Travel by Train to Germany's Best Highlights
Germany offers a wealth of events throughout the year: from Christmas markets and folk festivals to international trade fairs and conferences. Traveling by train is often the most convenient and stress-free option. Most venues sit near the city centre and are easy to reach on foot or by local transport from the main station.
On this page you'll find an overview of the most important events in Germany, sorted by category. For each event we show you the nearest station, walking time to the venue and tips for your journey. Plan your trip easily and focus on enjoying the event.
At major events like Oktoberfest, Cannstatter Wasen, or Christmas markets, parking in the city centre is tight. Many cities set up parking-ban zones during events or raise fees. By train, you skip all that: step off at the main station and often reach the venue in a few minutes on foot.
Arriving by train means you don't have to worry about driving home. Mulled wine at the Christmas market or a beer at the festival. You can enjoy the evening worry-free and take the train back afterwards. Safer and more relaxed than any drive.
Large events already have a big environmental footprint. By train you reduce your personal share: a rail journey produces 75–80 percent less CO2 than the same trip by car. With thousands of visitors, the savings add up fast.
Parking in city centres during events can cost €20–40 per day, plus fuel and possible tolls. Deutsche Bahn Super Saver fares start at €17.99. With the Deutschland-Ticket at €63 per month you get unlimited regional travel.
Book early: For popular events like Oktoberfest or major trade fairs, rail seats go quickly weeks in advance. Book as early as you can to secure the cheapest saver fares. Domestic DB tickets are usually bookable up to 12 months ahead.
Plan the return: Many travellers book only the outbound leg and sort out the return on the event day, but late trains are often sold out on event days. Book both legs together, ideally with a bit of buffer on the way back.
Consider the Deutschland-Ticket: If the venue is reachable by local transport, the Deutschland-Ticket can be the cheapest option. It covers regional trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and buses, perfect for day trips to nearby events.
Watch for special services: Rail operators often run extra trains and services for major trade fairs and festivals. These are sometimes cheaper than regular long-distance trains. Check the organiser's website or the relevant rail operator.
9 events
Discover Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets. Travel stress-free by train - no traffic jams, no parking hassles, just festive holiday spirit.
8 events
Experience Germany's legendary folk festivals. From Oktoberfest in Munich to Karneval in Cologne - arrive relaxed by train, no parking stress.
7 events
Germany's major trade fairs and exhibitions. Direct ICE and IC train connections to major exhibition centers - from Hannover Messe to IFA and Bauma.
Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets
Nuernberg
Nuremberg's world-famous Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and best-known Christmas markets in Germany. Over 180 wooden stalls offer traditional crafts, Nuremberg gingerbread and mulled wine.
Dresden
Dresden's Striezelmarkt is Germany's oldest Christmas market (since 1434). Named after the traditional Dresden Stollen, it offers Ore Mountain wood art and Saxon specialities.
Koeln
The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral has a unique setting right in front of the UNESCO World Heritage site. With over 150 stalls and the illuminated cathedral behind it, one of the most atmospheric markets.
Muenchen
Munich's Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, with the famous Glockenspiel, is one of Bavaria's most traditional Christmas markets. Over 140 stalls in front of the magnificent New Town Hall.
Stuttgart
The Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe. It is known for the elaborately decorated roofs of its stall city and for the Finnish Christmas village.
Hamburg
The historic Christmas market on the Rathausmarkt in front of Hamburg's magnificent town hall. Highlights are the huge fir tree and the Santa Pauli Christmas market on the Reeperbahn.
No car = no need to skip alcohol
Up to 80% less CO2 than by car
City centres often closed to cars
Train stations right in city centres
Events & Attractions
Book early to secure the best connections to your event.
Install Zugticket as an app for quick access to schedules and connections.
