Train holiday in Germany

A train holiday in Germany is the ideal way to discover the country in comfort, efficiently and with more of a sense of experience. The dense rail network, modern trains and smart ticket options make planning your trip simple and predictable. You travel in a relaxed way from historic city centres to vast natural areas while the landscape glides past your window. Find out here how to prepare your journey properly.

The German rail network is one of the most extensive in Europe and is a good example of successful train holidays. From the Netherlands, direct connections take you straight to cities such as Cologne, Berlin or Munich, ready to continue your journey. This efficiency makes Germany an excellent destination for both short city breaks and longer tours, fully tailored to your own pace.

The backbone of the German railways: ICE, IC and RE

The German rail system is made up of different types of trains that together form a well-connected network. For long distances, the InterCity Express (ICE) is the best-known option. These high-speed trains link the major cities at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour and offer extra comfort such as a restaurant car and Wi-Fi. The InterCity (IC) complements this by also connecting medium-sized cities. To explore the regions, the Regional-Express (RE) is the best choice. These trains stop more often and take you to smaller towns and the heart of natural areas.

Important transfer hubs for your journey

A smooth journey through Germany stands or falls with knowing the main interchange stations. These ‘Hauptbahnhöfe’ are not just stations, but complete logistics hubs.

• Frankfurt am Main Hauptbahnhof: Thanks to its central location, this is one of the busiest and most important hubs in the country. From here you can easily travel in all directions.
• Berlin Hauptbahnhof: A modern, cross-shaped station that acts as the gateway to eastern Germany and further on to Poland.
• Munich Hauptbahnhof: The starting point for journeys to the Bavarian Alps and Austria.
• Cologne Hauptbahnhof: Located right next to the cathedral and an important hub for traffic to and from the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
• Hamburg Hauptbahnhof: Connects Germany with Scandinavia and is a central point for travel in the north.

Logical city breaks: culture and history within easy reach

The train is ideal for combining cities. The short journey times and central location of the stations make it easy to visit several destinations. Consider, for example, a trip from edgy, creative Berlin to stately, maritime Hamburg. Another classic route follows the Rhine, combining Cologne with its impressive cathedral with atmospheric Heidelberg. For lovers of Bavarian culture, the connection between Munich and Nuremberg is highly recommended, with two very different cities less than an hour apart.

Exploring Germany’s most beautiful regions by train

You can discover a large part of Germany’s most beautiful landscapes perfectly by rail. The train often gives you a unique perspective on the surroundings, with routes that wind through valleys and along riverbanks. The left and right Rheinstrecke between Koblenz and Mainz take you past dozens of castles and the famous Loreley rock. In the south-west, the Schwarzwaldbahn takes you from Offenburg to Konstanz, straight through the Black Forest. Another picturesque route is the Moselstrecke from Koblenz to Trier, which follows the winding Moselle along steep vineyards and charming wine villages.

Natural splendour within reach: train to the wilderness

The train also offers many possibilities for nature lovers. Several national parks and nature reserves are directly connected to the rail network. Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its bizarre rock formations, can be reached from Dresden in less than an hour on the S-Bahn. From Munich you can travel directly to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to explore the Bavarian Alps and the Zugspitze. The Harz Mountains, with their dense forests and historic towns such as Quedlinburg, are also easy to reach, where you can transfer to nostalgic narrow-gauge steam trains.

Smart tickets: options and benefits of regional day passes

Travelling smart in Germany means choosing smart tickets. For long distances on the ICE or IC, it pays to book tickets well in advance. Deutsche Bahn’s ‘Sparpreise’ offer substantial discounts. For maximum flexibility within the federal states, the ‘Ländertickets’ are an excellent option. With a Bavaria Ticket, for example, you can travel for a whole day without limits on all regional trains, buses and trams within Bavaria, ideal for day trips. For anyone wanting to criss-cross the whole country on regional transport, there is the ‘Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket’. And with the ‘Deutschland-Ticket’ you can travel for a fixed monthly fee without limits on all regional public transport throughout Germany.

Practical tips for a carefree train journey in Germany

Good preparation ensures a relaxed journey. Here are some practical points to help you on your way.

• Book in good time: Especially on popular ICE routes, prices can rise sharply. Ideally, book one to three months in advance for the best fares.
• Use the app: The DB Navigator app is your best friend. You can plan routes, buy tickets and see up-to-date departure times and any delays.
• Seat reservation: On busy routes, particularly on Fridays and Sundays, reserve a seat. It costs a small extra fee but gives you peace of mind.
• Luggage: Unlike air travel, there are no strict luggage limits. In most trains there is ample space for suitcases, both above the seats and in special racks at the ends of the carriages.
• On-board facilities: Most ICE trains have Wi-Fi, power sockets at the seat and a restaurant car (Bordbistro) where you can get a drink, snack or meal.

Start your German train journey

Germany is particularly well suited for a train holiday. The extensive rail network, comfortable trains and smart ticket options make the country easy and pleasant to travel around. Whether you opt for a city break taking in historic centres, a trip through breathtaking landscapes or a combination of the two, the train will get you there in a relaxed and efficient way. Plan your journey, choose your tickets and discover Germany in the best possible way.