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7 Best Weekend Getaways in Germany Using the Deutschland Ticket

Explore More with the Deutschland Ticket!

Germany offers travellers and nature lovers countless opportunities to explore the country. With the introduction of the Deutschland ticket, travelling has never been easy and affordable

If you’re wondering where to plan your weekend getaways from Germany at an affordable price, you’re at the right place. Even as a tourist, you can buy the 49/58 Euro ticket in Germany and make your traveling convenient and budget-friendly. The ticket provides unlimited regional and local transportation, making it perfect to explore Germany at your own pace.

Here are seven best weekend getaways from Germany using the Deutschland Ticket to inspire your next adventure!

1. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Germany. It is known widely as a university town and offers stunning city and nature vibes that are perfect for a short trip. In Heidelberg, you can visit the Heidelberg Castle, explore the cuisines and culture of the Old Town, and walk along the Philosophers’ Walk for breathtaking views of the Neckar River. There are various activities, like guided tours and boat rides on the Neckar River, so you can learn more about the city’s history and culture closely.

Train Route: From Frankfurt, you can take a regional train (RE) or S-Bahn to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof. Travel time is around one hour. This route is covered by the Deutschland Ticket.

Tips: Starting January 1, 2025, the Deutschland Ticket will cost 58 euros per month. Always remember to take only regional trains and avoid taking ICE, as it’s not included in the Deutschland ticket. But you can buy separate ICE tickets and combine them with regional trains with the Deutschland ticket if you find it more convenient and time-saving.

2. Dresden

Dresden, often referred to as the “Florence on the Elbe,” is a perfect weekend getaway in Germany. Dresden is famous for its beautiful baroque architecture, artistic heritage and the beautiful Elbe River. The city’s landmarks include the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and the Semper Opera House. The evenings at the Elbe River are perfect for a scenic walk or short boat cruise. The markets in Dresden often feature local crafts and foods.

Train Route: From Berlin, take a regional express train to Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Travel time is about two hours.

Tip: If you’re thinking, “Where can I go with a 49/58 euro ticket outside Germany?” Note that the ticket is primarily for Germany, but some border areas, like Salzburg or Strasbourg, may be accessible depending on the train routes. That is, you can reach the border train station or bus station using this ticket, and from there you can take the tickets of the country you’re in for a smooth journey.

3. Lake Constance (Bodensee)

If you enjoy visiting rivers and lakes, then you can try Lake Constance. It is a fantastic place for outdoor activities, including cycling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The lake can be explored by towns including Lindau, Friedrichshafen, and Konstanz. You may also board a ferry to see the lake or visit Friedrichshafen’s Zeppelin Museum.

Train Route: From Stuttgart, regional trains connect to Friedrichshafen and Lindau, with travel times ranging from two to three hours. These routes are included in the Deutschland Ticket and are arguably one of the best weekend getaways in Germany.

Tip: The Deutschland ticket’s flexibility allows you to plan multiple stops, which allows you to explore different towns around Lake Constance. Make sure you have your itinerary planned out and have some leeway for train delays and cancellations so you can avoid last-minute surprises.

4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If you fancy fairy tale-looking towns, then Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most iconic and beautiful places you could visit. This old town was part of the Romantic Road and is well-known for its medieval townscape and cobbled streets. This city comes alive in the afternoon, especially during winter with the beautiful Christmas markets, Christmas Museum and Market Square. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the town’s history.

Train Route: From Nuremberg, take a regional train to Steinach, then transfer to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Total travel time is around 90 minutes. With the 58 Euro ticket, this trip is affordable and easy to plan.

Tip: Wondering, “Can I buy Deutschland Ticket in the middle of the month?” Yes, you can, and it will be valid until the end of the same month. Remember that the Deutschland ticket is a subscription, and it will auto-renew until you cancel it.

5. Cologne (Köln)

Cologne is perfect for a single-day trip. The main attraction of Colonge (Köln) is the iconic cathedral. Most travellers are taken aback by the cathedral’s location, as they are greeted by its majestic view right at the doorstep of Cologne Hauptbahnhof. Other major attractions of Colonge include the Roman-Germanic Museum, Rhine River cruises and a plethora of beer gardens. If you are in the mood, you can explore the Hohenzollern Bridge and its padlocks and the Old Town.

Train Route: From Düsseldorf, take a regional train to Cologne Hauptbahnhof. The journey is only 30 minutes and included in the Deutschland Ticket.

Tip: The Deutschland ticket is only provided as a subscription. If you wish to cancel it, you have to do it before the 10th of each month for it to end by the end of that month. For instance, if you buy the ticket on January 5th, you have to cancel it before January 10th; if not, the Deutschland ticket will be renewed for February, while the ticket is valid for the whole of January.

6. Königssee Lake

Königssee Lake is located in Bavaria near the Austrian border. This lake is part of Berchtesgaden National Park. One major highlight of visiting Königssee is the electric boat ride across the lake. The boat ride takes you to St. Bartholomä, a historic pilgrimage church, and continues to Salet, from where you can hike to the pristine Obersee lake. The trail to Röthbach Waterfall, Germany’s tallest waterfall, is a popular choice for visitors seeking scenic hikes.

Train Route: From Munich, take a regional train to Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof. From there, local buses connect to Königssee in about 15 minutes. The entire route is covered by the Deutschland Ticket price, making it an affordable journey.

Tip: From Königssee, you can take a bus and reach nearby Austrian towns like Salzburg. In a single journey, you can not only visit Königssee but also explore Austria and the historic city of Salzburg.

7. Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

Originally built during World War II as a gift for Adolf Hitler, the Eagle’s Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a historical mountaintop retreat located in the Berchtesgaden Alps of Bavaria. Visiting the Eagle’s Nest is a unique experience combining history, nature, and panoramic views, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways from Germany.

Train Route: From Munich, take a regional train to Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof. From there, local buses connect to the Obersalzberg area, where the Eagle’s Nest tours begin. The access to the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is solely via special bus.

Tip: Regional trains (RE, RB) and local public transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses) are included, but high-speed trains like ICE and IC are not covered.

Tips for Using the Deutschland Ticket

You can get up to a maximum of 25% of the value of your Deutschlandticket as compensation for your train delays and cancellations.
As per Deutsche Bahn, the Deutschland ticket can be used throughout Germany on all local trains such as RB, RE, S-Bahn trains (SPNV) and also on public transport such as buses, trams, subways, etc.
The 58-euro ticket allows you to take an unlimited number of trains and buses until your subscription ends.
You can store your Deutschland ticket in your digital wallets, like Google and Samsung wallets.
If you wish to store your Germany ticket offline on your smartphone, you can utilize the Stocard App. This app is particularly useful in situations where cell reception is poor and you need to present your ticket to the conductor.

SUMITH RAJ