Located along the northern end of the River Rhine, Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s largest and most fashionable cities. Altstadt (Old Town) is a hub of activity on the river’s east bank, while a modern commercial district has sprung up to the west.
Park your campervan and head to the Rhine Tower, where sweeping city views give you a sense of the city. We suggest skipping the revolving restaurant and touristy observation deck in favour of the chic cocktail lounge M 168.
Düsseldorf attracts a fun, vibrant crowd, particularly in the evenings. As the sun sets, head straight for Old Town and join in the beloved local pastime of pub-hopping.
Combine a late start the next morning with a lazy stroll along Königsallee, a pretty boulevard bursting with stylish boutiques and fashion showrooms. As you leave the city and make for the Netherlands and Belgium on this road trip, head southwest to add an afternoon stop at Castle Dyck, an important moated fortress dating back more than a millennium.
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The next stop on this border-hopping Germany, Netherlands & Belgium road trip: Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region.
The little city of Liège is dissected by the River Meuse and dotted with medieval landmarks such as the Collegiate Church of Saint Bartholomew. The church is well-known for its distinctive red façade and surreal Dalí-esque inner courtyard.
Ten minutes away on foot is a different sort of local landmark, the so-called “Mountain” of Bueren. It’s not actually a mountain at all but a steep stone staircase of 374 steps rising from the old town and offering fantastic views at the top.
If you manage the climb, you’ll have earned yourself a Belgian waffle or three! The Liège waffle is characterised by its thicker dough, untrimmed edges, and melt-in-your-mouth sugar crystals. Join the queue at the famous Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette bakery (open Wednesday to Sunday only) to indulge in homemade gaufres liégeoises.
The historic spa town of Aachen was the preferred residence of Charlemagne, one of Europe’s most powerful kings. As an easy ending to your Germany, the Netherlands & Belgium road trip, you’ll quickly see the appeal.
While wandering Aachen’s cobbled streets, it’s hard to miss the Aachen Cathedral, considered the oldest cathedral in northern Europe. A whopping 30 German kings were crowned here; it’s also the final resting place of Charlemagne himself. You can follow in his footsteps at the Centre Charlemagne, a local history museum nearby.
Bordering Belgium and the Netherlands, the area’s hot springs and thermal baths have long attracted visitors seeking its rejuvenating mineral waters. The Carolus Thermen spa is the perfect place to spend your last full day, exploring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, or choosing from a range of therapeutic spa treatments.
Feeling refreshed? Head back to Düsseldorf in around an hour’s drive.
