Rails Through Germany: A Journey Across Five Unforgettable Cities

Leaving Luxembourg, I began my journey through Germany with a short train ride to Trier. From there, the route continued to Koblenz before traversing through Bavaria’s storybook towns — Bamberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Würzburg — finally ending in Frankfurt, where I would fly home.

Roman Sites Galore in Trier!

I was excited to explore this city with so many Unesco sites. Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded in 16 BC, and is known for its well preserved Roman monuments, earning it the nickname “Rome of the North”. Founded in 15 BC by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, this oldest city in Germany is a home to the largest number of Roman ruins outside Rome. Many of these buildings are perfectly preserved and together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

I started with the famous entry portal into the heart of the old city, Porta Nigra, an impressive Roman city gate built around 170 AD. For a small fee you can walk up the twisty staircase to the upper levels — and get a great view of the old city center.

From there, it’s an easy walk to Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady before continuing on to the massive single-room Constantine Basilica, commissioned in the 4th century AD. Passing through the beautifully maintained Palace Garden, I eventually reached the Kaiserthermen, the city’s most prominent Roman bath complex. While the ruins themselves weren’t quite what I expected, the thoughtfully placed translucent displays offered fascinating glimpses into their former grandeur.

_{Trier is packed with history at every turn}

Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet in Koblenz

Koblenz began as a Roman military outpost, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. At the tip of the Deutsches Eck, you can watch these two rivers meet beneath the towering 120-foot equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I, a symbol of German unification. Across the Rhine, the massive Prussian-built Ehrenbreitstein Fortress dominates the hillside. I opted for the scenic cable car ride to the top, then spent a few hours exploring the fortress, the Koblenz State Museum, and enjoying panoramic views over the city.

Unesco charm in Bamberg

Bamberg’s Old Town is a beautifully preserved medieval center filled with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and elegant baroque buildings. The Altes Rathaus is its most iconic landmark and one of Germany’s most photographed sites, perched on a small artificial island in the Regnitz River and linked by stone bridges that make it appear to float. After finding the ideal spot to take my photo, I examined the building’s fresco painting—noting the odd cherub’s foot jutting out at the bottom. I continued exploring other parts of town at a relaxed pace, taking a river cruise and wandering through charming alleyways and picturesque squares.

Bamberg is also known for its distinctive Rauchbier (smoked beer), which I tried to appreciate at a local brewery event with new German friends—though I found myself gravitating more toward the town’s excellent baked goods.

A Fairytale in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

My visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber felt like I was stepping straight into a medieval postcard. One of the most iconic photo stops is Plönlein, the famous crooked little square framed by half-timbered houses, a cobblestone lane, and a storybook tower rising in the background. I patiently waited, SLR camera in hand, for the perfect opportunity to snap my own photo.

The entire Old Town is remarkably preserved, still encircled by its original fortress walls, which I walked along, taking in sweeping views over rooftops, towers, and the Tauber Valley.

A highlight was my visit to Burggarten (Castle Garden), where a wide stone balcony opens up to breathtaking views over the valley below. Being there in the autumn it was especially magical—golden and crimson foliage spreading across the hills, contrasting beautifully with the red rooftops and stone walls of the town.

The 500-year-old Holy Blood Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider tucked inside the rear of St. Jakob’s Church, is a masterpiece of woodcarving. Depicting the Last Supper with extraordinary detail, it is considered one of Europe’s finest examples of late Gothic craftsmanship.

In the evening I, along with dozens of other tourists, followed a man wielding a lantern (known as the Night Watchman) around the old town, enjoying colorful tales of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s history.

Baroque Beauty in Würzburg

Würzburg is home to one of Europe’s most impressive palaces, the Baroque Würzburg Residence. Inside, I descended the sweeping grand staircase beneath Tiepolo’s breathtaking ceiling fresco, wandered through a series of lavishly decorated halls and rooms and the ornate Rococo court church, and then finishing my tour with the gardens.

_{UNESCO recognized Würzburg Palace}

The city is also known for the iconic Old Main Bridge, lined with statues of saints and linking the Old Town on the east bank with the more residential and wine-focused slopes on the west. I did as the locals do and joined them on the bridge with a glass of Franconian wine, taking in the river views and the lively atmosphere.

Ending the Journey in Frankfurt

With a little more than half a day in Frankfurt, I focused on the historic core—wandering the reconstructed Old Town, stepping into the gothic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, and crossing the Eiserner Steg bridge, its railings heavy with love locks. Plus of course, getting the hang of the city’s transportation system.

With nine days exploring five cities across Germany, I experienced an incredible mix of history, architecture, and everyday life—from Roman roots and medieval old towns to Baroque palaces and lively riverfronts. Each city had its own personality, but together they told a richer story of a country where the past is carefully preserved. It was a journey filled with cobblestone streets, unforgettable views, and countless small moments that made each stop distinct yet connected.

Transportation Tips for Germany

Germany’s train system is efficient, generally punctual, and relatively easy to navigate. The state-owned Deutsche Bahn (DB) connects most of the towns I visited on this trip, and I was able to book tickets in advance online.

Outside of Frankfurt, most cities are highly walkable, and local bus networks (cash-only) make it easy to get around.

Frankfurt’s metro system, however, is not for the faint of heart. Beneath the city lies a labyrinth of stations, platforms, tunnels, and 18 train lines (split between the U-bahn and the S-bahn) that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Tickets can be purchased at stations, but using the RMV app is easier. Adding to the challenge, transit authorities frequently conduct aggressive ticket inspections. Travelers caught without a valid ticket—or not riding under correct fare rules—can face hefty fines that are often collected on the spot by cash or credit card. Ask me how I know… sigh.