The most beautiful routes by train

Relaxed on the road: In this article we present you great routes that you can explore with the regional train.

#1 Schwarzwaldbahn: Karlsruhe – Villingen – Constance

One of the most beautiful railroad lines in Germany can be found in the southwest of the country. The Black Forest Railway runs hourly between Karlsruhe and Constance, with stops in Baden-Baden, Offenburg, Triberg, Villingen, Singen and many other places that invite you to take a little discovery tour. The route is therefore the perfect way to get to know the Black Forest region, even in a relaxed way over several days with overnight stays. At the end of the route, picturesque Constance awaits you, located directly on Lake Constance.

Travel time start to end point:

3h 35min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of required changes:

2x (Immendingen, Singen)

#2 Höllentalbahn: Freiburg im Breisgau – Titisee – Donaueschingen

Similar to route #1, this railroad line also runs through the Black Forest, but with a completely different highlight: the Höllentalbahn goes right through the middle of the Höllental, it is the steepest railroad line in Germany. So steep slopes and rock faces are part of the program, but don’t worry: For over a century, the Höllentalbahn has been transporting thousands of passengers safely over the Ravenna viaduct and through fascinating nature every day. Stopovers are made at distinctive places whose names contrast with the Höllentalbahn, including Himmelreich and Hinterzarten, for example.

Travel time start to end point:

1h 29min

Stopovers possible?

Yes

Number of changes required:

None

#3 Frankenbahn: Stuttgart – Heilbronn – Würzburg

You start in the car and culture city of Stuttgart, which is also the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg. You board the train at Stuttgart’s main station and travel by rail 180 kilometers through parts of Baden-Württemberg and beautiful Franconia. The route is winding, sometimes at altitude, sometimes in the valley and always close to the rivers Neckar and Ems. The ideal variety that a train ride needs! You will enjoy great views along the way: Forests, rock faces and vineyards included.

Travel time from start to end point:

2h 08min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of changes required:

None

#4 On the way on the Moselle line: Koblenz – Bullay – Trier

Traveling along the Moselle is an unforgettable train experience. After just a few kilometers, you will cross the Güls railroad bridge and thus the Moselle for the first time. You will then be on the left side of the river for about 55 kilometers, followed by the no less exciting ride through the Kaiser Wilhelm Tunnel, which was Germany’s longest railroad tunnel until 1988. Every now and then the train crosses the river and chugs past magnificent steep vineyards.

Travel time from start to end point:

1h 24min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of transfers required:

None

#5 Harz narrow gauge railroad: Wernigerode – Quedlinburg – Nordhausen

Our tip: Be sure to visit the Harz National Park. We recommend getting off at Elend, and yes, we know how that sounds. But you shouldn’t infer the place from the name. Elend scores with its close proximity to the Brocken and the beautiful Elendstal valley, where it is great to hike. Whichever route through the Harz you choose by train: Pure nature and romance are guaranteed.f

Harzquerbahn

Travel time start to end point:

2h 27min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of changes required:

None

Selketalbahn

Travel time start to end point:

3h 21min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of required changes:

1x Alexisbad

#6 Rasender Roland: Putbus – Binz – Göhren

The Rasender Roland, also known as the Rügensche BäderBahn, is a steam locomotive-powered narrow-gauge railroad in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It takes passengers from Lauterbach Mole on the island of Rügen via Binz and Sellin to Göhren. In the high season (summer) the trains run every hour, in the low season (from. 01 November) they run every two hours.

Attention: Trains depart from Lauterbach Mole only in the high season. From November 2022 to May 2023 the trains start one station further in Putbus.
Here’s a special tip from us: In summer, the trains run until shortly before midnight between the seaside resorts of Binz and Göhren. So nothing stands in the way of an extended visit to the beach with a cocktail at sunset. The return journey to Goeren is by steam locomotive, which is a real railroad highlight not only for newlyweds.

Travel time from start to end point:

2h 01min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of changes required:

None

#7 Usedom Bäderbahn: Peenemünde – Zinnowitz – Swinemünde

In addition to the electric reversible trains, buses are also on the road in this transport system. So you can move nicely mobile between Zinnowitz, Peenemünde, Wolgast, Lubmin, Greifswald, Usedom, Heringsdorf and so on. Besides the nature highlights at the sea and around it, we recommend you to visit the road and railroad bascule bridge Peenebrücke Wolgast. It is also known as the “Blue Wonder” – when you see it, you will know why.

Travel time start to end point:

1h 07min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of changes required:

1x (Zinnowitz)

#8 Hamburg – Timmendorfer Strand – Fehmarn-Burg

This rail route takes you to the far north with stops that are worth the trip in themselves. You’ll head to one of Germany’s most popular Baltic Sea islands with a stylish stopover at Timmendorfer Strand. Treat yourself to a cocktail, jump into the water and explore the Kammerwald forest on an extensive hike.

Then cross the Fehmarnsund Bridge to the island, where you can explore sights like the Glambeck Castle ruins and the Jimi Hendrix Memorial Stone. You are surprised about the memorial stone? It’s on Fehmarn because the famous musician gave his last festival performance here at the Love and Peace Festival in 1970. So you see, this rail route is full of surprises.

Travel time start to end point:

2h 27min

Intermediate stops possible?

Yes

Number of changes required:

1x (Lübeck Hbf)

#9 Berlin – Magdeburg – Leipzig

The Berliner doesn’t like to leave his neighborhood and then to Magdeburg? The city in Saxony-Anhalt does not have a particularly good reputation. Completely unjustly, because Magdeburg has a lot to offer: Get to know Magdeburg Cathedral and Hundertwasser’s Green Citadel while sightseeing. Explore the Elbauenpark and visit the nearby butterfly house.

Continue by train to Leipzig. Be sure to pack your swimsuit for Leipzig’s Neuseen landscape before exploring the Saxon metropolis refreshed. Here, too, a rich cultural offer awaits you: Bach, Goethe and many other artists have worked in the city. If you’re in town, visit our apartments and make an appointment in advance !

We wish you an eventful summer and, of course, lots of fun traveling and discovering with the regional rail service

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