Fuel prices are up, flight tickets are increasingly expensive, and the summer holiday season is here. For expats living in Germany, this is actually good news — because Germany's rail network makes it entirely possible to have a memorable summer break without a car or a plane ticket. Whether you arrived recently or have lived here for years, exploring Germany by train is one of the best ways to understand the country you now call home. Here are five destinations worth considering this summer, all comfortably reachable by rail.
Germany has one of the most extensive rail networks in Europe. Deutsche Bahn connects hundreds of cities and towns, and the Deutschlandticket — a flat-rate monthly travel pass covering local and regional transport — remains one of the best-value options for getting around. For longer intercity journeys, ICE high-speed trains connect major hubs like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne in under three hours.
With petrol costs still elevated and short-haul flight prices continuing to rise, the train is increasingly the practical and affordable choice. It also avoids the stress of airport security and check-in times, making it particularly appealing for families or those travelling with a lot of luggage.
1. The Bavarian Alps (Berchtesgaden or Garmisch-Partenkirchen) For dramatic mountain scenery, clear lakes, and hiking trails, the Bavarian Alps deliver. Both Berchtesgaden and Garmisch-Partenkirchen are reachable by train from Munich, making them ideal for a weekend escape from the city.
2. The Rhine Valley The stretch of the Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with medieval castles, steep vineyards, and small riverside towns. Regional trains run alongside the river, and the journey itself is part of the experience.
3. Rügen Island (Baltic Sea) Germany's largest island is famous for its white chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and spa towns like Binz. It is reachable by train from Berlin in around three to four hours and offers a genuinely relaxing coastal escape.
4. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) If dense forests, traditional villages, and excellent hiking are your idea of a holiday, the Black Forest is hard to beat. Freiburg im Breisgau is the gateway city and is well connected by ICE from Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
5. Dresden and Saxon Switzerland Dresden's rebuilt baroque old town is stunning, and just outside the city lies Saxon Switzerland — a dramatic landscape of sandstone rock formations that feels unlike anywhere else in Germany. Dresden is directly connected to Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt by high-speed rail.
If you hold a valid Deutschlandticket, you can use it on regional trains and local transport at your destination, which significantly reduces costs. For ICE or intercity trains, book in advance through the Deutsche Bahn website or app — early bookings can be substantially cheaper than walk-up fares. Many routes also offer family discounts and group tickets.
If you are new to Germany and unfamiliar with the rail system, the DB Navigator app is your best tool. It shows real-time departures, platform information, and seat reservations all in one place. English-language support is available throughout the app.
No. The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, regional trains) but not ICE, IC, or EC long-distance services. For those, you will need a separate ticket, which you can book via the Deutsche Bahn website or app.
Yes. Major train stations and the DB Navigator app are available in English. Announcements on ICE trains are typically made in both German and English. Station signage uses standard pictograms that are straightforward to follow even without German language skills.
This summer, Germany's rail network puts some genuinely spectacular destinations within easy reach — no car, no flight, no stress. Whether you choose the Baltic coast, the Alpine foothills, or a riverside castle route, travelling by train is a practical and rewarding way to explore your adopted country. Check the Deutsche Bahn app for timetables and early-bird fares, and make sure your Deutschlandticket is active if you plan to use regional services at your destination.
Source: The Local
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