Roadtrips from the Netherlands to Germany: a guide to your summer getaways

After a road trip from the Netherlands to Germany because you’re feeling bored of the Netherlands? Of course, you’re not! But we all itch for somewhere new every now and then.

And a road trip to Germany is a perfect way to kick off your summer. Being someone who regularly jumps in the car and explores the neighbouring countries, I will share with you my three favourite places to visit that you can easily drive to in a day.

READ MORE | The 19 biggest differences between Germany and the Netherlands

Depending on where you live in the Netherlands, some of these cities will be closer than others. If you’re in the northeast, head to Hamburg. If you live in the southwest, I recommend Cologne and Dusseldorf. Or if you aren’t fussed about the drive at all like me, and live in the west, then just head to any of them!


Visiting Hamburg

The second biggest city in Germany, the third-largest port in Europe, fascinating history as a Medieval Hanseatic League member, and beautiful architecture — these are just a few reasons why road-tripping from the Netherlands to Hamburg is a must. What are the top spots to explore?

Perfect for drinks or shopping! Image: Pixabay

Walk around the Speicherstadt

This is the warehouse district area in Hamburg, which was once full of activity with working citizens. Although it may not be the same today, it’s still full of activity — but for a different reason. Now, the warehouses are transformed into shops, attractions, restaurants, and apartments. Definitely worth a visit!

Go and see the Hamburg Rathaus and surrounding areas

The town hall (just like in many places in the Netherlands) is a pretty amazing piece of architecture that is worth a look at. It’s free to enter and there are exhibitions inside. You can also pay for a tour.

Go to Planten un Blomen

This park has 47 hectares of beautiful scenery, which includes a botanical garden, lawns, and ponds. It’s the perfect place to go for a little walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city.


Discovering Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a must-road trip destination if you’re into cities with rich history and mind-blowing architecture. While the city has much to explore, here are three things you should definitely consider doing on your next visit:

The best to go if you’re an architecture lover! Image: Pixabay

Go up the Rine tower

This is the tallest building in Düsseldorf and it’s the perfect place to snap some amazing Instagram shots. It dominates the skyline too, so you can’t miss it! 😊

Walk around Hofgarten

This German public park is beautiful to walk around on a sunny day. It features historic monuments and old city gates. A place you can truly be at one with nature.

Have a drink on one of the terraces

There are plenty of places to eat and drink along the river or in the centre of Düsseldorf, making the city the perfect place to go to if it’s a sunny day. Plus you can admire all of the cool architecture.


Exploring Cologne

Cologne’s close proximity to Maastricht makes it a popular road trip destination for anyone who lives in the south of the Netherlands. The city has many beautiful corners to discover and these things should definitely be a part of your road trip to Cologne itinerary:

Definitely the city of cool. Image: Pixabay

Visit Cologne cathedral

You can’t really miss the cathedral, as it towers over much of the city (it’s the second-highest building in Cologne!). Both the outside and the inside of the cathedral are highly impressive and if you want to go inside you only have to pay a small fee (which, in my opinion, is definitely worth it). You can also climb the south tower to get some pretty cool views over the city.

Go up the KölnTriangle

The KölnTriangle is a modern building providing panoramic views of the entire city. So, if you aren’t too scared of heights and want to experience the city from above, then this is one to go for.

Check out Cologne Old Town

Most of Cologne was destroyed in WWII, so a lot of it is fairly modern. This part of Cologne gives you a taste of what it used to be like — plus it’s just really beautiful.

What’s your favourite place to visit in Germany? What other road trips from the Netherlands to Germany would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in May 2018 and has been updated in June 2022 for your reading pleasure.

Feature Image:DutchReview
Emma Brown
Emma Brown
A familiar face at DutchRevew. Emma arrived in Holland in 2016 for a few weeks, fell in love with the place and never left. Here she rekindled her love of writing and travelling. Now you'll find her eating stroopwafels in the DutchReview office since 2017.

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