Germany’s extensive railway network offers more than just efficient transportation between major cities. Beyond the high-speed ICE trains lies a world of leisurely journeys through fairytale landscapes, medieval towns and breathtaking natural wonders.

These scenic train routes invite travellers to slow down and savour the journey itself, revealing hidden corners of Deutschland that highway travellers never see. From steam-powered narrow-gauge railways chugging through Baltic coastal forests to mountain trains spiralling through the Black Forest’s dense woodlands, these routes transform mere transportation into an unforgettable experience.

Nostalgia lives on aboard the narrow-gauge Rasender Roland on Rügen Island

The “Rasender Roland” steam train has been delighting passengers since 1895 as it winds through Rügen’s pristine landscapes at a leisurely 30 kilometres per hour. This narrow-gauge railway connects the historic town of Putbus with the Baltic resort of Göhren, passing through ancient beech forests and rolling countryside that inspired countless German artists and writers. The vintage carriages and authentic steam locomotives create an atmosphere of bygone elegance while offering glimpses of thatched-roof villages and the sparkling Baltic Sea. During the 90-minute journey, passengers can almost feel time slowing down as the train’s whistle echoes through the forest. The railway serves several charming stops, including Binz with its magnificent pier and Belle Époque architecture, making it perfect for island-hopping adventures.

Engineering marvels await on the spectacular Black Forest Railway

Connecting Offenburg to Konstanz, the Black Forest Railway stands as one of Germany’s most impressive feats of 19th-century engineering. The 149-kilometre route climbs over 650 metres through dense woodlands, crossing numerous viaducts and threading through 39 tunnels carved into the mountainsides. Passengers are treated to ever-changing vistas of dark pine forests, traditional half-timbered villages and clockmaking towns that made this region famous worldwide. The journey passes through Triberg, home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, and skirts the shores of pristine mountain lakes, including the romantic Titisee. From comfortable train windows, travellers can spot traditional Black Forest farmhouses with distinctive steep roofs designed to shed heavy snow. During autumn, passengers enjoy spectacular displays of golden foliage that transform the landscape into a painter’s dream.

Romance flows like wine along the enchanting Rhine Valley Line

The Rhine Valley Railway between Mainz and Koblenz offers one of Europe’s most romantic train journeys, following the legendary river through Germany’s premier wine region. Medieval castles perch dramatically on rocky outcrops above terraced vineyards that have produced exceptional Riesling for over a thousand years. The UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley unfolds like a storybook as the train glides past charming wine villages, including Rüdesheim and Bingen, where river barges still transport goods as they have for centuries. Passengers can glimpse the infamous Lorelei rock where legend says a siren’s song lured sailors to their doom, while ruined fortresses tell tales of robber barons and ancient rivalries. The journey is particularly magical during harvest season when golden autumn light bathes the vineyards and wine festivals celebrate another successful vintage.

Alpine splendour unfolds on Bavaria’s spectacular Zugspitze Railway

Germany’s highest mountain becomes accessible via the remarkable Zugspitze Railway, a cogwheel train that climbs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to nearly 3,000 metres above sea level. The engineering marvel opened in 1930 and still uses original rack-and-pinion technology to ascend gradients up to 25 percent through increasingly dramatic Alpine terrain. Early sections wind through flower-filled meadows and traditional Bavarian villages before entering tunnels that bore through solid rock toward the summit. The final stretch offers breathtaking panoramas across four countries, with glaciated peaks stretching to the horizon in every direction. On clear days, passengers can see as far as the Grossglockner in Austria while enjoying refreshments in Germany’s highest beer garden. The descent reveals different perspectives of the same stunning landscape, making this a journey worth experiencing in both directions.

Steam and sorcery combine on the mystical Harz Narrow Gauge Railways

The Harz Mountains come alive with the sound of authentic steam locomotives on Germany’s largest narrow-gauge railway network. Three interconnected lines total over 140 kilometres of track, reaching the summit of the legendary Brocken mountain where Goethe set scenes from Faust and witches supposedly gathered on Walpurgis Night. The Brockenbahn climbs through primeval spruce forests that inspired countless German fairy tales, while the Selketalbahn follows a romantic valley dotted with medieval towns and abandoned mines. Historic steam engines from the 1950s pull vintage carriages past half-timbered houses in Wernigerode and through tunnels hand-carved by miners over a century ago. During winter, snow-laden branches create a magical wonderland while steam from the locomotives mingles with morning mist to create an almost supernatural atmosphere.

Lakeside luxury defines the scenic journey around beautiful Lake Constance

The belt railway encircling Lake Constance offers passengers a front-row seat to one of Central Europe’s most beautiful bodies of water. International trains connect Germany, Austria and Switzerland while following the shoreline through vineyards, orchards and elegant resort towns that have attracted European nobility for centuries. The German section provides stunning views across the lake toward the Swiss Alps, with snow-capped peaks reflecting in the calm waters on clear mornings. Passengers can glimpse medieval Konstanz with its impressive cathedral, the flower island of Mainau blooming with tropical gardens, and countless sailing boats dotting the lake’s surface. The train makes frequent stops at charming lakeside stations where passengers can easily hop off to explore historic town centres, sample local wines or take boat trips to explore the lake from a different perspective.

Dramatic gorges and royal palaces grace Saxony’s spectacular Elbe Valley line

Following the Elbe River between Dresden and the Czech border, this scenic train journey winds through one of Germany’s most picturesque regions. The Elbe Valley Railway showcases Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its surreal sandstone formations and deep gorges carved by the river over millennia. Towering cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the train, with medieval hilltop fortresses like Königstein Castle appearing as if from a dream. Starting in Dresden, passengers can admire baroque masterpieces such as the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche before heading into wilder terrain. The route continues to the border town of Bad Schandau, where outdoor enthusiasts disembark to hike among fantastical rock spires, while others continue to Prague on connecting lines. This journey blends natural beauty, architectural grandeur and cross-border intrigue into a compact and captivating adventure.

Winding through vineyards on the scenic Franconian Wine Country Railway

In northern Bavaria, the Franconian Wine Country Railway between Würzburg and Bamberg takes travellers through rolling hills lined with ancient vineyards and romantic wine villages. This lesser-known route offers panoramic views of the Main River valley, where terraced slopes and medieval watchtowers hint at the region’s long viticultural history. Stops in Volkach and Sommerach invite passengers to sample Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau wines in rustic taverns or sunny courtyards. The train passes fairy-tale castles and timbered houses nestled among green hills, eventually reaching Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its medieval architecture and smoky Rauchbier. The route is especially enchanting in late summer and autumn, when grape harvests fill the air with sweet scents and local festivals celebrate the fruits of the vine.

Time slows down on the Weißeritztalbahn, Germany’s oldest narrow-gauge railway

Running from Freital to Kurort Kipsdorf in the Ore Mountains, the Weißeritztalbahn is a 750 mm narrow-gauge line that dates back to 1882, making it the oldest of its kind in Germany still in regular operation. The steam-powered train climbs steadily alongside the Weißeritz River, crossing stone viaducts and meandering through dense forest and secluded valleys. The scenic ride is a favourite among nature lovers and steam enthusiasts alike, particularly in winter when the surrounding Erzgebirge region transforms into a snowy fairyland. Rebuilt after devastating floods in 2002, the line is a testament to Saxony’s dedication to preserving its railway heritage. Passengers can enjoy a relaxed pace and unspoiled nature, with hiking and spa destinations accessible from many of the stops.

Ride through time on the heritage line from Bruchhausen-Vilsen to Asendorf

Germany’s first heritage railway offers a lovingly preserved trip through Lower Saxony’s countryside aboard century-old trains. Operated by volunteers since 1966, the museum railway between Bruchhausen-Vilsen and Asendorf recreates the golden age of rail travel. Authentic steam and diesel locomotives haul wooden carriages through gently rolling farmland, past windmills and half-timbered houses that haven’t changed in generations. While the route is short, just over 7 kilometres, the charm lies in the atmosphere: staff wear vintage uniforms, and stations retain their historical furnishings. Special events like themed rides, wine tastings and Christmas trains add seasonal appeal, making this a nostalgic outing perfect for families and train buffs.