10 day itinerary in Germany by train

If you’re planning a trip to Germany and looking for a perfect 10-day itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place.

As Germans, we know that there is so much more to see in Germany, but if you only have 10 to 14 days, then this tour is the best way to check off all the must-sees.

We recommend taking the train as public transportation such as the Deutsche Bahn* (German train system), as it’s an easy way to travel and you won’t have to worry about parking or driving regulations in Germany.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of Germany’s most iconic destinations, including Berlin, Dresden, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Hamburg.

This 10-day itinerary will give you a chance to explore the best of Germany, from its bustling cities to charming medieval towns, stunning castles, and vibrant nightlife.

So, let’s hop on a train and discover the beauty of Germany through this 10-day itinerary.

10 day itinerary for Germany

This 10 day itinerary for Germany starts in Berlin and ends in Hamburg. If you have more time, you can easily add a couple of days here and there. It is very easy to get from Hamburg to Berlin e. g. by the train (= Deutsche Bahn), so you could also end your trip in Berlin if you want to.

Day 1: Berlin

• Check into your hotel and explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building.
• Take a stroll along the Berlin Wall and visit the East Side Gallery to see the famous murals.
• Experience Berlin’s vibrant nightlife by visiting one of the many bars or clubs in the city.

Day 2: Berlin

• Visit the Museum Island, which is home to five world-renowned museums.
• Take a tour of the Berlin Cathedral and climb to the top for a stunning view of the city.
• Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, known for their street art and diverse food scene.

Day 3: Dresden

• Travel to Dresden (2- 3 hours by train) in the morning and check into your hotel.
• Visit the stunning Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House.
• Take a walk along the Elbe River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.

Day 4: Dresden

• Explore the historic Old Town and visit the Frauenkirche, a symbol of the city’s resilience after its destruction during World War II.
• Visit the Green Vault, one of the oldest museums in Europe, and see the impressive collection of jewelry and art.

Day 5: Nuremberg

• Travel to Nuremberg by train (approx. 4 hours) and check into your hotel
• Visit the Nuremberg Castle, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the city.
• Explore the historic Old Town and explore the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market in winter, one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in Germany.

Optional if you have an extra day: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and check into your hotel.
• Explore the charming medieval town and its well-preserved buildings and walls.
• Visit the famous Christmas Museum and learn about the town’s history of Christmas traditions.

Day 6: Neuschwanstein and Munich

• Travel to Munich or Füssen if you prefer to be closer to Neuschwanstein (approx. 1 to 2 hours by train) and check into your hotel.
• Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle*, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Return to Munich and explore the city’s famous beer gardens and traditional Bavarian cuisine.

Day 7: Munich

• Visit the famous Marienplatz and see the Glockenspiel, a clock tower with moving figures.
• Explore the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world.
• Visit the Hofbräuhaus, one of the oldest beer halls in Munich, and enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal.

Day 8: Heidelberg

• Travel to Heidelberg by train (approx. 3 hours) and check into your hotel.
• Visit the famous Heidelberg Castle and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the castle’s terrace.
• Take a stroll through the charming Old Town and visit the historic university.

Day 9: Cologne

• Travel to Cologne by train (approx. 2 hours) and into your hotel.
• Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
• Explore the lively bar-scene in the city, particularly in the trendy neighborhoods of Ehrenfeld and Belgisches Viertel.

Day 10: Hamburg

• Travel to Hamburg by train (approx. 4 hours) and check into your hotel.
• Visit the famous Elbphilharmonie, a stunning concert hall with breathtaking views of the city.
• Explore the historic warehouse district of Speicherstadt and take a boat tour of the canals.
• End your trip by visiting the trendy neighborhoods of St. Pauli and Sternschanze, known for their vibrant nightlife and street art.

FAQ: 10 days in Germany

Conclusion: 10 day itinerary for Germany

In conclusion, Germany is a country that truly has something for everyone. You can easily discover by Germany by train, there is no need to take a rental car if you don’t want to.

From the bustling cities such as Berlin or Cologne to charming medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, stunning castles like Neuschwanstein, and vibrant nightlife, this 10-day itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the most iconic destinations in Germany.

Whether you’re into history, a foodie, or just looking for a fun adventure, Germany won’t disappoint.

While 10 days is a great amount of time to explore some of the country’s most popular destinations, there is still so much more to see and do.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Germany!