3 Weeks in Germany: A Grand Tour from Berlin to Cologne
Embark on a comprehensive three-week journey across Germany, starting with the vibrant history of Berlin, moving through the cultural richness of Dresden and Nuremberg, and concluding in the dynamic city of Cologne. This itinerary combines efficient train and bus travel with ample time for exploration in each destination.
- 1Berlin
- 2Dresden
- 3Nuremberg
- 4Munich
- 5Cologne
Day 1: Arrive in Berlin
Welcome to Berlin! After arriving at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and transferring to Berlin Hbf, settle into your accommodation before enjoying an evening stroll through the historic city centre.
Highlights
- Arrive at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and take the Airport Express (FEX) or S-Bahn to Berlin Hbf.
- Check into your hotel and unwind after your journey.
- Enjoy an introductory evening walk around Berlin's central areas.
Day 2: Berlin's Iconic Landmarks
Dive into Berlin's profound history today, visiting key sites that tell the story of Germany's past and present, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Reichstag Building.
Highlights
- See the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity.
- Visit the historic Reichstag Building, Germany's parliament, with its impressive glass dome.
- Reflect at the poignant Holocaust Memorial.
Day 3: Art & Culture on Museum Island
Dedicate your day to Berlin's world-class museums on Museum Island, immersing yourself in ancient art and 19th-century masterpieces.
Highlights
- Explore Museum Island, a UNESCO-listed complex of five renowned museums.
- Discover ancient Greek and Roman art at the Pergamonmuseum.
- Admire 19th-century European paintings at the Alte Nationalgalerie.
Day 4: Berlin's Divided Past & Vibrant Present
Uncover more of Berlin's recent history at the East Side Gallery and Checkpoint Charlie, then experience the city's modern pulse in its diverse neighbourhoods.
Highlights
- Walk along the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall transformed into an open-air art gallery.
- Visit Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing between East and West Berlin.
- Explore some of Berlin's vibrant and unique neighbourhoods.
Day 5: Palatial Grandeur & Green Retreats
Experience royal history at Charlottenburg Palace, followed by a relaxing afternoon amidst the expansive greenery of Tiergarten, Berlin's largest inner-city park.
Highlights
- Tour the magnificent Charlottenburg Palace, a Baroque masterpiece.
- Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Tiergarten, perfect for walks or cycling.
- Discover the Victory Column within Tiergarten for panoramic views.
Day 6: Panoramic Views & City Exploration
Ascend the Berlin TV Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, then spend your afternoon exploring the grand boulevard of Unter den Linden and its surrounding shops.
Highlights
- Take in 360-degree views of Berlin from the top of the Berlin TV Tower.
- Stroll along Unter den Linden, a historic boulevard lined with grand buildings.
- Enjoy some shopping or café hopping in the central district.
Day 7: Travel to Dresden & Explore
Journey by train from Berlin Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof, a trip averaging 2h 17m with tickets starting from €2. Upon arrival, begin exploring Dresden's historic heart, focusing on the Frauenkirche and Neumarkt.
Highlights
- Travel from Berlin to Dresden by train with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain.
- Arrive at Dresden Hauptbahnhof and check into your accommodation.
- Visit the iconic Frauenkirche, a symbol of Dresden's resilience, and explore the surrounding Neumarkt square.
Day 8: Dresden's Art & Architecture
Immerse yourself in Dresden's rich artistic heritage today, from the dazzling treasures of the Green Vault to the masterpieces of the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the grandeur of the Semperoper.
Highlights
- Discover the opulent Green Vault, one of the world's richest treasure museums.
- Admire European paintings at the Old Masters Picture Gallery within the Zwinger complex.
- Take a guided tour of the magnificent Semperoper Dresden, a famous opera house.
Day 9: Day Trip to Leipzig
Take a day trip to Leipzig by train, a journey of approximately 1h 26m with tickets starting from €10. Trains depart from Dresden Hauptbahnhof as early as 00:04 and return from Leipzig Hauptbahnhof as late as 23:52. Explore Leipzig's musical and historical landmarks.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Dresden to Leipzig with Deutsche Bahn.
- Visit St. Thomas Church, famously associated with Johann Sebastian Bach.
- Explore St. Nicholas Church, a key site of the Peaceful Revolution, and the historic Marktplatz.
Day 10: Travel to Nuremberg & Discover
Travel by train from Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Nürnberg Hbf, a journey averaging 3h 39m with tickets starting from €18. After settling in, begin your exploration of Nuremberg at the Hauptmarkt and Frauenkirche.
Highlights
- Take a train from Dresden to Nuremberg with Deutsche Bahn.
- Arrive at Nürnberg Hbf and check into your hotel.
- Explore the bustling Hauptmarkt and admire the Frauenkirche with its famous clock.
Day 11: Nuremberg's Imperial History
Delve into Nuremberg's imperial past and significant 20th-century history today, visiting the Kaiserburg, Albrecht Dürer's home, and the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Highlights
- Ascend to the Kaiserburg Nürnberg, the imperial castle, for panoramic city views.
- Visit the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus, the former home of the renowned Renaissance artist.
- Gain insight into a critical period of history at the Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände.
Day 12: Travel to Munich & Begin Exploring
Journey by bus from Nürnberg, ZOB to München, ZOB, a trip averaging 1h 44m with tickets starting from €10. Upon arrival, head to Marienplatz and explore the vibrant Viktualienmarkt.
Highlights
- Travel from Nuremberg to Munich by bus with FlixBus or BlaBlaCar.
- Arrive at München, ZOB and make your way to the city centre.
- Discover Marienplatz, Munich's central square, and browse the lively Viktualienmarkt.
Day 13: Munich's Scientific & Modern Art Wonders
Spend your day exploring two of Munich's most impressive cultural institutions: the Deutsches Museum, a hub of science and technology, and the Pinakothek der Moderne, showcasing modern art.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the vast collections of the Deutsches Museum.
- Explore the Pinakothek der Moderne, featuring leading modern art.
- Enjoy the architectural grandeur of the museum district.
Day 14: Royal Residences & Urban Oasis
Step back in time at the magnificent Munich Residenz, the former royal palace, then find tranquility and recreation in the sprawling English Garden.
Highlights
- Tour the Munich Residenz, exploring its lavish rooms and treasury.
- Relax and wander through the vast English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks.
- Watch surfers on the Eisbach wave within the English Garden.
Day 15: Baroque Splendor & Olympic Legacy
Discover the grandeur of Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian rulers, followed by an afternoon exploring the unique architecture and green spaces of Olympiapark.
Highlights
- Visit Nymphenburg Palace and its beautiful gardens.
- Explore Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Olympic Games, with its distinctive architecture.
- Enjoy scenic views from the Olympiaberg hill within the park.
Day 16: Old Masters & Bavarian Flavours
Spend your morning admiring masterpieces at the Alte Pinakothek, one of Europe's oldest art galleries, and dedicate your evening to experiencing traditional Bavarian cuisine in a lively beer garden.
Highlights
- Explore the Alte Pinakothek, home to a superb collection of Old Masters paintings.
- Savour traditional Bavarian dishes like Weißwurst or Schweinshaxe.
- Experience the lively atmosphere of a classic Munich beer hall or garden.
Day 17: Travel to Cologne & Evening Stroll
Embark on a bus journey from München, ZOB to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen), a trip averaging 10h 13m with tickets starting from €25. After arriving in Cologne, enjoy a relaxed evening stroll near the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
Highlights
- Travel from Munich to Cologne by bus with FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus.
- Arrive in Cologne and check into your accommodation.
- Take an evening walk around the impressive Cologne Cathedral.
Day 18: Cologne's Iconic Landmarks
Dedicate your day to Cologne's most famous sights, including the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collections of Museum Ludwig, and a walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
- Discover modern art at the Museum Ludwig, featuring Picasso and pop art.
- Walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks, for scenic Rhine views.
Day 19: Day Trip to Bonn
Take a day trip to Bonn by train, a quick journey averaging 32m with tickets starting from €8. Trains depart from Köln Hbf as early as 00:03 and return from Bonn Hbf as late as 23:57. Explore Bonn's musical heritage and riverside charm.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Cologne to Bonn with Deutsche Bahn.
- Visit the Beethoven-Haus, the birthplace and museum of Ludwig van Beethoven.
- Explore the Bundeskunsthalle and enjoy a walk along the Rheinuferpromenade.
Day 20: Cologne's Old Town & Riverside
Spend your final full day wandering through Cologne's charming Altstadt, visiting the historic Great St Martin Church, and enjoying the scenic Rheinpromenade.
Highlights
- Stroll through the historic Altstadt, with its narrow lanes and traditional houses.
- Visit the Romanesque Great St Martin Church, a landmark near the Rhine.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rheinpromenade, offering great views of the city.
Day 21: Depart from Cologne
Enjoy a final morning in Cologne for some last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping before heading to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) for your departure. Alternatively, consider Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) or Frankfurt Airport (FRA) for broader flight options.
Highlights
- Spend your morning enjoying a final German breakfast or picking up souvenirs.
- Travel to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) from Köln Hauptbahnhof by S-Bahn (approx. 15 minutes).
- Consider Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), reachable by train in about 37 minutes, or Frankfurt Airport (FRA), accessible by ICE train in 45 minutes, for alternative departure options.
