Exploring Germany with the Deutschlandticket: Most Scenic Train Journeys
Imagine gliding through Germany’s breathtaking landscapes, from the enchanting Rhine Valley with its medieval castles to the hills of the Black Forest and the majestic Bavarian Alps. With the Deutschlandticket, you gain unlimited access to regional and local trains, making it easy to explore these stunning destinations. Whether you are staying for a week or longer, the Deutschlandticket is your passport to uncover the gems and most beautiful sights of Germany.
Cologne to Koblenz
Renowned for its picturesque scenery, this train route offers a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and charming towns. The journey starts in Cologne, a 2000-year-old city, home to the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train then goes on a delightful ride alongside the Rhine River, offering the most stunning views. Along the way the train stops in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany, which has unique charm and history. The route passes several impressive castles as well – Schloss Drachenburg and Schloss Stolzenfels near Koblenz. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Koblenz is another enchanting city with a rich history. It lies on the site where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet at the German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the large statue of Emperor William I stands. You should definitely stroll along its old town, where you will discover charming squares, churches, and marketplaces that highlight the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere.
After Koblenz, you will enter the Rhine Gorge, the most spectacular stretch of the Rhine, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lorelei Rock is a famous landmark along the route, associated with numerous legends. The train passes by majestic castles, such as Marksburg Castle and Rheinstein Castle, and terraced vineyards producing the renowned Rhine Wines. Then you will arrive in Mainz, a lively city of Roman origin. Here you will find one of the great medieval imperial cathedrals – Kaiserdom. Mainz is often called the capital of German wine, and a sip of the exquisite Rhine white wine would be a great end of this amazing journey.
Koblenz to Mainz
Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The journey begins in Munich, where you can explore its rich history and landmarks such as the Marienplatz and the Nymphenburg Palace. As the train departs from Munich, it travels through the scenic Bavarian countryside. You will enjoy the view of the Starnbergersee, one of Munich’s great lakes. The closer the train approaches its destination, the more dramatic the scenery becomes. The train starts to climb gently into the foothills of the Alps, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Arriving in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you will find a town rich in alpine beauty and Bavarian tradition, famous for its winter sports facilities. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a paradise for hikers as well, as there are many alpine trails around the town. It is also a gateway to Germany’s highest peak – the Zugspitze, at 2,962 meters, which offers the most breathtaking views.
Ravenna Bridge in the Black Forest
The Höllentalbahn is a special experience since it is considered the steepest railway in Germany. The journey begins in Freiburg im Breisgau and ascends into the Black Forest. It passes through rolling hills, villages, nine tunnels, and numerous bridges. On the section between Himmelreich and Hinterzarten, it climbs a total of 400 meters covering twelve kilometers. The highlight of the journey is crossing the Ravenna Bridge, offering fantastic views of the Ravena Gorge below. This route shows great panoramic views of the Black Forest and impressive railway engineering.
Hamburg to Sylt
The train journey from Hamburg to the island of Sylt is another unique route in Germany, which offers a captivating mix of urban landscapes, lush countryside, and coastal beauty.
Begin your journey in Germany’s second-largest city, known for its historic port and architectural landmarks. As you leave Hamburg, the train travels through the picturesque landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein, passing green fields, pretty villages, and serene meadows. The route includes several crossings over canals and rivers, offering beautiful views of the waterways that cross northern Germany. This journey will take you over the Hindenburgdamm, which connects the mainland to the island of Sylt. It is 11 kilometers long and stretches over the Wadden Sea, providing breathtaking views of the water from both sides. Arriving on Sylt, you will find beautiful beaches and sand dunes. You can savor the local cuisine and fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the island, and you should definitely explore its delightful beaches by bus, renting a bike, or walking.
Quellen und weiterführende Links
https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-49-ticket-beautiful-train-routes-to-explore/g-61847301
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/the-most-scenic-train-journeys-in-germany
https://www.alps2coast.com/post/the-ten-most-scenic-german-train-trips
https://www.germany.travel/en/inspiring-germany/taking-the-train.html
https://www.adac.de/reise-freizeit/reiseplanung/inspirationen/deutschland/bahnstrecken-deutschland/
