Scenic Road Trip from Köln to Wien: A Family-Friendly Journey Through Germany and Austria

Day 1: Köln Departure and Exploration

Köln, Germany on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Rico

Start the day with a family-friendly breakfast at Café Rico, featuring fresh pastries and kid-friendly options.
EUR15, 1h30m

9:30am

Kölner Dom Visit

Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The kids will enjoy the impressive Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.
EUR0, 1h

10:45am

Drive from Köln to Frankfurt

Begin the road trip with a 2h15m drive to Frankfurt, passing through scenic German countryside.
EUR0, 2h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vapiano Frankfurt

Enjoy fresh Italian dishes with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families at Vapiano near the city center.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Palmengarten Frankfurt

Explore the beautiful botanical gardens with greenhouses and open spaces perfect for kids to run and explore.
EUR7, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to Hotel and Rest

Check-in and relax at a family-friendly hotel such as Hilton Frankfurt City Centre.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Gemalten Haus

Enjoy traditional German cuisine in a cozy setting suitable for families.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Frankfurt to Nuremberg via Würzburg

Frankfurt & Würzburg, Germany on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet suitable for adults and children.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Würzburg

Drive 1h30m to Würzburg, a charming town known for its baroque architecture and vineyards.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Würzburg Residence

Tour the stunning Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site with magnificent gardens, ideal for a family stroll.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Backöfele

Relish Franconian specialties in a family-friendly and casual setting.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Drive to Nuremberg

Continue the road trip by driving 1h15m to Nuremberg, a city rich in history and culture.
EUR0, 1h15m

3:30pm

Visit Nuremberg Castle

Explore this medieval castle offering panoramic views and interactive exhibits suitable for kids.
EUR7, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll around Old Town

Wander through charming streets, perfect for sightseeing and picking up souvenirs.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bratwurst Röslein

Dine on traditional sausages and hearty dishes in a lively atmosphere great for families.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 3: Nuremberg to Passau via Regensburg

Nuremberg & Regensburg, Germany on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a varied breakfast buffet to prepare for the day’s travel and sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Regensburg

A 1h15m drive to Regensburg, a city with well-preserved medieval architecture.
EUR0, 1h15m

10:30am

Visit Stone Bridge and Old Town

Walk across Regensburg’s iconic Stone Bridge and explore the historic old town with its quaint shops and cafes.
EUR0, 1h

11:30am

Drive to Passau

Drive another hour to Passau, located at the confluence of three rivers, perfect for stunning views.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus zum Straubinger

Enjoy traditional Bavarian food in a friendly setting popular with families.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Veste Oberhaus Fortress

Explore this fortress with a museum and breathtaking views over the rivers and Passau cityscape.
EUR7, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Linz, Austria

Drive 1h10m to Linz, the vibrant city on the Danube River.
EUR0, 1h10m

4:45pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle in at a family hotel like the Ars Electronica Center Hotel in Linz.
EUR0, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Bären

Savor Austrian classics in a cozy yet welcoming family environment.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Linz to Wien via Melk

Linz & Melk, Austria on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Melk

Drive 1h to Melk, home to the spectacular Melk Abbey overlooking the Danube.
EUR0, 1h

10:00am

Visit Melk Abbey

Tour the beautiful baroque abbey with its stunning library and gardens, an engaging cultural stop for the entire family.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof zur Post

Taste traditional Austrian dishes in Melk’s charming town center.
EUR20, 1h

1:15pm

Drive to Vienna (Wien)

Continue the journey with a 1h20m drive to Vienna, Austria’s capital and cultural hub.
EUR0, 1h20m

2:45pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Settle into a centrally located family-friendly hotel such as Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:15pm

Visit Stadtpark Vienna

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Stadtpark to see famous statues, including that of Johann Strauss, perfect for kids to enjoy open spaces.
EUR0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Try Vienna’s renowned boiled beef specialty (Tafelspitz) in a welcoming restaurant ideal for families.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Explore Vienna

Vienna, Austria on July 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy a historic cafe with delightful pastries and options suitable for the whole family.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the spectacular palace and its gardens, including the zoo, guaranteed to entertain both adults and kids.
EUR25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Enjoy fresh Austrian fare in a garden setting inside the MuseumsQuartier, family-friendly and relaxed.
EUR25, 1h

1:45pm

Exploration of the Natural History Museum

Marvel at dinosaur skeletons and fascinating exhibits that children will find especially intriguing.
EUR14, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Prater Park

Visit Vienna’s famous amusement park with rides and space for kids to play.
EUR0 entry, rides extra, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

End the day with typical Viennese dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m
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