The 7 Best Road Trips in Germany

Germany is one of the largest countries in Europe, and as such, it is home to some of the most scenic roads on the continent. From its wild northern coastline to the ancient forests dotted throughout its centre and stunning hilltop routes that look like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel, Germany is an excellent place to visit for your next scenic holiday. And what better way to experience the delights from the old towns and cities to the lush wilderness than by driving across Germany’s roads?

7 Ultimate Road Trips in Germany That You Simply Can’t Miss

1. Düsseldorf to Dresden

Cut through the heart of Germany with this incredible road trip between two of the country’s most famous cities. Starting in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf in the west of the country, rather than taking the A3 and A4 roads across to Dresden in the east of the country, you will instead take the slightly longer, more scenic route.

You will pass through the wonderful city of Cologne, famed for its iconic cathedral, as well as make pit stops along the way in small German towns and villages, seeing how the culture changes from the west of the country to the east. 

This is a fantastic road trip for those who want to traverse the country, seeing major cities and towns along the way.

Distance: 600km

Route highlights: Cologne, traditional German villages, western and eastern German history and culture.

When to do it: Any time of the year.

2. Alpenstraße (The Alpine Road)

This road trip through southern Bavaria, from Lindau to Berchtesgaden, is one of the most scenic routes in the country. 

This route runs parallel to the Austrian border, and if you like, you can actually drive through part of Austria as a detour – a great way to visit two countries in the space of one road trip.

Starting in the beautiful village of Lindau on the shores of Lake Constance in southwest Germany, you will follow the Alpenstraße along to Berchtesgaden in southeast Germany. 

This route takes you through mountain passes and through Alpine villages and offers a real escape from the hustle and bustle of busy German cities like Munich and Berlin. Once you reach Berchtesgaden, you can drive a short distance over the border to Salzburg in Austria, or we recommend visiting the Eagle’s Nest, a historical building originally used by the Nazi Party high in the Bavarian Alps, but now operating as a museum, restaurant and bar.

Distance: 350km 

Route highlights: Lake Constance, Bavarian Alps, Eagle’s Nest

When to do it: Spring or summer for the best weather.

3. The Black Forest High Road

Shorter than many of the other road trips in this article, the Black Forest High Road is nevertheless an essential road trip to take when you’re next visiting Germany. Doable in an hour or so, the Black Forest High Road offers some of the most scenic views in such a short space of time.

Starting in Baden-Baden on the Germany-Switzerland border, you will follow the road south, passing through the Schwarzwald National Park (also known as the Black Forest National Park), offering you a glimpse into Germany’s wild side. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of the native wildlife, which includes deer, wild boar, lynx and even wolves.

This route will end in the small town of Freudenstadt, but if you want, you could take on the whole Black Forest Road, which stretches for around 280km – this is just by far the most scenic part of it.

Distance: 60km

Route highlights: The Black Forest, Schwarzwald National Park, wildlife

When to do it: Summer or autumn is the best time to see the beautiful colours in the forest.

4. Munich to Berlin

This road trip takes you from Germany’s third-largest city to its largest city and capital and also from the south of the country to the north.

Geographically, this is one of the best road trips in Germany – the landscape changes dramatically from the mountainous south to the slightly flatter north and makes for incredibly scenic views along the way.

You can stop off at various German towns and cities along the way and go past beautiful lakes and national parks. This road trip, while more direct than some of the others, is a fantastic one to undertake to see how the landscape of Germany changes while still being able to see some of the best cities in the country.

Distance: 590km

Route highlights: Munich, German landscape, Berlin

When to do it: Any time of the year.

5. Norden to Griefswald (Coastal Route)

This is by far the longest road trip on this list at 850km, so for those wanting a challenge, we definitely recommend undertaking this route.

The direct route is still a mighty 540km, but this route takes you across the entire coast of northern Germany, called the Baltic Coast due to its border on the Baltic Sea.

Starting the journey in Norden, far northwest Germany, not far from the Dutch border, you will follow the coastal route along and up to the Danish border, driving along the border and through towns such as Flensburg and Kiel, and turning east once you reach Lübeck, and again following the coastal route all the way along to Griefswald on the shores of the Baltic Sea.

For those who enjoy coastal life and long road trips, this route is a must next time you’re road-tripping in Germany.

Distance: 850km

Route highlights: Danish border, rugged coastlines, Kiel, Lübeck

When to do it: Winter or Spring. While cold, it can be incredibly scenic.

6. The Romantic Road

This route makes for another iconic road trip in Germany, seeing all the sights that southern Germany has to offer along one of its most scenic roads, hence it being known as The Romantic Road.

Stretching for some 300km, this route starts in Würzburg and ends in Füseen on the Germany-Switzerland border. Taking you through numerous medieval German towns, this route is a wonderful way to explore the many old towns that southern Germany is known for, with lots of them having a traditional Alpine feel to them.

Make the most of these towns and stop in for a quick drink at one of the traditional German beerhouses, or enjoy some hearty German food like bratwurst along the way.

This route should definitely be on your road trip list when you next visit Germany – and when you come into Füssen, you’re greeted with the Swiss Alps in the background, as well as a view of Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain) – a truly spectacular German road trip.

Distance: 300km

Route highlights: Traditional German towns and villages, Alpine views

When to do it: Spring or summer for the best weather and clearest views.

7. The Fairy Tale Road

As its name suggests, this route has practically been plucked right out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by beautiful castles, medieval architecture and stunning views all around, you can sometimes forget that you’re only a few kilometres from some of Germany’s largest cities along the way.

This route is named after the Brothers Grimm, who wrote many fairy tales, including Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and many more, and is connected to their life and works. They were born in Hanau, and there is a monument erected in the town square to commemorate them.

You will also pass numerous castles along the way, many of which were said to inspire their fairytale settings, as well as quiet and scenic towns and villages, before ending the road trip in Bremen, northwest Germany.

Distance: 470km

Route highlights: Brothers Grimm monument in Hanau, Buxtehude, Bad Wildungen

When to do it: Any time of the year.