Plan Trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland – Best Things To Do

A trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland is like walking into a dream. Snow-dusted alpine peaks, storybook towns, fairytale castles, and historic cities filled with art, music, and charm – this part of Central Europe offers it all. Traveling by train makes it even more magical. With seamless rail networks, scenic routes, and charming cities just a few hours apart, a tour of Germany Austria and Switzerland by train is the ideal way to experience Europe.

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The Perfect Trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland Itinerary by Train – Tour of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

This 10-day itinerary gives you a balanced mix of culture, nature, history, and leisure — ideal for first-timers or return travelers.

Day 1-3: Vienna, Austria – A Royal Beginning

Vienna is a city that whispers imperial history in every baroque building and echoes musical genius in every concert hall. It’s a must-visit on your Germany Austria and Switzerland by train itinerary for its elegance, cultural riches, and laid-back café culture.

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Things to Do in Vienna

• Schönbrunn Palace: Step into Habsburg royalty at this opulent palace and UNESCO site.
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Climb the tower for city views and explore its Gothic interiors.
• Vienna State Opera: Book a performance or take a guided tour to experience Austria’s music legacy.
• Café Central: Sip coffee where Trotsky and Freud once lingered.

How to Reach & Distance – Fly into Vienna International Airport or connect via international train from Budapest or Prague. Vienna is your starting point for this Tour to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Stay overnight at Motel One Wien-Staatsoper – a charming, mid-budget hotel just minutes from major attractions, offering comfort, elegant design, and an excellent breakfast.

Tours to Book

• Vienna Walking Tour with State Opera House Entry
• Vienna Mozart Concert at Musikverein

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Day 4-5: Salzburg, Austria – Music, Mountains & Magic

Salzburg charms from Mozart to The Sound of Music with its musical roots and baroque beauty. Nestled between hills and the Salzach River, it’s a smaller city with a mighty cultural punch.

Things to Do in Salzburg

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Take the funicular up for panoramic views.
• Mozart’s Birthplace: Dive into the life of the musical prodigy.
• Mirabell Gardens: Stroll the filming locations from The Sound of Music.
• Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through cobbled lanes filled with boutique shops and cozy eateries.

How to Reach & Distance – Vienna to Salzburg by train is around 2.5 hours via ÖBB Railjet. Comfortable and scenic, it’s a beautiful segment of your Germany Austria and Switzerland Tour.

Overnight Stay – Check in at Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu, a well-rated mid-budget hotel near the train station and a short walk to the Old Town.

Tours to Book

• The Original Sound of Music Tour
• Salzburg Old Town Guided Walking Tour

Day 6-7: Munich, Germany – Beer, Baroque & Bavarian Charm

Munich is the heart of Bavaria — a city where historic palaces and modern art coexist beautifully. Whether you’re sipping beer at Hofbräuhaus or visiting the royal Nymphenburg Palace, the city is the perfect stop in your trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland.

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Things to Do in Munich

• Marienplatz & Glockenspiel: Watch the ornate clock tower show at 11 AM.
• English Garden: A tranquil urban park, larger than Central Park.
• BMW Museum: For car lovers and engineering enthusiasts.
• Dachau Memorial Site: A sobering but essential visit just outside Munich.

How to Reach & Distance – From Salzburg to Munich, there is a 1.5-hour train ride via Deutsche Bahn (DB), offering smooth connections and scenic landscapes.

Overnight Stay – Book a stay at Hotel Mirabell Munich – a mid-range hotel close to Munich Central Station with excellent service and spacious rooms.

Tours to Book

• Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip
• Munich Beer and Brewery Tour
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Tour

Day 8: Lucerne, Switzerland – Swiss Lakeside Bliss

Lucerne is often called the “essence of Switzerland.” Its medieval architecture, crystal-clear lake, and iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) make it the picture-perfect stopover on any train trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland.

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Things to Do in Lucerne

• Chapel Bridge & Water Tower: A 14th-century wooden bridge full of charm.
• Lake Lucerne Cruise: Glide through calm waters surrounded by mountains.
• Lion Monument: A moving tribute to Swiss Guards.
• Old Town (Altstadt): Explore painted facades, boutique shops, and lakeside cafés.

How to Reach & Distance – Take the train from Munich to Lucerne with one change in Zurich. Total travel time is approximately 5 hours. This long ride is worth it for the Swiss trains’ alpine views and comfort.

Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel des Balances, a beautiful riverside hotel in the Old Town offering mid-budget luxury and incredible views.

Tours to Book

• Lake Lucerne Panoramic Boat Cruise
• Mount Pilatus Day Trip with Cogwheel Train and Gondola

Day 9-10: Interlaken & Jungfrau Region – Alpine Adventures

Interlaken is the gateway to the Alps and is the crown jewel of a Tour to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This region is surrounded by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and nestled between the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. This region offers the best Swiss outdoor beauty.

Things to Do in Interlaken & Jungfrau

• Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: Ride Europe’s highest railway for surreal glacier views.
• Lauterbrunnen Valley: Visit fairytale villages and waterfalls.
• Grindelwald: Great for hiking and gondola rides.
• Harder Kulm Viewpoint: A quick funicular ride for panoramic sunset views.

How to Reach & Distance – From Lucerne, Interlaken is 2 hours by train via the scenic Golden Pass Line — arguably one of Europe’s most stunning train journeys.

Overnight Stay – Book Hotel Interlaken, a classic and cozy mid-range hotel with a beautiful garden and views of the surrounding mountains.

Tours to Book

• Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Interlaken
• Lauterbrunnen & Trümmelbach Waterfalls Guided Tour

Day 10 or Day 11 Return to Zurich & Departure

End your Germany, Austria, and Switzerland by Train journey with a smooth 2-hour train ride from Interlaken to Zurich. Depending on your flight timing, explore Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse or Old Town before catching your international flight home.

Valuable Tips – Tour to Germany Austria and Switzerland

• Eurail Global Pass or Interrail Pass (for EU residents) can save money and offer flexibility on trains between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• Download the DB Navigator, ÖBB, and SBB Mobile apps to check train schedules and platforms.
• Always validate tickets before boarding in Austria and Germany unless it’s an e-ticket.
• Swiss trains run with clockwork precision – don’t be late!
• Try local specialties like Wiener Schnitzel in Austria, Weisswurst in Munich, and fondue in Switzerland.

FAQs: Germany Austria and Switzerland by Train

Q. How many days are ideal for a Tour to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?

A 10-day trip is ideal to cover major cities and enjoy scenic rail journeys without rushing.

Q. Can I travel between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland using one train pass?

Yes. A Eurail Global Pass covers all three countries and allows flexible travel on regional and high-speed trains.

Q. What’s the best time for a trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?

Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) are great for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter is magical for snow lovers and Christmas markets.

Q. Are overnight trains an option?

There are a few night train options, like the Nightjet (Vienna to Zurich or Munich), but day trains are more scenic and enjoyable for this route.

This Austria Germany and Switzerland itinerary combines the elegance of Vienna, Salzburg’s charm, Munich’s cultural vibrancy, and the alpine majesty of Lucerne and Interlaken — all connected by the comfort and beauty of European rail travel.

Whether you’re sipping coffee in a Viennese café, standing atop the Alps, or strolling beside a Swiss lake, this trip to Germany Austria and Switzerland will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Ready for your Tour of Germany Austria and Switzerland? All aboard — the adventure of a lifetime awaits!

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