Brandenburger Tor in Berlin, Germany
When you visit Germany by rail, you will see some of the most impressive places in Europe. From Berlin to the Black Forest. From Frankfurt to Munich. Although steeped in centuries of history and tradition, Germany also offers modern cities and beautiful landscapes. Want to see the best places Germany has to offer? Your Eurail pass will make it happen!
All sides of life in Berlin
Be prepared to see and do it all in Berlin. Learn about the city’s dark past, and celebrate its colorful rebirth. City tours allow you to walk, cycle, sail, ride or fly through Berlin and take in the culture, art, architecture and history that make this city famous. See the remains of the infamous Berlin Wall, and ride Europe’s fastest elevator to the panoramic observation deck in Potsdamer Platz.
View more things to do in Berlin.
Your Eurail pass is also valid on the S-bahn rapid transit system. Take the S-Bahn to Bahnhof Potsdamer Platz for the panoramic observation deck.
Port pleasures in Hamburg
Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany, and its largest port city. Its position on the river Elbe connected northern Europe and Scandinavia with the world. A medieval city with modern features, this prosperous region’s skyline is dotted with church steeples, including St. Michel’s tower. Take a stroll through the old Speicherstadt, enjoy the food and shopping, and then dance the night away at the wide variety of nightclubs.
If you take the S-bahn to Stadthausbrücke, St. Michel’s is less than a 10-minute walk away.
Memorable and majestic Munich
Ancient Bavaria blends with modern convenience in Munich (München), a lovely, ancient city on the Isar River. Although more than 70% of the city was destroyed during World War II, it has been carefully and lovingly restored to recapture its old-world appeal. Shopping, museums, nature and nightlife come together in one gloriously appealing city.
The S-bahn will conveniently drop you at Marienplatz City Center, where you can enjoy shopping, food and nightlife in one simple location.
Art, architecture and athletes in Cologne
One of the oldest towns in all of Germany, Cologne (Köln) was established in 50 A.D. Nevertheless, it’s still young at heart. Construction on the famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) began in 1248, and attracts 6 million visitors a year. On the modern side, Cologne is the leading media city in all of Germany. From the 900-year-old Town Hall to the Chocolate Museum, Cologne is not to be missed.
The famous Cologne Cathedral is less than a 10-minute walk from station Köln Hauptbahnhof.
Delightful contradictions in Frankfurt
Although it is known as one of the financial and business centers of Germany, Frankfurt has no shortage of historical, artistic and architectural offerings to please even the most curious of travelers. Home to many trade shows, events and exhibitions, Frankfurt also offers quiet harbors, historical landmarks and cultural wonders. Not to mention beautiful natural surroundings.
The S-bahn will take you to the Hauptwache stop, in the middle of the great shopping area in Frankfurt: the Galeria Kaufhof shopping center.
The Black Forest
Deep in the southwest corner of Germany lies the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), an enormous natural reserve that stretches more than 125 miles (200 km) long and 37 miles (60 km) wide. It’s home to lakes, rivers, nature hikes and an amusement park. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss it. Don't forget to pay a visit to Freiburg, a quaint town filled with hidden lanes and streams, sometimes called the 'capital' of the Black Forest.
From Freiburg, the towns and villages in the southern part of the Black Forest can be explored by bus and tram services.
When to go
Christmas Market BerlinLate spring and early autumn usually offer nice weather for Germany train travel, and for enjoying all varieties of outdoor activities. December is also a great month to visit, when most German cities host the characteristic Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt), and ski season is in full swing.
Oktoberfest
In October, Munich transforms into the beer capital of the world. Nearly 1.6 million gallons (7 million liters) or Germany’s finest brews are served each year. Enjoy your beer in large halls with the locals. And don't miss the traditional food like sauerkraut and wurst (sausages) to fill your stomach.
The beer halls can be reached best by S-Bahn (tram) or U-Bahn (metro).
Museum Embankment Festival
Every August, 10 museums in Frankfurt hold special events and one-off exhibitions. The festivities stretch for 8 kilometers on both sides of the River Main. Music, food and art stand central.
All festivities can be reached by public transport.
Rock am Ring
Germany's biggest rock festival, held every June. One of Germany’s many music festivals, lasting three days.
The festival takes place in the heart of Nuremberg center. Buses that take you to the festival sites depart from the main train station.
Christmas market
Beginning in late November, German city centers transform into atmospheric outdoor Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt), where you can buy traditional gifts, eat plenty of local dishes, and forget the cold of winter after a few mugs of hot mulled wine (Glühwein). The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
The Christmas markets can be found within walking distance of main train stations.
Berliner Festspiele
Every September, the world’s best orchestras and solo performers gather in Berlin for a celebration of art, music, literature and dance. The festival celebrates accomplished artists, and provides opportunities for young artists, as well.
Take the U-Bahn (Metro) from Berlin main train station to Spichernstraße.
Jazzfest Berlin
Founded in 1964, this popular jazz festival runs for 4 days in November.
The venue is a 3-minute walk from metro station Spichern straße (exit Bundesallee)
Rhine in Flames
On 5 selected days in spring and summer (beginning in May), the night sky along the Rhine is illuminated with the finest fireworks pyrotechnics have to offer.
Rhine in Flames takes place in Bonn, Rüdesheim – Bingen, Spay – Koblenz, Oberwesel and St. Goarshausen. All these cities can be reached by train.
Summerjam Reggae & World Music Festival
The Caribbean meets the Rhine every July in Cologne. The world’s finest reggae, ragga and dancehall artists gather in Cologne for 3 days of music, fun and dancing.
The festival site can be reached by public transport from Cologne main train station. You can also take the summerjam-festival bus which runs from Stuttgart, Munich, Chemnitz, Berlin, Hamburg and Zürich(CH).
