3-Day Scenic Road Trip from Utrecht to the Black Forest and Northern Germany

Day 1: Black Forest Arrival

Baden-Baden, Germany on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Utrecht to Baden-Baden

Depart Utrecht early for the approximately 6-hour scenic drive south to Baden-Baden, a spa town on the edge of the Black Forest known for its lush landscapes and thermal baths.
Fuel cost approx EUR70, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rizzi - The Restaurant

Taste creative European cuisine in a modern setting, located near the Lichtentaler Allee in Baden-Baden.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Lichtentaler Allee

Stroll down this historic park and arboretum with beautiful tree-lined avenues alongside the river Oos; open all day.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Caracalla Spa

Relax in the thermal baths and pools of Caracalla Spa, open until 10pm for a rejuvenating Black Forest experience.
EUR18, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Löwenbräu

Enjoy traditional Baden cuisine and local beers in this cozy restaurant in the heart of Baden-Baden.
EUR25, 1h30m

7:30pm

Overnight stay in Baden-Baden

Book a room at the Hotel Merkur, known for comfortable accommodations and central location.
Approx EUR120, Overnight
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Day 2: Freiburg and Black Forest Exploration

Baden-Baden - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving into the heart of the Black Forest region towards Freiburg.
Usually included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Freiburg im Breisgau

Take the approx 1.5-hour drive south to Freiburg, a beautiful university city nestled at the edge of the Black Forest.
Fuel cost approx EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Freiburg Münster and Old Town

Tour the impressive Gothic cathedral and explore picturesque cobblestone streets with quaint shops and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hausbrauerei Feierling

Enjoy hearty German fare and locally brewed beer at this popular brewery-restaurant near the Münsterplatz.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:45pm

Schauinsland Cable Car Ride

Ride the cable car up famous Schauinsland mountain offering expansive views of the Black Forest, runs 9am - 5:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Augustiner Museum

See historical art and sculptures housed in a former monastery; museum open until 6pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

5:15pm

Drive to Offenburg

Begin driving north about 1 hour to Offenburg for an overnight stop before heading back to Utrecht.
Fuel cost approx EUR12, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Schliffkopf Stub’n in Offenburg

Relax and enjoy traditional Black Forest dishes in a cozy setting known for its friendly atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

8:00pm

Overnight stay in Offenburg

Stay at Hotel Engler which offers comfortable rooms in the city center.
Approx EUR95, Overnight
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Day 3: Return Journey

Offenburg - Utrecht, Netherlands on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a relaxing breakfast before the drive back to Utrecht.
Usually included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive towards Utrecht via Cologne

Head north with a planned stop in Cologne for sightseeing and lunch; the full drive is about 5.5 hours total with stops.
Fuel cost approx EUR50, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Brauhaus Sion in Cologne

Enjoy Rhineland specialties and Kölsch beer in this lively traditional brewery close to Cologne Cathedral.
EUR22, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Explore this stunning Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, open from 6am to 7pm daily.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive back to Utrecht

Complete the remaining 2-hour drive back to Utrecht arriving early evening.
Fuel cost approx EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Arrival in Utrecht

Arrive safely back home in Utrecht, finishing a memorable 3-day Black Forest and Germany road trip.
N/A, End
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