Venice is a cluster of islands, of course, but it has a great and well-functioning train station that makes it easy to reach the rest of Italy by train. But what about the rest of Europe? Is a European short break by train feasible from Venice?
It is - and it can be as fast a flight! If you fly somewhere in Europe for a long weekend, you will need to get to the airport 2 hours before your flight, spend between 1 and 3 hours in the air, get out of the airport at the other end, and make your way to the centre of the city you are visiting. That takes between 5 and 7 hours.
In that time, if you are based in Venice, you can reach some of the most loved destinations in central Europe. Or you can discover others off the beaten path!
The Alps are at your fingertips, Switzerland, Austria, and parts of Germany are easy to reach, and so is Slovenia and Croatia. You will not only significantly reduce your travel carbon footprint. You will also not waste those 6-7 hours travelling to and from an airport and in the air. Instead, you will admire the Alps. or the Swiss and Italian lakes, German rivers, etc. from the comfort of your seat!
European short breaks from Venice by train. My favourite 20 destinations
How do you find out where you could go? And how do you start planning your flightless long weekend abroad from Venice? Personally, the first thing I do is check Trainline and the Italian rail operator (Trenitalia and Italo). I also browse the websites of the national rail operators of the destination countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) for more flexibility in designing my break, or to look for special offers.
Below is a list of destinations you can reach in between 5 and 7 hours of daytime travel, or by overnight train, Perfect for a weekend escape from the lagoon!
So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at some of these wonderful European destinations and at how to get there by train from Venice.
1. Munich
The gothic charm of Marienplatz © Marko Lengyel/Unsplash
The fastest day trip from Venice to Munich takes just under 7 hours, with a change in Verona. It is longish, but it is also a fantastic journey. I feature in my post on Europe's most scenic train rides.
If you prefer to maximise your time in Munich, the OBB Nightjet night service to Stututtgart stops in Munich East at 6 in the morning,
2. Salzburg
The OBB Nightjet to Vienna stops at the dreamy Austrian city of Salzburg, and the journey takes less than 6 hours. The downside is that you will arrive in Salzburg at 3am, so it is a bit of an early start!
Daytime trips take 7 hours or longer and require a few changes, but they follow the same magnificent Verona-Brenner route of the Munich train. If you have time, it may be worth it!
Swiftly moving on from the journey to the destination, Salzburg is perfect for a weekend escape. The city centre is compact, yet there is so much to see.
The city's baroque churches and palaces, the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077, and never taken by foreign troops, the houses in the Getreidegasse, decorated with important dates in their history, the names of former owners, including, at no, 9, the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg's immortal wunderkind...
Mozart's home © Reisehu/Unsplash
3. Stuttgart
Fersehturm© Han Boettinger/Unsplash
Leave Venice in the evening, sleep rocked by the train, and wake up in Stuttgart. The Nightjet service gets you to the capital of Baden Wuerttemberg at a very civilised 8.40 in the morning!
Stuttgart is perceived as a business destination, because of the presence of Mercedes and Porsche, but it it actually great for a short break.
It has a vibrant city centre, whose heart is the baroque Shlossplatz, beautiful gardens and parks, leafy neighborhoods, and great museums.
From the Staatsgalerie, with its collection of classics and contemporary art, to the Mercedes and Porsche museums, each tracing the history of an iconic car brand - and of Germany through the lens of the car industry, there is so much to see and learn.
Stuttgart is also great fun. In winter, it hosts a renowned Christmas market, and there are festivals throughout the year. Check the Visit Stuttgart website for details.
And if you have an extra day, you can visit the beautiful medieval town of Esslingen, or catch a train to the Black Forest.
Schlossplatz © Prerna Bhardwaj/Unsplash
4. Kufstein and Austrian Tyrol
The fortress of Kufstein © Waldemar/Unsplash
Dominated by its mighty medieval fortress, the Tyrolean mountain resort of Kufstein offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Travelling from Venice, it is probably the best destination for a getaway in the Austrian Tyrol.
Kufstein is s between 5 and 6 hours from the Serenissima, with a change in Verona. As I mentioned when discussing Munich and Salzburg, the journey to Kufstein will be one of the highlights of your short break. Read more about the Munich-Dolomites train ride here.
As for the destination, Kufstein is wonderful. The fortress (Festung Kufstein), with its chambers, towers, courtyards, also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. A stroll along along the river Inn or through the charming streets of Kufstein's Old Town, filled with colourful houses, medieval architecture and medieval architecture is also well worth it. As for the lifestyle, charming Austrian patisseries, hikes and hearty Tyrolean fare make for a perfect combination!
5. Lugano
The Lugano region, the southernmost tip of Switzerland, is at the same latitude as Lake Como, boasts Italian levels of sunshine and views to die for.
There are plenty of travel options with a swift change in Milan. The total journey time is in the region of 4 hours - 2 and a half between Venice and Milan, plus one hour and 15 minutes between Milano and Lugano.
The gorgeous waters of Lugano's lake © Nazrin Babashova/Unsplash
Like all glacial lakes Lugano has a very irregular shape that makes for incredible views. You can hike, swim, go a boat tour of the lake, climb Monte Tamaro, or simply relax and soak in the beauty. If you have more than 2 days, I also strongly recommend hopping on train to nearby Bellinzona. Or you can choose Bellinzona as your base to visit Lugano from there. Regular fast trains connect the two cities in under 20 minutes.
Bellinzona is a fortified medieval town with three castles, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Throughout history it held strategic importance as a gateway between Italy and transalpine Europe, and despite being smaller than Lugano it is actually Ticino's capital.
Lugano's lake © Nazrin Babashova/Unsplash
Three days is enough to get a feel for both cities, although the charm of the lake may tempt you to stay longer!
6. Bern
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a pearl where culture merges with nature at every step. It is a city that surprised me with its sheer beauty. I have been 3 times and I am always so sad to leave!
The journey from Venice is super easy, with just one change in Milano Centrale. So it will take you two hours and 30 minutes to get to Milan, and another 3 hours to travel from Milano to Bern. The total travel time including the change should be roughly six hours.
The journey from Milan to Bern is very beautiful. You will be coasting Lake Maggiore before travelling through pristine Swiss peaks and lakes.
The Aare River and the rooftops of Bern © Carol Jen/Unsplash
It will be hard to impress you after such a beautiful journey, but the city is so fascinating - lively and yet relaxed, cultured and adventurous.
Admire the views from the height of the Rosengarten, stroll through the medieval arcades, (in summer) do like the locals do and swim in the green waters of the Aare river, visit Einstein's house, or go bear spotting in the Bärengraben,
Bern prides itself on being one of the sustainability capitals of Europe too, and thanks to the Bern ticket, tourists travel free on public transport!
7. Zurich
The Altstadt © Wix
A train trip from Venice to Milan takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Milan has direct train connections with Zurich (3 hours and 17 minutes). So the total journey from Venice to Zurich is in the region of 6 or 6 and a half hours.
When you step off your train in the elegant Hauptbanhof, you will soon appreciate that Zürich is far more than a financial centre and the largest Swiss city. there. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), take a stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Zürich, visit the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland's most important contemporary art collections, or the FIFA Football Museum.
If the weather's nice you can go hiking on the Uetliberg, Zürich's mountain, and reconnect with nature.
It is a city for all seasons too. There is a lovely Christmas market, foliage in autumn, and glittering waters all around you.
If you have an extra day, you could also organise a day trip to Schaffhausen. You will travel one of Switzerland's most scenic rail routes, as your train will ride by the Rhine Falls!
8. Vienna
Constantly ranked as one of the top cities in the world for quality of life, and often clinching the top spot, Vienna is unique for its blend of high culture, daring creativity and sustainability.
The city is a cyclist's paradise, and has been a pioneer in sustainability since the 90's. It is also an art and history lover's paradise. Its historical centre boasts world class museums, enchanting palaces, elegant churches and amazing parks.
Vienna at night © Jacek Dylag/Unsplash
Where do you start? Visit Saint Stephen's Cathedral, with its majestic interior and incredible multi-coloured roof, or explore the parks and grounds of the great imperial palaces of Hofburg and Schönbrunn, discover the Haugsburg dynasty's art collection at the Kunsthistorische Museum or catch a glimpse of Klimt at the Belvedere. Step into the houses of Beethoven, Mozart, Johann Strauss, stroll or cycle along the River Wien or one of the canals flowing from the Blue Danube...
And of course, enjoy Sacher Tarte and hot chocolate at a grand old Viennese konditorei.
There are daily overnight services between Venice and Vienna, thanks to the Austrian Railways' Nightjet service. Ready to eat Sachertorte for breakfast?
The one and only Sacher Torte © Luke Wang/Unsplash
9. Ljubljana
Charming and vibrant Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, can be reached from Venice in between 5 and 6 hours.
It is a relatively small city and it is very easy to explore it on foot.
Its nickname is 'city of dragons' and its founding myth links it to Jason and the Argonauts. There is a legend that one of the city's bridges was built to appease a dragon who lived in the Ljubljanica River. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, Ljubljana exudes a fairytale charm.
You can experience it in the maze of winding streets of the Old Town, crossing the iconic Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridges, or climbing up to the magnificent Castle perched on top of a hill towering over the city. You can experience it in its nature too - in the woods of Castle hill, in the vast expanses of Tivoli Park, and in the flow of its winding river. If you have a chance, book a river tour to experience the city from the water's perspective.
The centre and Castle hill © Detait/Unsplash
10. Geneva
The journey between Venice and Geneva takes about 7 hours, with a change in Milan, but it is well worth it. After you change train in Milan, you will head towards Lake Maggiore, The tracks follow the lake, then the Val d'Ossola, enter Switzerland through the Simplon tunnel, and cut through stunning Valais before coasting Lake Geneva.
It is worth going to Geneva just for this ride, one of the most beautiful not just in Europe, but on earth!
A rainbow and the Jet d'eau © Meizhi Lang/Unsplash
As for Geneva itself, there is a lot to do.
Wander around the Old City, the birthplace of the Reformation, and Saint Pierre - the area around the Cathedral. Make your way to the Jet d'Eau, the tallest water fountain in the world, and stroll through the buzzing lakeshore promenades. If you love history and politics, a guided tour of the European headquarters of the United Nations is a must.
Wherever you are in Geneva, you are never far from Lac Leman, the largest freshwater body in Europe, so make the most of it! Explore its glittering beauty, and if it is summer treat yourself to a few hours, or a day, of swimming and sunbathing at Bains des Pâquis,
11. Montreux and Valais
Montreux castle © Michal Matlon/Unsplash
The elegant resort of Montreux oozes old world charm, It has a number of musical connections. It was loved by Freddie Mercury, who recorded a number of Queen albums at Phoneix Studios, where Bowie, Stones and Iggy Pop also recorded. Freddie Mercury's statue take place of honour in one of the lakeside squares. The Jazz Festival in July is world-famous. As for historical sights, Chillon Castle, situated on a rocky island on Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks.
The journey to Montreux is as great as the destination. The railway line crosses the Valais region, the sunniest part of Switzerland, all alpine vineyards and castles perched on mountains towering above the turquoise waters of the Rhône River (whose source is the Rhône Glacier).
So, if you have more than a couple of days you could combine Montreux with the rugged charms of Sion,
Dominated by not one but two mighty medieval fortresses, Sion is the perfect base to visit the Valais. You can hike, enjoy local food, discover local wines, visit the castles, and even an Underground Lake.
The twin mountains of Sion, with a castle each © Fabrice Smet/Unsplash
Montreux is about 6 hours from Venice, changing in Milan.
12. Thun and the Bernese Oberland
A small but lively city, in the Bernese Oberland, Thun is the perfect mix of culture and activity.
Even as a resident of Venice you will struggle to resist the water charms of, Fancy water with a green hue? Head for the Aare river. You can swim and even surf on it. Fancy a blue hue. The waters of Lake Thun feel ride for you. You can swim, or go for a magical hike alongside it And if you are after the thrill of history, the 12th-century Thun castle will entice you.
Thun, a Swiss gem © Hattie Lacye/Unsplash
Milan is under three hours from this Swiss Jewel, so the complete journey between Venice and Thun is under 6 hours.
Thun, Castle © Marcreation/Unsplash
13. Ulm
The overnight Venice to Stuttgart Nighjet stops at Ulm at a very civilised 7.40 am.
This gives you a great opportunity to explore the kind of German city that is not swarmed by tourists simply because it does not have a large international airport on its outskirts.
I have to admit that my main reason for wanting to visit Ulm was to see the birth place of Albert Einstein, but when I started researching I realised how much more Ulm has to offer!
In the heart of the centre, on Munsterplatz, a towering Gothic minster, the Ulm Minster with the world's tallest church steeple, faces an elegant Renaissance-style Rathaus. The astronomical clock on its facade may not be as famous as Prague's but I find it extremely beautiful and more colourful.
The Ulm Astrological Clock © Lasma Artmane/Unsplash
The mighty e flows to the city, and the delightful Fishermen's Quarter (Fisherviertel) is a wonderful place to appreciate its role in the life and history of the city.
Fischerviertel's half-timbered houses used to be the homes of Ulm's fishermen, who fished on the Danube.
The area has a relaxed vibe, and plenty of remarkable buildings, such as the Leaning House (Schiefes Haus) and its a great place to sample Swabian food such as Maultaschen (a type of ravioli) and my beloved Kässpätzle (cheese noodles).
14. Lucerne
Luzern by night © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
Here is another super easy Swiss escape from Venice. With the usual change in Milan, you can reach Luzern in roughly 6 hours,
Luzern's picturesque centre is quite compact. In one day you can easily visit the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a covered wooden bridge adorned with paintings, which offers fantastic views of the Reuss River, and wander through the cobbled streets of Lucerne's Old Town,
Hazy day on Lake Luzern © Alps2Coast
In a long weekend , you will also have the time for a boat cruise the lake, gliding past stunning mountains and picturesque villages., and for a climb or a cable car up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. And if it is summer make sure join in the Swiss ritual of a day at the lido, swimming and enjoying the lakeside nature. You can get a list of Luzern's lidos here.
15. Interlaken and Jungfrau
Interlaken is set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz © Rat Ski/Unsplash
A medieval pilgrimage centre, and celebrated for its mountain scenery since the days of Goethe, Interlaken is a gem for nature lovers. It is also the departure point of the train journey to Jungfraujoch or the “Top of Europe”, a railway station built high in the mountains at 3,463 metres above sea level, overlooking Jungfrau and the Aletsch glacier.
You may need to book the train journey in advance, especially in high season, but if you want to experience alpine Switzerland at its best over a short break, Interlaken is the perfect place!
It is between 6 and 7 hours from Venice, depending on connections.
16. Heidelberg
A view of Heidelberg © Maria Lopez Jorge/Unsplash
Picturesque Heidelberg is less than an hour from Stuttgart by train, so if you add a quick change to the overnight OBB trip, you could spend a weekend in this incredible city.
The seat of Germany's most ancient university, Heidelberg boasts stunning architecture, an imposing castle, and lovely town squares. It is crossed by the Neckar River, and surrounded by lush forests,
A walk on the Philosophenweg, a path on the sun-bathed hills facing the old town beloved of poets and philosophers, will give you a feel for a city where nature and culture seem to fuse,
I have visited in winter and can recommend Heidelberg as a winter escape too. Its Christmas market is one of the most celebrated in Germany.
17. Innsbruck
The Golden Balcony © Alfred Hofmeister/Pixabay
Whether you are a skier or hiker who wants to try the Austrian side of the Alps, or a history lover who wants to explore Austria beyond Vienna and Salzburg, Innsbruck may be a good destination for you.
It is also extremely easy to reach from Venice, with a single easy change in Verona and the added treat of a wonderful train ride through the Alps. Depending on the connections and the type of train (regional or high speed) you can be in Innsbruck in between 4 hours 50 minutes and 6 hours,
Loved by one of the most important Austrian rulers, Maximilian I, who chose it as its residence, Innsbruck boasts a beautiful city centre worthy of a Holy Roman Emperor! The imperial palace, built under Maximilian in the early 16th century and refurbished by Maria Theresia in the 18th, is a journey through the splendors and tragedies of the Haugsburg dynasty. y emperor, with aInnsbruck's place in Austrian history.
You can also admire the famous ornate Golden Roof (pictured above), considered the symbol of Innsbruck. This ornate golden balcony was commissioned by Maximilian for the celebration of his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza.
The River Inn is particularly scenic in the heart of Innsbruck, and if it is nature you are after, Innsbruck even has a 2,300-metre-tall mountain, the Nordkette, within the city borders!
18. Augsburg
One of the oldest cities in Germany, Augsburg has somehow remained under the tourist radar, and it is a real gem!
Luckily, the OBB Nightjet overnight train to Stuttgart pulls into Augsburg at 6.50 every morning, so it is an ideal short break destination from Venice.
Augsburg remained an important city in the dark ages and its 11th-century Romanesque cathedral boasts the oldest surviving figurative stained glass windows.
The city centre © Hoch3Media/Unsplash
It was just as important in the Renaissance times, when the Welsers and the Fuggers, two of the most powerful European banking families - lenders to kings and princes - lived in the town. The Fuggers not only embellished Augsburg with palaces, churches, and art. They also developed the world's first example of social housing, the Fuggerei, which is visitable, and so pretty and idyllic.
A stroll in the Fuggerei © BBollinger/Pixabay
Another highlight is the Augsburg Town Hall (Rathaus), a beautiful Renaissance building whose facade is adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from Roman and Augsburg's history. It is worth visiting the interior, to see the dazzling two-levels Golden Hall (Goldener Saal).
Schaetzler Palace, a Rococo pearl (the Rococo Ballroom truly blew me away, houses an incredible art collection and has delightful gardens too.
19. Schaffhausen
Sunset over Schaffhausen © Alps2Coast
Schaffhausen is the nearest city to the stunning Rhine Waterfalls at the aptly named Rheinfall, one of the natural wonders of Switzerland, and I would argue of the world. Not the kind of water you see in Venice! A
Yet the city of Schaffhausen is a pearl in its own right, an enchanting unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and cultural richness.
Rhine and vineyards - the view from Munot Fortress © Alps2Coast
The Munot fortress, perched on a hill covered in vineyards, dominates the medieval Altstadt, with its cobblestone streets and elegant squares surrounded by painted houses,
Then, there is the Rhine. The Rhine Falls are actually out of town, but you can reach them on foot, walking along the river, savouring its unique beauty in anticipation of the natural wonder that awaits you - waterfalls with a small island in the middle, topped by yet another medieval castle.
Rheinfall © Jian Liu/Unsplash
Between a cruise around the waterfalls and visits to the delightful town, sampling some local wines and cheeses, this is a break I have done more than once. I love it!
The journey from Venice requires a few changes (you need to get to Zurich as explained above and then catch another train for 40 minutes). The total travel time will be around 7 hours. But it is so worth it!
20. Pula
Quintessential Pula © Nick Kane/Unsplash
There a re no trains between Venice and Pula, but there are plenty of long distance coach services, and the fastest take you there in 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Given my love for Roman history, I feel I had to include Pula in my short breaks from Venice recommendations.
So what makes Pula special? There is an amphitheatre to rival the Colosseo, and built in the same years, and incredible Roman ruins, stretches of original Roman roads, a triumphal arch, a temple to Augustus, and more Roman stonework is incorporated in the cathedral.
The Arena © Josip Ivankovic/Unsplash
After exploring the local archeology and treating yourself to delicious Croatian food, the next day you can take a boat trip to the Brijuni Islands, so beautiful they are one of Croatia's national park! I also recommend Cape Kamenjak, where you can relax, sunbathe, hike, and if you are lucky catch dolphins leaping in and out of the water!
Travel by train helps save Venice
You are lucky to be based in Venice. But you can also appreciate firsthand the cost of climate change. If you do at leat part of your travelling abroad by train, you will reduce your carbon footprint and discover incredible destinations and journeys.
What do you love, what inspires you? Make a list, and before browsing flights, check if there is a train - or a coach - that can take you there from La Serenissima!
For more inspiration on how to travel by train from anywhere in Europe by train, sign up to my blog.
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