Five Days of Road Tripping in Germany in Baden-Württemberg

Five days of road tripping in Germany means travelling through Baden-Württemberg from Freiburg im Breisgau to Stuttgart, before heading on to Munich.

Five Days of Road Tripping in Germany

Day 1 of the Road Trip in Germany – From Lausanne to Baden-Baden

By Way of Freiburg im Breisgau

Baden-Württemberg can be discovered on a five-day road trip, very close to Switzerland. First stop: Freiburg im Breisgau. The city charms with its half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral. The atmosphere recalls that of neighbouring Alsace (in French).

Founded in the 12th century, the city has kept a very well-preserved medieval charm. Its cathedral, the Münster, raises an openwork spire 116 metres above the market square. In the streets, the Bächle, little channels of running water, line the cobbled pavements. According to local tradition, stepping into one by mistake means you will marry someone from Freiburg.

The Schlossberg tower, the Schlossbergturm, is climbed step by step. At the top, the 360° panoramic view over Freiburg is spectacular, especially under a sunny sky.

For lunch, the Küchenschelle restaurant, on the outskirts, serves tasty dishes. The vegetarian flammekueche with crunchy vegetables and the blueberry meringue tart delight the taste buds. At the end of the day, the road trip continues to Baden-Baden.

Day 2 – From Baden-Baden to Stuttgart

By Way of Karlsruhe

The second day starts with breakfast at the hotel, before heading to the Caracalla Spa. This 4,000 m² complex combines thermal baths, cold showers and water areas for total relaxation. A two-hour pass is enough to fully enjoy the facilities.

A spa town popular since Roman times, Baden-Baden has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. It is one of the great spa towns of Europe, alongside Vichy and Spa. The Kurhaus, its casino and the Lichtentaler Allee recall the elegance of the Belle Époque. A short stroll through the centre is enough to appreciate its refined atmosphere.

After this relaxing morning, it is off to Karlsruhe, under beautiful sunshine. The picturesque lanes lead to the city’s botanical garden and palace. Karlsruhe is also the seat of Germany’s highest courts.

Founded in 1715, Karlsruhe stands out for its unique fan-shaped layout. Some thirty streets radiate from the palace, in the heart of the city. Its park and botanical garden offer lovely green breaks, between greenhouses and flower beds. This calmer stop perfectly balances this road trip in Germany.

The trip then continues to Stuttgart, where two nights are planned. Large and lively, the city allows a busy programme, but without stress.

Day 3 of the Road Trip in Germany – Stuttgart and Its Surroundings

On the evening of arrival, the exploration of Stuttgart begins with the City Library. Its large white cube, designed by Korean architect Eun Young Yi, surprises with its minimalism. Inside, despite the many shelves, an impression of purity dominates.

Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum

The next day, it is time for the Mercedes-Benz Museum. For two hours, the brand’s history unfolds, from its creation to its iconic models. The morning continues at the Porsche Museum. An hour is enough to dive into the history of this famous car brand.

Stuttgart remains the cradle of the German car. Opened in 2006, the Mercedes-Benz Museum surprises with its double-helix architecture. Visitors spiral down through more than a century of automotive history. Opened in 2009, the Porsche Museum seems to float above the ground, supported by just three pillars. These two museums are a must on any road trip in Germany for car enthusiasts.

After this automotive immersion, Stuttgart is discovered on foot. A stroll through the lanes leads to the Markthalle, a large Art Nouveau market hall. World food stalls and gift shops sit side by side. The place offers a pleasant moment between shopping and treats. Opened in 1914, the hall has kept its glass roofs and original decorations.

The day ends at the Confiserie Selbach. Its range of German, Belgian and Swiss sweets makes it a true paradise for food lovers.

Day 4 – Stuttgart to Munich

By Way of Metzingen

After two days in Stuttgart, the road trip leaves Baden-Württemberg for Bavaria and Munich. On the way, a stop at Outlet City Metzingen lets you find big brands at reduced prices. Enough to warm up the credit card slightly. The birthplace of the Hugo Boss brand, Metzingen now brings together dozens of factory outlets. The trip then continues to Munich, a lively and very busy city.

Munich and the Marienplatz

On the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel of the New Town Hall offers a show of animated figures. This carillon adorns the neo-Gothic façade of the Neues Rathaus and is one of the largest in Europe. The show takes place at 11 am and noon, and also at 5 pm from March to October. The town hall tower can also be visited to admire the view. Short as it is, the experience is memorable.

The Marienplatz has remained the beating heart of Munich since the Middle Ages. Nearby, the Viktualienmarkt brings together producers, cheesemongers and an open-air beer garden. The Frauenkirche and its two onion-domed towers also dominate the old town. One evening is already enough to glimpse the essentials, before returning for a longer stay.

Before heading to the hotel, a quick visit to the Olympiapark is a must. A witness to the 1972 Olympic Games, it is home to the Olympiaturm, a 291-metre television tower. Evening comes and closes this last night in Germany.

Day 5 – From Munich to Lausanne

By Way of Konstanz

After this last night in Germany, the road trip ends with the return to Lausanne. As on the Swiss road trip (in French), the ferry crosses Lake Constance. Fifteen minutes are enough to admire the scenery and take a few photos.

On the other side, the town of Konstanz is quickly discovered. At the harbour, the rotating Imperia statue has welcomed boats since 1993. Nine metres high, it makes a full turn in a few minutes. Konstanz also hosted a great council between 1414 and 1418, which ended the Western Schism. Its old town, spared by the bombing, is easy to explore on foot.

In the centre, the Contigo shop charms with its fair-trade concept and its indulgent, artisan products. The big wheel then offers a lovely view of the town. This moment up high perfectly closes these five days of road tripping in Germany.

Planning Your Road Trip in Germany

From Lausanne, Freiburg im Breisgau is a little over three hours’ drive, via Basel. German motorways remain free for cars, unlike Swiss motorways. Several cities, including Stuttgart, Munich and Freiburg, do however require an environmental sticker. This little green sticker, called the Umweltplakette, can be ordered online before departure. Park-and-ride car parks on the outskirts then make it easy to visit the centres. With these few precautions, this road trip in Germany runs smoothly.

Five Days of Road Tripping in Germany