5-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Germany (Excluding Munich)

Day 1: Urban Start

Frankfurt, Germany on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Karin

Start your day with a traditional German breakfast and excellent coffee at this cozy Frankfurt café, known for its fresh pastries and local vibe.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Römerberg Square

Explore the historical heart of Frankfurt with its beautiful timber-framed buildings and charming old town square.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Städel Museum

Visit this world-class art museum featuring European paintings from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.
EUR16, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Apfelwein Wagner

Enjoy authentic Hessian cuisine and sample the local apple wine in this traditional Frankfurt restaurant, perfect for a hearty midday meal.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Palmengarten Botanical Garden

Take in the beauty of diverse plants from all over the world in Frankfurt’s large botanical garden, open until 7pm in summer.
EUR7, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Heidelberg

Set off on a scenic 1-hour drive to Heidelberg, a picturesque town famous for its romantic castle and old town.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Schnitzelbank

Dine on traditional German dishes including excellent schnitzel in this historic Heidelberg tavern with a warm atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Heidelberg Castle & Old Town

Heidelberg, Germany on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gundel

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at this highly regarded café near Heidelberg's old town.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Heidelberg Castle

Tour the famous Renaissance castle overlooking the Neckar River, including the German Pharmacy Museum inside. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR9, 2h

11:30am

Philosopher’s Walk

Enjoy an easy walk with sweeping views of Heidelberg and the river, a beloved scenic path featured in literature.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg

Have lunch at this lively brewpub offering German beers and hearty meals in a rustic atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Black Forest - Triberg

A 2-hour drive into the scenic Black Forest region, famous for its dense woods and cuckoo clocks.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Triberg Waterfalls

Explore Germany’s highest waterfalls in Triberg, a stunning natural attraction open late until sunset in summer.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof zum Rössle

Enjoy regional Black Forest specialities including smoked ham and Black Forest cake at this charming guesthouse.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Black Forest Nature

Triberg / Black Forest, Germany on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Schäfer

Start with freshly brewed coffee and traditional Black Forest pastries in a quaint local café in Triberg.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Black Forest Open Air Museum (Vogtsbauernhof)

Drive 30 mins to Gutach and explore traditional Black Forest farmhouses and crafts up-close. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at museum’s Bauernstube

Enjoy rustic regional dishes in a cozy setting that reflects Black Forest traditions.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

A scenic 2.5-hour drive east to the famous medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Fuel approx. EUR20, 2h30m

4:30pm

Check-in & walk walls

Explore the well-preserved old town walls of this medieval jewel, which offers fantastic views and photo spots.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zur Höll

Experience authentic Franconian cuisine with a great selection of local wines in a historic tavern.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 4: Medieval Town Charm

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Konditorei Goldener Greifen

Enjoy fresh cakes and coffee at this popular café near the town center.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Medieval Crime Museum

Visit this unique museum dedicated to law and punishment in the Middle Ages, open 10am-5pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

11:00am

Town Hall & Market Square

Climb the town hall tower for panoramic views and wander one of Germany's best-preserved medieval squares.
EUR4, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Reichsküchenmeister

Dine on Franconian specialties in a traditional half-timbered house with a lovely atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Nuremberg

A short 1.5-hour drive to Nuremberg, a city rich in history and culture.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 1h30m

3:30pm

Nuremberg Castle

Tour the historic fortress overlooking Nuremberg’s old town, open until 6pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bratwursthäusle

Taste the famous Nürnberger sausages at the oldest sausage restaurant in the city, a local favorite.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 5: Nuremberg Highlights

Nuremberg, Germany on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Wohlleben

Begin with excellent coffee and fresh baked goods at this cozy café in Nuremberg’s old town.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Visit this important historical site and museum detailing Nazi Germany, open 9am-6pm.
EUR6, 2h

11:30am

Albrecht Dürer’s House

Explore the home of Germany’s famous Renaissance artist, now a museum showcasing his work.
EUR6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Essigbrätlein

Savor gourmet Franconian cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant known for unique dishes.
EUR50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive back to Frankfurt or nearby airport

Depending on your departure plans, a roughly 2-hour drive back to Frankfurt allows convenient access for flights or onward travel.
Fuel approx. EUR20, 2h