Planning to visit Germany? Make sure you include at least one scenic train journey. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the varied German landscapes and will be one of the most memorable moments of your trip!
From Alpine valleys to windswept North Sea islands, from majestic rivers to ancient forests, the German Railways truly spoil you for scenic rides. Most of these journeys are not specifically tourist services, they are actually the regional commuter rail routes between some of the country's cities. So, you can incorporate them effortlessly into your travels. Leave the car at home, forget the plane, and let Deutsche Bahn and the German rail tracks treat you to some incredible views!
Here are ten scenic train rides spanning the width and breadth of Germany.
The Rhine at Bacharach © Mehmet Ulga/Unsplash
My experience of travelling through Germany by train
When I was living in Italy to London, I used to travel to other European countries by train quite regularly. I try never to use the car to go from city centre to city centre when there is a train connection available. You do not have to deal with traffic on the motorway, or struggle to find parking, or worry about your car. And even before my carbon footprint became a concern for me, I used to enjoy the flexibility with times and coincidences than train travel offers compared to flying.
This post will cover the reasons why you should consider train trips as part of your journey through Germany, and share with you my favourite scenic rides, to tempt you to fit train excursions into your German holidays.
1: Why travel through Germany by train?
2: Germany's most scenic train trips
3: Discover Germany, one train journey at a time
Hamburg train station © Sven Masuhr/Unsplash
1: Why travel through Germany by train?
You will know when you are in Germany. There is something magnificent and vast about its landscapes, even though the landscapes themselves are more diverse than you may imagine. While Germany is a northern country, it has many kinds of northern souls. The train is the perfect way to enjoy the uniqueness of Germany.
Germany is a huge country of vast plains in the north and alpine peaks in the south, crossed by Europe's longest rivers, the Rhine and the Danube, by the wonderfully meandering Moselle, and the placid Elbe. We tend to have a landlocked image of Germany, yet its northern border are the North and Baltic seas, with windswept beaches and even islands, And everywhere you are, medieval castles, Baroque palaces, cathedrals and in the west and south even Roman ruins are never far away from your railtracks.
The Bavarian Alps © Matthias Schroeder/Unsplash
Germany has a growing network of fast trains, called ICE. Although the routes may sometimes feel a bit illogical, let's not forget that Berlin has only been the capital of Germany for 30 odd years. Things are improving though, and trains are more and more a sustainable alternative to domestic flights.
For scenic purposes, though, I recommend mainly routes on the slower regional trains, which may have different names in different states of the federal republic, although 'regio' for regional is likely to be part of the name.
As an icing on the cake, most regional trains - excluding the ones operated by DB Fernvehrkehr AG - are covered by the Deutschland Ticket. An initiative launched by the German government to incentivise public transport, the Deutschland Ticket allows unlimited travel on regional and suburban rail services for only 49 euros per month. So you can enjoy some of Germany's (and Europe's) most scenic train rides almost for free.
In conclusion, the regional trains are affordable, frequent because used by commuters and give you the time to appreciate the wonderful sights. They are also great if you want to carry a bike with you for more exploration.
In short, wherever you are in Germany there will a scenic train ride available to you, Make the most of it, and discover the beauty of the country from the comfort of your seat.
So, without further ado, here are my 10 favourite German train rides.
2: Germany's most scenic train rides
Just like for my guide to Italian scenic rides, my principles for inclusion in the guide where: a variety of landscapes, from the Alps to the seas, from north to south, and some of Germany's most famous cityscapes. In some cases, the route is so incredibly beautiful that it makes sense to get off, explore and resume your journey!
1.Cologne to Mainz
The journey along the Rhine from Cologne to Mainz is in my view is the ultimate German train trip. You will be travelling from a UNESCO-World-Heritage site to another, and crossing a third one!
You begin in Cologne, a 2000-year old city founded by the Romans along the Rhine whose iconic twin-spired cathedral is one of the most loved – and the most visited – building in Germany.
Your train will hit the Rhine at Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. The city of Bonn will remain on the opposite bank of the river, but your train will ride through the delightful resort of Koenigswinter, on the side of the mountains where Siegfried killed the dragon in the Niebelungenlied. Two rather long islands sit in the middle of the river here, and you’ll ride along them past Bad Honnef.
Islands in the Rhine at Koenigswinter © Alps2Coast
Soon you will cross the river and hit Koblenz, another former Roman colony. The Latin name for it was ‘Confluentia’ because it lies on the site where the waters of the Rhine meet those of the Moselle. If you are travelling on the regional train, you will need to change here, and if you can me time for a stop Koblenz is a delightful city with gardens, palaces and a compact centre that feels pretty much surrounded by water.
The 'Confluence' of Rhine and Moselle at Koblenz © Peter Van de Sande/Unsplash
After Koblenz you will enter the Rhine Gorge, the most spectacular stretch of the Rhine, and another UNESCO-World-Heritage site. Picture-postcard villages (Boppard, Sankt Boar, Bacharach, Bingen), cliffs, the famous Lorelei rock – a challenge to navigate around -, and castles everywhere, on islands, like Pfalzgrafenstein, and on hills, such as Ehrenberg. The Seat61 websites has some videos of what you’ll see on the journey.
Save some energy for when you arrive in Mainz, a vibrant university city, also of Roman origin, and boasting one of the great medieval imperial cathedrals (Kaiserdom). It is also considered the capital of German wine, and a sip of Rhine white is a perfect way to seal a delightful day!
Ehrenfels castle ruins © Vicampo Wine Pictures/Pixabay
Be very careful when you book your ticket, as the high speed ICE trains between Cologne central station (Hauptbanhof) and Mainz go via Frankfurt on an inland route. You need the regional train, which follows the Rhine with a change in Koblenz. The trip takes roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you are in a rush, some ICE trains from Koeln Messe follow the Rhine too, and take only 2 hours. But if you want to take photos and really enjoy your views rather than dash past, the Regional train is a better option.
2. Munich to Brennero
Munich is actually much closer to Italy than non-locals may think. Only about 40km of Austria separating the southern-most tip of Bavaria from the Brenner pass into Italy. The first part of your ride will be through Bavarian countryside, but after Flintsbach the tracks run along the river Inn, and and you will be riding through alpine scenery all the way! Waterfalls and castles dot the route, and interestingly, past Flitntsbach the Inn is the border between Germany and Austria, so you will be riding in Germany but looking at Austria across the river! The last stop in Germany is the alpine village of Kiefersfelden, surrounded by magnificent mountains.
The Bavarian Alps at Kiefersfelden © Daniel Sessler/Unsplash
The journey between Munich and Kiefersfelden takes less than 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you can get off here, explore the village centre or go for a hike in the Bavarian Alps. But if you have time continue on, for magnificent views of the Austrian Tyrol. Steep slopes dotted by delightful villages, castles such as the mighty fortress at Kufstein, and tiny white belltowers, all the way to Innsbruck and Brennero.
As you are almost there, why not dip your toes into Italy? In 3 hours 30, with 2 pleasant changes, you can be in the beautiful South Tyrolean village of Vipiteno, exploring its delightful centre or hiking to one of the nearby castles. If you are enjoying the ride, you can even continue all the way to Trento, and journey through the Dolomites from your seat! I cover the 3-country journey in more detail in my post about Italian scenic train rides.
The fortress of Kufstein © Waldemar/Unsplash
You can do this journey at different speed. The Eurocity faster trains do not stop at Kiefersfelden, so you will need to use a Bavarian regional service to get there. I recommend using regional trains as much as you can, to make the most of the views. 3 and a half hours go very fast when there is so much to look at!
The fast journey is a good option if you set yourself the ambitious target of continuing on to Trento for some Dolomites sightseeing. The EC trip from Munich to Trento takes 4 hours and 30 minutes.
3. Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle
Munich is a perfect base for many of Germany’s most scenic train routes, as they happen to go through Bavaria. The ride between Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most photographed sights in Germany, is as interesting as its destination. As you leave Munich behind, your train will cross countryside and head in the direction of the Alps. In winter, you may find yourself travelling through a snowy wonderland, and in autumn through delightful foliage. Before you reach Füssen, the unmistakable shape of Neuschwanstein, made world-famous by its use in classic Disney films, will rise in the distance. Perched on top of a thickly-forested mountains, set against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, its white walls and towers are a combination of grace and magnificence.
The train actually only goes from Munich to Füssen, and from there you will need to catch a local bus and then walk about 25 minutes to the castle.
The journey takes about 3 hours including the walk.
Fairytale Neuschwanstein © Bharat Patil/Unsplash
4. Offenburg to Konstanz
Some of Germany’s most memorable train routes are those offered by regional services that criss-cross the impenetrable Black Forest. One of my favourites is the Offenburg to Konstanz. As Offenburg is connected by train to Strasbourg, you can even to this journey if you are spending some time in the Alsatian capital. The route has a number of stops, and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, but you will be treated to some of the Black Forest most magnificent views. Beautiful Triberg, with its waterfalls, the Hornberg viaduct, Donaueschingen, where the source of the Rhine is located, and at the end of the journey the blue-green waters of the Bodensee (Lake Constance), the largest body of water in Europe.
The island of Murnau, Konstanz, Bodensee © Lisa Fecker/Unsplash
Konstanz itself is well worth exploring, with medieval towers, a cathedral, lakeside setting, and the nearby magnificent island abbey of Reichenau.
5. Freiburg im Breisgau to Seebrugg
This is another Black Forest route, departing from the delightful university city of Freiburg in Breisgau, on the southwestern edge of the Black Forest. This line is also called Dreiseebahn (Three Lakes Railway) because its route passes by three of the Black Forest lakes – the Titisee, Windgfällweiher and Schluchsee – terminating at the Seebrugg station.
You’ll ride first through the Höllental (Hell Valley), and the train will ride over the viaduct of the Ravennaschlucht (Ravenna Gorge), under which during Advent weekends takes place one of Germany’s most unique Christmas markets. You’ll need to change in Titisee, which is a great opportunity to get off and take a walk around the lake.
Morning mist over Titisee © SaZi84/Pixabay
After Titisee, the train starts climbing through the aptly named Bärental (Bear Valley) until it reaches the Feldberg-Bärental station.
Classic Schwarzwald © Benni Asal/Unsplash
Trains leave Freiburg every hour, and the journey takes just over one hour.
When leaving Freiburg, if you stay on the train in Titisee you can ride on to Donaueschingen, the city on the opposite edge of the Black Forest which is identified as the source of the Rhine.
6. The Harz Steam Railway
The Harz region of Saxony is a little secret the Germans keep to themselves. I only visited the area because of my passion for medieval history, to see the imperial palace at Goslar. I should have known that the Holy Roman Emperors would not have bothered building a new palace there unless the area was particularly beautifu!.
Typical Harz landscape © Leon Skibitski/Unsplash
The Harz mountains south of Goslar are incredibly panoramic. Now a national park, the area is still covered in semideciduous forests, making autumn rides incredibly picturesque. In winter the peaks are often blanketed in snow. I went in summer, and it was just as incredible - blue skies and a wonderfully green forest.
The Harz steam train © Tilgner Pictures/Pixabay
This is also one of the few parts of Germany where you can still ride a steam train. The late nineteenth-century railway goes from Wernigerode (a delightful cluster of half-timbered houses often ranked as one of the most delightful small villages in Germny) to the Brocken mountain, in the middle of the national park.
The journey is 1 hr 45 minute of pure magic.
You can buy the steam train tickets here.
7. Hamburg to Sylt
For the getaway from it all vibe, it is hard to beat a train ride from Hamburg to Sylt, one of the German North Frisian Islands out in the North Sea. After exploring the charms of Hamburg, one of Germany’s most interesting cities, with its thousand-year-old history as one of the key centres of trade of northern Europe, the regional train to Sylt is a three-hour journey through windswept low-lying lands where German and Scandinavian toponyms mix, all the way to the Danish border. The train will then ride through a causeway on to the peaceful sand dunes of Sylt.
Sylt's vast beaches © Hilthart Pedersen/Unsplash
Sylt is a remarkable place. High end tourism and gourmet eateries mix with pristine wilderness and timeless surroundings.
You will arrive in Westerland, the island’s capital, and explore its delightful beaches and other smaller centres by public bus or renting a bicycle – or even walk. The distance from the northernmost to the southernmost points of this long and thin island can be covered in just over 8 hours and Westerland lies right in the middle. So bring your hiking boots and embrace this pristine paradise.
Sunbathing for all © T. Kayser/Unsplash
8. Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Back to Bavaria for some more scenic routes. The train from Munich to the alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, one of Europe’s iconic ski resorts, only takes one hour and 20 minutes and is direct.
Starnberger See © Alex Holzreiter/Unsplash
The route goes past the Starnbergersee, one of Munich’s great lakes and the marshlands of Murnauer Moos before climbing up towards the peaks of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Garmisch © Daniel Sessler/Unsplash
The route goes past the Starnbergersee, one of Munich’s great lakes and the marshlands of Murnauer Moos before climbing up towards the peaks of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
9. Garmisch to Zugspitze
In Garmisch, you can get switch trains and get on the Zugspitze railway, an alpine line going from the 705m above see level of Garmisch to the 2,650m above sea level of Zugspitze Germany’s highest mountain. It is the biggest ascent in Europe, beating even the incredible feats of engineering of the Swiss Railways! The entire journey takes around 75 minutes and is absolutely breathtaking.
Zugspitze © Daniel Sessler/Unsplash
To manage expectations, the train does not take you all the way to the summit of Zugspitze. For that you will need to switch on a cable car. Being afraid of heights, I did not venture on it, but my husband tells me it was magnificent.
10. The Moselle
Going back to the beginning of the article, Koblenz is the starting point for the railway line running through the Moseltal (Moselle valley), one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. The contrast with the Rhine, just around the corner, is remarkable.
This stunning river winds its way from Eastern France and Luxembourg before entering Germany at Trier and then flowing into the Rhine at Koblenz. The slow regional train is perfectly suited to enjoy the views, and I promise you will want to get off at almost every stop.
If you are already in Germany, it makes sense to ride from Koblenz to Trier and then back. The complete journey takes about two hours, and you will ride past the German castle that competes in fame with Neuschwanstein, Burg Eltz. The difference is that Burg Eltz is not a romantic reconstruction like Neuschwanstein, it is an authentic medieval castle. Another wonderful castle sits atop another hill at Cochem.
Burg Eltz © Joshua Kettle/Unsplash
The whole valley is a wine-lover paradise. The famed Moselle white wines (some of Germany’s best) are produced here, and all the sun-facing hills are covered in vineyards.
As for the river itself, try getting off at Moselkern for magnificent views, and again at g the either Ediger-Eller or Neef to hike to Gipfelkreuz. You will have seen many photos taken there. Gipfelkreuz is the sport from where you get the best view of the almost 360-degree bend in the Mosel River.
The bend in the Moselle © Alps2Coast
If you are not scared of heights go for Ediger-Eller, home to some of the steepest vineyards in Europe. You can sign up for Klettersteig, a hike during which you have to hold on to ropes to explore the vineyards. Being scared of heights, I opted for Neef, and enjoyed crossing the village of Bremm on the way to Gipfelkreuz. The hike takes one hour, and lunch in Bremm was a lovely reward for the climb to the top and a meditation on the power of nature, that carved this valley like a sculptor.
The end of the journey, Trier, used to be one of the four capitals of the 4th century Roman Empire, and you can visit some of the most interesting Roman ruins north of the Alps, such as a well-preserved theatre, a basilica, and the well-preserved city gate.
The journey from Koblenz to Trier takes just under two hours, so this is a perfect day trip, and you can plan different stops on each leg of the journey to see different landmarks and villages.
The Roman Gate of Trier © Estrella Ontour/Pixabay
3: Discover Germany one train journey at a time
I hope you found a destination or two that piqued your interest and that you are now tempted to catch the train next time you are in Germany.
There are many journeys I still have to undertake and my list is based on my travel experience so far. So, stay tuned. Next year there may be a couple of new entries.
If you have any questions reading this post, do get in touch through the contact form. And do not forget to subscribe to the blog to get my weekly posts on train and car trips through Europe directly into your inbox.
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