Düsseldorf Road trip | Campervan hire

Stop 1. Cologne

Highlights:

Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum: The history behind everyone’s favourite sweet treat.
Farina Fragrance Museum: Discover 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 an amazing mix of attractions, especially on the museum scene. But most visitors come 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 to coincide with the city’s uproariously fun carnival.

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

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

Stop 2. Koblenz

Highlights:

Deutsches Eck: Where the Moselle and Rhine meet, Deutsches Eck is home to a massive monument to 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 ($$): A multi-storey car park, centrally located.
Parkhaus Altstadt / Weißer Höfe ($$): Very well located within easy walking distance of the Deutsches Eck and the old town.
Park "Am Saarplatz" ($$): Well priced and located multi-storey car park.

Visiting Koblenz Castle

Koblenz is a 2,000-year-old city in the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It sits at the confluence of the Moselle and the Rhine and is best known for the monument at Deutsches Eck or "German Corner".

The whole city is a testament to unified Germany, showcasing some of the country’s best attractions, from riverside promenades to castles to the region’s Rhine-Moselle wine.

Although it may seem small, Koblenz has plenty to offer visitors. An 11th-century fortress offers spectacular views over the city, and the area is dotted with picturesque squares and stunning churches.

The city is also a great base for exploring the castles along the Rhine and the Moselle with its picture-perfect vineyards and villages. Whether you’re into good food or great sights, there’s something for everyone in 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. Entry 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 Siegen’s Rubens Prize. Entry is free.
Reinhold Forster Erbstollen: This half-kilometre mining tunnel is open for tours in summer.

Where to Park:

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

Visiting Siegen

Siegen is located in the southern part of Westphalia in 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 up-and-coming tourist destination that’s worth a visit. It offers a range of unique things to do and places to explore, including museums, galleries and even an abandoned mine.

A university city, its residents 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, along a lovely canal-side stretch.

Where to Park:

Parkhaus Nikko APCOA ($$): Well located, secure and clean—ideal as your base.
Kö-Bogen APCOA car park ($$): Easy to access, tidy and good value for the location.
Campground Lörick: Great spot near the Rhine, prices start 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, its Altstadt (old town) sits on the east bank while the west is occupied by modern commercial areas.

A highly regarded university town, it’s a city of wide streets lined with elegant shops and a ring of gardens and parks around its vibrant city centre.

Visitors can enjoy its stunning old-world architecture, excellent museums, lush inner-city greenery and one of Europe’s most luxurious shopping streets. The city is also a great base for exploring the surrounding Rhine region with its picturesque castles and villages.

Whether you’re after great shopping or want to visit culturally significant museums, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this lively German city.