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The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
5 affordable train trips in Germany with top views and experiences
In Germany, a country with one of the world's most extensive public transportation systems, travelling has gotten a whole lot simpler. That's thanks to the Deutschland-Ticket, or Germany-Ticket, a new type of (almost) all-inclusive travel pass. Priced at €58 (RM278) for a month of travel, it lets you criss-cross the country using Germany's vast network of regional trains. You don't even need to organise tickets for your journeys; you can just show up at the train station and board. (The faster, longer-distance trains, like the Intercity or InterCity Express, are not included in the pass). Once you've arrived at your destination, the Deutschland-Ticket lets you bypass the byzantine local German transportation ticketing systems that can stymie even locals. Instead, no matter where you are, you can hop on any type of local public transportation, from buses to trams to underground systems, 19th-century steam locomotives and ferries. Since its introduction in 2023, the Deutschland-Ticket has sparked something of a post- pandemic renaissance in local travel. A raft of Deutschland-Ticket-themed travel books and websites have appeared, as cardholders use the opportunity to explore corners of the country using climate-friendly transportation, at a fixed price. 'This ticket is an innovation,' said Allister Loder, professor of mobility policy at the Technical University Munich in Germany. 'It changes how we use public transportation.' Especially beloved by retirees, families and students, the Deutschland-Ticket is also great for tourists. You can book your monthly pass from abroad, using an app. Just be sure to cancel it before it renews. Here are some of the most scenic trips you can take with the Deutschland-Ticket: Konstanz is beautiful in all seasons. Stuttgart to Konstanz Regine Heue, author of On The Road With The Deutschland-Ticket guide, loved all the early 40 trips she took to write it. But if she had to pick one, it might be travelling from Stuttgart, home of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, to the beautiful medieval city of Konstanz, on the shores of Lake Constance. After a ride along the stunning clear blue lake, you can stop in Konstanz to admire the Alpine scenery that forms the city's backdrop, eat, drink or go shopping. Or you can keep going – via bus to the wine town of Meersburg; to Friedrichshafen, home of the Zeppelin; or to the garden island of Mainau, with its 150-year-old arboretum. If you plan to travel around Germany for an extended period, get the Deutschland-Ticket to ride the trains instead of taking the bus or driving. From Cologne, along the Rhine and Moselle rivers Starting from Cologne, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and carnival spirit, you can catch a train that winds along the bank of the Rhine River, toward Mainz. Described by Germany's Stern Magazine as 'perhaps the most beautiful and romantic rail route in the country', the trip takes you through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a Unesco World Heritage site, past castles, forests, vineyards and the famous Loreley cliff. Alternatively, if you change trains in Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Moselle, you can head toward Trier, Germany's oldest city. This route follows the Moselle, with plenty of opportunities to disembark for wine tastings at one of the area's many vineyards. (One good place to stop: the town of Bernkastel-Kues). Sylt is Germany's northernmost island. Hamburg to Sylt, through the mud flats There may be no better way to see the Hanseatic port city of Hamburg than from the water – and with the Deutschland-Ticket you can ride the city's ferry system at no extra cost, disembarking at places like the famous Fischmarkt, or fish market. Once you've experienced Hamburg from the water, you can hop on the regional train to Germany's northernmost island of Sylt. This train travels through the spectacular natural landscape of North Frisia, with its large, Unesco-protected intertidal sand and mud flats known as the Wadden Sea. For a surreally beautiful stretch, the train travels along an embankment right through the sea. On arrival in Sylt, travellers can use the local bus to get around, rent bikes (not included in the Deutschland-Ticket) or just walk to the beach. Don't miss the region's famous fischbrotchen, or fish rolls. The historic town of Zittau is not (yet) on many travellers' list of places to visit in Germany. Berlin to Zittau, into the mountains Klaus Scheddel, author of the guidebook With The Deutschland-Ticket From Berlin, travelled 32 routes from the German capital to write his eco-friendly travel guide. But the Deutschland-Ticket discovery that most delighted the long-time Berliner was a trip to the charming, largely undiscovered historic city of Zittau, about three hours to the south, near the Czech and Polish borders. The city is nestled at the foot of the Zittau mountains, which are remarkable for their striking sandstone rock formations, named for the forms they resemble: praying nuns, a beehive, a brooding hen, a crocodile. From Zittau, you can travel into these mountains to Oybin on a small-gauge steam train that dates from the 19th century. Part of the public transportation system, this train requires additional payment of an 'historical surcharge' of €10 (RM48) per person, per day. Munich to Fussen, and Cinderella's castle From Munich, with its beer gardens and one of the world's largest museums for science and technology, the Deutsches Museum, you can board a train to the historic city of Fussen. About a two-hour ride through the foothills of the Alps, this route brings you to an area known for its mountains, lakes and castles, and features spectacular views of the peaks of the Ammergau and Allgau Alps. In Fussen, which calls itself 'the highest town in Bavaria', you might want to stop to eat local Allgau specialties such as Kasspatzen (homemade noodles mixed with regional cheese), or the local Sissi Torte, created in honour of the Austrian empress' 19th-century visit to the city. From Fussen, a short bus ride will take you to Neuschwanstein Castle, Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. – SALLY MCGRANE/©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
New York Times
19-03-2025
- New York Times
5 Stunning German Train Trips at a Bargain Price
In Germany, a country with one of the world's most extensive public transportation systems, traveling has gotten a whole lot simpler. That's thanks to the Deutschland-Ticket, or Germany-Ticket, a new type of (almost) all-inclusive travel pass. Priced at just 58 euros, or about $63, for a month of travel, it lets you crisscross the country using Germany's vast network of regional trains. You don't even need to organize tickets for your journeys; you can just show up at the train station and board. (The faster, longer-distance trains, like the Intercity or InterCity Express, are not included in the pass). Once you've arrived at your destination, the Deutschland-Ticket lets you bypass the byzantine local German transportation ticketing systems that can stymie even locals. Instead, no matter where you are, you can hop on any type of local public transportation, from buses to trams to underground systems, 19th-century steam locomotives and ferries. Since its introduction in 2023, the Deutschland-Ticket has sparked something of a post-pandemic renaissance in local travel. A raft of Deutschland-Ticket-themed travel books and websites have appeared, as cardholders use the opportunity to explore corners of the country using climate-friendly transportation, at a fixed price. 'This ticket is an innovation,' said Allister Loder, professor of mobility policy at the Technical University Munich. 'It changes how we use public transportation.' Especially beloved by retirees, families and students, the Deutschland-Ticket is also great for tourists. You can book your monthly pass from abroad, using an app. Just be sure to cancel it before it renews. Here, some of the most scenic trips you can take with the Deutschland-Ticket: Stuttgart to Konstanz Regine Heue, the author of 'On the Road With the Deutschland -Ticket' guide, loved all the early 40 trips she took to write it. But if she had to pick one, it might be traveling from Stuttgart, home of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, to the beautiful medieval city of Konstanz, on the shores of Lake Constance. After a ride along the stunning clear blue lake, you can stop in Konstanz to admire the Alpine scenery that forms the city's backdrop, eat, drink or go shopping. Or you can keep going: via bus to the wine town of Meersberg; to Friedrichshafen, home of the Zeppelin; or to the garden island of Mainau, with its 150-year-old arboretum. From Cologne, along the Rhine and Moselle routes Starting from Cologne, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and carnival spirit, you can catch a train that winds along the bank of the Rhine River, toward Mainz. Described by Germany's Stern Magazine as 'perhaps the most beautiful and romantic rail route in the country,' the trip takes you through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, past castles, forests, vineyards and the famous Loreley cliff. Alternatively, if you change trains in Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Moselle, you can head toward Trier, Germany's oldest city. This route follows the Moselle, with plenty of opportunities to disembark for wine tastings at one of the area's many vineyards. (One good place to stop: the town of Bernkastel-Kues). Hamburg to Sylt, through the mud flats There may be no better way to see the Hanseatic port city of Hamburg than from the water — and with the Deutschland-Ticket you can ride the city's ferry system at no extra cost, disembarking at places like the famous Fischmarkt, or fish market. Once you've experienced Hamburg from the water, you can hop on the regional train to Germany's northernmost island of Sylt. This train travels through the spectacular natural landscape of North Frisia, with its large, UNESCO-protected intertidal sand and mud flats known as the Wadden Sea. For a surreally beautiful stretch, the train travels along an embankment right through the sea. On arrival in Sylt, travelers can use the local bus to get around, rent bikes (not included in the Deutschland-Ticket) or just walk to the beach. Don't miss the region's famous Fischbrötchen, or fish sandwiches. Berlin to Zittau, into the mountains Klaus Scheddel, the author of the guidebook 'With the Deutschland-Ticket From Berlin,' traveled 32 routes from the German capital to write his eco-friendly travel guide. But the Deutschland-Ticket discovery that most delighted the longtime Berliner was a trip to the charming, largely undiscovered historic city of Zittau, labout three hours to the south, near the Czech and Polish borders. The city is nestled at the foot of the Zittau mountains, which are remarkable for their striking sandstone rock formations, named for the forms they resemble: praying nuns, a beehive, a brooding hen, a crocodile. From Zittau, you can travel into these mountains to Oybin on a small-gauge steam train that dates from the 19th century. Part of the public transportation system, this train requires additional payment of an 'historical surcharge' of 10 euros per person, per day. Munich to Füssen, and Cinderella's castle From Munich, with its beer gardens and one of the world's largest museums for science and technology, the Deutsches Museum, you can board a train to the historic city of Füssen. About a two-hour ride through the foothills of the Alps, this route brings you to an area known for its mountains, lakes and castles, and features spectacular views of the peaks of the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps. In Füssen, which calls itself 'the highest town in Bavaria,' you might want to stop to eat local Allgäu specialties such as Kässpatzen (homemade noodles mixed with regional cheese), or the local Sissi Torte, created in honor of the Austrian empress's 19th-century visit to the city. From Füssen, a short bus ride will take you to Neuschwanstein Castle, Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle.
The Independent
04-03-2025
- The Independent
Advice on purchasing the Deutschlandticket please?
QHow do I get a Deutschlandticket? Kevin S A You are referring to the greatest travel bargain in Europe: unlimited rail journeys in Germany, as well as urban transport by tram, bus and even ferry, for a fixed price of €58 (£48) for a calendar month. You can buy a Deutschlandticket in the first 10 days of any month; I have just bought one for March. This not a deal for people in a hurry, since the Deutschlandticket does not allow travel on the fastest IC/ICE (InterCity/InterCityExpress) trains. But if you are prepared to make do with slower InterRegonal Expresses (IRE) and local trains, you can travel thousands of miles for only dozens of pounds. I like to think of it as an Interrail ticket for Germany; as when using that pass elsewhere in Europe, to avoid paying more than the basic monthly subscription, simply avoid the quickest trains. You may have noticed the word 'subscription'. The Deutschlandticket is aimed squarely at a domestic audience, and specifically German commuters. British leisure travellers are welcome, but most of us do not require more than one month at a time. The best source of the Deutschlandticket is the transport organisation based in Bremen: Verkehrsverbund Bremen/Niedersachsen (VBN). Don't worry – no need to type that into a computer. Just search online for FahrPlaner (yes, only one 'n' in the name). Tap 'Tickets' and then select 'Deutschlandticket'. A few more taps and some personal details, plus credit card details, and you will be all set. The tricky part is that you have technically bought an open-ended subscription. On completion of the transaction, VBN says: 'From now on, you will automatically receive a new ticket every month.' Fortunately, you can expect within minutes to get an email reading: 'If you would like to cancel your Deutschlandticket at the next possible date, please use the following link.' The link says CANCEL SUBSCRIPTION in big letters. Once completed you should get a confirmation email reassuring you that no further payments will be taken. Two final notes: even if you are planning to travel in the last week or two of the month, you must buy by the 10th of that month. And if your visit straddles two months, eg March to April, you will need a separate Deutschlandticket for each month. Q I'm cheesed off that easyJet won't refund pre-booked luggage when I have to cancel a flight. Could you fight this? Mark S A 'Once you've booked hold luggage we're unable to offer you a refund should you change your mind': that is the blunt message from easyJet. The airline could easily refund baggage charges to passengers who don't travel. But in common with other carriers, it likes to keep the cash from 'ancillaries'. For example, easyJet's rival Ryanair says: 'You will not be able to remove bags from your booking or get a refund once purchased.' One in 20 easyJet passengers is a 'no-show' according to the latest figures I have from the airline. Since many will have paid in advance for baggage, keeping the sum paid for extras as well as the basic fare is a useful revenue stream. While I think this policy is unfair, I will not campaign against it because there is a reasonable workaround: do not pay for any supplementary services such as baggage or self-selected seats until you are fully committed to your flight. Yes, you may pay slightly more but in my experience, the difference is just a few pounds – and is better than losing perhaps £50 in pre-payments. One commendable exception to the 'no money back for prepaid baggage' is British Airways, which 'will refund any pre-payment for extra baggage that is cancelled online before check-in'. Note that you must cancel online – and once you have checked in, the money is gone even if you don't fly. BA has a generous policy of two pieces of hand luggage weighing 23kg each; if you have an advance booking with baggage that you could carry on board, you might want to claim a refund now. Two more points about payments to easyJet. I never pay for specific seats: in my experience, the airline strives to assign people on the same booking together, even if you choose not to pay. Check in as early as possible (free online, up to a month ahead) to maximise the chance of this happening. And if you can't make a flight, easyJet generously refunds Air Passenger Duty in full, without a fuss. Do this through the airline's contact form; select 'Government Tax Refund' from the drop-down menu. Q I am a frequent business traveller to Germany, specifically to a pharmaceuticals enterprise near Dusseldorf. The visits are rewarding professionally, and also because of the social side. But my family are concerned at what appears to be a relentless series of attacks on pedestrians. Do you think I should reduce my visits? I would be able to do a fair amount of the work virtually. Name supplied A I happen to be responding from Germany, specifically from the city of Heilbronn in Baden-Württemberg. I have spent a couple of hours wandering through the city centre and its notable sights. Naturally my thoughts were with the victims of another tragic attack in Mannheim, south of Frankfurt. It took place on a pedestrianised street in the city, and two people have died. The attack follows similar atrocities last month in Munich, and in December in the city of Magdeburg. The Foreign Office is currently saying: 'We are aware that a car was driven into a crowd today in Mannheim. If you're in the immediate area you should follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.' Understandably, everyone (including my family) is concerned about this string of attacks and what it might mean for their loved ones. Doubtless some people will reconsider their travel plans, and also assess their behaviour in the light of the increasing incidents of men intent on mass murder driving vehicles into crowds. Doubtless also the German authorities are redoubling their efforts to protect pedestrians – just as their counterparts in London did following the killings on Westminster and London Bridges. It is desperately sad to say, but random killing is a phenomenon of our times. Relative to other risks the chances of being caught up in such a tragedy remain extremely unlikely. I will not change my plans, though I will be more conscious of my surroundings. As you evidently enjoy your visits, I suggest you do the same.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Hundreds evacuated from German train after suspicious object found
Approximately 450 people had to leave an InterCity Express (ICE) train in northern Germany in the early hours of Saturday morning after a suspicious envelope was discovered on board. The passengers were able to continue their journey after about three and a half hours, the police said. The station in the small town of Elze in the district of Hildesheim in Lower Saxony was also cordoned off overnight, a police spokeswoman reported. A suspicious A5 envelope was reportedly found in a toilet cubicle on the high-speed train. Consequently, the ICE made an additional stop at Elze station. A shuttle transport was organized for the affected passengers to a nearby gymnasium. According to a spokeswoman from German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, other trains were diverted. Emergency services inspected the envelope and concluded their operation after several hours, the police spokeswoman said. Further details about the police operation were initially unknown.
