All Aboard: With the €9 Ticket to the Most Beautiful Places in Germany

On June 1st, it finally arrives: The €9 ticket allows travelers to journey across the country. Whether from Munich to the sea, from Berlin to the Allgäu, or from Cologne to Lake Chiemsee, for three months, all you have to do is hop on the regional train and explore your beautiful homeland.

With seemingly endless travel options this summer, it's genuinely challenging to decide. For those who need a bit of inspiration, the travel experts at Travelcircus searched for particularly fantastic destinations from Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne. Additionally, we wondered whether a quick trip abroad might be possible here and there - with surprising results!

Great routes from Berlin

Impressive routes from Hamburg

Exciting excursions from Cologne

From Munich to the most beautiful places

Off to foreign countries

Now it's really happening: The €9 ticket, which allows the entire local public transport within Germany to be used. Before diving into wild planning, it would be helpful to gather some information regarding available routes, exceptions, or bringing dogs along.

We have summarized the key info regarding the ticket once more:

The ticket is valid on regional trains and regional express trains for journeys in 2nd class. What sounds so simple must have a catch, right? In fact, caution is advised when selecting routes, as the inexpensive ticket is only valid on DB Regio's REs and RBs, not on trains operated by DB Fernverkehr AG.

For example, it's not possible to board the Regio train to Norddeich in Bremen, because that RE belongs to DB Fernverkehr AG. The travel information on the Deutsche Bahn website and app will have a notice under 'Notes'. However, such routes can also be identified by a price exceeding €9.

If you want to travel faster with an IC or ICE, you still need a regular ticket. Additionally, the green trains from Flixtrain and Flixbuses are not available for the €9 ticket.

The coveted ticket is valid throughout the summer, specifically in June, July, and August. For each of these months, a separate ticket is needed, valid from the first to the last day of the month. If you wish to use the ticket in each of the three months, you will only pay an incredible €27 in total.

Thus, the ticket is also valid for the majority of summer vacation, making it ideal for family summer holidays. In Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, NRW, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia, the €9 ticket even covers the entire summer vacation.

Those who want to use the ticket can already purchase it now. It is available, for example, in the DB Navigator app, on bahn.de, at ticket machines, in the DB travel center, or also with local transport associations like the BVG (including in the app).

However, if you already have a monthly or annual pass, you do not need to buy an additional ticket, as subscription tickets automatically qualify as €9 tickets. This also applies to semester tickets.

Hopping on the train with your bike and then continuing to ride from the destination train station? Unfortunately, it won't be that easy. Bicycles cannot be taken for free. If you want to take your bike on a train, you must purchase a regular bike ticket.

Since the trains are likely to be very full, it's also advisable not to bring bikes. It's not guaranteed that there will be enough space for the bike on the train. If the train is too crowded, unfortunately, the bike has to stay outside.

You should also think carefully about whether to bring your furry friend on the crowded train. Dogs are also not included in the €9 ticket. According to the train company, it is not possible to buy an extra €9 ticket for your pet.

However, Germany, in terms of dog transportation regulations, is a true patchwork quilt. In some transport associations (e.g., Stuttgart (VVS) or the Rhine-Ruhr Transportation Association (VRR)), this is generally allowed. So, if you're traveling in the corresponding areas with your dog, you won't need an extra ticket for that area. However, it's essential to check in advance to avoid it becoming very expensive for both dog and human.

The rail network in Germany is enormous, not to mention the sometimes exceptionally well-developed transport networks of individual transport associations. This results in numerous possibilities - whether for a little excursion or an exciting vacation at the other end of Germany.

At Travelcircus, we were of course also very curious about where one can get to easily, how long it takes, and how often one would have to change trains. In this search, we found some fantastic travel destinations from Berlin, Hamburg, Munich or Cologne.

We didn't just focus on the most popular vacation regions in Germany, which countless travel enthusiasts are likely to rush to, but we also searched for worthy alternatives based on our annual small-town rankings. Overall, we looked closely at 65 travel destinations and selected some particularly beautiful options for each starting point, one without transfers, one medium-distance, and one very long route.

A summer in Berlin is undoubtedly great. However, even the capital residents sometimes want a change of scenery or simply some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Thanks to its good connections, Berlin is an ideal starting point for traveling with the €9 ticket.

Berlin Hbf - Rostock/Stralsund/Wismar Duration: from 2 h 41 min/3 h 13 min

Few destinations are as popular as the Baltic Sea and its islands. Fortunately, from Berlin, several regional trains run directly to the sea: The RE 5 takes passengers to Rostock in just 2 hours and 41 minutes, the RE 3 only takes 3 hours and 13 minutes to reach Stralsund, and the RE 2 takes the same time to reach Wismar.

Since Berlin is not the first stop along these routes, the trains could already be quite full when leaving Berlin. However, the prospect of the sea makes even a crowded train bearable for nearly 3 hours.

By the way, the RE 5 is also the longest regional train line in Germany. It covers a remarkable 400 km from Elsterwerda in Brandenburg to Rostock.

Berlin Hbf - Magdeburg Hbf - Wernigerode Hbf Duration: from 3 h 6 min

Summer is also an excellent time for a hiking trip. From Berlin, you can travel via Magdeburg in just under 3 hours to Wernigerode in the Harz. The charming small town with its romantic half-timbered houses is not only worth a visit but is also the perfect starting point for a hike to the famous Brocken.

Adventurous travelers can ride the impressive Brocken railway up the mountain. However, this train is not usable with the €9 ticket.

Berlin Hbf - Dessau Hbf - Leipzig Hbf - Erlangen Hbf - Augsburg Hbf - Buchloe - Füssen Duration: from 11 h 30 min

Admittedly, this route is for enthusiasts. If traveled non-stop, it requires 11.5 hours from Berlin to Füssen. This journey involves changing trains five times. However, such an adventurous journey fits remarkably well with a fairytale castle, doesn't it? After all, those who travel to Füssen mostly want to see one impressive sight: Neuschwanstein Castle.

If 11.5 hours is too lengthy, you can, of course, break the trip into segments. Along the route, there are numerous other worthwhile places to visit, such as Leipzig, Bamberg, or Kronach. The latter even secured 8th place in our small-town rankings last year due to its medieval town center.

The northern part of the country can also be well explored by train. Particularly sunbathers can quickly reach the sea from Hamburg, whether it's to Kiel, Sylt, or Flensburg. With transfers and a bit more time, nearly every corner of Germany is accessible from Hamburg.

Hamburg Hbf - Lübeck Hbf Duration: from 0 h 44 min

Summer calls for coffee dates and endless walks. If you're looking to try out some new cafes, hop on the RE 8 and reach the enchanting Lübeck within 44 minutes. A romantic old town, numerous museums, the grand Holstentor, and of course, the incredibly delicious Niederegger marzipan make Lübeck a perfect destination for a day trip.

A quick detour to the beach? From Lübeck's main train station, it takes only 22 minutes to reach Travemünde. Coffee on the beach sounds extremely tempting to us.

Hamburg Hbf - Bremen Hbf - Osnabrück Hbf - Duisburg Hbf - Koblenz Hbf - Cochem (Mosel) Duration: from 8 h 23 min

On mild summer evenings, a drink is even more appealing than coffee: wine. With its impressive vineyards and magical castles, the region around the Mosel is incredibly popular, especially among wine lovers. Cochem is easily accessible from Hamburg.

With four transfers, it takes 8 hours and 23 minutes. So, if you're in the mood for wine by the Mosel in the morning, you can be there that very evening. The transfer stops like Koblenz are definitely worth a trip as well.

Hamburg Hbf - Uelzen - Göttingen - Neudietendorf - Saalfeld (Saale) - Nürnberg Hbf - München Hbf - Prien am Chiemsee Duration: from 13 h 50 min

Simply let your mind unwind, relax by the water, and wander freely through forests and mountains - sounds dreamlike, doesn't it? A place where all of this is possible is Prien am Chiemsee. It's the largest town on Lake Chiemsee and offers not only stunning views but also plenty of activities: climbing park, local museum, excellent shopping, adventure pool, or wellness.

Traveling from the harbor metropolis to the 'Bavarian Sea' takes just under 14 hours via Göttingen, Nuremberg, and Munich. If you don't want to travel the whole distance at once, there are numerous opportunities for pit stops along the way, for example, in Erlangen or Bamberg.

Cologne has its own charm all year round, an exciting mix of urban adventure and romantic city idyll by the river. Given its excellent location in the heart of the Ruhr area, it would be almost a shame not to hop on one of the many regional trains to explore the surrounding area and the rest of Germany.

Cologne Hbf - Düsseldorf/Münster/Dortmund Duration: from 0 h 30 min/2 h 11 min/1 h 45 min

Island hopping is a genuinely popular holiday activity, especially where there are many islands, such as in Greece or Thailand. Unfortunately, the €9 ticket doesn't reach that far, but a fantastic alternative for island hopping could be city hopping in NRW.

Many other exciting cities can be reached from Cologne in a flash without transferring:

Cologne Hbf - Löhne (Westf) - Elz (Han) - Göttingen - Weimar Duration: from 7 h 55 min

Thuringia has far more to offer than delicious Thuringian bratwurst and dumplings. The state in the heart of Germany attracts tourists from around the world with its mix of romantic towns and wild nature. In Weimar and Jena, for example, one can walk in the footsteps of Goethe and Schiller, which is sure to make the hearts of literature lovers race.

Charming Erfurt is undoubtedly worth a visit as well. Besides its winding alleys, lovely beer gardens, and quaint cafes, you can also spot one or two KiKa stars: Bernd das Brot, Tabaluga, Hein Blöd, and other characters are scattered throughout the city.

Just under 8 hours and a three-transfer trek for a date with the Sandman doesn't sound too bad, does it?

Cologne Hbf - Hamm (Westf) Hbf - Bielefeld Hbf - Braunschweig Hbf - Magdeburg Hbf - Berlin Hbf Duration: from 9 h 29 min

'You are so wonderful, Berlin' - a phrase that has served as the advertising slogan for Berliner Pilsner beer since 2011, which we can, of course, only confirm. No other city in Europe has as much water, forest, culture, and party as the German capital.

For anyone who has never been there or for those who want to visit Berlin again, it's possible to travel from Cologne to Berlin in 9 hours and 29 minutes via Bielefeld and Magdeburg.

That might be a bit too far for a party night, but in Berlin, you can fortunately also spend a whole weekend or even longer. And if you're already in Berlin, you might as well take a detour to the Spreewald and the iconic Potsdam!

Munich and all of Southern Germany are also incredibly popular among German holidaymakers. How wonderful is it that many dream destinations are also directly reachable from Munich? Whether it's the Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle, or even Salzburg in Austria - all of this is just a stone's throw away and a pleasant train ride.

Munich Hbf - Kempten (Allgäu)/Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Füssen Duration: from 1 h 21 min/1 h 22 min/2 h 05 min

Traveling from Berlin to Füssen to see Neuschwanstein Castle feels like a world trip, but from Munich, it's just a two-hour train ride without any transfers. So there's truly no reason not to get a close look at the famous castle, right?

Direct connections from Munich can be found in all directions, of course also to the mountains and picturesque places, like Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The train ride from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes 1 hour and 22 minutes. The world-renowned ski resort is worthwhile even during the summer months. Hiking fans can explore several highlights like Lake Eibsee, the Partnach Gorge, and even the Zugspitze from there.

Would you prefer another quaint spot in the Allgäu? Then hop on the RE 70/76 heading towards Lindau. Along the route, you will find many beautiful places like Kempten or Oberstaufen, which is also known for its fantastic pizza.

Munich Hbf - Hof Hbf - Leipzig Hbf / Munich Hbf - Hof Hbf - Dresden Hbf Duration: from 6 h 22 min / 6 h 24 min

Surprisingly, it's possible to reach Dresden or Leipzig from Bavaria's capital with just one transfer. In both cases, travelers head to Hof first and then take the regional express to Leipzig or Dresden. Those undecided can spontaneously choose which of the two Saxon gems to visit while in Hof.

The travel time to both cities is 6 hours and 22 or 24 minutes, making it doable in one go. If you opt for Dresden, be sure to pack your hiking shoes and plan a hiking day to the Bastei. The stunning view definitely compensates for the strenuous hike.

Hiking tip: The descent via the 'Schwedenlöcher' is, by the way, even more beautiful, adventurous, and likely less crowded than the regular route.

Munich Hbf - Nürnberg Hbf - Leipzig Hbf - Magdeburg Hbf - Uelzen - Hamburg Hbf - Elmshorn - Westerland (Sylt) Duration: from 15 h 30 min

The favorite island of Germans certainly cannot be missed. If you want to trade the Alpine panorama for fine sandy beaches and the Wadden Sea, Sylt is definitely the right destination. A visit to this island of the rich and famous typically costs a fortune from Munich; however, during the summer months, the €9 ticket suffices.

Lighthouses, fresh lobster, wellness, and a unique island feeling welcome travelers all year round, especially in the warmer months when water lovers can dive right into the sea after indulging in delicacies.

It does take 15.5 hours from Munich to the island, but it is feasible in one day. If you prefer to break the journey into segments, you could, for example, make a pit stop in Leipzig.

Of course, a short vacation in your own country can be beautiful, especially when it is as diverse as Germany. However, how about a little detour into one of our charming neighboring countries?

With the €9 ticket, this is straightforward in some areas. However, the ticket is only valid for certain destinations that are part of the German rail network. It is possible, for example, to travel via Mittelherwigsdorf in Saxony to Varnsdorf in the Czech Republic and spend a lovely day with Czech beer, fantastic cake, and a leisurely walk.

Beach lovers will be delighted as a trip to Świnoujście on the beautiful Baltic coast is also allowed with the €9 ticket. However, it is crucial to pay close attention to the connection taken. The cheap ticket is only valid on the journey with the RB 23 from Züssow to Świnoujście (Swinemünde). Routes through Berlin and Szczecin cannot be used.

Swiss chocolate, delicious cheese, and a charming city full of culture and stunning scenery - that's Basel, way up in the north of Switzerland. The RE 7 takes travelers to Basel without extra charge from Karlsruhe. However, only the journey to 'Basel Bad Bf.' is included.

For serious train lovers, you could even travel from Basel to Świnoujście. You'd have to accept a 23-hour and 21-minute journey with eight transfers, but it would definitely be an adventurous challenge.

Germans have always loved to vacation in Austria. Popular destinations include the city of Mozart, Salzburg, and Kufstein. Both locations can also be reached with the affordable €9 ticket, as both are serviced by the BRB from Munich. However, once there, you will need a local public transport ticket or you can explore the city on foot.

Some bus lines from the AVV (Aachen Transport Association) also service border towns in Belgium or the Netherlands. If these are along the route, the €9 ticket can also be used. Kelmis in Belgium, which is called La Calamine in French, is one of the possible destinations. In Kelmis, among other things, there's a roughly 30-minute hike to view the impressive Eyneburg.

If you're craving Dutch fries and stroopwafels, you can also hop on a bus in Aachen and zip over to the Netherlands with your €9 ticket. Places reachable this way include Sittard, Kerkrade, and Vaals.

A brief detour to Luxembourg is also very possible, as all public transport in Luxembourg is free. The best route is via Trier or Koblenz.

And what about the remaining neighboring countries? Unfortunately, you can't use the ticket to go to France or Denmark. However, if you want to go to Strasbourg, you travel to Kehl and walk from there or take the tram and buy an extra ticket.