Train journeys through Germany

5 unique destinations for your train tour

1. Cologne

As soon as you step out of the station in Germany’s fourth-largest city, Cologne, you will immediately be struck by the main attraction: Cologne Cathedral. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in Germany, with towers reaching heights of up to 157 metres. In the surrounding area of the Altstadt, colourful facades and narrow alleyways create a charming atmosphere, and there is a traditional pub or restaurant on almost every corner where you can sample the famous Kölsch beer and hearty local dishes. To get a full picture of the city, be sure to explore the trendy Belgisches Viertel and multicultural Ehrenfeld, which are adorned with street art.

A day out near Cologne: Brühl and Augustusburg Palace

Brühl's shining centrepiece is Augustusburg Palace, the former country residence of Elector Clemens August of Bavaria. The ochre-coloured building is awe-inspiring, boasting a Baroque interior with frescoes and a monumental staircase hall. The palace and the nearby Falkenlust hunting lodge are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The train journey from Cologne to Brühl takes 15 minutes.

2. Koblenz

Koblenz stretches across a natural peninsula where the Moselle branches off from the Rhine, with the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument standing watch over the waterways. The Altstadt is adorned with cheerful pastel colours, and even the Liebfrauenkirche is painted red and white. In this gateway to the Moselle region, a good glass of wine is never far away: intimate wine bars introduce you to an extensive range of wines. Take the cable car up to the centuries-old Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to enjoy sweeping views of the rivers and the city.

A day out near Koblenz: the Moselstrecke

The train route along the Moselle is one of the most beautiful in Germany and follows the river’s winding course almost the entire way. Get off at Treis-Karden and take a walk, then continue on to Mörsdorf. Those brave enough to cross the 100-metre-high Geierlay suspension bridge will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Hunsrück low mountain range.

The train journey from Koblenz to Neef takes 1 hour.

_{Photo by Johannes Bruchhof}

3. Frankfurt

Look beyond the glass and steel and you will discover why Frankfurt is Germany’s most intriguing city. The old town, centred around Römerberg Square, was meticulously rebuilt after the Second World War. Enjoy a glass of Apfelwein, the local apple wine, on a terrace. Cross the Eiserner Steg bridge, which is covered in love locks, to reach Alt-Sachsenhausen where you can stroll through narrow streets. From there, follow the Museum Embankment past dozens of museums.

A day out near Frankfurt: the Rheingau wine region

Take in rolling vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, charming villages nestled alongside the Rhine, and the heady scent of ripe grapes. Welcome to the Rheingau wine region. This wine region to the west of Frankfurt is renowned for its Riesling vineyards. The perfect finishing touch is provided by the medieval town of Rüdesheim and Johannisberg Castle, a wine castle with a panoramic terrace.

The train journey from Frankfurt to Rüdesheim am Rhein takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4. Stuttgart

For car enthusiasts, Stuttgart is a true mecca. The birthplace of Mercedes-Benz, it is home to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, where you can see gleaming classic and futuristic concept cars. Street names and squares throughout the city also pay homage to its rich automotive history. However, Stuttgart is more than just its industry. The Schlossplatz, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Old and New Palace, is a relaxed central meeting place where you can soak up the city’s atmosphere.

A day out near Stuttgart: the Swabian Alb

Not far from the city lies the Swabian Alb, a wooded low mountain range with peaks ranging from 600 to 1,000 metres, which offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Hikers can enjoy short, themed trails and challenging long-distance routes such as the Albsteig. Cyclists can enjoy everything from leisurely rides through the valleys to trails with steep gradients. Water enthusiasts can explore hidden caves while paddling along the Blau. For a more relaxed outing, visit Lichtenstein Castle, perched on a rock.

The train journey from Stuttgart to Schloss Lichtenstein (Reutlingen) takes 45 minutes.

5. Munich

Munich still has many secrets yet to be revealed. Even in the Old Town, which is best explored on foot, you will come across hidden gems such as the Asamkirche and the Law Library. You can escape the hustle and bustle on the banks of the Isar and in the English Garden, one of the world's largest city parks. People surf on the Eisbach surfer wave all year round. Art lovers can choose from a wide range of museums, including the extensive Deutsches Museum , the three Pinakotheken, and the Museum Brandhorst, which houses works by artists such as Andy Warhol.

A day out near Munich: Murnau am Staffelsee

Want to see even more artistic treasures? Then head to the picturesque town of Murnau am Staffelsee, nestled at the foot of the Alps. As soon as you take in the tranquil Staffelsee lake, colourful houses, charming church towers and steep Alpine slopes, you will understand why Kandinsky and the other members of Der Blaue Reiter often came here. While most of the works are displayed at the Lenbachhaus the Münter-Haus provides insight into the group's meeting place.

The train journey from Munich to Murnau am Staffelsee takes 1 hour.

Travel distances in Germany

To keep journey distances manageable, we recommend taking the following route. It strikes a good balance between travel time and the number of places of interest. All stops are connected by ICE or regional trains.

Best time to visit Germany

Germany is an attractive destination all year round. Spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October) are particularly ideal, with pleasantly warm weather, less crowded cities and beautiful countryside. In summer, cities such as Munich, Frankfurt and Koblenz come alive, although the tourist crowds and higher prices are certainly factors to bear in mind. The winter months are well worth a visit for those who want to experience the festive German Christmas markets.

Travelling from the Netherlands to Germany

Germany is easily accessible by train from the Netherlands. You can travel directly from Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal or Arnhem Centraal to Cologne and Frankfurt on an ICE train. There is a daily direct service via Frankfurt and Stuttgart to Munich. Several ICE International services run daily from the Netherlands to Germany, so you can choose when you want to travel.

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The best way to travel through Germany by train

Germany has an excellent rail network, making all major cities easily accessible. From the Netherlands, you can travel directly by ICE to cities such as Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich, or with a brief lay over in Stuttgart or Koblenz. Once you are in Germany, it is easy to take day trips to the surrounding areas by regional train.

Want to make the most of your trip? Then travel with the Interrail German Rail Pass. This rail pass allows you to travel by train throughout Germany as much as you like, as well as explore various routes in neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.