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7. The Ultimate Guide to Going Car-Free in Germany

In collaboration with German National Tourist Office, India.

Germany has long been synonymous with cars—after all, it’s the birthplace of the Autobahn and home to legendary automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. But in a world that’s leaning towards a greener future, Germany has embraced a shift towards sustainable travel, one that lets you experience everything the country has to offer without a vehicle’s carbon footprint.

The country, known for its efficiency and renowned for its irreplaceable transportation system—arguably one of the best in the world—makes it easy for you to explore without a car. Unlike other countries, where you might feel you’re missing out on key destinations by getting off the highways, Germany doesn’t let you sacrifice convenience for conscience. Whether you’re navigating the cobblestone streets of Heidelberg or cycling along the banks of the Moselle River, going car-free in Germany isn’t just feasible, it’s an adventure in itself.

Here are all the ways you can explore Germany without a car.

All Aboard: Germany’s Rail Network

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn rail network, led by Deutsche Bahn (DB), is the backbone of sustainable travel in the country and a masterpiece of efficiency and comfort. With over 40,000 kilometres of tracks and 5,700 stations, the network connects urban hubs to quaint towns and iconic landmarks.

(Image Credits: GNTB/Andrea Hitzemann)

For budget-conscious travelers, the Deutschlandticket is a game-changer. At just €49 per month, this pass grants unlimited access to public transport, including regional trains and buses. The DB is also free for children under 14 with paying adults, and the rail passes offer flexibility for longer adventures. If you’re keen on exploring iconic spots like Neuschwanstein Castle or the Rhine Valley, the train offers a front-row seat to Germany’s legendary landscapes.

Itinerary Idea: Start in Munich, where you can catch a train to Füssen to marvel at Neuschwanstein Castle. Known as the fairy-tale inspiration for Disney, this stunning retreat is just a short bus ride from the station. From there, hop on the train to Heidelberg for its romantic old town and castle ruins.

Pedalling Through Paradise: Germany’s Cycling Trails

Germany’s 100,000 kilometres of cycling routes make it a dream destination for bike enthusiasts. With over 600 themed routes, Germany’s immersive cycling paths offer everything from riverside paths to alpine adventures and urban explorations. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual adventurer, Germany’s well-signposted trails make exploring by bike accessible.

One standout route is the Moselle River Trail, which meanders through picturesque vineyards and sleepy villages in one of Germany’s most scenic wine regions. For history buffs, the Berlin Wall Trail offers a journey through the capital’s storied past, while the Baltic Sea Cycle Route showcases breathtaking coastal views. To simplify your planning, the German Cycling Network’s online planner lets you map out routes that suit your pace and interests, and most trains and long-distance buses accommodate bicycles for multi-modal travel.

(Bernkastel-Kues, Image Credits : DZT/Günter Standl)

Pro tip: Many trains in Germany allow bike transport, but spaces are limited, so book ahead. Alternatively, e-bikes are increasingly popular and can be rented from outlets like ListNRide.

Itinerary Idea: Explore the Moselle Valley by bike. Begin in Koblenz, cycling past half-timbered houses and stopping for a wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues. Wrap up the journey in Trier, Germany’s oldest city, known for its Roman ruins.

City-Hopping with Public Transport

Germany’s public transport system is a marvel of connectivity. From Berlin’s iconic U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks to Munich’s trams and buses, getting around is intuitive and affordable. Many accommodations offer free or discounted transport passes to guests, making it even easier to explore sustainably.

Take Freiburg, for example. This charming university town in the Black Forest region is a model of sustainable living, where trams glide past cobbled streets lined with Gothic architecture. Or, you can even hop on a bus to reach the Saxon Switzerland National Park, a haven for hikers and nature lovers with dramatic sandstone cliffs and forested valleys.

(Brandenburgh Gate, Image Credits: visitBerlin/Dagmar Schwelle)

Itinerary Idea: Spend a day in Berlin using public transport to visit must-sees like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Then, hop on a regional train to Potsdam to stroll through the stunning Sanssouci Palace gardens.

Slow Travel on Water

Germany’s rivers and lakes offer tranquil alternatives to land-based transport. The Rhine, Danube, and Elbe rivers are dotted with ferries and boat tours, perfect for slow travellers seeking scenic routes.

(Regensburg Tourismus GmbH/erlebe.bayern, Dietmar Denger)

The Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best explored by boat. Between Mainz and Koblenz, you’ll pass towering castles, lush vineyards, and storybook towns. On the Danube, join a cruise from Passau to Regensburg to soak in Bavaria’s waterways.

Itinerary Idea: Combine train travel with a boat trip in the Bavarian Alps. From Munich, take the train to Prien am Chiemsee and board a ferry to Herrenchiemsee Island, home to King Ludwig II’s grand palace.

Why Go Car-Free in Germany?

Beyond reducing your carbon footprint, travelling car-free in Germany allows for deeper, more meaningful experiences. Cycling through vineyards, cruising along rivers, or chatting with locals on a train lets you connect with the country in ways a car window doesn’t allow.

So, ditch the car keys and let Germany’s green transportation options guide your next adventure. Whether you’re wandering castle-lined valleys or sipping wine by a serene riverbank, sustainable travel in Germany is as enriching as it is effortless.

To learn more about travelling sustainably in Germany, click here.

(Cover Image Credits : DZT/Günter Standl)