7 Day Trips From Amsterdam to Germany

Nadia Podrabinek Nadia Podrabinek

Written by Nadia Podrabinek

7 Day Trips From Amsterdam to Germany

Travelers from Amsterdam to Germany have been consistent for years, and I do not blame them. Both locals and tourists alike are in love with Germany’s rich history, culture, and architecture. There is so much to see and discover in this country that people do not mind the 6-hour ride.

It is such an amazing experience that I do not want you to miss out on the top places to visit when you are taking this route. Therefore, I came up with these options to help you make the best of your experience.


Key takeaways

  • For the culture and history, head to Berlin and Cologne
  • For the Nature – Koblenz and Aachen
  • Berlin has a lively and diverse nightlife
  • It is better to have two or three days for the trip
  • For the shorter trips, go to Düsseldorf or spots near Amsterdam

What people say on Reddit

Visit Leiden if you like canals, and old Dutch architecture but don’t want the hyper tourism of Amsterdam. It has the second most canals and the second largest 17th century city centre after Amsterdam. As well as the highest density of museums in the country. De Burcht (free), Hortus Botanicus, and just general walks around the city are nice. There are also plenty of good bars and a good vibe in general due to all the students there (Country’s oldest university is there). 30 Minutes from Amsterdam by train.

CrewmemberV2

I would skip Frankfurt entirely and just do Amsterdam and Belgium. I would do four days in Amsterdam and three in Brussels, using the latter as a home base to day trip to Ghent, Bruges, etc. Frankfurt is boring. But I would only do that if I could fly in and out of Amsterdam or Brussels. If I had to fly in and out of Frankfurt, I wouldn’t waste 10 hours on the train during a one week trip to get to/from the Netherlands/Belgium. Instead, I would spend the entire time in Germany…just not in Frankfurt.

lh123456789

Depends where in Germany you are interested in going! Berlin is a 7 hour+ drive from Amsterdam, and the nearest the German border is from Amsterdam is 1.5-2 hours drive (bigger cities are not directly located at the border). This would be if you plan on renting a car. By train would be 6.30 hours from Berlin.

I would say if the focus of the trip is Germany, don’t combine with Amsterdam as you will be left with not enough time to experience Germany good enough given it’s size. If you would like to focus on Amsterdam and possibly do a couple of days in a relatively close German city (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund or Munster), might be feasible.

OddCelebration2525

Depends a lot where in Germany you will be going. If its mainly in the east or south it probably will take to much from your travel time. If you include cities like cologne than you can easily use the ICE train to go to Amsterdam. Especially if you use Amsterdam as starting point or endpoint. Flying into Amsterdam and leaving from Munich FI or vice versa.

ArjanB

Below are seven day trips from Amsterdam to Germany that deserve to be on your itinerary. Take a look.

Best day trips from Amsterdam to Germany worth trying

Writing a one-day itinerary for a trip to Germany is tricky because there are just too many beautiful places to see. Germany is a lush travel destination with all sorts of sights to behold. So much that it is holding its position among the top ten most visited countries in the world for years and good reasons.

Read also: Day trips from Amsterdam to Belgium.

Here are our top 7 places to visit in Germany:

  1. Berlin
  2. Cologne
  3. Hamburg
  4. Düsseldorf
  5. Koblenz
  6. Frankfurt
  7. Aachen

1. Berlin

What better way to experience Germany than to visit its capital first? Walk around its streets seeped in history and beauty and get a feel for local German life.

Berlin is the largest city and the chief urban center in Germany. That is not even the most jaw-dropping part. Guess how many museums there are in Berlin alone? 170! Yes, they need that many to vividly recount the country’s vibrant history.

Located north of the Czech-German border, one of Berlin’s most recognized landmarks is the 231-year-old Brandenburg Gate. Its neoclassical design was inspired by the Acropolis of Athens and has awed visitors for decades!

The gate was built in 1791 as part of the Berlin wall and symbolized division. Yet, later on, the country saw it as a symbol of unity.

Apart from admiring the Brandenburg Gate, there are about a hundred more activities to try in Berlin. You can visit museums, have photoshoots along the colorful street arts and murals, or go river cruising.

How to Get to Berlin From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Berlin Central Station
  • Shortest travel time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Tickets: from $50

How to Get to Berlin From Amsterdam by Bus

  • Departs: Amsterdam Sloterdijk
  • Arrives: Berlin ZOB [Fernbus]
  • Shortest travel time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Tickets: from $21

2. Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia

If Berlin is famous for its museums, Cologne is famous for its churches. It has twelve majestic Romanesque churches, to be exact.

One of the most iconic is the Kölner Dom, or the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, said to have taken 600 years to build.

There must be some kind of truth to this claim since the structure is approximately 66,370.27 square feet wide and was built during the Middle Ages. It’s an ambitious feat in their time, and to be able to behold the Cologne Cathedral to this day is truly spectacular.

This UNESCO World Heritage site sits along the banks of the Rhine River overlooking the city. Other notable churches and cathedrals in Cologne are:

  • St. Andreas Church 
  • The Basilica of the Holy Apostles
  • St. Cecilia’s Church
  • St. Gereon’s Basilica
  • The Basilica of St. Ursula

Also, you should not miss the Treasury and the Three Kings Chapel. While you are there, be sure to go up all 533 steps of the South Tower to get a panoramic view of the city. 

How to Get to Cologne From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours 4 minutes
  • Tickets: from $25

How to Get to Cologne From Amsterdam by Rideshare

  • Departs: Amsterdam
  • Arrives: Cologne
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours 17 minutes
  • Tickets: from $17

3. Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and one of its federal states. This city-state holds its fair share of theaters, concert venues, and musical shows. Hamburg is also home to The Hamburg State Opera and the Philharmoniker Hamburg orchestra.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is regarded as a cultural and commercial center, not only in Germany but all over Europe. The Port of Hamburg, known as the Gateway to Germany, is the country’s biggest seaport. You can hop on a cruise ship or enjoy a boat tour here.

Speaking of tours, there is a self-guided tour in Hamburg that will give you an experience of the Beatles’ journey. Any true fan would know that the fabulous four had their first big break here before they made big waves in the international music scene.

Another must-see is the world-renowned railway model in Kehrwieder. As they say, you have never really been to Hamburg if you have not gone to see the Miniatur Wunderland. The world’s largest railway simulation attracts both kids and the kids-at-heart.

How to Get to Hamburg From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
  • Shortest travel time: 5 hours 4 minutes
  • Tickets: from $38

How to Get to Hamburg From Amsterdam by Bus

  • Departs: Amsterdam Prins Hendrikplantsoen
  • Arrives: Hamburg Hauptbahnhof/ZOB
  • Shortest travel time: 11 hours 30 minutes
  • Tickets: from $23

4. Düsseldorf, North Rhine–Westphalia

Düsseldorf is probably one of the cities behind Germany’s reputation for being a booze-loving country. Although, it is not always a bad thing. In fact, people from all over the world come here for beer. Why? Because they have preserved the old ways of skillful brewing and fermentation.

Some of the pub-breweries even keep their recipes and brewing methods to themselves. This does not only keep tourism alive but helps preserve their culture and traditions as well.

Another reason to visit Düsseldorf is the art and fashion aspect of the city. There are plenty of museums and art galleries to stop by and explore in the fashion capital of Germany.

How to Get to Düsseldorf From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Düsseldorf Hbf
  • Shortest travel time: 2 hours 38 minutes
  • Tickets: from $22

How to Get to Düsseldorf From Amsterdam by Bus

  • Departs: Amsterdam Sloterdijk
  • Arrives: D-Worringer Platz, W57
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Tickets: from $7

5. Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate Land

Koblenz is where the Mosel and the famous Rhine river cross streams. Some of the acclaimed landmarks in this region are the German Corner and the beautiful castles on the Rhine. These castles have inspired several literature pieces, including those of the famed Grimm brothers.

Where else to go when in Koblenz? The most popular activity here is taking a boat cruise down the Rhine River. The best time to do this would be in the late afternoon. This way, you will get front-row seats to the breathtaking Koblenz skyline at sunset.

However, if you prefer a bit of action over a romantic cruise, you can opt for the canoe tour on the Altrhein. Either way, you are still getting the chance to see the postcard-worthy Pfalzgrafenstein Castle.

If you think boat tours are too mainstream, try the Koblenz cable car. It features a dazzling glass floor to make your vacation even more unforgettable.

How to Get to Düsseldorf From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Koblenz Hauptbahnhof
  • Shortest travel time: 4 hours 34 minutes
  • Tickets: from $31

How to Get to Düsseldorf From Amsterdam by Car

  • Departs: Amsterdam
  • Arrives: Koblenz
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours 31 minutes
  • Estimated fuel cost: from $74

6. Frankfurt, Hesse

In all of the state of Hesse, Frankfurt am Main has the densest, most fun-loving population. This is one of the reasons it has been dubbed ‘the heart of Europe.’

The Städel Museum, located in Schaumainkai, Frankfurt, is home to the works of celebrated artists like Picasso, Monet, and Ernst. The oldest masterpieces held in this museum date back to the 14th century.

Frankfurt is also home to 38 other museums, such as:

  • German Film Museum
  • Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg)
  • Museumsufer
  • Klassikstadt
  • Museum for Kommunikation

Besides museums, you can also hop on cruises and segway tours or walk through the Frankfurt Zoological Garden. You can also spend an exhilarating afternoon going tandem skydiving at Fallschirmsprungzentrum Odenwald.

How to Get to Frankfurt From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
  • Shortest travel time: 4 hours 18 minutes
  • Tickets: from $35

How to Get to Frankfurt From Amsterdam by Bus

  • Departs: Amsterdam Sloterdijk
  • Arrives: Frankfurt
  • Shortest travel time: 6 hours 5 minutes
  • Tickets: from $14

7. Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia

Aachen is located in the westernmost part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This city held residence to Frankish rulers, including Charlemagne.

When in Aachen, visit its oldest cathedral, the Aix-la-Chapelle. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel to behold.

Its Treasury holds religious relics and artifacts that date back to the medieval era. The Persephone sarcophagus and the mysterious silver bust rumored to contain King Charlemagne’s skull are some of the most interesting items.

In the evening, you can relax in one of the cafes and patios of the Marktplatz or the Aachen Marketplace.

Another attraction that Aachen is world-famous for is its traditional baths and spas. It’s definitely the best ending to a perfect day.

How to Get To Aachen From Amsterdam by Train

  • Departs: Amsterdam Central Station
  • Arrives: Aachen West
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Tickets: from $26

How to Get To Aachen From Amsterdam by Bus

  • Departs: Amsterdam, Dam
  • Arrives: Aachen, Bendplatz
  • Shortest travel time: 5 hours 18 minutes
  • Tickets: from $18
Day trip to GermanyDistance, milesBy TrainBy Bus or Car
Düsseldorf1412 hr 08 min2 hr 40 min
Aachen1433 hr 28 min5 hr 21 min
Cologne1632 hr 38 min4 hr 40 min
Koblenz2204 hr 02 min6 hr 25 min
Frankfurt2803 hr 54 min6 hr 05 min
Hamburg2905 hr 24 min5 hr 25 min
Berlin4096 hr 22 min7–9 hr

Useful Video

15 Nearby Cities and Villages from Amsterdam

If you find that you have got time to spare for a side trip apart from going to Germany, here are the cities and villages you might want to give a shot.

Nearby city or villageDistance, milesBy TrainBy Bus or Car
Amstelveen4.825 min28 min
Muiden7.149 min15 min
Weesp7.916 min20 min
Zaanse Schans Windmill Village10.436 min53 min
Haarlem11.319 min29 min
Naarden13.424 min23 min
Utrecht24.326 min50 min
Leiden30.035 min54 min
Gouda31.142 min51 min
Alkmaar32.31 hr 4 min1 hr 48 min
The Hague35.850 min50 min
Rotterdam42.841 min1 hr 20 min
Delft44.21 hr1hr 5 min
Apeldoorn54.21 hr1 hr 10 min
Nijmegen731 hr 40 min1 hr 19 min
Giethoorn93.22 hrs 45 min1 hr 30 min

Instagram Review

Amsterdam’s Centralized Public Transportation System

The main train and bus station in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal). It is the most prominent and busiest public transport hub in the area, serving approximately 250,000 passengers daily, both locals and tourists.

It is active because it serves as the final stop for most city trams, buses, tourist boats, and ferries. Plus, Amsterdam’s main tourism office is also located there.

There are several hotel choices nearby. Budget hotels, such as the Multatuli, A-Train, and Bellevue Hotel, are among the most preferred lodging options for travelers who want to see the city without overspending.

Other modes of transportation available in the Central Station are streetcars or trams, the metro or subway, and taxi cabs. This centralized public transportation system has proven highly convenient for travelers and locals.

Final Thoughts

Nadia Whythisplace in Amsterdam

Choosing the best places to go on a single-day trip from Amsterdam to Germany can be tricky, even if you are just visiting the museums. That is why I recommend that you prepare an itinerary beforehand. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to decide whether you want to go on a laid-back tour or opt for something more exciting.

For example, beautiful Cologne would be your best option if you are going with your significant other. However, if you are touring with a group and looking for fun activities, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are highly recommended.

On the other hand, if you are going alone for some soul-searching, Berlin and Aachen are good options. You can revel in the country’s serenity and enjoy peace and quiet.

My Other Posts About Amsterdam

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