It's a good time to travel by train in Germany. During the summer season, sitting back and watching the views out the window on a calm train ride is the perfect start to a holiday.
And there's a financial incentive too: with the rising cost of living, a train ticket may be more affordable than booking a flight or taking the car.
Add some new offers into the mix and riding the train is looking even more desirable this year. Deutsche Bahn is launching a family ticket for the summer aimed at making travel more affordable.
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During the summer holiday weeks across German states – from late June to mid-September – up to five people can travel to and from their holiday destination on long-distance trains for €99.99. At least one child must be travelling in the group.
DB calculated that a journey by car from Hamburg to Munich currently costs over €200 – more than twice as much as the family holiday ticket.
Booking long-distance tickets several weeks ahead can significantly reduce fares, especially during summer. However, the rail operator also recently launched discounted ticket offers for last-minute travel. So, with a bit of luck, you can book travel spontaneously at a decent price.
READ ALSO: Deutsche Bahn offers discounted tickets for last-minute travel
And lastly, there is of course the humble Deutschlandticket. Costing €63 per month, people in Germany can use it to travel on all local transport. Just remember that the pass is not valid for travel on high-speed (ICE, IC or EC) trains – but you can still get around Germany on the regional train network or use it when you arrive at your destination.
Where to go....
Germany has a mix of breathtaking scenery, from mountains to fresh water lakes via cities packed with culture and history, making it an ideal place to explore.
Whether you want to visit the seaside and paddle in the water or visit a museum and then stop for a glass of wine, we've got you covered with five staycation favourites.
Rügen, Baltic Sea
Rügen is Germany’s largest island and ranks among the country's most popular seaside destinations reachable by train.
The mix of Baltic Sea beaches, cliffs, forests and historic seaside resorts makes the island a diverse destination.
Visitors can explore the famous chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park or relax in towns like Binz, Sellin and Göhren, known for their charming architecture and promenades.
You can get around the island by bike or take a ride on the Rasender Roland, the historic steam-powered narrow-gauge railway.
Getting there: Rügen is easy to reach by train via Bergen auf Rügen station or directly to Binz. There are regular ICE and IC connections from cities including Berlin and Hamburg, with some seasonal services running directly onto the island without changes. The journey across the Stralsund-Rügen causeway is also one of the scenic highlights of the trip.
Once on the island, regional trains and buses connect the main towns and beaches.
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Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate
Considered Germany's oldest city, Trier lies right on the Moselle river.
Roman monuments such as the Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths and the Amphitheatre are UNESCO World Heritage Sites well worth exploring. The Old Town is easy to check out on foot, with plenty of cafes and wine bars.
The surrounding landscape is also a major draw, especially for rail travellers. The route from Koblenz to Trier is widely considered one of Germany’s most scenic train journeys, following the Moselle through vineyards, riverside villages and steep valley slopes.
Getting there: From Koblenz, regional trains run regularly through the Moselle Valley, while IC and RE services also connect Trier directly with cities including Cologne, Luxembourg and Mannheim.
Weimar, Thuringia
The eastern German city of Weimar is a highlight for anyone who loves culture and history. The city – which was once home to Goethe, Schiller and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius – provides a blend of classicism and modernism that gives it a special charm.
Museums, theatres and green spaces, like the Park an der Ilm, are all great for visiting whether it's a long weekend or part of a wider tour of the area.
Getting there: Weimar sits on the rail line between Erfurt and Leipzig, with both ICE and regional train connections from cities including Berlin, Frankfurt and Dresden. Depending on the route, some ICE journeys require a change in Erfurt or Leipzig.
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Mittenwald, Upper Bavaria
Located close to the Austrian border, Mittenwald is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys spending time in the mountains.
The town is known for its painted houses, long tradition of violin making and impressive Alpine scenery. It is also a great base for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and cross-country skiing in winter.
Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can stroll through the historic town centre or take the Karwendelbahn up nearly 2,300 metres for views over the Isar Valley.
Getting there: The rail route from Munich via Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Mittenwald is regarded as one of Germany’s most scenic journeys. Regional trains run several times a day directly to the town centre, passing lakes, forests and mountain scenery along the way.
The line also continues onward to Innsbruck, making it easy to combine with a trip to Austria.
Sylt, North Sea island
Sylt is one of the country's best-known holiday destinations – a favourite of Germany's rich and famous (and also of punks in recent years).
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Whether it’s walks along the Ellenbogen peninsula, mudflat hiking or visits to towns such as Westerland, Kampen or Hörnum, the island offers plenty of variety.
Anyone heading there should also make time to try local specialities, from fresh Fischbrötchen by the harbour to fine dining restaurants.
Getting there: From Hamburg, regular Regional-Express services run directly to Westerland without transfers. The journey takes around three hours, with the final stretch across the Hindenburgdamm railway causeway offering spectacular North Sea views.
As Sylt has no road connection the mainland, rail remains one of the easiest and most popular ways to reach Sylt.
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