14-Day Cultural and Historical Exploration of Germany from Dortmund

Day 1: Arrival and Dortmund Introduction

Dortmund, Germany on June 20, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in at Lenninghausstraße 16

Settle into your accommodation at Lenninghausstraße 16, your base for the trip in Dortmund.
EUR0, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Brauerei Zur Alten Börse

Enjoy traditional Westphalian cuisine paired with locally brewed beer in this historic brewery open Noon to 10pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Westfalenpark Dortmund

Explore this large urban park featuring gardens, a rose garden, and the Florianturm tower offering panoramic city views. Open 9am to dusk.
EUR4, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dortmund U-Tower

Visit this former brewery turned cultural center with art exhibitions and a spectacular rooftop view. Open 11am to 7pm.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Pfefferkorn

Dine on contemporary German dishes in a cozy setting, open 5pm to 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Cologne Cathedral and Old Town

Cologne, Germany on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café MedienHafen Dortmund

Start your day with fresh bakery items and coffee from 7am to 3pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Cologne

Take the train (approx 1 hour) south to Cologne for a day of sightseeing.
EUR15, 1h

10:45am

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral, marvel at the architecture and climb the tower for city views. Open 6am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Früh am Dom

Traditional Cologne food and Kölsch beer near the cathedral, open 11am to midnight.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Old Town Walking Tour

Stroll the charming cobblestone streets, discovering historic buildings and vibrant squares.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Ludwig Museum

Visit this renowned modern art museum, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gilden im Zims

Experience hearty Rhineland cuisine and a warm atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30pm

Return to Dortmund

Train back for around 1 hour.
EUR15, 1h

Day 3: Bonn and Rhine Valley

Bonn, Germany on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lotte, Dortmund

Cozy spot offering pastries and coffee from 7am to 2pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Bonn

Train ride approx 1h15m south to Bonn.
EUR25, 1h15m

11:00am

Beethoven-Haus Bonn

Explore the birthplace museum of Ludwig van Beethoven showcasing his life and works. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Em Höttche

Traditional Rhineland dishes in a historic venue, open 11am to 10pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Rhine River Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic cruise along the Rhine river, viewing castles and vineyards, departing from Bonn's pier. Cruises run regularly from 10am to 5pm.
EUR25, 2h

5:00pm

Walk in the Rheinaue Park

Relax in Bonn’s expansive park featuring paths, lakes, and gardens, open 6am to 10pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fruh am Dom Bonn

Enjoy local beers and cuisine at this famed spot from 5pm to 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:00pm

Return to Dortmund

Evening train back to Dortmund approximately 1h15m.
EUR25, 1h15m

Day 4: Dortmund Museums

Dortmund, Germany on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaffeekommune

Specialty coffee and light breakfast items from 7am to 1pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Museum Ostwall

Explore modern and contemporary art in Dortmund’s U-Tower, open 11am to 7pm but worth morning visit for exterior and local area.
EUR8, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zum Alten Markt

Rustic German fare in the historic market square, open 11am to 9pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Dortmund Mining Museum

Discover the region’s coal mining history in this extensive museum, open 9am to 4pm.
EUR7, 2h

4:00pm

Westfalenstadion (Signal Iduna Park) Tour

Take a guided tour of Borussia Dortmund’s iconic stadium, open 10am to 4pm; book tickets in advance.
EUR12, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pfefferkorn restaurant

Relax with traditional German comfort food close to your accommodation, open until 11pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 5: Heidelberg and Romantic Rhine

Heidelberg, Germany on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel Preparation

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Train from Dortmund to Heidelberg

Long-distance train journey taking approximately 3.5 hours southwards into Baden-Württemberg region.
EUR40, 3h30m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Wirtshaus Zum Nepomuk, Heidelberg

Try regional specialties at a popular riverside tavern open 11am to 10pm.
EUR22, 1h

1:00pm

Heidelberg Castle

Visit the famous Renaissance castle with stunning views over the Neckar valley, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR9, 2h

3:30pm

Philosopher’s Walk

Take a scenic walk offering views of the castle and town, open all day.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Evening along the Neckar River

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river promenade.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Schnitzelbank

Experience traditional German dishes including schnitzel in this welcoming eatery open till 10pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 6: Nuremberg Historic Sights

Nuremberg, Germany on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Heidelberger Café

Grab coffee and fresh pastries before traveling, open from 7am to 2pm.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Train from Heidelberg to Nuremberg

Travel northeast for approximately 3 hours.
EUR40, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Bratwurst Röslein

Sample famous Nuremberg sausages in the world’s largest sausage restaurant, open 11am to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Nuremberg Castle

Explore the medieval fortress complex overseeing the city, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR7, 2h

3:30pm

Albrecht Dürer House

Visit the home of the famous painter and printmaker, showcasing his life and works, open 10am to 5pm.
EUR5, 1h

5:00pm

Historic Old Town Walk

Wander through cobbled streets, explore churches, and old squares.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Essigbrätlein

Indulge in Michelin-starred Franconian cuisine, open 6pm to 10pm; advance reservation recommended.
EUR70, 2h

Day 7: Leipzig’s Art and History

Leipzig, Germany on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Train to Leipzig

Quick breakfast before a 3-hour train journey northeast.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:30am

Train Heidelberg to Leipzig

Accepted train with transfers, around 4 hours total.
EUR50, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Auerbachs Keller

Historic restaurant famously referenced by Goethe, serving Saxon specialties, open 11:30am to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Museum of Fine Arts

Explore extensive art collections from medieval to modern works, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR8, 2h

3:30pm

St. Thomas Church

Visit the historic church famous as the workplace of J.S. Bach, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR0, 1h

5:00pm

Walk the Central Market Square

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and local cafes, open all day.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ratskeller Leipzig

Traditional Saxon food in the old town hall cellar, open 5pm to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 8: Berlin - History and Culture

Berlin, Germany on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Quick meal before the train journey to Berlin.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:30am

Train Leipzig to Berlin

Fast train approx 1.5 hours to capital city.
EUR25, 1h30m

9:00am

Brandenburg Gate

Iconic German landmark and symbol of reunification, open all day.
EUR0, 0h30m

10:00am

Reichstag Building

Visit the German parliament with its famous glass dome, book free entry in advance. Open 8am to midnight.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zur letzten Instanz

Berlin’s oldest restaurant serving traditional German meals, open 11am to 11pm.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Berlin Wall Memorial

Outdoor exhibit of the Berlin Wall history with preserved wall segments. Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Museum Island

Explore cultural treasures in several museums on the Spree island, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR18, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Max und Moritz

Traditional Berlin and German comfort food, open 5pm to 11pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening stroll at Alexanderplatz

Experience vibrant nightlife and city views at the TV Tower.
EUR0, 1h

Day 9: Berlin Museum Day

Berlin, Germany on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Father Carpenter

Excellent coffee and light breakfast open 8am to 3pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Checkpoint Charlie and Museum

Visit the famous Cold War crossing point with exhibits open 9am to 10pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

11:30am

Topography of Terror

Outdoor and indoor documentation center about the Nazi regime, open 10am to 8pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Marjellchen

Try East Prussian specialties in a traditional ambiance, open 12pm to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Jewish Museum Berlin

Striking architecture showcasing Jewish history and culture, open 10am to 8pm.
EUR8, 2h

5:00pm

Kreuzberg Neighborhood Walk

Discover lively street art, cafes, and shops.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Markthalle Neun

Casual market hall with diverse local food options, open till 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 10: Return West via Hannover

Hannover, Germany on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Train to Hannover

Start with breakfast and then take a 2-hour train west to Hannover.
EUR15, 0h30m

7:30am

Train Berlin to Hannover

Travel approximately 2 hours.
EUR25, 2h

10:00am

Herrenhausen Gardens

Tour these baroque gardens and greenhouses, open 9am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

11:30am

Hannover Old Town Visit

Explore historic timber-framed buildings and the Market Church.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Pier 51

Enjoy fresh seasonal dishes by the river, open 12pm to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Sprengel Museum Hannover

Modern art museum with a focus on German artists, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Train to Dortmund

Return journey by train approx 2 hours.
EUR20, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Dortmund Bistro

Relax with dinner near your accommodation after travel, open till 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 11: Day Trip to Münster

Münster, Germany on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Café Dortmund

Light breakfast before departure, open 7am to 2pm.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Münster

Travel 45 minutes north by train.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:30am

Münster Cathedral

Visit this impressive 13th-century cathedral with rich history, open 7am to 7pm.
EUR0, 1h

10:45am

Historical City Hall and Prinzipalmarkt

Explore medieval architecture and charming arcades.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Leve

Enjoy hearty Westphalian dishes in a traditional environment, open 11am to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Museum Pablo Picasso Münster

Modern art museum with extensive Picasso collection, open Tues-Sun 11am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

3:45pm

Aasee Lake Walk

Relax around this scenic lake with walking paths and cafés.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Dortmund

Train back approximately 45 minutes.
EUR15, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dedalus

Fine dining near your accommodation featuring German and Mediterranean cuisine, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Ruhr Area Culture Day

Essen and Ruhr Area, Germany on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at BVB Kaffeebar Dortmund

Local coffee shop with German breakfast options, open 7am to 2pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Essen

Short 30-minute train ride west to Essen.
EUR8, 0h30m

10:00am

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

UNESCO site showcasing industrial heritage with guided tours and exhibitions, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Nord

Modern café with fresh regional dishes, open 11am to 8pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Museum Folkwang

Renowned art museum with a diverse collection, open 11am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Dortmund

Train back to Dortmund in 30 minutes.
EUR8, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lokal Dortmund

Enjoy fresh local ingredients in a casual atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 13: Day for Leisure and Shopping

Dortmund, Germany on July 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Lamm

Relax over coffee and pastries in this homely café, open 8am to 2pm.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Shopping at Thier-Galerie

Explore one of the largest shopping malls in Dortmund offering diverse shops and boutiques.
EUR0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Tatort

Enjoy regional comfort food with a modern twist, open 11am to 9pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Reinoldikirche

Historic church and local landmark with tower views, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR4, 1h

3:30pm

Coffee break at Bergmann Kaffee

Specialty coffee house perfect for afternoon rest, open 8am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll through City Park Dortmund

Enjoy a calm walk in the green spaces near city center, open until dusk.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Alten Markt

Final dinner with traditional Westphalian dishes in a lively atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 14: Pack and Farewell Dortmund

Dortmund, Germany on July 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at home

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation getting ready for departure.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Last-minute shopping or local café visit

Spend your final hours visiting a nearby café or picking up souvenirs.
EUR15, 1h

12:00pm

Packing for Check-out

Prepare your luggage for your departure the next day.
EUR0, 1h

1:00pm

Light lunch at Wenkers am Markt

Casual lunch at this well-known Dortmund bistro, open 11am to 5pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Dortmund’s U-Tower Cultural Center

Final cultural visit with exhibitions and city views, open 11am to 7pm.
EUR8, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Enjoy some downtime preparing for your onward journey.
EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Pfefferkorn

Celebrate your Germany trip with a traditional dinner near your accommodation, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 15: Departure Day

Dortmund, Germany on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at home

Enjoy your final morning meal before check-out.
EUR0, 0h30m

8:00am

Check-out and Departure

Prepare to leave Dortmund and continue your travels or return home.
EUR0, 1h