Exploring Train Journeys Through the Upper Rhine River Valley
In this article, we present an optimal itinerary for train travel in Europe, connecting popular cities like Berlin, Landau, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Freiburg, and Basel. This journey through Germany, France, and Switzerland offers a logical geographic flow, capitalizing on frequent regional and high-speed trains connecting these cities without excessive backtracking.
Starting in Berlin
Your adventure begins in Berlin, a city that has been reinvented as a fashionable destination. It boasts world-class restaurants, a vibrant club scene, hike and bike trails, family-filled parks and squares, and a "Museum Island" with art and treasure. Don't miss out on a Berlin Wall walking tour or a guided bicycle or rickshaw tour called "Berlin by Bike" offered at the city's Cultural Brewery. For a fine dining experience, consider dining at the Grand or Neni restaurants, or unwind at the Monbijou Hotel, which offers a sauna, spa, fitness center, and restaurant.
Journey Through Germany
From Berlin, take a high-speed train south towards Baden-Baden, a spa town in southwestern Germany known for its thermal baths. The journey typically involves a connection in Frankfurt or Karlsruhe. Next, travel south to Landau in the Palatinate region of Germany. This leg is shorter and is a good gateway moving closer to France.
Crossing into France
Cross the border into France via Strasbourg, a beautiful city famed for its Franco-German culture and historic old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Trains between Landau and Strasbourg are direct and frequent. Strasbourg's cathedral is an ornate centerpiece of the city, and Le Pain d'épices, a gingerbread shop, is a must-visit.
Exploring the Alsace Region
Continue southward in France to Mulhouse by regional trains. This route is part of the Alsace region and offers industrial heritage museums and close proximity to the Swiss border. Mulhouse, an Alsatian city, is home to museums such as Cité de l'Automobile, Musée Français du Chemin de Fer, and Museum of Printed Textiles.
Returning to Germany
Cross back into Germany by train to Freiburg im Breisgau, a sustainability-forward, picturesque university city on the edge of the Black Forest. Traditional German dining can be found at Clärchen's Ballhaus, and currywurst can be tried at Konnopke's Snack Bar.
Final Destination: Basel
Finally, head southwest to Basel in Switzerland, a cultural hub with renowned museums and a pleasant old town. The Régent Petite France is a hotel worth considering in Strasbourg, while Pullman Basel Europe offers a gourmet-restaurant "Les Quatre Saisons" and classic "Bistro Europe" in Basel.
Travel Tips
Using Eurail or Interrail passes, which cover Germany, France, and Switzerland, allows flexible travel on most of these routes. The Rail Planner app by Eurail is very useful for offline schedule checking, mapping connections, and mobile ticket management during your trip. Booking tickets for high-speed or international trains in advance may be advisable for seat reservations, especially in peak season.
European countries are linked by well-run national railways, making this itinerary an accessible and enjoyable way to explore multiple destinations. Happy travels!
- For a unique blend of relaxation and culture, you could stop in Baden-Baden after leaving Berlin, known for its thermal baths and fashionable boulevards, making it an excellent addition to your European travel itinerary.
- As you travel through the Alsace region, ensure to visit Mulhouse, a city rich in industrial heritage, museums, and close proximity to Switzerland, before crossing back into Germany to continue your journey.
