Are you thinking about ways of reducing your travel carbon footprint? Swapping the plane for the train is one of the easiest ways. But what about long weekends? Well, if you are based in Düsseldorf, long weekend getaways by train are certainly a possibility!
Dusseldorf has an array of train connections to other European cities, making it an ideal starting point for a flightless long weekend abroad.
Let's imagine a 'classic' European long week end break. You will need to get to the airport 2 hours before, 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.
From Dusseldorf, in six hours, you can can reach pretty much the whole of the BENELUX, Switzerland, Eastern France and Western Austria by train in under 6 hours.
Instead of travelling in and out of airports, you'll be spending that time admiring the French countryside, the Swiss lakes, or some stunning Belgian and Dutch gems from the comfort of your seat!
20 European weekend train trips starting in Dusseldorf
Ready to plan a long weekend from Dusseldorf to somewhere in Europe? The Trainline and Deutsche Bahn are the logical places to start researching your options. Make sure to check the national rail operators of Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and France, if you need more flexibility in designing your break, or want to benefit from some special offers.
1. Bern
The Aar river and the rooftops of Bern © Mads Egmose/Unsplash
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a pearl where culture merges with nature at every step. Its size makes it the perfect weekend destination, and it is just under 6 hours from Düsseldorf (with changes at Frankfurt Airport and Basel). You will travel through pristine Swiss countryside, peaks, and lakes.
When you get there, you will discover a capital city you would not expect, lively and yet relaxed, cultured and adventurous. From admiring the views from the Rosengarten, to strolling through the medieval arcades, to swimming in the green waters of the Aare river like the locals love to do, from visiting Einstein's house to bear spotting in the Bärengraben, your weekend will be full and refreshing at the same time.
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!
2. Brussels
Arcade du Cinquantenaire, Brussels © Thomas Somme/Unsplash
Two hours and 40 minutes is all it takes to get from the heart of Düsseldorf to the heart of Brussels,
Think a stroll in the stunning eclectic mix of gothic and Renaissance/Baroque styles of the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, a climb up the twentieth century Atomium, a visit to one of the city's museums, an immersion into its comic book culture, while enjoying delicious beer stew or waffles, and of course some chocolate, and understand the reasons why Brussels is considered one of the gourmet capitals of Europe.
3. Amsterdam - and anywhere in the Netherlands
Amsterdam Canal © Leif Niemczik/Unsplash
Amsterdam's cultural and night scenes are one of the best Europe. I love going in winter, when it is quieter. The canals become very peaceful, and you can wander around the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds.
The journey from Düsseldorf is a mere 2 hours. You can even go for the day!
4. Épernay, Reims and the Champagne region
Reims Cathedral © Pascal Bernardon/Unsplash
From Düsseldorf you can get to Épernay in the heart of the Champagne region in 6 hours. You will need to change station, and walk for 10 minutes from Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est (or catch the metro for 1 stop).
You can base yourself in Épernay, the main centre in the legendary Champagne producing area of La Montagne de Reims, or catch another train to Reims itself (20 minutes away) and base yourself in the cathedral city where the kings of France used to be crowned.
I share my 3-day itinerary and ideas on what to see and do in my post on a long weekend to Champagne by train.
5. Zürich
The Altstadt © Viespire/Unsplash
There are plenty of options for going from Düsseldorf Hauptbanhof to Zürich Hauptbanhof. It is not direct, but with two changes (Mannheim and Basel) you can reach the centre of Zürich in under 6 hours.
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, Zurich'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.
6. Versailles
Versailles, detail of the formal garden from a balcony © Elena Rabkina/Unsplash
This is a trip I did with a toddler. It is super easy and a weekend gives you the time to truly appreciate Versailles without rushing through the sights. You get off your Düsseldorf-Paris high-speed train at at Gare du Nord, walk 30 minutes to stretch your legs or get on the metro line 7 for 4 stops, until Gare Saint Lazare, from where you can catch a local suburban train (RER), which will deliver you to the court of the Sun King in just under one hour. So the total travel time should be roughly 6 hours.
Versailles is a beautiful city. The city centre was designed by the same architect that designed the royal palace, and is filled with quirky antique shops, lovely restaurants and at weekends a mouth-watering farmers' market.
The formal gardens are free at sunset in the summer months, so you can go and watch the sun go down and drop into the magnificent fountain at the bottom of the formal gardens. Staying for the weekend also means you can visit the palace one day and the gardens and the Trianon the next, without rushing. And there are other beautiful buildings and museums in the city centre which I did not have time to visit.
It is also worth mentioning that beyond the formal gardens there is a vast park where you can sit down for a picnic by the lake or go for a hike in the woods to round off your sightseeing!
7. Strasbourg & Haut Koenigsbourg
Strasbourg © Harvid Heidahl/Unsplash
You can get from Düsseldorf to the medieval wonders of Strasbourg in between 4 and 5 hours - changing at Mannheim and Karlsruhe.
The medieval city centre, la Grande ÃŽle, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. When you have finished exploring the cathedral of Notre Dame and the timbered houses of Petit France, you can venture outside the city.
An 40-minute train ride to Sélestat, plus a 30-minute bus ride, will take you to the 900-year old Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Rhine valley.
Haut Koenigsbourg in winter © Ronan Potier/Unsplash
8. Chartres
Chartres Cathedral's famous stained glass windows © Arnaud Papa/Unsplash
The stunning Romanesque cathedral of Chartres, famed for its glass windows is surrounded by a delightful ancient town.
You can reach it from Düsseldorf in just over 6 hours, changing station in Paris, from Gare du Nord to Montparnasse. The change gives you an excuse for a stroll or lunch in the Latin Quarter before boarding a train that takes you through lovely French countryside to the hillside city of Chartres.
9. Paris
Notre Dame © Daniel James/Unsplash
Getting to Paris from Düsseldorf could not be easier. The journey is direct and you can get into Paris Gare du Nord in just over 4 hours!
You could almost do it as a day trip if you just wanted to pop over for lunch! Now, that may sound a bit tight, and I agree. But if you are not visiting large museums, even an overnight can get you a pretty good feel for the centre.
It is easy to explore Paris on foot, using the Seine as your beacon. You can still fit in one or two famous attractions, or explore smaller museums not so crowded but equally fascinating. hop into stunning churches and elegant palaces, and find scenic lunch spots.
Of course, if you have time to stay longer, you can explore in depth. You can book tickets to the top attractions on line at Paris Je t'aime.
10. Luxembourg City
Luxembourg city © Jean Carlo Emer/Unsplash
Luxembourg City does not seem to rank high on most people's bucket lists,. Its reputation as a financial hub almost shields the unique charm of the city. I first saw it on a business trip, with no expectations, and was so positively surprised that I had to go back as a tourist.
What struck me was that Luxembourg City is built on several levels. The upper part, known as the "Ville Haute" is situated on cliffs, and from the cliffs you have stunning panoramic views of the lower part of the city "Ville Basses", situated in two valleys at the bottom of the cliffs. The two parts of the city are connected by several bridges and viaducts, including the iconic Adolphe Bridge and the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge.
The contrast between the historic and medieval architecture in the Upper Town and the modern town at the bottom of the cliffs make the city as unique as it is picturesque.
This charming and vibrant capital lies 4 hours from Düsseldorf . You can get a train to Koblenz 1 hour and 42 minutes), and from there either catch a direct train or change in Trier. Either way, you will be travelling along the Moselle, travelling one of Germany's most spectacular train lines.
If you have not been before, Trier, with its glorious medieval and Roman history, is definitely worth a stop too.
The Roman theatre of Trier © Alexander Schimmeck/Unsplash
11. The Hague
The Binnenhof © Marjoline Delahaye/Unsplash
Through a combination of Deutsche Bahn and NS, the Dutch national railway, you can get to Den Haag (The Hague) from Düsseldorf in 2 and a half hours, changing in Utrecht.
The seat of the Dutch royal family and the Dutch parliament (the medieval Binnenhof), The Hague is a city that deserves to be seen in an old-world way, and a train is a perfect introduction to its magic. The Hague boasts world-class museums, buzzy eateries, trendy boutiques, and last but not least there are lovely Atlantic beaches only 15 minutes away, so you can feed the body and the soul, combining a stroll on the beach or a swim with culture, food and great shopping.
12. Gent and Bruges
Bruges city centre © Despina Galani/Unsplash
The direct journey from Düsseldorf to Brussels Midi takes two hours and 40 minutes. In Brussels Midi you will find regular direct trains to Gent (Ghent) which take 28 minutes, and Bruges (Brugge) which take 58 minutes.
As Gent and Bruges are on the same train line and only 30 minutes away from each other, you can base yourself in either and still visit the other one. I stayed in Bruges and it was magnificent. Its dreamlike waterways and gothic churches feel like they are made of intricate Flemish lace.
Next time I hope to stay in Gent, as I felt like I did not give it the time it deserves. Although I was tempted to visit by one of my favourite films, The Monument Men, I soon discovered there is so much to do and see beyond the There is so much to see and - and I was impressed by their motivation to become carbon-neutral.
13. 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. Yet it 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, And there there is the Rhine. Rheinfall is actually out of town but you can easily reach it 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 and I truly treasure.
Schaffhausen is between 5 and 6 hours from Dusseldorf, with changes in Mannheim and Basel!
14. London
Big Ben at sunset © Alps2Coast
Train trips from western Germany to London are very feasible, and sometimes faster than trains. Dusseldorf is a typical example. You will need to change twice, in Cologne and then in Brussels Midi, but you will still cover the distance in under 6 hours!
The journey from Düsseldorf to Cologne is about 40 minutes, between Cologne and Brussels less than 3 hours, and between Brussels and London just over 2.
Thanks to its extensive metro system you can see a lot of London even in a couple of days - allow more if you want to visit attractions further afield or the great museums and galleries. Check out VisitLondon to plan your visit.
15. Luzern and its lake
Luzern by night © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
Another super easy Swiss escape from Düsseldorf. In roughly 5 and a half hours, with a change in Mannheim, you can reach the picturesque city of Luzern,
The centre is quite compact. In one day you can easily visit the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a overed wooden bridge adorned with paintings, which offers fantastic views of the Reuss River, and wander through the cobbled streets of Lucerne's Old Town,
In a long weekend, you will also have the time for a boat cruise of the lake, gliding past stunning mountains and picturesque villages., and for a climb or a cable car up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi.
If it is summer, make sure you 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.
16. Basel - the crossroad of Switzerland, France and Germany
The Rhine in Basel © Johannes Siebler/Unsplash
The journey between Düsseldorf and Basel takes under 4 and half hours, changing either at Mannheim or Frankfurt Airport train station.
The city itself is extremely interesting, and you can easily spend a day or two visiting the city centre, the medieval cathedral, the cobbled Altstadt, Minster, the many museums, and make your way to Dreiländer Deck, where your gaze can span over three countries (France, Germany, and of course Switzerland).
If you feel like an active break, with your tourist BaselCard you can hire a bicycle to explore the town centre for 20 CHF. Or you can hike the 5km Rehberger-Weg which connects Basel and Weil am in Germany.
Then, there's the Rhine, the lifeblood of Basel. You can cycle or walk along it, book a boat tour, and in summer try that unique and unforgettable Basel - swimming in the Rhine!
17. Fairy tale Alsatian villages - and Christmas markets
You can get from Düsseldorf to Colmar, the most famous village on the Alsace wine route, in 4 hours and 30 minutes.
You can base yourself in Colmar and explore the other equally delightful villages of Eguisheim, Kayserberg, and Riquewihr, thanks to a great network of local public transport.
The fairy tale villages of Alsace are an all-year-round destination, lovely at grape harvest time, in spring, and in the lead-up to Christmas, thanks to their renowned Christmas markets.
Colmar © Aswathy N/Unsplash
18. Thun and the Bernese Oberland
Thun, a Swiss gem © Hattie Lacye/Unsplash
Depending on the connections, Düsseldorf is between 6 and 6 and a half hours from this Swiss jewel,
A small but lively city in the Bernese Oberland, Thun is the perfect mix of culture and activity. It is literally surrounded by water. If you prefer to immerse yourself in water with a green hue, you can swim and even surf on the Aare river; If you fancy a blue hue, you can try the waters of Lake Thun, or hike alongside it And if you are after the thrill of history, the 12th-century Thun castle will charm you.
Thun, Castle © Marcreation/Unsplash
19. Lake Constance, Bregenz and St Gallen
Bregenz's iconic fishing pier © Commie Schneider/Unsplash
Lake Constance (Bodensee) is the third largest body of water in Europe, and its coastline is shared by 4 countries: Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland.
Bregenz, on the Austrian western side, is an ideal base for exploring the attractions of all sides. The journey from Düsseldorf is indirect, but with two or three changes you can still get there in under 6 hours.
Bregenz's St Martin's Tower © Leonard Wiedenwimmer/Unsplash
Bregenz is the quintessential water city, sloping towards the shore, and probably the only place on earth where you can watch opera on a floating stage on the lake!
That happens in summer, during the Bregenzfestspiele. In fact, I first got the idea of visiting Bregenz when I saw James Bond Quantum of Solace, part of which is set in Bregenz during an opera performance.
In autumn, the opera-lovers are replaced by the hikers and the runners during their world famous 'three-country marathon.'
And in winter there is a Christmas market, of course!
After you have explored Bregenz's old town, with its medieval walls and St Martin's Tower, and sipped a sundowner by the lake, ideally on the fishing pier, it is time to cross into Switzerland.
The train journey from Bregenz to the Swiss abbye city of St Gallen takes 1 hour, with a quick change in the border spa village of St Margrethen) .
Today St Gallen is a bustling university town. The city grew around a Benedictine monastery, founded 13 centuries ago, and still at the heart of the city today. The abbey of St Gallen is well deservedly on the UNESCO Heritage site. In the first centuries of its existence, the Carolingian monastery of St Gallen played a crucial part in the survival of ancient culture through the work of its copyists, who produced manuscripts famed throughout Europe during the middle age. Its graceful buildings surrounded by vineyards, exude peace and beauty. And the library is incredibly moving.
St. Gallen Library's Baroque Hall © Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen
20. Antwerp
There seems to be a common trend when people come back from a trip to Antwerp. Everyone comments that the city is underrated and deserves to be better known. I agree.
Antwerp, Belgium's second-largest city, has a fascinating past and architecture to match, but it is also vibrant and innovative. And it is between 3 and 4 hours from Dusseldorf, with an easy change in Brussels-Midi.
As a lover of train journeys, I love beautiful train stations, and Antwerp's is architecturally stunning, a blend of grace and grandeur.
Antwerp's train station © Ali Kerem Erhan/Unsplash
It is a welcome introduction to a city of art and creativity, past and present. The Gothic cathedral of Our Lady houses some of Peter Paul Rubens's masterpieces, and many more are on display at the Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten):, together with those of other Dutch and Flemish masters. A visit to Rubenshuis (Rubens House) (closed until early 2024) is a wonderful way to go beyond the paintings and understand the artist who created them.
If you tire of art, walk to Het Steen, a medieval fortress along the River Scheldt and one of the oldest buildings in Antwerp, or to Grote Markt, Antwerp's central square, surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval guildhalls, is a great place to relax at a café and soak in the atmosphere.
Antwerp's Grote Markt © Jonne Makikyro/Unsplash
I suppose the maritime vibe is what makes Antwerp special, a place of adventure and daring, and you can get a glimpse of it at Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a striking waterfront building showcasing the cultural and maritime history of Antwerp. If you visit make sure you go all the way to the top, as you are allowed to picnic on the roof. They'll even give you a picnic blanket.
And do not forget the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the UNESCO World Heritage listed residence of Christophe Plantin, one of the first printers of the Renaissance, whose adventurous life would deserve a film. He was printing books directly from his home, and you can even see his printing press!
The MAS building © Frans Ruiter/Unsplash
From the heart of Germany to the heart of Europe
Dusseldorf's geographical position, on the banks of the Rhine on the wester edge of Germany opens up plenty of possibilities for long weekend train trips to western Europe. But you don't need to stop at the wonders of Benelux. From the Swiss Alps to London, so much of Europe is within your reach.
Just define what kind of destinations you love, what inspires you, make a list, and before browsing flights, check if there is a train that can take you there!
For more inspiration on how to travel by train from anywhere in Europe by train, sign up to my blog.
Also, if you are planning to discover more of Germany, rather than travel abroad from Dusseldorf, check out my post on Germany's most scenic train trips.
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