served as a cantor. Marvel at the beautiful facades of the Renaissance-style buildings and wander through the narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

A visit to the St. Thomas Church is a must for music enthusiasts. Attend a choir performance or listen to the famous Thomanerchor, the boys’ choir that has been performing for over 800 years. You can also visit the Bach Museum to learn about the life and works of the revered composer.

Leipzig is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and art lovers will be delighted by the array of museums and galleries the city has to offer. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures, or explore the Spinnerei, a former cotton mill that has been transformed into a lively art complex.

For a taste of Leipzig’s thriving music scene, head to the Gewandhaus Concert Hall. Enjoy a classical concert performed by the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra or attend a contemporary music event at one of the city’s many music clubs and venues.

Leipzig’s culinary scene is also worth exploring. Sample traditional Saxon dishes at one of the city’s cozy restaurants or indulge in international cuisine at the vibrant food markets. Don’t forget to try Leipziger Lerche, a pastry filled with marzipan and almonds, a local specialty that dates back centuries.

As you wander through Leipzig, you’ll discover the spirit of the peaceful revolution of 1989, which played a significant role in toppling the East German regime. Visit the Stasi Museum, housed in the former headquarters of the East German secret police, to gain insight into the city’s history and the struggle for freedom.

Before leaving Leipzig, visit the Leipzig Panometer, an impressive 360-degree panoramic painting that immerses you in historical scenes. Marvel at the intricacies of the artwork and learn about Leipzig’s past in a unique and immersive way.

Leipzig’s vibrant atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming spirit make it a destination that mesmerizes visitors. From its historical landmarks and world-class music to its thriving art scene and culinary delights, Leipzig offers a road trip filled with discovery, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.

A road trip from Berlin opens up a world of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. From the charming town of Potsdam to the enchanting beaches of the Baltic Coastline, each destination offers a unique experience that showcases the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Germany.

The Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace impress with their historical grandeur and magnificent gardens, while the Spreewald region captivates with its intricate network of canals and lush forests. Dresden’s architectural beauty and cultural scene leave a lasting impression, and Rügen Island delights with its stunning cliffs and serene coastal landscapes.

The Mecklenburg Lake District offers a tranquil getaway to pristine lakes and picturesque towns, while the Harz Mountains beckon with their majestic peaks and charming medieval towns. The Tropical Islands Resort provides a tropical escape in the heart of Germany, and Jasmund National Park showcases the dramatic white chalk cliffs and ancient beech forests. Lastly, Leipzig enchants with its blend of history, music, art, and vibrant atmosphere.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a combination of everything, these road trips from Berlin offer something for every traveler. Plan your itinerary, pack your bags, and hit the road to embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Germany.

Remember to embrace the spontaneity of the road trip experience, allowing yourself to stumble upon unexpected attractions, stopping at quaint cafes for a coffee or indulging in local delicacies along the way. Happy travels!

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5 Weekend Road Trips From Berlin

It’s hard to get bored in Berlin. With its rich historical monuments, unique neighborhoods teeming with international markets, and notorious nightlife, most people find it hard to leave!

But even the biggest city slicker needs an escape from all the chaos every now and then, and you don’t need to go far to find a little reprieve—even a weekend camping trip is a great way to recharge.

How we travel has certainly changed in recent years. If you like freedom and a flexible itinerary, one of the best ways to get out and explore is by  renting an RV  and hitting the road.

If you have some extra time to explore, check out my  2 week Germany itinerary . Until then, here are five weekend road trips from Berlin.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Don’t get confused:  Saxon Switzerland National Park  is actually nowhere near Switzerland. It’s in the eastern part of Germany, near Dresden, and is home to some of the most unique craggy rocks and sandstone pillar formations in Europe.

The River Elbe runs straight through the park, and you’ll get unparalleled views over the area from the famous Bastei Bridge. It rises 194 meters above the river, and appears to be surreally embedded in the rock.

Dresden, Germany

You can easily pair your trip to Saxon Switzerland with some time in Dresden, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities filled with Baroque architecture, historic sites, and plenty of museums.  The Green Vault  is my favorite: it contains the largest treasure hoard in Europe.

Head to the Old Town to see the Georgenbau, a palace built in the 1500s, or explore the impressive Dresden Cathedral. The streets around the Old Town are lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. When it’s time to park your RV, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds on the outskirts of town.

The Baltic Sea

When summer rolls around, Berliners flock to the Baltic Sea on the weekends for a relaxing beach-filled getaway.

Towns like Ahrenshoop and Schwaan are beloved artist colonies, and they’re full of galleries and exhibits. Creative types hang out here working on their art or enjoying the beach, lending to the upbeat vibes that make these towns so enjoyable. You’ll definitely want to stay awhile.

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is a short trip from Berlin, but it often gets overlooked by its older, louder big brother. This bustling port city is not only beautiful, but it’s also home to some of Germany’s best restaurants and nightlife options.

The Old Town is fun to explore, and you’ll find some historic churches around here as well as the huge City Hall which retains all its original architecture. Park your RV at a campsite and spend some time exploring this city on foot.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you’ve got a campervan, head over to the country next door. Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, is only a few hours of driving but you might as well be in a different world. Virtually untouched during WWII, Prague is awash with colorful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and plenty of historical monuments to boot. The castle and Wenceslas Square are two must-sees.

Don’t leave town without checking out the beer gardens or taking a food tour around town.

One of the best things about being based in a central city like Berlin is the fact that you can explore so many diverse places just within a day trip or weekend visit, and  it’s perfectly safe  to do so.

Berlin Road Trip FAQs

Which city to combine with berlin.

Dresden is just a 2 hour drive from Berlin, and is a great city to combine with a roadtrip from Berlin.

Can you do Berlin in a weekend?

A weekend is the minimum amount of time I’d recommend staying in Berlin. There is so much to see and experience!

Is 3 nights in Berlin enough?

3 nights in Berlin is enough to see the major sites of the city. I’d recommend staying longer though.

What American city is Berlin like?

Chicago is the American city most like Berlin.

Can you do a day trip from Berlin to Prague?

One day isn’t really enough time for a trip from Berlin to Prague.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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Six Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes

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The Top Six Germany Road Trips

Germany is an incredible country in which to road trip. With landscapes ranging from the dramatic to gentle, medieval towns alongside cities full of cutting-edge architecture, fairytale castles, and amazing roads, you’ll enjoy the road trip of a lifetime as you explore this often overlooked country.

From the lively attractions of Berlin to historic medieval cities and the mighty Alps to the starkly beautiful northern coast, Germany is a seriously great country for road tripping.

Our Germany road trip planner will help you decide whether you want drama, fairytale castles, towns, vineyards, or something a bit different. Use our detailed guide and travel tips to find our pick of the best German road trip routes, itineraries, and places to see along the way.

Getting to Germany

Germany is an easily accessible country from the UK and most of Europe, with an excellent network of autobahns to deliver you right where you want to be. Plan getting to Germany as part of your trip and could enjoy an epic road trip to Germany, followed by one in the country itself!

For those flying in, the well-located airports of Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg are ideal for car rental, or even hiring a VW campervan or motorhome from Motorhome Republic , and starting your German road trip. We recommend booking your flights through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

RELATED POST: Driving from UK to Germany: Best Routes, Costs & Tips

Fly into the well-located international airports of Frankfurt , Munich , and Hamburg , ideal starting points for your German road trip. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Germany? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in Germany.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Germany. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find campsites and places to stay along the route, and park for the night on a mountain pass, flower filled meadow of with a glorious view of the sea.

Best Time to Visit Germany

The German climate is fairly typical of central European weather.

The high season is considered to be between April to August when the weather is generally warm. If you want to increase your chances of a dry holiday without rain, roadtrip in Germany between July and September. Temperatures during this period fluctuate between 68°F/20°C to 86°F/30°C.

The colder low-season German weather starts in November and lasts until late March or early April. Snow is common across the country, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. By late March, snow turns to rain, a sure sign that spring is on the way!

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t choose to take a German road trip in winter. As a European winter destination , Germany packs a real punch with fantastic Christmas markets, winter activities in Bavaria, and everywhere dusted in snow.

Is this your first time visiting Germany? Get all the information you need in our Germany Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

The Mosel Valley

Explored by James from The Travel Scribes

Koblenz – Cochem – Beilstein – Zell am Mosel – Traben Trarbach – Trier

• Distance 172km
• Duration 5-7 days
• Drive Time 2 hours

A beautiful river snaking through it, soaring medieval castles dotted across it, and almost vertical vineyards nestled on its hills. It’s the picturesque Mosel (or Moselle) Valley, and this is one of the best roads in Germany for wine lovers!

Punctuated by the small but beautiful Mosel river, the valley essentially stretches from the small city of Koblenz, a fairy-tale German town, to Trier along the water’s edge.

This breathtaking valley is best explored by taking a least a week, the pinnacle of slow travel as you hop from one riverside town to the next.

Kick off your west Germany road trip in Koblenz, where the mouth of the Mosel meets the Rhine, to walk along the ancient Roman walls or just amble through the Altstadt (old town), before heading to visit the first traditional  town of Cochem .

On the way there, avid Instagrammers and history buffs should definitely make a turn at Burg Eltz, one of the most spectacular castles and hidden gems in Germany , to take the requisite snap. Once in Cochem, you’ll slow the pace.

You can marvel at the unique vineyards (a signature of the entire Mosel road trip), where the vines crawl up the hillside at 90-degree angles. If you go in harvest time, you’ll see the workers strapped into harnesses with spiked boots just to be able to pick the ripe grapes.

Cochem also boasts one of  Germany’s legendary castles  looming above it, plus it’s the best place to just take a walk along the promenade, stopping in at one of the riverfront cafes for a plate of zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) and a sparkling glass of federweisser , a traditional fizzy grape drink.

Your next few nights should definitely see you stay over in one of the many lovely towns sprinkled along the river: Beilstein for the Burg Metternich castle, a climb up the hill (and more traditional German food) in Zell am Mosel and our favorite stop on the entire itinerary, Traben Trarbach.

This gorgeous little town used to be two villages, Traben and Trarbach, on opposite sides of the river, which were eventually united with the construction of a short bridge.

Before you hit your final destination of Trier, stay overnight in Bernkastel-Kues, a spa town peppered with wood-timbered houses, many a hot spring, and the ruins of the Landshut Castle.

Before you know it, your German road trip is at an end, as it culminates in the beguiling town of Trier. An old Roman city with landmarks like the Porta Nigra black gate, an old-school amphitheater, the Roman baths, and a towering cathedral, just to name a few.

It’s here that you should raise a(nother) glass of perfectly poured Riesling in celebration of the Mosel valley, one of the best road trips in Germany.

Where to Stay

Cochem ⇒ Hotel Villa Vinum  for its highly rated service, perfect riverside location, and quirky decor.

Traben Trarbach ⇒ The Goldene Traube   for its traditional exterior and modern interior, rooftop terrace, and fabulous breakfast buffet!

Trier ⇒  Vienna House Easy for its excellent location close to the old town, modern and funky style, and private parking garage.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Germany. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

The German Fairy Tale Road

Frankfurt – steinau – marburg – kassel – gottingen – hamelin – bremen.

• Distance 660km
• Duration 7 days
• Drive Time 10 hours

This central to north Germany road trip from Frankfurt does not technically start in the city, but Frankfurt is the perfect place to fly into and pick up a rental car. If you’re spending the night, make sure you visit the South Bank, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The Fairy Tale route officially starts in the pretty town of Steinau an der Strasse where the Brothers Grimm lived until they were aged twelve.

The setting is straight out of their own fairy tales, complete with typical half-timbered houses, twisting cobbled alleys, and the turreted fairy tale castle of Schloss Steinau which overlooks the whole town. Visit the Brüder Grimm Haus and Museum Steinau, both of which showcase the works of the brothers.

Take the back roads to Marburg and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and slower pace for a few hours. Marburg’s altstadt is full of medieval houses and the hilltop Landgrafenschloss, a dramatic castle holding exhibits on sacred art and local history.

Lively bars and restaurants line the Marktplatz and the narrow streets surrounding it, making this a great location for an overnight stop.  

From Marburg, head to Kassel, where the Brothers Grimm spent their teenage years whilst working as librarians for the King of Westphalia, Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of the infamous Napoléon.

There is very little left of historic Kassel but there are two worthwhile attractions to visit; the Brüder Grimm Museum, and the Schloss und Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a tranquil green space and the largest hill park in all of Europe.

Gottingen is home to the University of Gottingen, where the Grimm Brothers once served as professors. Make for the traditional and atmospheric central market square, where the statue of Ganseliesel, the little goose girl of German lore, is one of the most kissed statues anywhere in the world. It is said that the kisser is rewarded with good luck, but maybe post-virus this practice will change!

Hameln (or Hamelin) is next up and one of the most famous fairy tale destinations in Europe. Hameln is the home of the Pied Piper, or Rattenfänger, who rid the town of rats in 1284, only to be cheated out of his payment.

The Pied Piper returned to Hameln a year later and lured away all the children. The story is re-enacted in the town center every Sunday between May and October and is a fantastic spectacle.  

The Weser Renaissance architecture of the Rattenfängerhaus and the Hochzeitshaus makes a fitting historic backdrop for the streets which are thronged with locals dressed the part, stalls selling food, and live music playing. 

Finally, on to the Hanseatic city of Bremen, your final stop. Good places to visit in Bremen include the traditional Marktplatz, which is located in the city’s charming altstadt, the 600-year-old Rathaus or town hall, the Roselius-Haus Museum, and the stunning St. Petri Dom, the 11th century gothic cathedral.

Another landmark can be found in the city’s central town square – a statue of the Bremen musicians and heroes of the Brothers Grimm story, “The Town Musicians of Bremen.”  

If you have time, extend your trip and head to the modern and progressive port city of Hamburg. Explore the historic districts, edgy culture, and extraordinary commercial past with our one day Hamburg itinerary.

RELATED POST: Deutsche Märchenstraße: Germany’s Fairy Tale Road

Where To Stay

Frankfurt ⇒ Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch  for its proximity to the airport and city center, fantastic spa, and beautiful surroundings.

Marburg ⇒ The Vila Vita Rosenpark  for its central location, excellent regional restaurant, and stylish bedrooms.

Bremen ⇒ Atlantic Grand Hotel   for its perfect riverside location, bike rental from reception, and ultra-stylish bathrooms.

Germany Travel Ideas

Romantic Road Germany: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Motorhoming in Germany: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Deutsche Alpenstrasse: Route, Map & Highlights

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18 Magical Castles in Germany to Add to Your Bucket List

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The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

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Visit Zugspitze Germany – Find Out How!

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The romantic road.

Explored by Carolyn from Holidays to Europe  

Wurzburg – Weikersheim – Rothenberg – Dinkelsbühl – Augsburg – Fussen

• Distance 340km
• Drive Time 5 hours

One of the best southern Germany road trips is along the scenic route known as the Romantic Road or Romantische Strasse. This Bavaria road trip stretches for 340km from Wurzburg to Fussen, the route has many highlights and passes through some of Germany’s prettiest landscapes and most fairy tale towns and villages. 

Whilst you could travel this entire Bavaria itinerary in one or two days, to make the most of your Romantic Road drive , I suggest you allow at least 5 days in Bavaria, which will give you the chance to stop and explore many of the 29 towns along the route, of which the best six are listed above. 

The first stop on Germany’s Romantic Road is Wurzburg, an attractive city that was almost totally destroyed in WW2. Highlights include the Marienberg Fortress, Wurzburg Cathedral, the Old Main Bridge (which crosses the River Main), and the stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed Wurzburg Residence. Wurzburg and the Franconia region are also well-known for their wines.

You’ll see vines planted in front of the Marienberg Fortress and in the surrounding countryside, so be sure to sample the local drop. 

After a couple of days in Wurzburg, head south to the fairytale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most beautiful places in Germany.

I recommend you stop in the charming town of Weikersheim en route, there’s a beautiful castle you can visit and a small but very pretty old town. In Rothenburg, you’ll see why visitors flock here from all over the world.

The brightly painted timbered houses that line the cobbled streets and the medieval city walls with their watchtowers, ooze romanticism and entice people on day trips from all over southern Germany. 

Other highlights include St. Jacob’s Cathedral, the castle gardens, the views from the tower of City Hall and the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store and the German Christmas Museum.

With numerous nearby towns and villages worth a visit, too, you could easily fill three days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Next, drive further south to your final stop at Fussen.

You’ll want to stop at Wies to visit the Wieskirche, a small baroque church with an impressive interior that is UNESCO listed.  

In Fussen, explore the old town and head to Schwangau to visit Germany’s most famous schloss , Neuschwanstein Castle, built by mad King Ludwig. If you have a few extra days, enjoy some city life by heading to Munich, where you’ll find fantastic Bavarian culture and a lively social scene. 

Base yourself here for a few days and enjoy some of the  day trips from Munich  on offer, to experience the best of the surrounding landscapes and attractions. We think this could well be the best road trip in Germany. 

RELATED POST: Romantic Road Germany: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Wurzburg ⇒ Hotel Grüner Baum  for its great location, traditional Franconian decor, and outstanding breakfast.

Rothenburg ⇒ Hotel Herrnschloesschen  for its gorgeous and unique decor, fantastic restaurant, and beautiful garden.

Fussen ⇒ Hotel Das Rübezahl  for a real treat. This luxury hotel has amazing views across the Alps and both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. There is also a fantastic spa and restaurant, making this the perfect hotel to end your German road trip.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Castle Circuit

Explored by Becki from  Meet Me in Departures

Koln – Frankfurt – Mespellbrunn Castle – Stuttgart – Bad Wildbad – Heidelberg – Koblenz – Eltz Castle – Rheinstein Castle – Cochem Castle – Köln

• Distance 950km
• Duration 3-5 days
• Drive Time 13 hours

This south Germany itinerary covers a whole mix of destinations in a fabulous circuit, visiting some of  Germany’s best castles  on the route. Starting and finishing in the graceful  city of Cologne  (Koln in Germany) this road trip covers the southwest of the country.

It takes you south as far as Stuttgart, before circling back north towards the Mosel Valley. To make the most out of this road trip, I suggest three to four days, which will give you time to enjoy the castles as well as the wine in the Rhine region; perfect for a long weekend. 

This part of the country is one of the best places to visit in Germany and you’ll get to see some of Germany’s prettiest castles, the stunning and verdant forests, the Rhine river, as well as a number of picturesque cobbled towns. Stay off the autobahns for the best driving, through beautiful landscapes and scenery.

Start your castle road trip in Koln, making sure to visit the simply stunning cathedral, and head southeast towards Frankfurt. Spend some time in the altstadt wandering around the pretty and atmospheric streets.

From here head towards Mespellbrunn Castle. It’s located pretty much in the middle of nowhere, however, it’s a stunning castle, which looks a lot like the Sleeping Beauty tower, located on a lake. 

From Mespellbrunn Castle, keep heading southeast towards Stuttgart, a beautiful city full of green and open spaces. Be sure to spend plenty of time here exploring the town and its elegant buildings.

It’s worth stopping overnight and taking advantage of the fantastic restaurants, bars and beer gardens which line the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town.

From Stuttgart, start to head back north-west. Spend time visiting the lovely Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest and maybe indulge yourself in one of the many thermal baths there.

Head for historic Heidelberg and spend some time admiring and visiting the imposing Heidelberg Castle before crossing the wide river Neckar on the famous old bridge. This is another great town for an overnight stay.

Stop by the pretty and very German town of Koblenz, before heading to Eltz Castle. If you’re looking for a quintessential fairytale castle, then Berg Eltz is it! When you’re done swooning over Eltz, head to the small complex of Rheinstein Castle high on the banks of the Rhine (or Rhein in Germany) river.  

Make for your last stop in Cochem on the gorgeous Moselle, and the impressive Cochem Castle. Stay for the night and try some of the delicious wine produced in this region or take a guided tour of a vineyard with a wine tasting.

This is a fully packed itinerary covering all the best bits of Germany. I’m sure you’ll agree, this makes a fantastic German road trip! 

RELATED POST: 18 Magical Castles in Germany to Add to Your Bucket List

Koln ⇒ Hotel Lyskirchen  for its ideal old town location, boutique vibe and modern rooms.

Bad Wildbad ⇒ Mokni’s Palais Hotel and Spa  for some of that thermal action, as well as old-fashioned elegance and service.

Heidelberg ⇒ Ninetynine Hotel Heidelberg City for funky and modern design, super-comfortable beds and a lively, sociable bar.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Germany.

The German Alpine Road

Lindau – bad hindelang – pfronten – füssen – oberammergau – garmisch-partenkirchen – bad tölz – rottach-egern – oberaudorf – aschau im chiemgau – reit im winkl – berchtesgaden.

• Distance 450km
• Duration 7-10 days

Starting at Lake Constance (Bodensee) and winding its way through the diverse and spectacular Bavarian landscape to Lake Koningssee, following the Alps from west to east, the Deutsche Alpenstrasse is simply spectacular and has to be one of the most scenic road trips in Germany.

On this south Germany road trip, the oldest tourist route in Germany, you’ll explore picture-perfect towns, alpine lakes and meadows, historic castles, and fantastic driving roads, perfect for whatever your means of transport.

Starting in the pretty harbor town of Lindau on Lake Constance, take the twisting road of the Rohrbach ascent into the Allgäu peaks, for spectacular views and the Scheidegg waterfalls in the Rohrach Gorge.

Continue through Oberstaufen, stopping for a dip in the cold and clear waters of Grosser Alpsee, to the traditional German town of Immenstadt, before crossing the Oberjoch Pass. With 106 bends, this is one of the most scenic and exciting drives of the whole route – make sure you allow enough time to stop for photos!

As you continue east, you’ll step into the fairytale world of King Ludwig II on a tour of the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Three lakes on this part of the route – Weissensee, Hopfensee, and Forggensee – offer gorgeous scenery.

Upper Bavaria, the land of drama, adventure, and extreme sports is next on the route. Here you can explore the summit of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, take in Linderhof Palace, swim in the beautiful Eibsee, and discover the many intricate Baroque churches and monasteries, like the Church of Wies. Oberammergau, home of the famous ten yearly Oberammergau Passion Play , is also in this region and well worth visiting.

Fancy a swim? The next part of the route runs through the Tölzer Land, beside Lake Walchensee, across the fabulous Kesselberg Pass, and on to Lake Kochelsee. After Benediktbeuern with its abbey, Bad Heilbrunn, Bad Tölz, and Lenggries, the route climbs to the Sylvenstein reservoir, where you’ll have fantastic views.

The next section of the route in the Tegernsee and Schliersee region sees you driving through Rottach-Egern, Tegernsee, Schliersee, and Bayrischzell, known for their restaurants and cafés that provide Bavarian hospitality and delicious local food and drink for you to sample. As you continue on, the road meanders through the mountains to Chiemsee, and panoramic views are guaranteed.

The German Alpine Route saves the best for last – crossing the 868m high Schwarzbachwacht Pass into the incredible landscape of the Berchtesgaden Alps and Konigsee, widely thought to be the most stunning lake in Germany.

RELATED POST: Deutsche Alpenstrasse: Route, Map & Highlights

Fussen ⇒ Hotel Sonne  for its wonderful old town location, local cuisine, and contemporary decor.

Bad Tolz ⇒ Hotel am Wald for its wellness area, panoramic views, and cozy rooms.

Berchtesgaden ⇒ Alpenhotel Fischer for its fabulous spa, out-of-town location, and family hospitality.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our favorite Europe road trips for ideas and inspiration!

Iconic German Cities

Frankfurt – munich – cologne – munster – hanover – frankfurt.

• Distance 1700km
• Duration 10-14 days
• Drive Time 24 hours

If you really can’t decide which road trip to take and you have a few weeks. then why not consider taking a driving tour of Germany, hopping between some of Germany’s most historic and beautiful cities, and taking in elements of all our road trips on the way?

This road trip route will take you past or in close proximity to some of the most beautiful places in Germany including fairy tale castles and towns, famous landmarks, stunning rivers, and wine regions.

You’ll drive on fantastic roads and if you choose not to use the autobahns, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace and be able to enjoy the ever-changing scenery and small historic towns of this surprisingly gorgeous country.  

If you’re road tripping Germany in winter, you’ll love the clear crips days, frosty landscapes and of course, the  traditional Christmas markets  that the country is famous for. Fairy lights, gluhwein, traditional artisan gifts, and hearty, warming local food will make your winter road in Germany really memorable. 

Don’t forget Germany’s recent history either. This route will take you close to both Dachau and Bergen Belsen concentration camps, which make for harrowing visits that nevertheless should be taken, lest we forget the past, which must never be repeated.

You’ll also find the opportunity to tour the top car museums of BMW in Munich and Porche and Mercedes in Stuttgart. Why not test yourself and take a drive around the famous Nurburgring on your way past?

If you are lucky enough to have three weeks or longer, then add the eclectic and fascinating  city of Berlin  to the mix, or head south from Munich for the incredible Deutsche Alpenstrasse, or German Alpine Road, one of the most scenic drives in Germany.

Where to Stay – Our Top German Hotels

These are luxurious, treat-yourself hotels, known for their sumptuous decor, opulent furnishings, and outstanding service.

Frankfurt ⇒ Hotel Villa Kennedy  for its incredibly gorgeous rooms, comprehensive spa, and superb, discreet service.

Munich ⇒   Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski  for its high-end location on the fashionable Maximilianstrasse, architectural grandeur, and first-class service.

Koln ⇒  Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom  for its fabulous cathedral location, love of tradition, and impeccable service.

German Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Germany.

• Search for affordable flights to Germany with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Germany with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Germany with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Germany with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Tips for Driving in Germany

The roads in Germany are well maintained, the autobahns are toll-free and there are excellent regional and minor roads with great services for drivers, making Germany a fantastic place to road trip.

Contrary to popular belief though, there are speed limits on the autobahn, and many sections have limits between 120km/h (75mph) and 110km/h (68mph) or lower, especially in urban areas.

Whether you’re traveling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive and travel in Germany;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Germany.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here .
• It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle, reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers), spare wheel, and the tools to change a wheel or a tire repair kit.
• If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair.
• You should carry a first aid kit, but this is only compulsory for four-wheeled vehicles registered in Germany).
• Germany introduced regulations in 2010 requiring all passenger cars and motorbikes to be fitted with winter or all-season tires in wintry conditions.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

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17 Fun Weekend Trips From Berlin

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

Berlin is wonderful, but it’s so different from the rest of Germany. Since there are many places to visit in Germany that deserve at least a few days, it’s worth planning one of these weekend trips from Berlin .

Include one of these weekend getaways from Berlin on your itinerary to see another part of the country and experience more of what Germany has to offer. Berlin has so many great things to do , but it can be quite rewarding to get a change of scenery.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

What you'll find here

Best weekend trips from Berlin

Here are some of my favorite options for weekend trips from Berlin . Whether you’re looking for big cities, small towns, or nature escapes, there’s bound to be something here that works well for you.

Some of the destinations included here are also on my list of day trips from Berlin . I included them here as well either because there’s enough to do for more than one day, or the distance might be a bit far for a day trip for some people.

I also tried to stick to destinations that were no more than about 5 hours from Berlin because you don’t want to lose too much of your weekend in transit. Also, these can easily be done as weekend train trips from Berlin , so you don’t need a car.

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Germany: Ultimate Germany Travel Packing List

After Berlin, Hamburg is one of my favorite German cities. It’s one of my top choices for weekend trips in Germany, and it’s only about 2 hours from Berlin. If you don’t know much about the city, it’s very different from Berlin, and you can learn more from my article about Hamburg vs Berlin .

As a former Hanseatic League city and once a major international port, the architecture here is vastly different from cities like Berlin or Munich. It’s located between the North and Baltic seas, and Hamburg is Germany’s top cultural city.

Hamburg’s maritime history is an important part of its identity. The city was an important trade city with far-reaching trade routes across the globe and was a major port of departure for immigrants.

Today you can learn about this history in many places, including the UNESCO Speicherstadt region of the city where you can see the canals and warehouses that were once an important part of the shipping and trading. Speicherstadt is also one of Germany’s most famous landmarks .

For more about the maritime history and culture of Hamburg, visit the Speicherstadt Museum, the International Maritime Museum, and the Rickmer Rickmers ship museum.

One of my favorite things to do in Hamburg is Miniatur Wunderland – I’ve been there three times (update: now it’s four times!) and I’d happily go again! It’s a fantastic model railway museum with entire cities recreated in miniature with unbelievable detail.

It’s definitely a kid friendly activity, but adults will love it too. Book tickets ahead to avoid the long wait, and leave yourself several hours to really enjoy it.

Another great option for your weekend trip to Hamburg is the Elbphilharmonie, home to Hamburg’s philharmonic. This impressive building is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks , and it has a great viewing platform where you can get views of the city, even if you don’t see a show there.

The Beatles played in Hamburg in the early 1960s, and it was where the world started to really notice them. Visit Beatles Platz, a square that honors the band, and then wander through the Reuperbahn red light district to see some of the clubs where they played.

Hamburg boasts dozens of theaters and museums, and it’s known as a wonderful place for people who love shopping. There is never a shortage of fun things to do on a weekend trip.

Read more about what to do in Hamburg and how to get to Hamburg from Berlin .

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 43 minutes – 2 hours 6 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Hamburg

Here are my recommendations for hotels in Hamburg.

Book a tour for your weekend trip to Hamburg

If you’re only visiting Hamburg for a weekend, a tour can help you make the most of your time. Here are a few to check out.

• Guided Hamburg City Bike Tour
• Discover Hamburg Walking Tour
• Hamburg Harbor & Speicherstadt 1.5 Hour Cruise

Dresden’s location along the Elbe River, a couple hours south of Berlin, makes it one of Germany’s prettiest cities. If you plan a weekend here, you won’t be disappointed.

Wander through the Old Town to admire the stunning architecture. Don’t miss Brühl’s Terrace, a long promenade along the river where the old city ramparts were, which now makes for a nice stroll with views of the river and impressive buildings.

On your weekend trip from Berlin to Dresden, be sure to check out Frauenkirche, an important church that was badly damaged during World War II . Its restoration was one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the world and used nearly 4,000 of the original stones.

At Zwinger Palace, an impressive 18th century Baroque palace, you’ll find an extensive art museum. The grounds surrounding the palace are just as gorgeous, featuring gardens, fountains, and statues.

Also worth seeing is the Dresden Castle, the Fürstenzug, the Semperoper, and the hip Neustadt area on the opposite side of the river from the Old Town. And if you happen to be in Dresden in December, check out the Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in the world.

With many more museums, palaces, and fun activities, you could easily spend a weekend in Dresden.

Read more about what to do in Dresden and how to get to Dresden from Berlin .

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 51 minutes – 2 hours 14 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus or FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Dresden

Here are some hotels in Dresden I recommend.

Book a tour for your weekend trip to Dresden

If you’re only visiting Dresden for a few days, a tour can help you make the most of your time. Here are a few to check out.

• Dresden Walking Tour
• Dresden: River 1.5 Hour Sightseeing Boat Cruise
• Dresden Combo Ticket: Semperoper & Old Town Tour

Leipzig is another city I love for a weekend getaway. Known for its rich cultural heritage, you could easily spend several days exploring here.

Start in the old town at the main square, Leipziger Markt, which houses the farmer’s market and the Old City Hall, one of Germany’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings. From here, wander through the charming old town and admire its well-preserved passages.

Leipzig has a lot of important historical connections to Bach and Martin Luther, among others. Check out St Thomas Church where Martin Luther was a preacher, and where Bach was a choirmaster two centuries later.

It’s also worth visiting Nikolaikirche, another church where Bach served as a choirmaster. Nikolaikirche was also an important part of the nonviolent protests that eventually helped bring an end to the East German communist rule.

Check out Volkerschlachtdenkmal, the Battle of the Nations Monument, which was built to honor the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig in 1813. This impressive monument is also the largest war memorial in Europe.

Read more about things to do in Leipzig and how to get to Leipzig from Berlin .

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 12 minutes – 1 hour 21 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus or FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Leipzig

Here are some hotels we recommend for an overnight trip from Berlin to Leipzig.

Book a tour for your weekend getaway to Leipzig

If you’re looking for a nature weekend escape from Berlin, the Spreewald forest is a wonderful choice. There are several towns in this forest region, but one of the more popular ones is Lübbenau, which is about an hour from Berlin.

It is a quiet town filled with meadows and waterways. A popular means of transportation here is the punt, a flat-bottomed boat, and you can take a guided punt tour of the town.

Explore the historic town center and see the Lübbenau Castle. You can also visit the Spreewald Museum to learn more about the history of this area, which is a protected biosphere reserve.

The Spreewald is also known for pickles, so be sure to try a few while visiting Lübbenau. I even had Schnitzel with pickles on it for dinner while we were there.

A trip here gives you a glimpse at the gorgeous nature in the region and a change of scenery from the big city. Since it’s also a popular day trip destination, things close early and the town is pretty sleepy even early in the evening.

But if you want a couple of days in nature for hiking, boating, and cycling, you might want to go to bed early anyway.

There are other towns in the Spreewald, but if you’re spending a weekend here, this is your best option for finding hotels and restaurants.

Read more about what to do in the Spreewald with details about how to get to Lübbenau.

Time from Berlin: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 24 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Spreewald Lübbenau

Here are some suggestions for hotels in Lübbenau in the Spreewald. And in case you were wondering, Hotel Mini Übernachten im Gurkenfass is a quirky budget option where you can stay in a giant pickle barrel.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

For another option to spend a weekend enjoying some stunning nature, travel south from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland National Park. This is one of Germany’s 16 national parks, and it covers an area of 274 square miles.

If you’re looking for nature getaways from Berlin, look no further. You can easily spend a few days exploring the park on foot or rent a bike to experience untamed beauty.

Bad Schandau is on of the easiest towns to travel to by train from Berlin and use as a base for hiking in the park. From here you can take the Kirnitzschtalbahn (Kirnitzschtal Tramway) up into the forest to explore.

For an easy hike, I recommend getting out at the Kirnitzschtal Beuthenfall stop and hiking south along the trail near the stop until you get to the gorgeous Bloßstock rocks.

If you’re an avid hiker, check out Basteibrücke, one of the most beautiful natural bridges in Germany.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 19 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Known for its stunning historic architecture, Görlitz is possible to visit as a day trip from Berlin, but it’s really worth visiting for a full weekend.

It’s located in eastern Germany on the border with Poland, and it’s easy to walk to the town of Zgorzelec on the Polish side. The two towns were actually one until after WWII.

This city is home to several filming locations for movies such as Inglorious Basterds, The Book Thief, and The Reader. The Grand Budapest Hotel was also shot in one of Görlitz’s top shopping malls.

The town wasn’t damaged during WWII, and film makers love Görlitz because its well preserved buildings make for amazing scenery.

This means it’s a gorgeous city to wander though. Admire the city hall building, the centuries-old churches, and the quaint cobbled streets.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 39 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

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Quedlinburg

We recently spent a weekend in this cute town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it really does ooze charm. It’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany and features beautiful cobbled streets and rustic timber-framed houses.

To explore the town’s historic architecture, explore the old town and check out the Schloss Quedlinburg (Quedlinburg Castle) and Church of St. Servatius. Also pay a visit to Marktkirche St. Benedikti, which houses artworks and an ancient Gothic alter of St. Mary.

You should also stop by Fachwerkmuseum in Ständerbau. Built around 1310, this ancient half-timbered house is one of the oldest in Germany.

And don’t miss the gorgeous ivy-covered Rathaus (town hall) building in the Marktplatz. It’s definitely picture worthy.

If you like views from high points, you’ll have plenty of choices here. We enjoyed the view from the castle and also climbed 120 stairs to the top of the Sternkiekerturm.

For more nostalgia, take a ride on the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, a historical steam engine train that is said to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in the country.

Read more about things to do in Quedlinburg including how to get there and more.

Time from Berlin: 3 to 4 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus or FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Where to stay in Quedlinburg

Check out these recommendations for hotels in Quedlinburg. Keep in mind that summer prices can be much higher than off season prices.

If you are interested in learning about the Hanseatic League, this is the place to visit. It is home to the European Hansemuseum, which is focused on telling stories of piracy, trade boycotts and the likes via its fascinating exhibitions.

Lübeck features rich brick Gothic architecture filled with idyllic courtyards and lots of maritime attractions. It really is a beautiful city to spend a weekend in.

Explore the old town and its pedestrian-friendly streets. Soak up the city’s charm while taking a stroll through the town center.

Check out the old city gates. If you’re coming in from the train station, you’ll see the famous Holstentor Gate. On the north side of the old town, the Burgtor Gate is also impressive.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 46 minutes – 3 hours 13 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Located in North Germany, Rostock is a fantastic tourist hub that boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Germany. It’s a favorite among beach lovers, especially if you still want a bit of an urban atmosphere for your weekend beach trip.

In the Rostock old town, admire the medieval gates and historical buildings. Check out Saint Mary’s Church and the Cultural History Museum, where you will be astounded by their intricate architecture.

For a wonderful shopping and dining experience, visit Am Strom Promenade and the Kröpeliner Straße.

It’s easy to have a relaxing weekend here, and you can also combine a trip to Rostock with nearby Warnemünde.

Time from Berlin: 2-3 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Located on the Baltic Sea, this seaside town makes for a great weekend trip from Berlin. It’s best known for its historic lighthouse and teapot house, but once you’ve had a quick glance, keep wandering to experience more of the town.

Visitors typically enjoy strolling along the seaside promenade and enjoying refreshing drinks in the beer gardens. Be sure to try some of the delicious local food.

Since Warnemünde is on the sea, you can also spend your whole weekend on the beautiful beach soaking up the sun. Warnemünde is also an easy town to combine with Rostock.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 25 minutes – 3 hours 30 minutes; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus for prices and schedules

Stralsund is another wonderful Hanseatic city on the Baltic coast north of Berlin. The old town is a lovely place to wander and admire the red brick Gothic architecture.

During your weekend in Stralsund, you can visit museums such as the Stralsund Museum and Stralsund in Miniature, or you can visit the aquarium. Another great attraction is the Gorch Foch, a historic ship with a museum inside.

There are also several gorgeous churches in Stralsund, and you can check out a few remaining old city gates and sections of the old city walls. Stralsund is also a popular base for beach trips.

Time from Berlin: 3 to 5 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Located in northern Germany, Bremen was another important city in the Hanseatic League. It’s a beautiful city and a wonderful place to spend a weekend, especially if you want to visit a city not as many tourists go to.

Take a stroll through the old town admiring the Market Square, Roland statue, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Rathaus (town hall). Both the Roland statue and the Rathaus are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You’ll also find many shops, restaurants, and museums in the old town. This is a great area to soak up the culture and learn about the city’s history.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 50 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

Rügen is an island in northern Germany that’s popular for beach trips and spending time in nature. You can stay in a resort town like Binz, or opt for even smaller places where you can camp or be closer to hiking trails.

I highly recommend visiting Jasmund National Park in the northeast section of the island. There are several hiking trails, and the dramatic white cliffs are worth the effort to get there.

Sellin is another cute town worth visiting to see its famous pier. You can take a steam train here from Binz and stop off at various places along the way, including one stop that is close to the Jagdschloss Granitz, a hunting castle with a view.

Overall Rügen is the perfect weekend getaway for those of you who are looking for some nature close to the sea.

Time from Berlin: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

Nuremberg/Nürnberg

Nuremberg (Nürnberg in German) is an interesting city to visit in Bavaria, and it’s only a few hours southwest of Berlin.

The city is packed with WWII history. Nuremberg was an important city for Nazi rallies, and a visit to the Dokumentation will teach you about the city’s dark history.

You should also visit the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. This is the location where the famous Nuremberg Trials took place when Nazi war criminals were prosecuted.

Wander through the old town to admire the half-timbered buildings. Check out the Hauptmarkt (main square), St Lorenz Church, and the Frauenkirche church. These gorgeous icons are a must for a trip to Nuremberg.

Don’t miss the Nuremberg Castle and climb the castle tower for for views of Nuremberg from above. The castle sustained quite a lot of damage during WWII, but luckily has been restored.

You’ll find some delicious local specialties here, like the famous Nuremberg sausages. Try them in a bun or with a side of sauerkraut.

And if you happen to be in Nuremberg in December, the old town hosts one of the most well known Christmas markets in Germany.

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes using Deutsche Bahn

Lüneburg flies under the radar a bit, but it’s a charming and beautiful city. It’s located a little south of Hamburg, so it’s not hard to reach from Berlin.

The medieval town center has red brick Gothic buildings that actually lean a bit due to many years of salt mining. Lüneburg is home to the German Salt Museum, where you can learn about the history and importance of salt mining here.

Explore the Am Sande market square, where you will enjoy sights of gabled houses and the merchant hub of the city. Here you’ll also find the well-preserved Rathaus (town hall) which was spared from war damage.

Be sure to make a stop at the Water Tower and the Stintmarkt, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink from the numerous pubs, bars and beer gardens. Lüneburg is a university town and actually has the second highest density of bars in all of Europe!

Time from Berlin: 2 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours using Deutsche Bahn

Berlin is actually not too far from the Polish border, so if you want to spend a weekend in another country, Poznan is a great choice. We’ve escaped to this small city several times, and I’d definitely go back again.

Check out the market square in the center of the old town. It’s lined with colorful buildings, and in the square itself, you’ll find different fountains and statues.

The Old Town Hall building is also located here. Get there by noon, and you can watch the mechanical goats pop out, dance, and butt heads.

Another great place to visit is Citadel Park. This urban park is home to the Museum of Armaments and the Army Museum.

For something a little quirky, visit the Croissant Museum. Poznan and the surrounding region is known for a version of the croissant called a St. Martin’s croissant, and you can learn about them – and taste one – at this museum.

Poznan is such a cute town for a stroll. Be sure to try some local Polish food while you’re there. Perogi and bigos are both fantastic, and finish off your meal with a shot of Polish vodka.

Time from Berlin: 3 to 4 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Another fantastic city to visit for a weekend outside of Germany is Prague. Not only is it one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, but it’s a reasonable distance from Berlin to go for a weekend, or if you’re trying to decide where to go after Berlin.

Start in the charming old town. The Old Town Square (Staromestska namesti) is where you find the iconic picture of the town with the Church of Our Lady of St Tyn across from the Astronomical Tower.

Check out Charles Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the Vltava River. This gorgeous bridge can be quite crowded in high season, but if you can manage to get up early, there will be fewer people.

Castle Hill is where you’ll find the Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. This is an impressive area to explore.

Prague is home to several quirky creations from David Cerny, such as a pair of bronze statues in the courtyard of the Kafka center. They’re peeing into a pool in the shape of the Czech Republic.

Do you like views? Go to the top of Petrin Hill using the funicular, and then climb up the stairs if you want the view from the tower looks like a mini Eiffel Tower.

Prague is also a great place for a food tour or craft beer tour. We’ve taken the this food tour in Prague and definitely recommend it.

Read my guide on How to Get From Berlin to Prague: Train and Bus Options or my guide on How to Get from Prague to Berlin: Train and Bus Options .

Time from Berlin: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours; compare Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain for prices and schedules

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip, and hopefully this list of weekend trips from Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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Germany Road Trip – The Perfect 7-10 Day Germany Itinerary

Are you looking for a Germany road trip itinerary? Or are you wondering what to do in Germany?

A trip to Germany allows you to see half-timbered houses, fairytale castles, dark forests and bustling cities. You get the chance to try traditional German food, visit stunning palaces and drive on the Autobahn , the highway without speed limits.

We want to show you where to go in Germany and how to plan your trip. This Germany road trip planner does not just help you discover the best of the country, we also give you lots of travel tips. As we are both living here, we know the country well and can tell you precisely what to look out for. Keep reading and start planning your trip now!

Table of Contents

General Advice

About this itinerary for germany.

If you only have around ten days or even less, you won’t be able to see all of Germany. That is why we have focused our post on a Southern Germany road trip. You’ll see lots of famous tourist attractions, like Neuschwanstein Castle, but you’ll also go off the beaten road when visiting the UNESCO pile dwellings at Lake Constance.

We have written this travel itinerary for Germany for 10 days, but you can easily adapt it if you have less time. Skip one day in Frankfurt at the beginning and try to see the highlights of the city on your last day. We would also advise you to skip the hike to Lake Schrecksee and drive onwards to Lake Constance from Neuschwanstein Castle instead.

Last, you can save an additional day by either skipping Würzburg or Blaubeuren. They are both fantastic places to visit, but if you’re pressed for time, you can always come back later to see them.

As an alternative, you can also turn this itinerary into a Frankfurt to Munich road trip. Start from the end, visit the Black Forest, Lake Constance and Neuschwanstein Castle and end your trip in Munich.

Also, this itinerary starts in Frankfurt. The airport of Frankfurt is one of the biggest in Europe, so you should find it easy to fly here. If it’s easier for you, you can look for flights to Munich and start your trip there. This itinerary is a round trip through Germany, so you are free to jump in at any time.

How to rent a car in Germany

We highly recommend that you book your rental car before you come to Germany. During the high season, prices can skyrocket, and it’s often much cheaper to reserve a car in advance.

Among the best websites to do so are rentalcars.com and Discovercars , as they compare prices from different rental car companies. This is much faster than going to the websites individually to find the best price! Plus, you can specifically search for offers that include insurance, and you have lots of filters that help you find the terms and conditions you want.

On the note of insurance, third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Germany, so it has to be included in your offer. However, we recommend covering any damage to the rental car as well, as otherwise, in the case of an accident, you might face high costs.

Click here to search for a rental car in Germany now!

When searching for a car, make sure to double-check the mileage conditions. Some companies offer contracts that include only a limited amount of kilometres. While it may seem cheaper at first, every additional kilometre will cost you so much that it’s usually not worth it.

Also, if you want to start your South Germany road trip in Frankfurt and finish in Munich (or vice versa), you need to specify that you are going to drop off the car in a different location. It might cost you a little extra, but if you have limited time, it’s going to be worth it as it saves you another day of driving.

When to visit Germany

As we just mentioned, you can visit Germany at any time. That said, some seasons are nicer than others.

Summer is generally a good time for a trip to Germany. The weather is great, and it’s fun to spend time outside. As a downside, you’ll run into lots of other tourists, and this is usually the most expensive time of the year.

As an alternative, you could visit during the shoulder season in spring and autumn. The weather starts getting better in May, and you can still experience warm days in September and early October. You’ll also see far fewer tourists than in summer.

In winter, you’ll likely encounter much more rain than during the other seasons. The trees drop their leaves, which can make regions like the Black Forest look slightly desolated. That said, you have the chance to experience some of Europe’s best Christmas markets in December, and you might also encounter snow in winter.

How to get to Germany

For this itinerary, you can either fly to Frankfurt or Munich. Frankfurt’s airport is bigger, so you might find better deals to go here. It’s best to check out both cities, though, so you can find the best deal.

When searching for flights, we usually use websites like Skyscanner that allow us to compare lots of airlines at the same time. It’s very useful for finding a good deal, so go and check out flight prices now .

Germany road trip itinerary – Discover the best of Germany

Days 1-2: frankfurt.

Start your road trip in Frankfurt.

Frankfurt is not just the financial centre of Germany; it also features an Old Town full of half-timbered houses, a pretty riverside and lots of traditional pubs where you can spend your evenings.

We suggest taking your first day easy (especially if you had a long flight) and then spending a whole day in Frankfurt afterwards. Even though this is not enough time to see everything, it allows you to get a good glimpse of the city and its main attractions.

If you only have one week in Germany, skip Frankfurt and pick up your rental car at the airport. You can visit the city’s main attractions at the end of the week when you return here. However, if you’re going to see Germany in 10 days, then you can wait to pick up your car and enjoy your time in Frankfurt first.

Highlights of Frankfurt:

• Römerberg and the Old Town:  The half-timbered houses surrounding Römerberg are amongst the most impressive you can find in Germany. After World War II, most of this neighbourhood was in ruins. Fortunately, the city decided to reconstruct the historic houses, so you can admire them today. Make sure also to take a look at the Town Hall. If you need any further information, you can find the tourist information there.
• Eiserner Steg:  Did you know that Frankfurt is the only German city with that many skyscrapers? From the bridge Eiserner Steg , you have one of the most iconic views of the skyline. It’s especially lovely in the evening when the sun sets behind the high buildings.
• Apfelwein:  The local speciality of Frankfurt is called Apfelwein , which translates to “apple wine”. It’s a drink similar to cider but with no gas and a slightly more tart aftertaste. The best place to try it is on the Southern side of the river Main, in Sachsenhausen. Here, you can find many Apfelwein pubs, which can also serve you traditional foods from the area.
• Visit a museum:  Frankfurt is home to lots of great museums. Our top picks include the Städel Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art, the Goethe House, which is the birth house of the famous writer and the Palmengarten. While the latter is technically not a museum but the city’s botanical garden, it is well worth visiting.

Where to stay in Frankfurt

When planning a trip to Germany, we highly recommend that you look into hotels before you leave. Especially in summer, hotel rooms tend to book out, and prices go up if you wait for too long.

If you’re visiting in winter, you don’t need to worry too much. Nevertheless, for peace of mind, it’ll be great to have a hotel reservation already by the time you land in Frankfurt.

There are many great neighbourhoods for your stay in Frankfurt . However, since you only have a bit more than one day, we recommend you pick a hotel in the city centre. That way, you’ll be close to the city’s main attractions.

Here are our favourite picks for this area:

Mid-Range:  The Moxy Frankfurt City Centre has the perfect location. From here, you can reach Römerberg and the river Main within a few minutes. The rooms are stylish and the beds comfortable, so what else could you wish for? Click here to check out prices and reviews!

A little more comfort: The Hotel Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof has a history of more than 100 years. It dates back to 1876 and is well-known for its elegant and classic interiors. You can find a Michelin-starred restaurant in the hotel as well as a fantastic spa – perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. Find out availability and prices now!

Budget : It’s challenging to find a decent budget hotel in the centre of Frankfurt. Nevertheless, the Hotel Scala Frankfurt City Centre offers affordable rooms and is only a few minutes away from the main pedestrian zone. When it comes to value for money, this hotel is one of the best. Read reviews and book your room now!

Day 3: Würzburg

This morning, take your rental car and drive to Würzburg. The first leg of your round trip around Germany is short, and as a highway connects Frankfurt and Würzburg, it should only take you an hour and a half.

In Germany, the Romantic Road is one of the biggest tourist magnets, especially for international visitors. It starts here in Würzburg and connects many traditional towns and villages with highlights like the Würzburg Residence. While you’re not going to follow it for this trip, it is worth checking out if you ever return to Germany.

For now, though, focus on Würzburg. Besides the Residence, a fantastic palace designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can find many more attractions here. Hike through vineyards, explore the Old Town and drink a glass of local wine on a historic bridge.

Highlights of Würzburg:

• Würzburg Residence: The Würzburg Residence is one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Germany. After visiting the inside, make sure to also stroll through the gardens. They are gorgeous in summer, but you can also admire the symmetry in winter.
• Marienberg Fortress: On the hike up to Marienberg Fortress, you come past many vineyards and viewpoints. From the top, you then have a fantastic view of Würzburg. If you’re not too tired yet, join one of the guided tours of the interior and explore the Princes’ Hall and the Treasury.
• Old Main Bridge: Explore the Old Town on foot and then end your day with a glass of wine on the Old Main Bridge. While German wine might not be that well-known internationally, the wineries in Würzburg produce some pretty good wine that they sell on the bridge. Go and grab a glass! If the weather is nice, you’ll find many locals joining you to enjoy the evening.

Where to stay in Würzburg

We highly recommend that you book a hotel close to the city centre of Würzburg. That way, you can make the most of your time in this city and can walk home after having a glass of wine in the evening.

Here are a few options:

Mid-Range:  The Franziskaner is known for its clean and modern rooms and its excellent location close to the Würzburg Cathedral. You can find public parking opposite the hotel, and it’s only a short walk to the Old Main Bridge. Click here to read reviews and check availability and prices !

A little more comfort: The Hotel Würzburger Hof offers beautifully decorated rooms close to the city centre. Reviews often mention the friendly and helpful staff, so go and check it out yourself !

Budget: It’s not easy to find a decent budget hotel right in the city centre of Würzburg. The Mainviertelhof, on the other side of the river Main, is a good option, and you can often find great deals here. Click to see availability and prices for your stay !

Day 4: Blaubeuren & Munich

Today, you’ll drive all the way to Munich. Instead of going the shortest route or following Germany’s Romantic Road, though, take the highway A7 south towards Ulm and stop in Blaubeuren.

Blaubeuren is famous for the Blautopf, an impossibly blue pond. If you leave Würzburg early enough and don’t get caught in a traffic jam, you can also visit one of the nearby caves.

Highlights of Blaubeuren:

• Blautopf:  This natural wonder is a must-see during your stop in Blaubeuren. Limestone particles make this pond shimmer in bright shades of blue and green. The colours are most beautiful in the morning, but it’s worth coming here at any time of the day. While the Blautopf looks like a small lake, it is much deeper than you would imagine. Twenty-two metres below the surface, you can find an entrance into a giant cave system.
• Blaubeuren Abbey : Next to the Blautopf, you can find the Blaubeuren Abbey. For a small entrance fee, you can visit the inside. Make sure to also stop by the Bathhouse of the Monks, which you can find behind the abbey. The wall decorations are very unusual, and you’ll get a great insight into how the life of the monks must have been hundreds of years ago.
• Hohle Fels Cave : This cave is a short drive from Blaubeuren, but if you have enough time, make sure to stop here. Humans have sheltered in this cave for around 65,000 years, and archaeologists found the oldest instrument in the world here. If you want to see the instrument (and more man-made exhibits from about 40,000 years ago), make sure also to visit the URMU museum in Blaubeuren.

After having stopped in Blaubeuren, continue your Germany round trip by driving to Munich. Depending on traffic, it takes around two hours to get here. In German, the city is called München, so don’t be confused if you never see any road signs mentioning Munich!

Where to stay in Munich

Stay in one of the hotels close to the centre, so it’s easy for you to explore the city the next day. As you have a whole day in Munich, make sure to book a stay for two nights.

Here are some good options:

Mid-Range : From Hotel Haus im Tal, you can reach the city centre in just a few minutes. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Click here to book your stay now !

A little more comfort : If you want maximum comfort, stay at the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München. The hotel offers stylish rooms with lots of extras and amenities, a fantastic spa with a sauna and a gym. If you want to learn more, click here to read reviews and find out everything the hotel has to offer !

Budget : Hotel Eder provides clean and simple rooms close to the Old Town. Deals often include buffet-style breakfast, giving you excellent value for your money. Check out rates and availability on booking.com !

Day 5: Munich

Today, you have a whole day to explore Munich. The biggest city in Southern Germany offers lots of historic buildings, majestic palaces and the perfect chance to try traditional Bavarian food.

Highlights of Munich:

• Marienplatz : Munich’s central square is one of the best starting points for exploring the city. Here, you can find both the old and the new town hall, a fountain and the Mariensäule, a column to the Virgin Mary that dates back to 1638. If you stop here at 11 am or noon, you can see the mechanical figures on the front of the New Town Hall move and dance to a song.
• Nymphenburg Palace : Even though you only have one day in Munich, try to make it to Nymphenburg Palace. The splendid interior is well worth a visit, and you could spend hours walking through the gardens. As you’re short on time, opt for a brief stroll instead or go for a gondola ride on the canals that surround the palace.
• English Garden : This massive park in Munich is a favourite for both locals and tourists.  In summer, it’s an excellent location for a picnic, but it’s fun to come here at any time of the year. Don’t miss the Chinese Tower, a 25-metre-high pagoda, and make sure to stop by the Eisbachwelle to see local surfers right in the middle of the city.
• Hofbräuhaus : Munich is the perfect place to try traditional Bavarian food. While you’ll see some typical German food all over the country, the state of Bavaria is famous for some dishes you can only find here. If you’re travelling to Germany for the first time, we recommend that you try the Weißwurst with pretzel or go for the Schweinshaxe, the pork knuckle. Both are very traditional dishes. The Hofbräuhaus, a beer hall that dates back to 1589, is the perfect place to try them.

Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle

This morning, get up early and head to Hohenschwangau, the next stop on your Germany travel itinerary. The little town on the edge of the Alps is home to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Driving here takes a little less than two hours, which leaves you with plenty of time to see the castle and explore nearby attractions.

Highlights of Hohenschwangau:

• Neuschwanstein Castle : Even though the castle looks as if it had stood here for centuries, it only dates back to the late 1800s. King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who built the castle, only lived here for 172 days until he died under mysterious circumstances. If you want to visit the inside and learn more about King Ludwig, you need to book your tickets well in advance (ideally, the moment you start to plan a trip to Germany). Fortunately, we have written a guide on how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle  to help you prepare for your visit.
• Marienbrücke : Just above Neuschwanstein Castle, you can find the Bridge of Mary. It takes around 20 minutes to walk here, and you’ll get to experience one of the most famous views of the castle. If you continue on the other side of the bridge, you can find even more fantastic viewpoints.
• Hohenschwangau Castle : Make sure also to visit Hohenschwangau Castle, the yellow castle on the other side of the town. King Ludwig II used to spend his summers here, and this is where he got the inspiration to construct Neuschwanstein Castle. As his family lived in the castle for decades, the interior is much more interesting than in Neuschwanstein.

After having explored Hohenschwangau, we recommend that you continue to the nearby town of Füssen. The Old Town of Füssen is well worth a visit , and you’ll have a much better choice when it comes to hotels and restaurants compared to Hohenschwangau.

Where to stay in Füssen

For your Germany trip, planning ahead is sometimes essential. Not only should you book your ticket to Neuschwanstein as early as possible, but we recommend that you also don’t leave your hotel booking in Füssen until the last minute. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the 10 top tourist attractions in Germany, and the nicest hotels tend to book out early.

Base yourself here for two nights so that you can explore the Alps the next day.

Mid-Range : You can find Hotel Fantasia on the edge of the Old Town of Füssen, in a beautifully renovated traditional Bavarian house. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps, or you can go for a stroll through Füssen itself. And the best part? Most deals include breakfast! Go and check out prices and availability now!

A little more comfort : Hotel Hirsch offers really cool themed rooms which are beautifully decorated. Most rates include access to the breakfast buffet, and you also find free parking here. Click here to see reviews and book now !

Budget : It’s not easy to find proper budget accommodation in Füssen, but we have managed to locate an affordable guest house for you. The Maurushaus offers excellent rooms in a great location for little money. Unfortunately, last we checked, they were only taking limited bookings. Nevertheless, you should go and check out if they’re available for your dates!

Budget alternative: An alternative to the Maurushaus, though not quite as nice, is the Motel Füssen Im Allgäu. It’s not quite in the centre, but the Old Town is only a five-minute walk away. Click here to see photos and prices!

Day 7: Hike to Lake Schrecksee

Today, you have a whole day to explore the Bavarian Alps. We recommend going for a hike to Germany’s highest alpine lake, Lake Schrecksee, but you also have many other options.

To hike to Lake Schrecksee, you need to get up early and make your way to Hinterstein. Here, you can leave your car at the parking lot and start your hike to Lake Schrecksee.

It takes about three hours to get to the lake, maybe an hour more if you’re not used to hiking regularly. In summer, make sure to bring your swimsuit so you can cool down and go for a swim during your break.

In winter, the hike to Lake Schrecksee is not feasible. But don’t worry, you can still find lots of things to do in the area. You could either go for a winter hike through the snow or ride a horse carriage through the snowy landscape.

An alternative is to drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a cute town near the Austrian border with lots of things to do. Or you could visit the Linderhof Palace, another one of King Ludwig II’s palaces. It’s gorgeous on snowy days.

In Germany, the road conditions in winter are usually good. Nevertheless, on snowy winter days, you might find ice on the roads. Therefore, if you are driving in Germany as a tourist, make sure to respect all speed limits and be careful. Those winding mountain roads can be challenging to navigate for anyone who doesn’t use them regularly.

Day 8: Lake Constance & The Black Forest

Today, get up early to make your way to the Black Forest.

We believe that the best way to travel through Germany by car is by making lots of stops along the way. You can discover so many beautiful places that it’s easy to break up long driving days. And that’s exactly what you’re going to do today, by taking a detour to Lake Constance.

How to visit the prehistoric pile dwellings of Lake Constance

Lake Constance is Germany’s biggest lake, even though not all of it belongs to Germany. The borders with Austria and Switzerland run through this lake, but you’ll be staying on the German side today.

Make your way to Unteruhldingen, where you can visit one of Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the prehistoric pile dwellings of Lake Constance. You need to leave your car at the parking above the village but don’t worry. There are plenty of signs along the way to guide you.

The oldest stilt houses in the area date back to around 4,000 BC, and archaeologists found settlements in nine different locations. A boardwalk takes you around reconstructed pile dwellings, with separate sections dating back to different time periods.

Afterwards, make sure to stop in the museum, where you can see some of the ancient artefacts from the villages in the region.

If it’s lunchtime, walk to the restaurant Häfeli. Here, you can sit at the shore of the lake and enjoy a Dinnele, a traditional dish from the area similar to pizza. Ask for the one topped with fish from the lake to make it a truly unique foodie experience.

Where to stay in the Black Forest

After you’ve visited Lake Constance, the next stop on your 10 days in Germany-itinerary is the Black Forest. You can find lots of cute villages that could serve as a perfect base to explore the region. We suggest that you either stay in Triberg or somewhere further north.

Here are some ideas for excellent accommodation that you’re going to love:

Mid-Range : We stayed at the Bartleshof in the Black Forest and absolutely loved it. This farm rents out rooms and small apartments furnished with traditional furniture from the area. Not only does this make for a lovely atmosphere, but the Bartleshof is also a quiet place far away from all trouble and noises of the city. Click here to check out current rates and availability !

A bit more comfort : The Adler Schiltach Boutique Hotel is located in one of the cute half-timbered houses you can find in the Black Forest. The rooms are spacious, you can find free parking, and breakfast is often included in the rate. Plus, the building might be hundreds of years old, but the rooms are new and recently renovated. Read reviews and find out more information now !

Budget : Finding proper budget accommodation in the Black Forest is not easy. Nevertheless, you can find some decently priced hotels here. The Rommelehof is one of them and often offers reasonable rates. It’s located in a very traditional building from the Black Forest, which means that staying here is a unique experience. Click here to see photos and book your stay !

Day 9: Black Forest

Today, it’s time to visit the Black Forest.

The advantage of going around by car in Germany is that you can stop in lots of small villages along the way. The Black Forest has many of them, and they are all worth a visit! Besides that, you can also visit an open-air museum, see the world’s largest cuckoo clock or experience one of the best scenic drives in Germany.

Amongst the villages that we loved most are Haslach and Wolfach. Strolling through the towns, admiring the half-timbered houses, and sitting down to enjoy traditional food are among the best things to see and do in Germany.

If you like traditional architecture, make sure also to visit Rottweil. This city on the edge of the Black Forest is well worth a side trip, especially if you have some additional days to spend in Germany.

Highlights of the Black Forest:

• Vogtsbauernhof : This open-air museum gives you a fantastic insight into what life was like in the Black Forest more than a hundred years ago. You can explore the old buildings, participate in a guided tour, make your own butter or just watch the staff as they walk around, dressed in traditional clothing from the area.
• The world’s largest cuckoo clock : On the road from Hausach to Triberg, you will come across the world’s largest cuckoo clock. Stop by the Eble Uhren-Park, where you can also see many other cuckoo clocks. If you want to, you can even buy your own in the shop!
• Triberg Waterfalls : The waterfall in Triberg is the highest one in Germany. A trail takes you all the way to its top, from where you can enjoy the view. If you’re interested in hiking through the Black Forest (which was said to have inspired the Grimm Brothers to write their fairytales), you can also find lots of fantastic hiking trails in this area.
• Panoramic Road : The Panoramic Road of the Black Forest, called Panoramastraße in German, invites you on one of the best road trips in Germany. You travel through the Southern Black Forest on winding mountain roads and through tiny villages. Information on the official website is available primarily in German, but you can find a map here  that will help you navigate.

Day 10: Frankfurt

Today, it’s time to drive back to Frankfurt. Make sure to include a few stops along the way. We recommend Nagold, where you can hike up to the castle on the hill behind the city, or Calw. Out of all the places we visited in Germany, Calw has some of the best-preserved Old Towns, with lots of pretty half-timbered houses.

When you return to Frankfurt, your road trip to Germany has come to an end. Enjoy your last evening with a glass of Apfelwein , and spend some time walking along the river Main or visiting some of the sights you missed on your first day here.

If you only have a week in Germany, we recommend that you don’t visit Frankfurt at the beginning of your trip. Instead, pass Nagold and Calw today and head straight back to Frankfurt to see the city. This allows you to squeeze as much as possible into this one week that you have to see the country.

If you have more time

If you have more than ten days for your road trip, we have lots of inspiration for you. You could spend more time in Munich or the Black Forest, or visit a completely different area in the country.

What you can see and do will ultimately depend on how many days in Germany you have. Here are some ideas for you:

• Cologne : From Frankfurt, it’s easy to get to Cologne. You can either use your rental car or go by high-speed train. Cologne is most famous for its cathedral, but it’s also a fantastic city if you want to try local food, explore a chocolate museum and go for long walks along the river.
• The Rhine and Mosel Valleys : The road trip through Germany we described above is only one option, and there are many more road trips in Germany worth doing. If you have enough time, you could extend your trip by visiting either the Rhine or the Mosel Valley – or both. Both are famous for their wine, their castles and their cute villages. Cochem is a great place to relax, or you could explore Eltz Castle, which gained lots of fame through Instagram lately.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber : If you have 2 weeks in Germany, or even more, you could consider adding more stops to this itinerary. After visiting Würzburg, for example, you have the chance to go on a detour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This cute town looks so typically German that you’ll see it featured on many guidebooks. It’s also part of the Romantic Road, so you can follow that road for a while.

Driving in Germany

If you want to go on a road trip, Germany is the perfect country. Roads in Germany are usually well-maintained, and you have the Autobahn , the highway, connecting major points of interest.

Nevertheless, you might have a few questions about your road trip in Germany, which we are going to answer now.

What side of the road does Germany drive on?

In Germany, the driving side is the right side of the road. This is the same as in all of mainland Europe and North America.

If you’re used to driving on the left side of the road and have never been to a country where you have to go on the right, take it easy for the first few days. I learned to drive on the right side of the road, and when I rented a car in Malaysia, it took me a while to get used to driving on the left.

Eventually, it becomes easier, and you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.

Driving in Germany – road signs

As a tourist, driving in Germany is usually straightforward. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most common road signs before arriving in the country.

Fortunately, all road signs in Europe follow a European convention. If you’re coming from outside the continent, you only have to learn those signs once, and you’re good to go for most places in Europe.

Wikipedia has a comprehensive overview of German road signs that you might find helpful.

Speed limits in Germany

When driving in Germany, it’s essential to know about speed limits.

As a general rule, the speed limit is 50 km/h in towns, cities and villages and 100 km/h on roads outside populated areas. On the highway, we don’t have a speed limit, so you can go as fast as your car and traffic allow.

That said, you will often see road signs with speed limits, so on large stretches of the Autobahn (and on many roads in and outside cities), you have to respect these limits.

Can you drink and drive in Germany?

No, you can’t. The limit for blood alcohol is 0,5 ‰ and 0,0 ‰ for drivers under 21. If you drink more than that, you can get heavy fines, so it’s better not to risk it.

Are there paid roads in Germany?

In Germany, road toll does not exist – at least not if your vehicle weighs less than 3.5 tons. Regular cars are free to go on the highway and leave it wherever they please without having to pay anything.

Do I need a road map of Germany?

We usually use Google Maps to get around. As this will require you to either have access to data or download many maps before you leave, we recommend using maps.me if you come from outside the EU.

Can I do this itinerary in winter?

You absolutely can! Driving in Germany in winter is not very different from driving in summer.

In the South, you will often see snow in winter, while in the rest of Germany, temperatures are above zero on most days. Drive carefully if there’s any snow and ice covering the roads, and make sure your car has winter tyres. They are mandatory in winter, so double-check when getting your vehicle.

Also, be aware that you won’t be able to hike to Lake Schrecksee in winter. Instead, we recommend staying an extra day in Füssen and going for a winter hike or a ride in a sledge across the frozen lakes.

We hope you found this Germany itinerary for 10 days useful. We don’t like driving much and even we thought that exploring Germany by car was a fantastic experience.

As we live in Germany, we have lots of other resources on our blog to help you plan your trip. Check out the following posts which you’re going to find useful:

• How to visit Neuschwanstein Castle – everything you need to know
• How to spend a perfect day in Frankfurt
• Hike to Lake Schrecksee and see Germany’s highest alpine lake
• Coming in December? Find out how to visit the Frankfurt Christmas Market!

Until your next adventure!

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Ilona is a world traveller passionate about sharing her experiences and giving advice to fellow travellers. Having visited over 70 countries, she is always excited about her next trip.

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What a great post! Thank you! Wurzburg is on our itinerary, but we’re also going to Dresden and Berlin. I haven’t seen much of the Black Forest, but perhaps another time.

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Germany Itinerary: From Berlin to Munich Your Ultimate Travel Route!

Are you planning your germany itinerary getting overwhelmed by all the information out there.

Table of Contents

No need to worry! I have created this classic must-see Germany itinerary from Berlin to Munich, which includes many of the highlights. You’ll find suggestions on where to go and what to do. 

Visiting Germany

Germany has the most significant population in Europe, after Russia. It’s also a big country geographically. Each region has its differences. Food, accents, traditional dress, and more vary from one part of the country to another.

First, you need to establish what’s most important to you. Do you want to spend the most time visiting cities like Munich and Cologne ?  Or in nature? Do you want to explore historical sites? Do you want to stay primarily in one spot? Or do you want to move around every day?

Think about these questions, while reading through the itineraries. Then you can choose the destinations that align with your interests. Alright, let’s go!

10 Days Itinerary from Berlin to Munich 

This part of the country boasts spectacular ancient palaces, soaring church towers, medieval fortifications, and many great museums. Alongside these cultural treasures, it is also a paradise for nature lovers.

Below I have collected the top places to see in the region. You can use this as a framework for your planning. The itineraries can both be extended or shortened by adding/removing days at each destination.

Days 1 -2: Berlin

Twentieth-century history fuses with the present at nearly every turn in Germany’s capital. A visit to Berlin is at once a glance at the past, and a look to the future of a nation.

There’s a ton of options for tours and attractions in town. Some of my favourites are small-group walking tours, VIP entry to TV tower with panorama views over the city. Or a one-hour sightseeing boat trip , which is a fun way to see Berlin.

Where to stay in Berlin: In the Heart of Berlin

Related Reading: The Best of the 2500 parks in Berlin.

Day 3: Day Trip to Potsdam

Not far from Berlin, you’ll find Sanssouci Palace. This castle is the most closely linked with Fredrick the Great. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s in a gorgeous setting located on a small hill, covered with vineyard terraces.

The best way to explore all the highlights is by joining the Classic city and castle tour. Or if you want to see the most beautiful sights of Potsdam and discover the hill landscape from the water, check out this tour .

Related Reading: Top 24 Best Castles in Germany.

Day 4: Nuremberg

Use Nuremberg as your base before you make a road trip on the Romantic Road. Spend one day exploring the town which was once was the center of the Holy Roman Empire and the cradle of the German Renaissance. And home to the Nuremberg Nazi rallies and trials.

The best way for you to explore is by joining a walking tour . You will see all the main attractions while learning about its history.

If you got an appetite for traditional culinary food, and enjoy historical sights. I would recommend joining a culinary tour .

Where to stay in Nuremberg: This Hotel

Day 5: The Romantic Road Germany Itinerary 

Rent a car for the day for a short road trip. Drive further to Würzburg , the northernmost destination on the road.

Wurzburg is one of the larger towns on the Romantic Road. You can’t miss Marienberg Fortress on the hill. This is one of the most popular things to do in Wurzburg, with some of the best views of the city.

Then drive further to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  It takes about 45 minutes. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is one of the most famous and picturesque destinations on the Romantic Road.

Due to its popularity, it gets really crowded. So, spending the night there, which most people don’t do, gives you the charming town to yourself.

Day 6 – 7: Munich

Most of its iconic sites are located within the medieval city gates, making them easy to explore either on foot or by bike.

You’ll also want to experience the beer gardens. There are hundreds, including the most extensive beer garden in Europe. Not to mention the 100+ museums and galleries for culture lovers. Check out our Munich City Guide for more details and be sure to experience a classical concert in Munich Residenz where Mozart himself used to play.

There are also some exciting day trips from Munich. Two that I recommend are:

• a day trip to Salzburg , Mozart’s hometown
• a somber visit to a concentration camp in Dachau at the  Dachau Memorial Site to learn about its history

Where to stay in Munich: Munich Central close to Marienplatz 

Day 8: Neuschwanstein Castle 

Neuschwanstein is Germany’s most famous castle. Americans may know it as the  Cinderella Castle seen at Disney World.

Designed in a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Byzantine styles, all randomly blended.  Highly stylistic, it pays homage to the German composer Richard Wagner.

I find it over-the-top and incredibly unique. You’ll never see another castle quite like Schloss Neuschwanstein! (Note:  Schloss is German for a castle .)

Due to this place’s popularity, I highly recommend organizing a tour beforehand. Check out this tour where you visit both Cinderella Castle and its “little brother” Linderhof Castle, his only finished castle which is nearby.

Related Reading: Neuschwanstein Castle: How to make the most of your visit.

In 8 days you can see a lot in our Berlin to Munich Germany itinerary.

Love Exploring

Germany’s Most Scene-Stealing Road Trips to Enjoy

Posted: January 31, 2024 | Last updated: January 31, 2024

From castles to coast

Germany has many highlights, from cities overflowing with culture and world-famous landmarks to mountains that harbor fairy-tale castles. Then there’s the nature: the less-explored Baltic coastline, waterfalls found deep in the Black Forest, lakes dotted with islets and vast nature reserves. The best way to appreciate all this loveliness is on a road trip. From a journey inspired by the Brothers Grimm to roads that follow the salt-sprayed “German Riviera”, here are some of the best scenic road trips in Germany.

Berlin to Hainich National Park

This route is like a series of snapshots of Germany’s best bits. Starting in Berlin, and lasting for around 350 miles (563km), the journey first dips south to Potsdam, with opulent buildings like the 18th-century Sanssouci Palace, dubbed the “Prussian Versailles”. Then there's the medieval town of Brandenburg, famed for its Gothic architecture. Among more enchanting stops along the way is Spreewald or Spree Forest, a forest and biosphere reserve laced with wetlands and canals, and dotted with “floating” houses (pictured).

Drivers can travel via scenic roads that skim past nature reserves and wiggle through the conservation area of Naturpark Thüringer Schiefergebirge, so the journey is best taken leisurely over a few days. The destination is also worthy of slow exploration. Hainich National Park (pictured) is one of the last remaining primeval beech forests in Central Europe, with a canopy walk that takes hikers through the treetops as lynx and wolves roam the forest below.

Stuttgart to Weil am Rhein

This delightful route delves into parts of the ever-popular Baden Wine Route , while also devouring portions of the Black Forest. Covering around 175 miles (282km), the journey out from Stuttgart weaves through wine-growing villages on the edge of the Black Forest while also taking in vineyards in the foothills of the Upper Rhine Valley. The elegant spa town of Baden Baden and the Kaiserstuhl wine region (pictured) are among the string of scenic highlights.

There are many opportunities to take detours through different wine areas along the route, heading into the hilly Kraichgau district, known for pinot noir, or spending time around Badische Bergstraße near Heidelberg. A natural journey’s end is Weil am Rhein, the most southwesterly town in Germany on the east bank of the River Rhine. The town is home to the striking Vitra Design Museum , which has buildings designed by Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, and the Three Countries Bridge (pictured), which crosses the Rhine to link Germany with Switzerland and France.

Mannheim to Bayreuth

Stretching for an epic 746 miles (1,200km), the Castle Road runs all the way to Prague in the Czech Republic. This 373-mile (600km) section weaves through southern Germany, incorporating some of the country’s most fascinating fortresses. The line-up of captivating castles and royal residences is dizzying, with the Baroque 18th-century Mannheim Palace at the start of the route and jaw-dropping stops at Nuremberg and Heidelberg Castles. Picturesque towns along the way include the incredibly pretty Rothenburg ob der Tauber (pictured).

Driving this route spans millennia and passes through some of Germany’s most stunning architecture, from hilltop fortresses and medieval ruins to lavish palaces and summer residences. The final castle is Hermitage Old Palace in Bayreuth, built in 1715 by Margrave Georg Wilhelm for his wife Wilhelmine, who extended it into a lavish example of Rococo architecture (pictured).

Bonn to Trier

The Volcanoes Route showcases a side of Germany beyond its famous castles and captivating, culturally rich cities. This 174-mile (280km) journey passes through the mountainous Eifel region, which is the country’s most geologically active area and – as the scenic route’s name suggests – strings together several volcanoes. It’s a starkly beautiful landscape shaped by lava flow, although thankfully the volcanoes have laid dormant for around 10,000 years. Signs along the route weave together stories of eruptions, while highlights include the caldera lake Laacher See and nearby Andernach Geyser (pictured).

Easily completed at a leisurely pace within a day, the route also passes cinder cones, quarries and spurting geysers. It ends at the southwestern city of Trier (pictured), once a Roman colony and trading hub known as the “second Rome”. Unsurprisingly it’s rich in architecture, including the 4th-century High Cathedral of St. Peter, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany. It stands above a former emperor’s palace, with the original Roman walls still visible inside. The setting is particularly lovely, with the city arranged by the Moselle River and surrounded by vineyards.

Frankfurt to Schweigen-Rechtenbach

Incorporating the country’s oldest scenic drive, the German Wine Route which was designated in 1935, these 115 miles (185km) or so are best taken slowly, especially for those who plan to taste some of the renowned Riesling wines along the way. From Frankfurt, the road dips south to Bockenheim, the route’s official starting point, and plunges right into the heart of the Palatinate or Pfalz wine region (pictured).

Tasting rooms, pretty villages and even roadside sampling spots line the route, while the Dürkheim Barrel – the world’s largest wine barrel used for dining and tasting – is a must-stop. It’s an especially pretty stretch in spring, when almond trees are in full blossom and fruit shrubs are bursting into life. The route ends at the German Wine Gate (pictured) in Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the border with France.

Papenburg to Papenburg

Starting and finishing in Papenburg, a city in the northern Emsland region of Lower Saxony, this scenic 106-mile (170km) loop – also a popular cycling route – heads north to Aurich before circling back. Along the way, it takes in landscapes from a patchwork of greenery and farms in the Ammerland region, to charming canal-side villages. Skirting near the border with the Netherlands, the Fen Route is named for the Dutch word “fehn”, referring to the methods used in the 16th and 17th centuries to dig canals for drainage by marshland.

The views are unrelentingly glorious, from meadows with picture-book windmills to nature reserves. Back in Papenburg , a vibrant port city known for shipbuilding, several museums trace the history of sailing and the shipping industry in the region. The city is also laced with canals, crossed by bascule bridges (drawbridges) and dotted with permanently moored, historic ships (pictured).

Weimar to Dessau

The influence of Bauhaus, a progressive design movement born in Weimar in 1919, can still be seen in buildings around the world. But its tenure in its home country was relatively short-lived, with the school forced to close by the Nazi regime in 1933. This fascinating trip – covering around 178 miles (286km) – takes in important Bauhaus sites including Weimar’s new museum , 1923-built experimental house Haus am Horn and Dornburg, whose Rococo palaces (pictured) are home to the Bauhaus Pottery Workshop.

Other stops include Chemnitz, known as the City of Modernity thanks to buildings such as Villa Esche , and Leipzig’s Grassi Museum whose distinctive stained-glass windows were designed by Josef Albers, who taught at Bauhaus. The final stop – Dessau – was home to the school from 1925 until it was forced out of the country. Here, the Bauhaus Building , designed by the movement’s founder Walter Gropius as the new school and workshop, is now UNESCO-protected.

Düsseldorf to Mainz

Officially designated as the Romantic Rhine route, this road trip scoops up some of the country’s most beguiling cities and stunning landscapes into its 155 miles (250km). Think majestic cliffs, rolling vineyards and fascinating castles clinging to forest-blanketed hillsides. The scenic journey starts in riverside Düsseldorf before heading south to Cologne, whose fabled Gothic cathedral dominates the landscape. The road continues to beautiful Bonn before unfurling through the spectacular Rhine Valley (pictured).

The final destination on this inspiring route is Mainz (pictured), just south of Frankfurt. Sitting pretty at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers, it’s both charmingly quaint and wonderfully vibrant, with wine bars and restaurants in half-timbered houses. The city’s crowning glory is the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, dating back to the 10th century.

Hanover to Hanover

Dubbed the Asparagus Route , this journey really is all about the vegetable, although the pretty scenery should appeal even to those who dislike the spears. Lower Saxony is the heart of asparagus growing in Germany and this loop links up around 470 miles (756km) of towns, farms and countryside. The route officially starts and ends in Burgdorf, known for white asparagus, though Hanover is the closest big city (around half an hour away by car). Then it’s a journey tracing the vegetable’s heritage from root to tip, with Lüneburg Heath (pictured) among the gorgeous places it grows.

The road is happily well-signposted and also traverses the asparagus-growing regions of Brunswick, Mittelweser and Oldenburg Münsterland. During harvest season, usually from April to June, the spears can be sampled along the route and in restaurants, while the plants – bearing red berries – look lovely in fall too. Bookending the trip, Hanover has some incredible architecture including the 14th-century Market Church and the elegant, castle-like New Town Hall (pictured) dating from 1913.

Frankfurt to Bremen

Fairy-tale scenery is almost commonplace in Germany, so it stands to reason there’s a designated Fairy Tale Route , known as Märchenstraße. The route joins up magical sites connected to the works of the Brothers Grimm (Wilhelm and Jacob). There are more than 60 stops marked out along its 375 miles (604km), including the brothers’ birthplace in Hanau, enchanting villages, and castles and palaces straight from a children’s picture book – including Trendelburg (pictured), the purported setting for Rapunzel. In Hamelin, the pavements are inlaid with brass rats, while Kassel’s Grimm World houses original manuscripts.

The journey is so pinch-me pretty that it doesn’t feel real, which is apt given the theme. Aside from fairy tales and folklore, the scenic route includes several nature parks, forests, flower-strewn meadows, mountains and rivers. At the journey’s end, Bremen has its own connection to the Brothers Grimm as the setting for their tale Town Musicians of Bremen , about a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster who journey to the city in search of a better life. A bronze statue in the market square pays homage to the legend.

Würzburg to Füssen

The storybook scenery continues on this north-to-south route, known as the Romantic Road or Romantische Straße. It’s one of Germany’s most popular road trips for good reason. Lots of reasons, actually: chocolate-box Bavarian villages, vineyards in the Alpine foothills, medieval walled towns and dreamy hilltop castles are just a few of them. The 249-mile (400km) journey begins in Würzburg (pictured) and continues along to Füssen with a string of stunning sights.

One of the route’s most spectacular sights is actually right at the end, near the Bavarian town of Füssen, and it links this journey with another spectacular road trip – the Alpine route or Alpenstraße. Bavarian King Ludwig II’s 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle (pictured) is so ethereal and picture-perfect that it’s believed to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, the king’s childhood residence, is equally lavish.

Berlin to Leipzig

The Avenues Route is all about the slow, scenic back way, and includes nearly 2,000 miles (around 3,000km) of tree-flanked road from the Baltic Sea in the north right down to Lake Constance in the south. This chunk of the route traces around 650 miles (1,046km) of these green avenues through the prettiest parts of central Germany. The route picks up in Dessau, around a 1.5-hour drive southwest of Berlin, before looping through the Harz Mountains (pictured).

This road trip is like a jewel box of Germany’s charming spots, passing forests straight from fairy tales and villages with half-timbered houses. Quedlinburg is a particularly pretty example – cobbled lanes are lined with buildings in shades of spearmint and buttercup. The route also links up culturally rich cities including Erfurt, Weimar and Leipzig. The journey finishes in the latter, known for its elegant opera house and its New Town Hall, or Neues Rathaus (pictured on the left).

Lübeck to Binz

Take a trip to the seaside and breathe in the fresh salty air. This roughly 250-mile (402km) seaside drive showcases the glorious beauty of the Baltic coast, or “German Riviera”, tracing the shoreline from Lübeck – known for its medieval and Gothic architecture – and along the northern edge of the country. Opt for coastal roads that skim past the water, passing beaches, sand dunes and waterfront towns like Wismar and Stralsund (pictured).

Binz is the final stop on this road trip and a real highlight. A seaside resort on the island of Rügen, it's famed for bright-white chalk cliffs and sand that’s just as pale and pristine (pictured). The island, linked to the mainland via a road from the Hanseatic city of Stralsund, is part of Jasmund National Park . It's a glorious blend of dramatic bluffs, ancient beech forest and gorgeous beaches lapped by blue-green water.

Stuttgart to Villingen-Schwenningen

It’s around a 1.5-hour drive from Stuttgart, the closest major city to this charming road trip, to the loop’s official start and end, Villingen-Schwenningen. Known as the Clock Route , it covers around 200 miles (322km) of the atmospheric Black Forest, famous for a history of intricate clock-making – particularly cuckoo clocks – dating back to the 17th century. The landscapes are spectacular, with the route taking in Triberg Falls, St. Peter's Abbey and Lake Titisee (pictured).

Museums dedicated to clock-making, workshops where people can see timepieces being made and villages with a tradition of the craft, are also laced into the itinerary. Villingen-Schwenningen, where the loop starts and ends, is itself a charming town on the edge of the Black Forest. Among its historic sites are three surviving 13th-century city gates , whose towers each have clocks with different colored dials – pictured is Obere Tor, with a green face.

Munich to Lindau

The Alpine route or Alpenstraße is considered among the world’s most spectacularly beautiful drives, carving and curving through the Bavarian Alps and packing in breathtaking scenery. The roughly 175-mile (283km) journey from Munich to Lindau, via the stunning mountain town of Berchtesgaden (pictured), covers some of the best of it, passing dozens of castles, mountain peaks and limpid lakes. It also links up several dreamy spa towns and chocolate-box villages like Oberammergau.

It’s a lot of beauty to live up to but the final destination of Lindau, on Lake Constance, is a match for the journey here. Its prime spot on the shores of Germany’s largest lake certainly helps, while its old town is like a chessboard crammed with striking structures. Among recognizable landmarks are the Bavarian Lion statue which signals the entrance to the harbor, a medieval lighthouse and the 12th-century watchtower Mangturm, whose roof is decorated with distinctive zigzagged tiles.

Now check out these surprising German sights around the world

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Rearview Mirror

The Road Trip Travel Blog

Last updated: September 4, 2012 By Andrea Anastasakis

Paris to Berlin: Things To See on a 1,000 km Road Trip

Driving directly from Paris to Berlin would normally take around 10 hours but there are so many fantastic places worth visiting along the way that you can make a great one to two-week road trip out of it or even more if you prefer to travel slowly. It took around 15 days for the trip and stopped in seven cities between Paris and Berlin.

Paris to Berlin Road Trip

The Paris to Berlin road trip looked like this:

Paris – Trier – Bacharach – Heidelberg – Schwabisch Hall – Nuremberg – Leipzig – Dresden – Berlin

Roman City Trier

Trier was once the largest Roman city north of the Alps and the Romans left a strong influence on the city. Roman highlights include:

• Roman baths
• an amphitheatre where gladiator fights took place
• a Roman bridge dating from the 2nd century
• a Roman basilica and
• the beautiful Porta Nigra city gate.

Trier is also worth visiting for its festivals like the altstadtfest (Old City Festival) where you can try local wine and beer while watching live bands play music from around the world.

Where to Stay

I’d recommend staying at the Mercure Hotel Trier Porta Nigra (where the above photo was taken) which has private parking although it’s not free.

Bacharach on the Rhine

Bacharach is situated in the middle of wine country and is a great place to spend the night on the way to Heidelberg. The town is almost entirely made up of historic timber-framed buildings dating from medieval times and is one of the most picturesque German villages I’ve ever visited. I can’t recommend visiting this place enough. It’s not particularly touristy so you can wander the streets and castle area in relative peace and the food and locally made Riesling wine is delicious.

Where to Eat

I had an amazing meal of local cheese, grilled vegetables and wine at Weingut Karl Heidrich wine bar and would definitely recommend it.

The tourist office can give you a list of accommodations in Bacharach but they don’t make bookings so the easiest way to find a place to stay is to walk in and ask at the hotels and B&Bs. There is plenty of cheap street parking along the Rhine so don’t worry about finding accommodation with private parking.

Heidelberg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. It’s most famous for Heidelberg Castle which sits just above the baroque-style old town on the River Neckar. It’s also a student city so there are many affordable cafes and bars dotted around town. Heidelberg is the kind of place where you can wander for hours, exploring little streets and shops or you can go hiking in the nearby hills.

Travel Tip: If the weather is nice, head to the riverside park on the northern side of the river near the Theodor Heuss Bridge for a picnic.

We stayed at the lovely Hip Hotel Heidelberg. It’s a boutique hotel right in the centre of the city. It’s located on a pedestrian street but you can drive down it to drop your bags off and get directions from the hotel to the nearby car park.

Schwabisch Hall

If you like typically German towns with half-timbered houses galore (not unlike Bacharach) then you might want to stop at Schwabisch Hall. You probably wouldn’t need more than a night here but it’s another quaint German village worth stopping by if you want to break up the road trip a little. This place is a bit of a hidden gem!

I’ve been to Nuremberg a couple of times now and it’s another great walking city with medieval timber houses. You could overdose a little on this kind of architecture on this road trip but I find it hard to resist.

Nuremberg has a fascinating WWII history and you can visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Documentation Centre which are a short tram ride from the centre. I can also recommend a visit to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum for German and other European art and a stop at the Beautiful Fountain, which is beautiful, in the main market square.

Nuremberg also has one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world making December a great time to visit. My guide to Nuremberg Christmas Market for 2022 covers all there is to know.

If you plan on spending a few days in Nuremberg I suggest getting the Nuremberg City Card which gives you free access to all museums and free public transport. These things to do in Nuremberg will give you plenty of tips and ideas on what to see.

I stayed at the  NH Nuremberg  because it’s across from the train station and I was arriving by train. This was convenient for me but it’s not close to the Christmas market.

I think a better option is to  stay at Karl August . This is by far the nicest hotel near Nuremberg Christmas Market as it’s literally one minute from Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg’s main market square.

Leipzig is famous for classical music, Cold War history and coffee houses and it’s a city worth visiting for any or all of these reasons. It was the home of Johannes Sebastian Bach and there are regular concerts celebrating his music, just ask at the tourist office for details. Read my guide for things to do in Leipzig .

I loved Leipzig for its role in the fall of the Berlin Wall which you can find out about at the Forum of Contemporary History and at the Stasi Museum. I especially loved the Stasi Museum for its great collection of devices used to spy on the city’s citizens.

My top reason for visiting Leipzig is to participate in the local afternoon coffee and cake tradition. I know this is a popular activity throughout Germany but Leipzig seems to take the cake (!) with its many classic coffee houses located in the centre of the city. These are the top 3 coffee houses in Leipzig .

Dresden is one of my favourite cities in Germany, probably only second to Berlin, and I recommend everyone visit it at some point if given the chance. It’s located on the Elbe River and the rebuilt city consists of mostly stunning Baroque architecture. Highlights of Dresden include the:

• Frauenkirche was destroyed at the very end of WWII and was recently rebuilt.
• New Green Vault (in the Residenz) is my favourite museum of all time.
• Zwinger building, courtyard and fountains (more so than the museum itself).
• Semperoper (Opera House).
• Procession of Princes Porcelain Mural.
• Walk along Brühl’s Terrace.
• View of the city skyline from the Neustadt.

The Dresden Christmas Markets are home to the oldest and my personal favourite Christmas market in Germany which has a great range of local foods to try.

Foodie Tip: Try the famous Coselpalais for a light meal or afternoon coffee and cake.

The Hotel Am Terrassenufer has the best view of Dresden’s skyline (be sure to ask for a room with a view). I stayed here and even though it’s quite businesslike, I enjoyed my stay.

For more ideas on where to stay, read my guide to boutique hotels in Dresden .

Berlin is a fun, dynamic city where there’s always something going on. There are loads to learn about its WWII and Cold War history . You can get great views from the Alexanderplatz TV Tower or from the Reichstag. Or you can just chill at one of the summer beach bars.

Berlin is an amazing city and I’ll be writing more about it shortly but for now, here’s my favourite photo from my recent trip from Paris to Berlin.

German Driving Tips

• This road trip includes a short distance through France where you must pay road tolls on the highway but once you get to Germany there are no more tolls.
• Some highways in Germany do not have speed limits but many do so look for the signs where the limit is 130km/hr. Where there are no speed limits make sure you keep right and watch out for super fast cars doing 200km/hr or more.
• Drive responsibly no matter the signed speed limit.

Alternative Routes

If you have more time or want to visit some different places, try stopping at Reims, the champagne region in France, or in pretty Luxembourg.

Written by Andrea Anastasakis PO Box 4049 Fitzroy Vic 3065

Hours: Mon – Thu 9am to 5pm Email: [email protected]

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay respect to their Elders, past and present.

The 13 Best Day Trips To Take Around Berlin

If you crave a Berlin experience that goes beyond Checkpoint Charlie and Berghain, venture out of the city centre on a day trip. Discover some of the region’s often-overlooked treasures from lakeside beaches to UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Culture Trip’s picks of the best day trips from Berlin.

While Berlin has made a name for itself as a prime city break destination, one of the key advantages to basing yourself in Berlin is the abundance of day trip options on your doorstep. Thanks to the city’s rail and public transport networks, it’s easy to get out and about around the city. Those willing to explore a little farther will be richly rewarded with unique experiences such as picnicking among peacocks, stepping back to the dark 1930s at Sachsenhausen, and even visiting a tropical resort housed in a former aircraft hangar.

Escape reality at Britzer Garten

There’s a corner of Berlin that champions tulips over techno and park life over partying. Entry to this venue is only €3 (£2.60), and the door policy is open to all – a particularly rare occurrence in Berlin. Britzer Garten is a landscape park in the Britz District, only 30 minutes by S-Bahn and bus from the city centre, but seemingly a million miles away from the fast-paced city. Built in 1985 as an escape for the inhabitants of West Berlin who were cut off from the Brandenburg countryside, the park boasts a rose garden, rhododendron woods, lakes, hills and Europe’s largest sundial. Here you can hop on a rickety old train that takes you through the park where you can spot red squirrels, marvel at absurd sculptures, feed the animals on a mini farm and birdwatch by the luscious wetland area. If you’re peckish, pop into the Hobbiton-esque café built into one of the park’s hillsides and, should you visit on a Sunday, be sure to pay a visit to the local painters who gather to sell their art in the conservatory next to the rose garden.

Directions from Stadtmitte: Catch U6 to Alt-Mariendorf – change to 179 bus towards Buckow – alight at Sangerhauserweg – walk six minutes to Britzer Garten.

Swim with flamingos at Tropical Islands

Want to combine a winter city break in Berlin with sun, sea and sand? Look no further than Tropical Islands . A former aircraft hangar, this colossal paradise is the largest tropical-themed indoor pool in Europe. A mere one-hour train journey from Berlin will transport you to the depths of the Amazon where real flamingos roam free, and turtles and carp swim in rock pools. Real parrots flap and caw over three ginormous waterslides, and the roof is home to a lazy river, rooftop pools, sun beds and a tiki bar. If you need extra time to try out all of the spas, saunas and jacuzzis, you can even stay the night in a luxury suite or beach tent inside the complex. Pro tip: go during the week to avoid the crowds.

Directions from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: catch the RE2 train to Brand Tropical Islands.

Explore historic Potsdam

With its quaint, clean streets and old-town shops and cafés, Potsdam is a true escape from the mayhem of Berlin. Just 35 kilometres (22 miles) outside of the city and accessible by S-Bahn, the town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect its stunning parks and palaces. Make sure you check out King Frederick the Great’s old digs in Schloss Sanssouci and take a stroll around Neuer Garten , an 18th-century garden of luscious meadows with breathtaking views of the Heiliger Lake ( Heiliger See ). After you’ve worked up an appetite, pay a visit to Herr Dang for delicious Asian cuisine – serving everything from sushi to pho – or check out our other recommendations for the best dining spots in Postdam .

For a deeper understanding of this historic site, take a Guided Tour of Potsdam . Here you’ll learn all about the Dutch Quarter, Neuer Garten, and Potsdam’s own Brandenburg Gate, The Church of Peace, and the famous Glienicke Bridge (better known as “The Bridge of Spies”) – all with the expertise of a passionate and knowledgeable tour guide.

Directions from Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Catch the S7 train to Potsdam.

Picnic on Peacock Island

Despite its name, Peacock Island ( Pfaueninsel ), is home to more than just peacocks. Set on the Havel River and only accessible by ferry, Peacock Island retains something of an air of mystery. This feeling is owed to King Frederick William II and his mistress Wilhelmine Encke, who had a small summer palace and a dairy constructed in the style of a ruined monastery at the end of the 18th century. The peacocks for which the island is famous have lived there since Frederick William’s successor, Frederick William III, built a menagerie of exotic animals in the 19th century. The pristine gardens next to the white, straight-out-of-a-fairytale palace make the perfect picnic spot during spring and summertime, where you may well be joined by some of the island’s feathered residents. If you find yourself feeling thirsty while on the island, you’ll find an authentic German beer house near the ferry stop where you can enjoy Flammkuchen (crispy German pizza), knödel dumplings and other local delicacies before you head home.

Directions from Ostbahnhof: Catch the S7 to Wannsee – change to bus 218 and alight at the ferry transfer – passenger ferry leaves every 10 – 20 minutes.

Understand the inner workings of the Stasi

To get a sense of the surveillance during the GDR years, spend a day with the Stasi in former East Berlin. First, head to The Stasi Museum in Lichtenberg (11 minutes from Alexanderplatz) where you can pay a visit to the former HQ of the GDR Ministry for State Security (Stasi). The museum is the perfect place to familiarise yourself with the inner workings of the Stasi and will lay the groundwork for your visit to Hohenschönhausen – a former Stasi Prison a 30-minute bus journey east of Berlin. During the GDR period, Hohenschönhausen served as a detainment and transit camp and later a prison, playing a crucial role in East Germany’s system of political oppression. Having welcomed visitors since 1994, the Hohenschönhausen Memorial is now accessible to the public via guided tours which run in English three times a day. Your guide will likely have some connection to the GDR – whether as a former prisoner or growing up under Stasi surveillance – and so can provide you with first-hand insight into the inner workings of the prison and life during this era.

Directions from Ostbahnhof: Catch the S5 to Lichtenberg and walk for five minutes to the Stasi Museum.

Directions from Stasi Museum: Walk 13 minutes to catch bus 256 from Freiaplatz – ride seven stops and alight at Liebenwalder Strasse – walk six minutes to Hohenschönhausen.

Chill on the beach at Seebad Friedrichshagen

During the hot summer months, you’ll find Berliners cooling off at the city’s numerous lakes. Set on the northern shore of the Müggelsee (Berlin’s largest lake), Seebad Friedrichshagen is a popular spot for swimming and watersports on balmy summer days. Just 30 minutes on the S-Bahn from Ostkreuz, here you can spend an afternoon relaxing, playing beach volleyball, enjoying some traditional German fare from the snack bar (think bratwurst ) or trying your hand at paddle-boarding. Pro tip: thanks to its convenient location, Seebad Friedrichshagen can get very busy at the weekends, so be sure to arrive early to grab a prime sunbathing spot.

Directions from Ostkreuz: Catch S3 to Friedrichshagen – change to 60 tram – ride four stops and alight at Josef-Nawrocki-Strasse, which is outside Seebad Friedrichshagen.

Witness dark history at Sachsenhausen

Originally serving as a Nazi concentration camp from 1933 until 1945, Sachsenhausen fell into the hands of the Soviet authorities to become the largest of the “Soviet Special Camps”, where around 12,000 inmates died between 1945 and 1950. Following German reunification in 1990 , in 1993 the camp was entrusted to the Brandenburg Memorials Foundation, which opened a museum on the site. The exhibits feature artwork created by inmates, scale models of the camp, archive photographs, documents and other artefacts illustrating life in the camp. Audio guides are readily available at the site, while the Friends of the Sachsenhausen Memorial offer regular public tours for visitors in English at 2pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

For the inside track, check out the Sachsenhausen day tour from Civitatis Tours. They’ll pick you up from Brandenburg Gate, and together you’ll get public transport to the camp where an expert guide will talk you through the site’s history.

Directions from Gesundbrunnen: Catch S1 to Oranienburg Bahnhof – take the 821 bus, ride five stops and alight at Sachsenhausen, Gedenkstätte – walk six minutes to Memorial and Museum.

Cruise from Wannsee to Potsdam

If you’d like to see Potsdam from a different perspective, view the beautiful palaces, lakes and gardens from the water on a cruise. The highly recommended Wannsee to Potsdam Three-Hour World Heritage Cruise winds its way through the network of rivers and lakes, during which time you’ll get to know the painter Max Liebermann and the playwright Heinrich von Kleist who both lived and worked in Wannsee. A stress-free and relaxing way to explore the region, your cruise will take you through Peacock Island, Saviour’s Church, Cecilienhof Palace (including its old dairy farm), and the Glienicke Bridge.

Meeting point: Kronprinzessinenweg 3 (a five-minute walk from Wannsee station).

Get lost in nature at the Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Gardens

A nature-lover’s paradise just 40 minutes from the centre of Berlin, the Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Gardens is a lush green oasis . Among the most impressive features of the gardens is the sheer range of plants from around the world – here you can stroll along the high walkway overlooking an Amazon-esque tropical rainforest, before discovering plant life from the Alps, Middle East and Caucasus. Fuel up on refreshments at the quaint café, and pay a visit to the on-site botanical museum to learn more about the history and demanding maintenance of this exceptional collection.

Directions from Gesundbrunnen: Catch S42 to Innsbrucker Platz – ride 10 stops on M48 towards Zehlendorf – alight at Botanischer Garten.

Explore the rich history of Dresden

Dresden , just a two-hour coach journey south of Berlin, is home to a beautiful Old Town, the ancient art of Meisen pottery, the Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. The city was so badly bombed during the Second World War that much of the original architecture was destroyed, but what does remain from the grandiose Renaissance period is spectacular. Thanks in part to the Soviet Union overseeing the reconstruction of Dresden, the city’s architecture is an eclectic mix of styles.

To get the most out of the city, take a day tour of Dresden with a coach hired specially for your party. You’ll be guided by a knowledgeable historian who can describe the importance of otherwise overlooked landmarks and give invaluable insight to the history and culture of the city.

Directions from Berlin: Flixbus pick-up from Alexanderplatz.

Understand the Battle of the Seelow Heights

From 16-19 April 1945, just months before the end of World War II, the Soviet military launched an offensive operation designed to displace and conquer the large trenches the German Army used to defend Berlin. The three-day battle was the bloodiest of the war fought on German soil. The Soviets emerged victorious and were able to make their way straight to the capital, conquering Berlin and setting the tone for the end of the war.

This site is easily accessible from Berlin, but a guided tour of the battleground is highly recommended. Offering insight into the history and background of the Battle for Seelow Heights, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off, entrance to the on-site museum and a dedicated guide.

Delve into the heart of Brandenburg

Another beautiful nearby town is Brandenburg, home to historic buildings that date as far back as the 12th century. Here you can gaze at the intricate detail on the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul or visit the parish church of Cathedral Island, built in the early 14th century from the former castle chapel – a must-see for all architecture enthusiasts.

To experience everything the city has to offer, consider booking onto the Brandenburg City Day Tour . A heritage expert will guide you around the city on foot, talking you through the intricate history of all the key attractions and everything in-between – from local folklore to amusing anecdotes.

Explore the waterways of the Spreewald

Set around an hour’s drive south of Berlin, the Spreewald is a verdant landscape of small waterways, meadows and forests, which is protected by UNESCO as a site of natural beauty. Here you can discover traditional log houses in the forest, built between meadows full of wildflowers; orchards and vegetable fields harvesting seasonal fruit and vegetables; and, close by, a labyrinthine network of springs and rivers that’ll make you feel a million miles away from the big city.

Beginning with a comfortable coach journey to Burg, a municipality in the heart of the Spreewald, the Burg Bus and Boat Tour offers the opportunity to experience the wildness of the Brandenburg countryside up close. The tour includes a snack of a traditional Schmalzbrot (bread and drippings) with a gherkin, before setting sail to explore the intricate network of waterways. Your guide will talk you through the local flora and fauna as well as the history of the Sorbs and Wends, local communities who have lived in the Spreewald since the sixth century.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Lily Cichanowicz .

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Culture trip's guide to berlin.

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Road Trip from Berlin to Munich

This road trip from Berlin to Munich is your ticket to enjoy famous beer houses, lively festivals and historic architecture all in one. Making your way through Medieval landscapes, fairy-tale castles, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking scenery you are in for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime trip!

The 1,080 km road trip from Berlin to Munich takes about 13 hours to complete going through Leipzig, Wartburg Castle, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Romantic Road, Neuschwanstein Castle, or through Dresden, Prague and Nuremberg.

This amazing road trip is filled with rich historic experiences, romantic scenery, and incredible cities to visit. Read on to find out about the best routes you can take, amazing places to stop overnight, must-see things and the best time to visit Munich.

How far is Munich from Berlin, and how long will the road trip take?

Depending on what you want to experience on the way, you can choose between two different, but equally exciting routes on this road trip.

The Frankfurt Route covers 1,080 km and takes 12 hours and 50 minutes to complete. This route will give you the ultimate Germany experience, winding through the beautiful countryside, and exploring celebrated towns.

The Prague Route gives you the opportunity to traverse the gorgeous Czech Republic. This shorter route covers 810 km, taking 9 hours and 10 minutes to drive non-stop.

Whether you are in the mood for a short, diversified journey or a leisurely ride through the charm of Germany, we suggest setting aside 6-7 days for this road trip from Berlin to Munich.

Best road trip route from Berlin to Munich

The Frankfurt Route is slightly longer, lined with small towns and castles that make Germany a pleasure to drive through. On this route, you will discover much of central and southern Germany, stopping in the major city of Frankfurt along the way.

This route will take you on a leisurely and idyllic ride along parts of the Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road), which grants access to dozens of medieval towns and fairy-tale castles. Sticking to Germany, you won't have the chance to experience Prague and the Czech Republic.

Stars on this route include Leipzig, the birthplace of J.S. Bach, where you can explore the magnificent Bach Museum and the captivating Wartburg Castle, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also gives you the option to take a detour to explore yet another stunning Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Prague Route is shorter and more direct, taking you through the beautiful Czech Republic to discover the absolutely stunning and cultural city of Prague. You will be able to take in the majesty of Dresden Frauenkirche, a stunning Lutheran Church that has been destroyed and rebuilt twice.

This route is ideal for history buffs as it offers a chance to stop in Nuremberg and explore the trials in the aftermath of World War II. You won't get to explore charming, small German towns on this shorter, less leisurely route.

The Frankfurt Route

Head northwest on A115 from Berlin and continue toward the birthplace of J.S. Bach, Leipzig. From there, follow B84 into Auf d. Wartburg which will take you to the sublime Wartburg Castle.

After exploring the glory of the castle, get on B19 and continue to Friedberger Tor and you will reach the buzzing city of Frankfurt. Stop here overnight to start the next half of your journey refreshed.

Resume your trip by heading west into the picturesque city of Heidelberg. Stop for a while to stretch your legs and explore the beautiful castle-like ensemble before following A7 to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Now continue on L1060 toward Romantische Strasse.

Head southwest and weave through the enchanting “Romantic Road” and continue on B2R toward your culturally rich destination of Munich.

The Prague Route

On this route, get on A100 from Berlin and head toward the traditional capital of Saxony, Dresden. From there head west on Wilsdruffer Str and take D8 to Městský okruh and stop in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague.

Stay here overnight in this larger city on the route and enjoy the active nightlife here. Prague Castle is something you wouldn't want to miss. Resuming your journey, head north toward Slezska.

Continuing on Frankenschnellweg, you will get to the city of well-preserved historical landmarks, Nuremberg. Explore this city for a while and hit the road again by taking A9 into your destination at Munich.

Best places to stop between Berlin and Munich

From rich historical sites and medieval castles to the breathtaking scenery of gardens, there is so much to do and explore on this road trip from Berlin to Munich. This is best enjoyed if you take a couple of breaks to rest and recharge.

Read on to discover our picks for the best overnight stops and things to do as well as our hotel recommendations on both routes.

Explore the urban heart of Frankfurt

On the Frankfurt Route, the best place to stay overnight is Frankfurt, known worldwide as the birthplace of delicious Frankfurter sausages. Located about halfway on this route, Frankfurt is the last large city before reaching Munich.

It is a transportation and business hub in Germany where you can enjoy the nightlife with lots to explore. Frankfurt is also nicknamed “Mainhattan” because of its majestic skyscrapers that give it a modern feel as compared to the more historic cities of Germany.

Alte Oper, a gorgeous 19th-century concert hall, is a remarkable place to explore in Frankfurt. It was the former opera house of this city which was rebuilt as an important art center after the war.

If you are after exploring more of the beautiful gems of the city, Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral will take you back through history. Then there is the Goethe House, a German author's birthplace where you can discover artefacts and learn more about his life and works.

Our vote for accommodation in this city goes to Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof . Established in 1876, this historic and luxurious hotel is centrally located along the Main River allowing you to leave the car behind and explore the city on foot or the public transit system which is well-connected with it.

With luxe rooms and first-class amenities, this hotel has everything you would need during your overnight stay. You can book luxurious beauty treatments and a selection of massages in the Turkish bath and barbershop within the hotel's spa for a truly relaxing break from the road.

You won't have to leave the hotel to satiate your appetite because it has a restaurant (Hofgarten) that serves breakfast, Autorenbar that serves afternoon tea, a Michelin-starred, award-winning restaurant that offers fine dining, and a brasserie that offers more regional dishes.

Lose yourself in the medieval history of Prague

About halfway through your journey on the Prague Route, you will reach the “city of a hundred spires”, Prague. Having covered half of the drive, this larger city on the route will help you relax, revive your energy and enjoy the nightlife.

With beautiful and historic architecture, Prague is a UNESCO-listed Old Town and is significantly cheaper than Germany; an ideal retreat for price-conscious travelers. It is a culturally notable city, especially within classical music, and was home to Mozart.

Prague is lined with famed medieval castles including the must-see, gorgeous Prague Castle, which dates back to the 9th century and is the biggest architectural highlight of the city. During your stay in Prague, visit the historic 14th-century Charles Bridge for walks surrounded by awe-inspiring views.

Then there is the Prague Astronomical Clock. Located in the Old Town Hall, this is a 600-year-old mechanical clock face and the oldest operational astronomical clock in the world.

Our recommendation for a hotel in this city is Grandium Hotel Prague and it's not hard to see why. The hotel boasts an amazing location in the heart of Prague, just around the corner from Wenceslas Square. It will also allow you to leave the car behind in the private car park and explore the city on foot or via public transport.

The property has modern, stylish rooms with luxurious bathrooms. Easy access to public transit as well as the main charm, on-site restaurant serving national and international cuisine and an on-site spa make this hotel an all-rounder in terms of comfort and luxury.

Where to stay when you reach Munich

After reaching your destination of Munch, you would need to stop to catch your breath for a while before heading out to explore its bubbly, refreshing speciality (fancy a beer?) as well as the rich architecture and history.

Our pick for accommodation in Munich is Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor - a concept by Hyatt, a stunning luxury hotel with modern spa and sauna facilities , making it perfect for relaxing after a long drive. Located in Schwabing, Munich's bohemian district, this hotel is near the English Garden allowing you to enjoy the beauty, beer, food, and relaxing walks right away.

Spacious and bright rooms, with floor to ceiling windows and views of the city and towards the Alps, this makes for a comfortable and scenic stay. It also serves a rich buffet breakfast daily, allowing you to take off on your next adventure early.

If you want to stay in to recharge, you can easily do so because it has an on-site restaurant The Lonely Broccoli serving traditional Bavarian dishes and snacks and drinks available throughout the day.

Things to see on a road trip from Berlin to Munich

Both the routes on this road trip from Berlin to Munich have plenty to offer, both indoors and outdoors. We have compiled a list of all the must-see places on this trip for an exceptional hiatus from the normal routine.

• Leipzig – Explore this cultural city located a few hours' drive from Berlin, boasting the gorgeous architecture and celebrated as being the home of J.S. Bach.
• Wartburg Castle – Go back to the Middle Ages in this beautiful castle and take in the awe-inspiring views of the overlooking countryside.
• Marburg – Indulge in the medieval culture in this spire-dominated, cosmopolitan university town, which is home to the Marburger Schloss and several churches from the Middle Ages.
• Frankfurt – Visit this central transportation and financial hub, producer of best-quality frankfurter sausages, offering tons of cultural attractions, including music halls and stunning botanic gardens.
• Mannheim – Stop by one of the most innovative cities in Europe, the inventing place of bicycles and automobiles.
• Heidelberg – Drop by the home to Germany's oldest university before taking a detour to the Black Forest High Road, voted as one of the 10 most scenic roads in Europe and take in wonderful scenery at the famed Black Forest.
• Schwabisch Hall – Explore this small but mighty city to explore beautiful churches, the Hohenlohe Open Air Museum and several medieval buildings.
• Augsburg – This small city boasts German Renaissance and Rococo architecture where you can discover the history of the Fuggers, a wealthy family of merchants and bankers.
• Dachau – This concentration camp is located just outside of Munich and chronicles the history of the Jewish Holocaust during the Second World War

• Cottbus – The second largest in Brandenburg, Cottbus is a university city with many beautiful parks and a colorful array of buildings.
• Dresden – Take in the architectural wonders of this city, dating back to the Middle Ages with a stunning Lutheran in an expansive square.
• Usti nad Labem – Spectate the animals at the zoo and marvel at the stunning rock formations just across the German-Czech border.
• Prague – Visit this must-see city that is home to several celebrated musicians and is one of the most historic and architecturally forward cities in Europe.
• Pilsen – Home to several unique attractions including the Great Synagogue and the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, this city offers a feel of the Czech Republic.
• Nuremberg – Featuring several historic landmarks dating back to the Middle Ages, you wouldn't want to miss this city
• Ingolstadt – The wonderful city of Ingolstadt is home to several unique museums including the Bavarian Army Museum and the Kelten & Romer Museum where you can inspect beautiful Roman and Celtic artifacts.

Best time to go on a road trip from Berlin to Munich

Munich can truly be visited any time during the year because this (almost) Mediterranean city has plenty of indoor as well as outdoor activities to offer. However, it is advised to avoid visiting during January and February as these are the wettest months and it can become a bit dreary.

Summer is a great time to visit Munich when budgeting or if you are into outdoor activities like rafting, dipping in the lake, surfing, and walking. This time of the year is a busier tourist season, with temperatures being around 30 degrees Celsius.

Winter makes the city come alive and turn into a truly charming and magical location, especially with the German Christmas Markets. Temperatures during this season can drop down to -5 degrees Celsius ruling out open-air activities.

If you are not a fan of large crowds, spring and fall are the perfect times for you to visit Munich. Temperatures during these seasons range from 5 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, bringing in some wonderful weather for you to enjoy. Munich also brings in various festivals around the year.

Plan ahead if you are visiting Oktoberfest during the late September and early October months as this festival brings in a large number of people from around the world to Munich. Originally a wedding celebration, it has become an annual event with beer, German food, and a fair with games and rides.

March in Munich brings the strong beer festival, Starkbierfest with smaller crowds than Oktoberfest. Take part in the cultural and ecological activities at the festival of Summer Tollwood in July. Munish also offers you a chance to dance your heart out at the early morning festival of Kocherlball, also in July.

Then there is the amalgamation of a market and folk festival, Auer Dult that you can attend in May, August and October. Spring festival in Munich is the smaller-scale version of Oktoberfest but just as enjoyable.

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40 Best Stops Between Brussels and Berlin

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How long is the drive from Brussels to Berlin?

The direct drive from Brussels to Berlin is 478 mi (769 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 42 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Brussels to Berlin, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Cologne , Dusseldorf , Leipzig , Potsdam , Maastricht , Bremen , Hannover , Leuven , Arnhem , and Essen , as well as top places to visit like Historic Leuven Town Hall and Beekse Bergen, or the ever-popular Groot Begijnhof Leuven.

Top cities between Brussels and Berlin

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Best stops along Brussels to Berlin drive

Groot begijnhof leuven.

Historic Leuven Town Hall

Beekse bergen, sint pieter fort, book store dominicanen, ouwehands zoo, kröller-müller museum, aachen cathedral.

City Hall Aachen

Overloon war museum, burgers' zoo, netherlands open air museum, lvr-archäologischer park xanten.

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Cologne Cathedral

Lindt chocolate museum, hohenzollern bridge, beethoven-haus bonn, zoom erlebniswelt gelsenkirchen, german football museum, hermannsdenkmal, world heritage rammelsberg ore mines, wernigerode castle.

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Altstadt mit Burgberg-St. Wiperti-Münzenberg

Zoo leipzig, promenaden hauptbahnhof leipzig, all saints' church, wittenberg, house of the wannsee conference, top searches in berlin, other popular road trips from brussels, explore nearby places.

• Grossziethen
• Ahrensfelde
• Kleinmachnow
• Hennigsdorf
• Hohen Neuendorf
• Hoppegarten
• Grossbeeren
• Gross Glienicke
• Birkenwerder
• Blankenfelde
• Gross Kienitz
• Altlandsberg
• Fredersdorf
• Woltersdorf
• Ludwigsfelde
• Petershagen

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Berlin throughout the year

• Berlin in January
• Berlin in February
• Berlin in March
• Berlin in April
• Berlin in May
• Berlin in June
• Berlin in July
• Berlin in August
• Berlin in September
• Berlin in October
• Berlin in November
• Berlin in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Berlin?

Get inspired for your trip to Berlin with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Berlin Itinerary
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• 5-Day Berlin Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from brussels to berlin.

Yes! You can drive from Brussels to Berlin.

How far is Berlin from Brussels by car?

The drive from Brussels to Berlin is 478 miles (769 km).

How long does it take to drive from Brussels to Berlin?

Driving from Brussels to Berlin should take you 6 hrs 42 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Brussels to Berlin?

Gas from Brussels to Berlin would cost around $42 to $98 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Brussels to Berlin?

You could check out Historic Leuven Town Hall and Beekse Bergen, or the always popular Groot Begijnhof Leuven!

What are the best cities to visit between Brussels and Berlin?

People love visiting Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Leipzig, among others.

What's the weather like in Brussels?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Brussels in January
• Weather in Brussels in February
• Weather in Brussels in March
• Weather in Brussels in April
• Weather in Brussels in May
• Weather in Brussels in June
• Weather in Brussels in July
• Weather in Brussels in August
• Weather in Brussels in September
• Weather in Brussels in October
• Weather in Brussels in November
• Weather in Brussels in December

What are some other road trips from Brussels?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Brussels.

• Brussels to London drive
• Brussels to Paris drive
• Brussels to Amsterdam drive
• Brussels to Rome drive
• Brussels to Barcelona drive
• Brussels to Berlin drive
• Brussels to Prague drive
• Brussels to Dublin drive
• Brussels to Edinburgh drive
• Brussels to Milan drive
• Brussels to Madrid drive
• Brussels to Florence drive
• Brussels to Cologne drive
• Brussels to Vienna drive
• Brussels to Venice drive
• Brussels to Budapest drive
• Brussels to Munich drive
• Brussels to Rotterdam drive
• Brussels to Copenhagen drive
• Brussels to Lisbon drive
• Brussels to York drive
• Brussels to Hamburg drive
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Munich to Berlin drive

Munich to berlin road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Munich to Berlin. If you're planning a road trip to Berlin, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Munich drive for about 59 minutes

10:59 am   Ingolstadt stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:59 am drive for about 1 hour

1:08 pm   Nuremberg stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:08 pm drive for about 59 minutes

3:07 pm   Bayreuth stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:07 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 4.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Gera drive for about 49 minutes

10:49 am   Naumburg stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:49 am drive for about 56 minutes

12:45 pm   Halle stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:45 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

3:27 pm   Potsdam stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:27 pm drive for about 42 minutes

5:10 pm  arrive in Berlin eat at Burgermeister stay at Melia Berlin

day 2 driving ≈ 4 hours

Munich to Berlin questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Ingolstadt   (3 answers) Nuremberg   (35 mentions) Bayreuth Gera Naumburg   (2 answers) Halle Potsdam   (15 answers)     Sanssouci Palace   (6 mentions)     questions about Potsdam:         Best free things to do in Potsdam?

Where's the best place to stay in Berlin?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Berlin .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Melia Berlin , which was mentioned 4 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Berlin? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Berlin?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Burgermeister , which was mentioned 7 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Berlin? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Berlin?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Berlin. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Berlin.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Berlin to Munich drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Munich to Berlin . Or get a full Munich to Berlin flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Munich well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Munich!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Munich to Berlin

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