Düsseldorf Roadtrip | campervan hire

Stop 1. Cologne

Highlights:

Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum: The history behind everyone’s favourite sweet treat.
Farina Fragrance Museum: Learn about the city’s iconic perfume.
Schloss Drachenburg: Stunning castle 30 minutes from Cologne.

Where to Park and Stay:

Parking:
Antipark Parkgaragengesellschaft ($$$): Partially covered parking.
Stay at:
Campingplatz Stadt Köln ($$$$): Cycling distance from the city centre.

Where to Eat:

Haxenhaus ($$$): Beer hall that serves a metre-long bratwurst.

First up, culture loving Cologne

Arriving in Cologne, history buffs and culture vultures won’t believe their luck. The city offers a mega medley of attractions, especially on the museum front. But visitors mainly come here for the cathedral. Because this one’s a big deal.

Seriously ornate architecture, two iconic spires, and 533 steps to the top. And then there’s the rest of the city. Light hearted and high spirited, Cologne knows how to live well, as you’ll see if you time your visit with the city’s uproariously fun carnival.

What else does the first stop on your West Germany road trip itinerary have to offer? Well there’s Museum Ludwig with its enormous art collection. Then perhaps treat yourself to a show at the Kölner Philharmonie. Or the Rheinpark hosts outdoor concerts if you prefer your music standing up and sweaty.

Be sure to try Kölsch, a hoppy beer drunk in tall glasses known as Stangen. Pair with Kölsche Kaviar, a type of sausage, or Hämmche, pig’s trotter. Apologies in advance to the vegetarians.

Stop 2. Koblenz

Highlights:

Deutsches Eck: The confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers, Deutsches Eck is home to a massive monument of Kaiser Wilhelm I.
Koblenz Cable Car: Just under 900 metres long, the Koblenz cable car lifts you across the Rhine and up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: The second largest of its kind in Europe, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress was built by the Prussians in 1828.

Where to Park:

Underground Parking Görresplatz ($$): A multi-story car park, centrally located.
Parkhaus Altstadt / Weißer Höfe ($$): Very well located within easy walking distance of the Deutsches Eck and the old town.
Park "Am Saarplatz" ($$): Well priced and located multi-story car park.

Visiting Koblenz Castle

Koblenz is a 2000-year-old city in the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It sits at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine and is best known for the monument at Deutsches Eck or "German Corner".

The whole city is a testament to unified Germany, showing off some of the country’s most renowned attractions from riverfront promenades to castles to regional Rhine-Moselle wine.

Though it may seem small, Koblenz has a lot to offer visitors. An 11th-century fortress offers spectacular views of the city and the area is dotted with picturesque squares and awesome churches.

The city is also a great base for exploring the Rhine River castles and the Moselle with its picturesque vineyards and villages. Whether you’re into good food or great sights, there’s something for everyone at Koblenz.

Stop 3. Siegen

Highlights:

Oberes Schloss: On Sieberg hill is a palace dating back to 1259. The Oberes Schloss began as a fortification but is now the host of Siegerlandmuseum, a museum of art and history. Entrance to the museum is free.
Museum für Gegenwartskunst: A museum for contemporary art, Museum für Gegenwartskunst houses the Lambrecht-Schadeberg Collection, which assembles all the winners of the Siegen's Rubens Prize. Entrance is free.
Reinhold Forster Erbstollen: This half-a-kilometre mining tunnel is open for tours in the summer.

Where to Park:

Parkhaus Reichswalds Ecke APCOA ($$): Plenty of car parking in a great location.
Parkhaus Altstadt APCOA ($$): A well-positioned multi-story car park with reasonable hourly pricing.

Visiting Siegen

Siegen is located in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in the Arnsberg region. It’s the birthplace of the world-renowned Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. As a result, the city is often nicknamed the “Rubens City”.

Though not as popular as other German cities, Siegen is nonetheless a beautiful upcoming tourist destination that’s worth a visit. It has a range of unique things to do and places you can explore including museums, galleries, and even an abandoned mine.

A university city, its inhabitants are a mix of young and old. They all have one thing in common though: they’re incredibly friendly.

If you’re looking for a smaller German city to explore off the beaten track you can’t go past Siegen.

Stop 4. Düsseldorf

Highlights:

Rheinuferpromenade: A scenic walkway along the river, perfect for enjoying the sunshine and views of the harbour.
Altstadt: Known as "the longest bar in the world," it’s home to brewpubs, nightclubs, and bars.
Königsallee: A shopping paradise lined with some of the best boutiques, located along a beautiful strip by the canal.

Where to Park:

Parkhaus Nikko APCOA ($$): Well-located, secure, and clean—perfect for your base.
Parking Garage Kö-Bogen APCOA ($$): Accessible, clean, and great value for its location.
Campground Lörick: Great location near the Rhine river, pricing starts at €10.00 (~$11.35) per night.

Visiting Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, in western Germany, is known for its art scene and fashion industry. Divided by the Rhine River, its Altstadt (Old Town) is on the east bank while the west is taken up by modern commercial areas.

A highly-regarded university town, it’s a city of wide streets lined with elegant shops with a ring of gardens and parks surrounding its happening downtown area.

Visitors to the city can experience its stunning old-world architecture, incredible museums, lush inner-city greenery, and Europe’s most luxurious shopping street. The city is also a great base for exploring the surroundings including the Rhine and all its picturesque castles and villages.

Whether you’re looking for great shopping or want to explore some culturally significant museums, you’ll find something for you in this vibrant German city.