Germanic Road Trips | Avis Rent a Car

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Boasting one of the most famous highway systems in the world, Germany was made for exploring by car. The autobahn became a symbol of the county’s technological prowess when it was designed back in 1932. These days, the network covers over 8,000 miles, making it quick and easy to travel vast distances.

Road trips in Germany take on all shapes and forms. You can discover the history-rich cities of Berlin, Munich and Cologne, immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Black Forest, and even enjoy some time at the beach.  

Here are five road trip ideas to help you plan your self-drive vacation …

1. The Black Forest 

Situated in the southwest of Germany, close to the borders with France and Switzerland, the Black Forest is a mammoth expanse of unspoilt mountainous woodland. In the summer, visitors flock here for the picturesque hiking trails and outdoor activities; in the winter, they come for the traditional festivals and charming Christmas markets.

Baden-Baden, an hour and a half from Stuttgart in a rental car, is a great place to base yourself. From here, you can take easy day trips into the forest, before unwinding and soothing tired muscles in the thermal spas and natural hot springs the town is famous for.

For fabulous views of the region, take the funicular railway to the top of the Merkur mountain (a 15-minute drive from the center of town). If you want to venture further afield, the impressive Triberger Waterfall is about an hour and a half away. 

2. Munich and the Bavarian Alps 

Combine city sights with incredible natural scenery on a road trip around Bavaria. You can fly direct to Munich from most major North American cities, so it’s a great place to start your travels. Munich might be best known for its annual Oktoberfest, but it’s a brilliant destination to explore year-round thanks to its renowned museums and laidback, artsy vibe.

Take the A95 road south in your hire car for just over an hour, and you’ll come to the alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This is an ideal spot to soak in the beauty of the alps, with cycling, open water swimming and stand-up paddle boarding all popular pastimes.

On your way back to Munich, take a detour to the stunning Lake Starnberg, with its crystal-clear waters and photogenic mountain backdrop.

3. The Baltic Coast 

Germany might not be best known for its beaches, but the country’s northern coast is awash with them. Expect great swathes of fine white sand, backed by scenic nature trails and lush pine forests.

The easiest way to explore this part of the country is to collect a rental car from Hamburg Airport or city centre. From here, you’re just a two-hour drive from Kühlungsborn, one of Germany’s most popular beach resorts. Stroll the pretty main street, which is lined with impressive art deco buildings, before pulling up a deck chair on the sand (weather depending!).

Another popular spot is Rügen Island (three hours from Hamburg or Berlin). The biggest island in Germany, it’s a paradise of national parks, cute seaside towns, and wide sandy beaches framed by bright white cliffs.

4. The Romantic Road 

Germany’s Romantic Road (“Romantische Strasse”) was created back in the 1950s, as part of a PR campaign to promote the area. These days, it attracts more than two million annual visitors, making it the most popular drive in the country.

The 250-mile route runs from the city of Würzburg, in the middle of the country, right down to the border with Austria. You can pick up a rental car in either Frankfurt or Nuremberg, both about an hour and a half from Würzburg, before making your way south.

Highlights along the route include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most beautifully persevered medieval towns in Europe, and Neuschwanstein Castle, which is said to have inspired the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland California.

5. Cologne and the Rhine Valley  

The Rhine is the second-biggest river in Europe, flowing over 800 miles from its source in the Swiss Alps to its mouth in the North Sea at Rotterdam. The cathedral city of Cologne has a prime position on its banks and is a great starting off point for exploring the region.

Collect your rental car from Cologne Bonn Airport and follow the river south for an hour until you reach Koblenz. This is your gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, an area that has been given UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its hilltop castles, historic towns and unspoilt natural landscape.

From here, follow the B42 another hour south to Bingen – the road hugs the Rhine the whole way, offering up unbeatable views from your car window.

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