4 Epic Germany Road Trip Ideas with Driving Rules

Germany is a country of stunning landscapes, charming towns and rich history. Whether you’re flying into Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, or Hamburg, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable road trips. In this travel guide, we’ll outline four major road trip itineraries, each starting from a different city. Additionally, we’ll provide essential driving rules for Germany to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Driving Rules in Germany

Before hitting the road, you should familiarize yourself with driving rules in Germany. Here are the basics:

1. Speed Limits:
   • Autobahn: No general speed limit in some sections, but 130 km/h (81 mph) is recommended and often serves as the official speed limit on many sections of the autobahn. A lack of speed limit is now the exception rather than the rule.
   • Urban Areas: 50 km/h (31 mph).
   • Rural Roads: 100 km/h (62 mph).
   • More info on speed limits in Germany
2. Driving Age: The minimum age to drive is 18 years. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license.
3. Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
4. Alcohol Limits:
   • General drivers: 0.05% BAC.
   • New drivers (less than 2 years) and professional drivers: 0.00% BAC.
5. Right of Way: Vehicles coming from the right have the right of way at intersections unless otherwise indicated.
6. Parking: Park only in designated areas. Blue zones require a parking disc, which can be obtained from gas stations and tourist offices.
7. Road Signs: Pay attention to road signs, especially those indicating speed limits and restrictions.
8. Environmental Zones: Some cities have low-emission zones. Ensure your vehicle has the appropriate sticker (Umweltplakette). Most rental cars should already meet this criterium.

Road Trip from Frankfurt (most recommended)

Day 1: Frankfurt to the Rhine Valley

• Highlight: Explore the beautiful Rhine Valley with its multiple beautiful castles and half-timbered houses.
• Must-See: Bacharach, a traditional German town with picturesque scenery, great wine and delicious Flammkuchen.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Bacharach

Day 2: Rhine Valley to the Moselle Valley

• Highlight: Drive from the beautiful city of Koblenz to Trier, Germany’s oldest city.
• Must-See: Visit the Eltz Castle and Reichsburg in Cochem.
• Where to Stay: City B&B Cochem
• We have already created a detailed Moselle Valley road trip itinerary for you.

Day 3: Moselle Valley to the Pfalz

• Highlight: Discover the amazing rock formations in the region known as the Pfalz.
• Must-See: Altschlossen, the Grand Canyon of Germany, and the Fleckenstein castle for amazing views.
• Where to Stay: Emils Hotel

Day 4: Pfalz to the Black Forest

• Highlight: Enjoy the most beautiful drive through the most dense forests in Germany.
• Must-See: Burgbach waterfall in Bad Rippoldsau and the Schwarzwaldhochstraße scenic route.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Freudenstadt

Day 5: Black Forest to the Alps

• Highlight: Experience mountain life in Germany including people wearing traditional clothing and making traditional German food.
• Must-See: Eibsee and the town of Mittenwald near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Seidl

Day 6: The Alps to Munich

• Highlight: Experience Munich and its famous beer.
• Must-See: Spend a half-day exploring the city. Visit Marienplatz, a beer hall (our favorite is Augustiner) and the English Garden.
• Where to Stay: Gambino Hotel
• We have already created a detailed Munich travel guide for you.

Day 7: Munich to Franconian Switzerland

• Highlight: Explore Franconian Switzerland.
• Must-See: Visit Bamberg, known for its dense number of breweries as well as “smoked beer”.
• Where to Stay: Apartment Bamberg

Road Trip from Munich

Day 1: Munich City Exploration

• Highlight: Discover Munich’s rich culture and history.
• Must-See: Visit Marienplatz, beer halls (our favorite is Augustiner) and the English Garden.
• Where to Stay: Gambino Hotel

Day 2: Munich to Berchtesgaden

• Highlight: Explore Berchtesgaden National Park.
• Must-See: Königssee, Eagle’s Nest and Rossfeld Scenic Route.
• Where to Stay: Hey Lou Piding Hotel

Day 3: Berchtesgaden to Mittenwald

• Highlight: Scenic drive through the mountains to Mittenwald.
• Must-See: Wander through the picturesque town and visit the Leutaschklamm gorge.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Seidl
• We have already created a detailed Mittenwald travel guide for you.

Day 4: Mittenwald to Füssen

• Highlight: Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Must-See: Hike around the Alpsee lake.
• Where to Stay: Hotel Alatsee

Day 5: Füssen to the Bodensee

• Highlight: Explore the Bodensee (Lake Constance).
• Must-See: Visit the island of Mainau and the city of Konstanz.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Bodensee

Day 6: Bodensee to the Black Forest

• Highlight: Discover the beauty of the Black Forest.
• Must-See: Visit Triberg Waterfalls and the city of Freiburg.
• Where to Stay: Haus Maria Lindenberg
• We have already created a detailed Freiburg travel guide for you.

Day 7: Black Forest to Bad Urach

• Highlight: Relax in the thermal baths.
• Must-See: Hike to the Urach and Gütersteiner Waterfalls.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Bad Urach

Road Trip from Berlin

Day 1: Berlin City Exploration

• Highlight: Explore Berlin’s historic and modern attractions.
• Must-See: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, and Museum Island.
• Where to Stay: Premier Inn Berlin
• We have already created a detailed Berlin travel guide for you.

Day 2: Berlin to Saxon Switzerland

• Highlight: Discover Saxon Switzerland National Park.
• Must-See: Bastei Bridge and the Kirnitzsch gorge including the boat tour.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Bergblick

Day 3: Saxon Switzerland to the Harz

• Highlight: Explore the Harz Mountains.
• Must-See: Visit Thale with the amazing Bodethal valley and the Brocken.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnung Weitsicht

Day 4: The Harz to Lübeck

• Highlight: Visit the medieval city of Lübeck.
• Must-See: Holstentor gate, Lübeck’s Old Town and Gothmund Old Port.
• Where to Stay: Stadtrandzimmer

Day 5: Lübeck to Rügen

• Highlight: Explore the island of Rügen.
• Must-See: Jasmund National Park and the chalk cliffs, specifically Viktoriasicht viewpoint and the Piratenschlucht chasm.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnungen Schneidereit

Day 6: Rügen to the Mecklenburg Lake District

• Highlight: Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District.
• Must-See: Müritz National Park and Lake Müritz. Sleep in a house boat that you get to drive yourself.
• Where to Stay: Pension Jägerrast

Day 7: Mecklenburg Lake District to Berlin

• Highlight: Return to Berlin for a final day of exploration.
• Must-See: Visit any missed attractions or enjoy a relaxing day in the city.
• Where to Stay: Premier Inn Berlin

Road Trip from Hamburg

Day 1: Hamburg City Exploration

• Highlight: Discover Hamburg’s vibrant culture and maritime heritage.
• Must-See: Speicherstadt, Miniatur Wunderland, and the Elbphilharmonie.
• Where to Stay: Apartmenthaus Hamburg

Day 2: Hamburg to Lübeck

• Highlight: Explore Lübeck’s medieval charm.
• Must-See: Visit the Holstentor gate, the old town and the old port in Gothmund.
• Where to Stay: Stadtrandzimmer

Day 3: Lübeck to Schwerin

• Highlight: Gorgeous landscape surrounded by lakes.
• Must-See: Explore the picturesque Schwerin city with its magical castle and huge lakes.
• Where to Stay: PLAZA Premium

Day 4: Schwerin to Rügen

• Highlight: Discover the natural beauty of Rügen Island.
• Must-See: Visit Jasmund National Park and the white chalk cliffs, specifically Viktoriasicht viewpoint and Piratenschlucht chasm.
• Where to Stay: Ferienwohnungen Schneidereit

Day 5: Rügen to the Müritz Lake District

• Highlight: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Müritz Lake District.
• Must-See: Müritz National Park and Lake Müritz. Sleep in a house boat that you get to drive yourself.
• Where to Stay: Pension Jägerrast

Day 6: Müritz Lake District to Lüneburger Heide

• Highlight: Explore the heathland of Lüneburger Heide.
• Must-See: Visit Wilseder Berg and go on a hike (preferably in August for the blooming heath).
• Where to Stay: Zur weißen Rosenblüte

Day 7: Lüneburger Heide to Bremen

• Highlight: Discover the historic city of Bremen.
• Must-See: Bremen’s Old Town, the Bremen Town Musicians, and the Schnoor Quarter.
• Where to Stay: Penta Hotel Bremen

With these itineraries, you’re set to explore Germany’s diverse landscapes and charming cities, whether you start your journey in Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, or Hamburg. Enjoy your road trip and drive safely!

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