With the rising costs of petrol and flight tickets, many travelers in Germany are choosing to swap planes and cars for train journeys to enjoy a summer staycation. A calm train ride offers the perfect start to a holiday, allowing passengers to sit back and watch the scenic landscapes roll by. Beyond the relaxing experience, there is also a strong financial incentive to choose rail travel over other modes of transportation during the current high cost of living.
For families planning their summer holidays, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers a highly affordable option. From late June to mid-September—covering the summer holiday weeks across various German states—groups of up to five people can travel to and from their holiday destination on long-distance trains for just €99.99. To qualify for this special ticket, at least one child must be part of the traveling group. To put this into perspective, DB calculated that a car journey from Hamburg to Munich currently costs over €200, which is more than double the price of the family holiday rail ticket.
Additionally, travelers can utilize the popular Deutschlandticket. Priced at €63 per month, this pass allows unlimited travel on all local and regional transport throughout the country. While it is not valid on high-speed services such as ICE, IC, or EC trains, it remains an excellent budget option for exploring Germany via the regional train network or for navigating local transit once you arrive at your holiday destination.
Germany boasts a diverse array of stunning landscapes, ranging from dramatic mountain peaks and freshwater lakes to historic, culture-rich cities. For those looking to plan their next getaway, here are five outstanding German staycation destinations that are easily accessible by train.
The island of Rügen, located in the Baltic Sea, offers a diverse mix of sandy beaches, chalk cliffs, lush forests, and historic seaside resorts. Visitors can explore the famous white chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park or relax in the charming resort towns of Binz, Sellin, and Göhren, which are famous for their elegant architecture and seaside promenades. Exploring the island is easy by bicycle or by riding the Rasender Roland, a historic, steam-powered narrow-gauge railway. Getting to Rügen by train is straightforward, with Bergen auf Rügen and Binz serving as the main stations. Regular ICE and IC services run from major cities like Berlin and Hamburg, including seasonal direct trains that do not require any transfers. The journey itself features a spectacular crossing over the Stralsund-Rügen causeway, while regional trains and buses make it easy to travel between towns once on the island.
Trier, widely considered Germany's oldest city, is located directly on the picturesque Moselle River. The city is famous for its exceptionally preserved Roman monuments, including the Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths, and the Amphitheatre, all of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trier's historic Old Town is highly pedestrian-friendly, filled with cozy cafes and local wine bars. The train journey to Trier is an attraction in itself; the rail route from Koblenz to Trier is celebrated as one of Germany's most scenic, winding along the Moselle River through steep vineyard slopes and charming riverside villages. Regular regional trains connect Koblenz to Trier, while IC and RE services link the city directly with Cologne, Mannheim, and Luxembourg.
For those who appreciate culture and history, the eastern German city of Weimar is an ideal destination. Weimar was once home to legendary figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, resulting in a unique blend of classicism and modernism. Travelers can visit numerous museums, historic theaters, and beautiful green spaces like the Park an der Ilm. Weimar is conveniently located on the rail line between Erfurt and Leipzig. It is connected by both ICE and regional train services to cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Dresden, though some ICE routes may require a quick transfer in Erfurt or Leipzig.
Nestled close to the Austrian border, Mittenwald is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain lovers. The Alpine town is famous for its beautifully painted houses, a centuries-old tradition of violin making, and breathtaking mountain backdrops. It serves as an excellent base for hiking, cycling, and winter cross-country skiing. Visitors seeking a more relaxed experience can stroll through the historic town center or ride the Karwendelbahn cable car up nearly 2,300 meters for panoramic views of the Isar Valley. The train journey from Munich to Mittenwald via Garmisch-Partenkirchen is regarded as one of the country's most beautiful rail routes. Regional trains run directly to the town center several times a day, passing scenic lakes, dense forests, and mountains. The rail line also continues directly to Innsbruck, making it easy to combine the trip with a visit to Austria.
Finally, the North Sea island of Sylt is one of Germany's most famous holiday destinations, known as a favorite retreat for the wealthy as well as a gathering point for punks in recent years. Visitors can indulge in local culinary specialties, ranging from fresh fish rolls (Fischbrötchen) at the harbor to high-end fine dining. Sylt is highly accessible by rail from Hamburg, with regular Regional-Express trains running directly to Westerland without any transfers. The three-hour journey concludes with a dramatic crossing over the Hindenburgdamm railway causeway, offering passengers spectacular views of the surrounding North Sea.
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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.
