Germany by train
Best train trips to Germany
Through the Moselle Valley
Cologne, Koblenz, Trier, Brussels
Weave through one of Germany's most scenic train lines from the Four Towers of Koblenz to the Porta Nigra city gates of historic Trier.
Rhine-hopping
Cologne, Koblenz, Oberwesel, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe
Soak up medieval old towns, hilltop castles and organic wineries as you snake along the Rhine Valley, staying in the fortified town of Oberwesel.
The Black Forest
Cologne, Mainz, Karlsruhe, Titisee, Paris
By way of the scenic Rhine Valley line from Koblenz to Mainz, uncover the Black Forest region, steeped in folklore and shrouded with silver fir and dark pines.
Alpine border-crossing
Cologne, Munich, Mittenwald, Innsbruck, Zürich
Expect full immersion into Alpine landscapes as you traverse the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, featuring the epic Arlberg Railway.
Traversing the Harz Mountains
Wernigerode, Brocken, Nordhausen, Quedlinburg
Hauled by steam trains, the Harz mountains are home to Germany's largest network of narrow-gauge railways, ascending to the Brocken summit.
Beyond Berlin: German cities
Berlin, Dresden, Cologne
Experience the new Nightjet sleeper train to Berlin, before heading onward to Dresden markets and galleries and Cologne for strolls along the Rhine.
Flight-free made easy
All transport and accommodation included
Journeys you’ll love
Created by sustainable travel experts
5 star support
Access on-demand support while travelling
Trending rail journeys
The Harz Mountain Line
As featured in the Guardian’s Route of the Month, this trip features one of Germany’s most atmospheric rail journeys through the wooded Harz Mountain range by vintage steam train.
Jess’ favourite German & Austrian trip
Hi I’m Jess! I’m one of the travel Concierge team at Byway. I was born and raised in Tyrol, a historic German-speaking region shared between Austria and Italy.
This trip starts with a couple of nights in Munich, Bavaria, to get acclimatised. Bavaria and Tyrol share lots of folk traditions, and Munich is a gateway to the Alps. From there, you can take a day train to travel through Austria and the Brenner valley to soak up the magnificent landscapes.
Tyrol has something to offer every season: travel in October or November to experience the Törggelen, an early autumn tradition that combines a hike in nature with wine and traditional food tasting; hit the slopes from December until Easter; or get the blood pumping with canyoning and paragliding from late Spring onwards.
Here’s the minimum time you’ll need for a relaxed round trip starting from London. We do other departure stations, too!
