Planning a Germany, Austria and Switzerland itinerary by train is one of the best ways to explore Central Europe. In this guide, you’ll find a practical day-by-day route, scenic train journeys, and essential travel tips to help you design your perfect trip.
Europe’s expansive and sophisticated rail network opens up a wealth of possibilities for multi-destination rail tours in every corner of the continent. Leading the way is a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary; three countries that share a network of trains that eases travelers around the region. The rail network is wonderfully connected, inviting travellers to shape their own unique Germany, Austria, and Switzerland train itinerary. The rewards for rail explorers are plentiful. Alpine scenery on the journey, culturally layered cities as anchors, and activities for all interests, from foodie escapades to journeys through history.
To help you find the rail vacation that’s right for you, we’re diving into what makes this trio of countries such a joy to explore by rail.
The Travel Benefits of a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Train Itinerary
These three countries share borders and a language, at least in some Swiss cantons. And while Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, the borders are fictionless, and no customs checks are performed. Allied to a slick high-speed rail network that links cities across the region, there is simply no easier or faster way to roam around the region. Rail Escape specialises in pre-crafted and customised rail tours of Europe, combining first-class travel, carefully sequenced connections, and select hotels in prime locations. If a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary is on your radar, speak with our travel team, and we’ll build one around you.
Flying is rarely the practical option, except perhaps moving from southern to northern Germany. But once you factor in time spent at airports, transfers, and luggage collection, most journeys are quicker by rail. And invariably more comfortable as you slide into a first-class seat and watch the often scenic views roll past the window.
Hopping off the train directly in the heart of cities also drops straight into the action. No waiting for luggage. With a well-placed hotel like those selected by our travel team, your cultural immersion begins the moment you step off the train. It’s a greener and more relaxed way to enjoy a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary that follows your preferred path at your own pace.
8-Day Germany, Austria and Switzerland Itinerary by Train
Rail Escape’s destinations guide is packed with compelling rail vacations across all three countries. Take our Alps Tour, which visits four cities on a balanced Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary. A rail journey where the Alps provide rolling views as you zip from city to city. Here’s a sample of what you can experience on an eight-night trip.
- Duration: 8–10 days
- Countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
- Travel style: Train
- Key cities: Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zurich
Days 1-2: Munich (Germany)
Start this Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary with the flavors of Bavaria. The vibrant capital of Germany’s largest state is home to the legendary Oktoberfest and has left a cultural footprint across the country.
Start by wandering around the walkable old town, a city steeped in history and home to notable landmarks like the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, whose life-sized figures burst into life twice daily.
Later in the day, grab pretzels and other picnic goodies from the colorful Viktualienmarkt (food market) before taking a breather in the beautiful English Garden.
Save time for a stein of beer in iconic bierkellers like the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, opened in 1589.
History and culture are high on the agenda in the royal places and many museums in Munich. The highlight is perhaps the former Bavarian monarchy’s summer residence, the Nymphenburg Palace.
Museums include the world’s largest science and technology museum, the Deutsches Museum. And the popular BMW Museum in the Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Olympics.
Munich is also a day trip from Neuschwanstein Castle. The soaring castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
Days 3-4: Salzburg (Austria)
Less than two hours by train transports you across the Austrian-German border to Salzburg. Overlooked by the Alps, Mozart’s birthplace boasts the cultural attractions Hohensalzburg Fortress, the salt mines that gave the city its name, and a museum in the feted composer’s first home.
Another walkable old town merits time to explore, where you can enjoy a drink in the Augustiner Brauhaus, Austria’s largest beer hall. Or a plate of schnitzel in the many quality restaurants, including five Michelin-starred establishments.
Public transport from the city also puts Berchtesgaden National Park on the day trip map.
Days 5-6: Innsbruck (Austria)
The Alps take center stage on the next leg of this Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary.
Innsbruck is around two view-laden hours by train from Salzburg. Here, the ravishing Tyrolean Alps are the local star. Ride the Nordkette funicular direct from the city high into the mountains for spectacular views and, depending on the season, skiing or hiking.
Innsbruck’s compact old town is the place to learn more about local culture in the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum and Hofburg Imperial Palace.
Train rides into the Alps offer another way to take in the views in comfort. Something to look forward to as the tour heads into Switzerland for one last alpine adventure.
Train rides into the Alps offer another way to take in the views in comfort. Something to look forward to as the tour heads into Switzerland for one last alpine adventure.
Days 7-8: Zurich (Switzerland)
This three-country itinerary ends in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.
Suave and cosmopolitan Zurich unfolds around picturesque Lake Zurich. Museums proliferate. Everything from quirky exhibitions dedicated to Lindt Chocolate or FIFA to the Swiss National Museum and the extraordinary art collection at the acclaimed Kunsthaus.
Between cultural escapades and strolls around the old town, you can enjoy lake cruises or a day-trip to Jungfraujoch. Sitting over two miles above sea level, the ‘top of Europe’ is a must for rail travel enthusiasts as it hosts the continent’s highest train station. Also a must for hikers, skiers, and anyone looking for stunning views.
Rail Escape’s Alps Tour is merely one template for a seductive Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary. Trains fork out in different directions, with many other absorbing destinations available for a multi-stop rail vacation.
Our travel team can adapt every tour package to fit your dream itinerary and travel pace. For inspiration, dive into some of our most popular pre-crafted European tours. Or check out the ideas below for scenic journeys around the region that can be worked into your dream Germany, Austria, and Switzerland train itinerary.
Scenic Train Rides For Your Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Itinerary
One of the highlights of a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland train itinerary is the views. Not just around the Alps, but also in locations like the Rhine Valley. Here are a few rail trips to truly savor the landscape of the region.
Panoramic Train Rides Through the Swiss Alps
Swiss engineering brilliance produced one of Europe’s most efficient rail networks. It pairs brilliantly with the Alps, offering rail travel on spectacular mountain routes that include panoramic tourist trains where the journey is everything.
Glacier Express
On trains adapted to maximize views, this train ride links the resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz. It’s an unhurried eight-hour train ride that begins in the shadow of the Matterhorn and crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. Alpine valleys unfurl out of every oversized window for one of Europe’s great rail journeys.
Bernina Express
Rivaling the Glacier Express for epic train journeys is the legendary Bernina Express. This train departs from St. Moritz (and Chur), cutting through the Swiss Alps into Italy. Tirano, in northern Italy, is the endpoint; travelers often continue on to Milan or Lake Como, on tours like our Best of Italy package from Milan to Rome via Venice and Florence.
Before reaching Italy, travelers can savor a four-hour journey looking out on Alpine scenery, with trains skipping over 196 bridges and viaducts.
Both these journeys feature on Rail Escape’s captivating Scenery and Elegance: Swiss Rail tour. A journey that begins in Munich and ends in Italy’s second city, Milan. Stops on this tour include Zurich, Zermatt, and St Moritz.
Our travel team can tailor any Germany, Austria, and Switzerland train itinerary to include trips on one or both of these iconic rail routes. Or to connect with other pre-crafted tours spotlighted in our guide to rail vacation in Switzerland.
Castles and Vineyards Along the Rhine Valley
Heading north of the Alps takes you deeper into Germany or France. Winding along the borders of the two countries is the Rhine River, offering scenic train rides punctuated with pretty towns and activities that encourage you to slow down and savor the moments.
At one end sits Basel, the capital of Swiss culture. Along the river sit a diverse array of cities. Among them, bustling Cologne in Germany. And photogenic Strasbourg, the capital of the French Alsace region, noted for its half-timbered old town and a world-class Christmas market.
Along the way, trains call into towns like Koblenz at the meeting point of two rivers; the ideal place to hop off and lubricate taste buds at local hillside wineries.
Castles rising from the hills and chocolate-box villages are another feature of the Rhine Valley. More than 40 castles are found in the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Among them are the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Rheinfels Castle.
Rail Escape’s Rhine River Tour is a fantastic starting point for exploring the castles and vineyards of the region. It’s a journey stretching from Amsterdam in the Netherlands through Cologne and Koblenz en route to Stuttgart. With the option to continue to Basel or customize the journey for a personalized Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary.
A Festive Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Itinerary by Train
With the region offering a treasure trove of possibilities to write your own thrilling Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary, December is a month when the experience has a whole different vibe.
The Christmas market traditions we recognize today began in Germany. Cities across the country pull out all the stops for a festive party in December. Those traditions have spilled over into neighboring countries, with colorful Christmas markets dotted around the region. It makes the holiday season an exceptionally rewarding time to embark on a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland train itinerary.
A sparkling example of a festive Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Itinerary is our European Christmas Market Tour. This rail vacation visits Zurich and Munich, home to magical Christmas markets. Along the way, stopping in Vienna, the capital of Austria, one of Europe’s top city break destinations, whatever the season.
Practical Tips for a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Train Itinerary
Travel around the region is uncomplicated. All three countries are safe, highly developed, and present few challenges for travelers. However, a few minor considerations can elevate the experience.
- First class is worth it. On a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary, first-class carriages offer wider seats, less crowding, and better views. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel as standard.
- Reserve seats on scenic trains. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express require seat reservations. Rail Escape handles this as part of your itinerary.
- Border crossings are seamless. Passport checks between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are minimal. EU nationals cross freely; non-EU travelers should carry documents. See Traveling Across Borders by Train in Europe for a full guide.
- Luggage is easier by train. Unlike flying, there are no weight restrictions or additional fees for checked bags. Rail travel between these three countries allows you to pack what you need.
- Travel with children. Trains are family-friendly in a way that airports are not. Carriages have space to move, dining cars, and large windows to keep younger travelers occupied.
- Senior Travel. All three countries are well-designed for senior travel, with accessible stations and trains. For more practical pointers, our guide to Senior Citizen Tours by Rail in Europe: Destinations and Tips has everything you need.
Above all, you get to write your own Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Train itinerary. Think of a destination, and there will be a train to get you there. Or at least very close.
More ideas for exploring Germany and neighboring countries can be found in our pre-crafted rail tours of Germany. And every tour can be customized for a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary without limits.
Customise Your Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Itinerary with Rail Escape
Rail Escape will craft a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland itinerary around your travel style. Our travel team plans seamless journeys between your preferred destinations, reserving first-class seats on scenic routes and handpicking premium hotels in convenient locations for onward travel.
Request a tailor-made itinerary and let our experts take care of planning a vacation that makes the journey as memorable as the destinations you visit.
