Catherine - Savvy Family TravelIf you’re looking for a road trip that takes you through some of Germany’s most charming cities, away from the tourist epicenters, or a road trip that easily pairs with Belgium, France, or Luxembourg travel?
This 7 day Germany road trip takes you through the heart of Europe and includes one of its main arteries, the Rhine River.
If you have kids along for the ride, they will love our lesser known spots for barefoot fun and marble running.
Germany Road Trip
Baden-Baden
Our Germany Road Trip Itinerary kicks off in the historically well reputed town of Baden-Baden. Best known for its luxurious spa culture and elegant casino, Baden-Baden is a fascinating glimpse into a lifestyle many of us don’t get to step in to every day.
First things first, leave the car off at the parking lot, Luisenstrasse.
Your first stop of the day should be the Visitor Center in Baden Baden, located right in front of the Casino. At the visitor center, have them help you lay out your walking route timing based on tours offered and opening hours of the Roman Baths and the Casino. Tours are offered at the Casino in multiple languages so you’ll want to ensure you snag the right tour.
Guided tours are offered before the Casino opens and cost 10 euros. You’re also given a voucher for a free cover charge to return (in proper dress code attire) after they officially open. Kids are allowed on the tour, but not during the casino’s operating hours.
In addition to its opulent interiors reminiscent of a royal palace, the amount of natural light streaming in was contrary to any other casino I’ve been in.
Nearby the casino, be sure to take a stroll down Lichtentaler Allee, a picturesque parkway gifted to the city by the casino’s owner, decades ago. Follow this with a visit to the Trinkhalle, with its ornate pump room providing a glimpse into the leisurely lives of bygone casino guests. One of it’s main purpose was to offer an outdoor, yet covered place to promenade during poor weather. The arcade is filled with frescoes and 16 Corinthian columns. (Shown in the image above.)
To partake in the age old tradition of public bathhouses, you can visit Friedrichbad baths or the modern Caracalla Spa. Learn about the history of roman baths and bathing culture with a trip to the historical Roman bath ruins. Here, you will be given an audio guide to narrate your walk above the ruins.
Cap off your Baden-Baden visit with decadent pastries, coffees, and iced refreshments at Cafe Konig. Snag a table on their lovely patio and prepare for the next leg of your Germany Road Trip Itinerary. Don’t forget to use the restroom before you depart!
Barefoot Park: Bad Sobernheim
Following a lavish time in Baden-Baden, this Germany Road Trip Itinerary takes an unexpected turn to the exciting Barfußpfad Bad Sobernheim, which is open typically from May to October.
Barfußpfad, translates to “barefoot park” and these parks are scattered throughout Germany, but none compare to this one.
This epic barefoot park offers a truly unique outdoor experience by engaging your senses and challenging your balance over a variety of natural surfaces.
The 2 mile/3.5-kilometer trail meanders through water, mud, and stones, and across wood, ropes, and grass. The path provides a direct connection with the Earth, promoting health benefits associated with barefoot walking, such as improved balance and natural foot strengthening. German beliefs in the power of this connection and that’s what made barefoot parks popular all over the country.
Barfußpfad Bad Sobernheim welcomes visitors of all ages who seek a touch of whimsy in their travels and mud between their toes.
My kids found so much joy in the tactile and endless space to explore, especially after a lot of time in the car. As adults, we felt nostalgic partaking in the childhood freedom and it was wonderful to connect with our kids in this shared experience.
Adults are charged €5, with a discounted rate of €4 for children, senior citizens, and groups. Children under the age of 4 can enjoy it for free.
Romantic Rhine Cities
For the ultimate excursion on your Germany Road Trip Itinerary, seek out a cozy spot along the storied Rhine River to nestle in for 2-3 nights.
You’ll want a few days to soak in the area’s vineyards, castles, and legendary tales.
We opted for a centrally located city as our base. We stayed in Boppard, atop a hill at a historic chapel and foresthouse. Our host was wonderfully welcoming, warm, and patient. We had free reign of the gardens and our kids got to interact with the farm animals too.
There are two ways to explore the Rhine’s romantic cities and if you can, try to mix a little of both.
Exploring by Car
The flexibility you have when exploring by car is a major perk. You aren’t married to the time tables of the cruise lines and you can stop in at castles on the outskirts of the city with little hassle.
We plugged in a Rick Steves Audio Guide to listen to as we moved from city to city. Be sure to download this in advance to save cellular data.
We booked our rental car here.
Exploring by Boat
It’s one thing to drive along the river and see the sights from your car, but cruising down the Rhine gives you a whole new perspective. I don’t mean just in the appearance of the shoreline either, but the historic and economical significance of this fast flowing river.
When it comes to city hopping river cruises, the two main players are KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer) and Loreley Linie. Whether you book in advance or decide to be spontaneous and get your tickets at the dock kiosks, the prices are affordable and the experience cannot be traded.
One of the highlights is definitely passing by the Loreley Rock. According to legend, a beautiful siren named Loreley used to sit on the rock and sing, luring sailors to their doom. As you sail past, you can almost hear her song – it’s a bit spooky, but totally cool.
Can’t Miss Stops
The cities below stand out for their romantic ambiance and historical significance. Each offers a unique slice of German culture and are sure to captivate you.
The cities are ordered from South to North following the river.
Mainz
This lively city, with its mix of old and new, makes for a perfect launchpad to the Rhine portion of this Germany road trip.
On a visit to Mainz, don’t skip the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press and his revolutionary invention. It’s fascinating to see how much this invention changed the world.
The Mainz Cathedral‘s Romanesque architecture dominates the skyline and deserves a peek inside as well. Nearby, walk into the Kirschgarten, one of the most picturesque spots for cobblestone, half timbered houses and flowerboxes decorating the window sills. Each of these three attractions are found in the city’s old town.
A bit east, Volkspark Mainz beckons families with a giant slide, train rides, and a playground.
Before leaving town, enjoy a glass of Riesling and some traditional sausages to fuel up for your journey
Bacharach
Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Bacharach is straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.
Stroll through its cobblestone streets, visit the ancient Stahleck Castle, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine valley from atop its hill.
For a nice break and free play, head to Kinderspielpatz Bacharach where they have a playground, sandbox and lovely views of the river.
Sankt Goar and the Legendary Loreley
For a perfect chill spot in Sankt Goar (St. Goar), head to Hotel Kaufmann for a meal. Their patio is alongside the river, and it’s an awesome place to sit back, eat some tasty German food, and watch boats drift by. They were wonderful with my kids and had plenty of options for picky eaters plus fun ice cream dishes for dessert.
Not far away is Loreley, a rock that’s legendary in these parts. The story goes that Loreley was a siren who lured sailors to their doom against the jagged rocks with her singing. Today, you can hike up to the top for an amazing view of the Rhine Gorge.
If able, tour the Rheinfels Castle (closed summer 2024). This old fortress used to be the biggest on the Rhine, and now it’s an epic ruin you can explore.
So, whether you’re exploring the ruins of Rheinfels, enjoying a riverside meal, or hiking to Loreley, Sankt Goar and Loreley offer a blend of history, legend, and natural beauty that’s hard to beat. It’s a perfect spot to take a break, soak in some culture, and enjoy the views on your German road trip.
Boppard
A hidden gem along the Rhine, Boppard has a riverside promenade that’s perfect for a walk and letting kids excitedly point at each and every boat – daring them to race each other.
The town is also known for the Rhine Loop, offering one of the most spectacular river bends in Germany. Don’t miss the chance to take a chairlift for awe-inspiring views of the Rhine Loop (horseshoe).
Marksburg
Marksburg is one of the best-preserved castles along the Rhine, and it’s an absolute must-see. Getting there from the west riverbank is pretty simple. If you’re coming from towns like Koblenz or Boppard, just hop on a ferry to cross the Rhine.
Marksburg Castle dates back to the 12th century and has never been destroyed, which is pretty rare for castles in this region. Guides take you through rooms filled with medieval furniture, weaponry, and artifacts, bringing the history of the castle to life.
One of the highlights is the view from the castle’s ramparts; a panoramic view of the Rhine Valley that’s simply breathtaking. You can see why this spot was chosen – the strategic advantage is obvious.
Koblenz
Koblenz was obliterated during WWII so don’t expect the quaint historic buildings you’ve so enjoyed for the first part of your Rhine adventure.
Instead, when you visit Koblenz, head straight to the “Deutsches Eck” (translating to German Corner) and cross your fingers to find parking. It got its name as the confluence spot of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Behind a massive equestrian statue of William I, Germany’s first Emperor, families will want to check out the interactive splash pad, Wasserspielplatz Deutsches Eck
Here, there’s also a sprawling biergarten and public restrooms. (Make sure to carry coins with you at all times, 50 cent and 1 euro coins, for automated bathroom entrances.)
One more spot to consider, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, accessible via a scenic cable car ride, offers panoramic views of the confluence.
Eltz Castle
After marveling at the romantic cities along the Rhine, steer your Germany Road Trip towards the magical Eltz Castle, Burg Eltz. This medieval marvel stands as one of the best-preserved castles in Germany, primarily because it has remained in the hands of the same family for over 850 years. It appears nearly untouched by time, allowing visitors to step straight into the Middle Ages.
The castle’s architecture is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles as generations of family members sought to move into more modernized living quarters over the centuries.
On a castle tour, you’ll get a deep dive into the family’s rich history and the medieval era’s day-to-day life. The guide kept my kids engaged by putting them in charge of opening and closing the heavy medieval doors as we moved throughout the castle. My kids also got a kick out of the old drop toilets.
Additionally, the castle houses an impressive treasury filled with gold, silver artifacts, and ancient armors, showcasing the wealth and power of the Eltz family through centuries.
The adventure to Eltz Castle begins and ends with a walk through the lush forest that takes you from the parking lot to the fortress. You can also opt for a shuttle ride which departs every 10 minutes for only 2 euro each way per guest.
Cochem
Next up on your Germany road trip itinerary is Cochem, a town alongside the Mosel River. It’s best known for its castle, Reichsburg Cochem.
Cochem’s quaint streets are lined with traditional German half-timbered houses, cozy wine taverns, and charming boutiques, but because the Mosel is less traveled, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds that at it’s Rhine relatives.
Geierlay Suspension Bridge
For the adventure seekers, a visit to the Geierlay Suspension Bridge is a must do thrill on your Germany road trip.
It’s Germany’s longest suspension bridge and offers breathtaking views of the lush forest below. Best of all, it is completely free to visit.
Park near the trailhead in Morsdorf. You’ll walk for about 20 minutes each way to reach the bridge. Along the way there are exhibits that educate visitors on clean energy. You’ll see countless wind turbines in the area.
There isn’t much for shade on this walk, so be sure to wear hats and sunscreen. Reward yourselves afterward with a stop at the Biergarten near the start of the trail. They have ice cream, burgers, and cold beverages too.
Trail Sized Marble Run (“Kugelbahn”)
Follow up this thrilling bridge experience with a hike along the Dünnbach-Pfad mit “Kugelbahn” Traumschleife, a trail famous for its inventive and ingenius marble run track (“Kugelbahn”).
At the trailhead, you’ll see a dispenser with large wooden marbles for the course. (1 euro each) It’s important to bring exact change! You’ll need 1 euro coins to purchase balls.
At the start, you’ll see at the platform at which the course splits in two directions. The shorter one is on the left. Our kids ran up and down the hill doing this one over and over. Then we set out to do the 1/4 mile trail with its impressive, interactive lift systems. Our favorite was the hamster wheel.
We did the quarter mile trail 3 times in total before the kids were ready to picnic at the parking lot and depart westward.
Barefoot Park: Grenderich
If your kids couldn’t get enough of the tactile pleasures atBarfußpfad Bad Sobernheim, you’ll be thrilled to visit Barfuß Park Grenderich.
While the barefoot path is much shorter, its mud pit was far more “ooey gooey goopy,” according to my boys. We loved hanging out at the playground afterword with a beer from the adjacent bar.
Eifelpark Amusement Park
If you’re traveling with older kids or are a thrill seeker yourself, consider a stop at Eifelpark on your Germany road trip. The theme park combines wildlife attractions with exhilarating coasters and water slides.
Trier
The finale for your Germany Road Trip, is in Germany’s oldest city, Trier.
What sets Trier apart are its remarkable Roman ruins, remnants from when the city was one of the four seats of the Roman Empire. A must-visit is the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. That’s not all though, there are 5 more stunning roman ruins and lots more to do with a day in Trier!
A visit to Trier ensures your Germany road trip concludes on a note of awe and inspiration.
Day by Day: Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 – Baden Baden and Barefoot Park #1
Day 2 – Explore the Romantic Rhine Cities by Car
Day 3 – Explore the Romantic Rhine Cities by Boat
Day 4 – Eltz Castle and Cochem
Day 5 – Spend more time in your favorite Rhine City
Day 6 – Marble Run, Suspension Bridge, Barefoot Park #2 – or – Eifelpark
Day 7 – Trier
Without stopping/detours, the route will be about 8-8.5 hours worth of drive time or 375 miles/600 kilometers.
Road Trip Extensions
Luxembourg City
If your schedule allows for further exploration, a day trip to Luxembourg City is an excellent add-on. It’s just 55 minutes from Trier.
Strasbourg
We suggest adding a day or two in Strasbourg at the front end of your Germany road trip for a taste of the Alsace region. It’s easy to get a train between Paris/Strasbourg too! The ride is less than 3 hours and you can snag tickets (when booking in advance) for under $20.
Alsace Region
If you have more time to spare, unwind in some of France’s most beautiful villages. Check out our itineraries for Colmar or a 5 day Alsace Region Sampler.
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