Climate-friendly into autumn: Europe’s most beautiful city trips by train

Short vacation with long-term memories: In autumn, with only a few days of vacation left, city trips are ideal. Many European cities can be reached in a few hours by train – climate-friendly and comfortable. We present five metropolises from east to west – from Budapest to Copenhagen – that will shine in warm colors and provide unforgettable impressions in the coming weeks. Without crowds of tourists and without summer heat.

1. Vienna: Leiwand — the most livable city in the world

Heuriger, Fiaker, Sachertorte and Empress Sisi: Austria’s capital was once again named the most livable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2023. Vienna was the first European city to win the ranking in 2018 and in 2019 and 2022. The reasons are obvious: leafy streets with Wilhelminian style houses, the blue Danube, stately parks and castles, the Prater, the oldest amusement park in the world, beautiful coffee houses and art galleries. Not to forget the famous Viennese Schmäh.

In autumn, the many parks and gardens of the city of two million people transform into a sea of ​​colors of gold, red and orange. The Heuriger season is reaching its peak and the cozy coffee houses invite you to enjoy a warming cup of Viennese melange with a piece of Sachertorte. If you feel like something hearty after a visit to one of the more than 80 museums, you should try an “Eitrige”, a Käsekrainer sausage, at one of the snack stands. A clear app from Wiener Linien makes it easy to get around using public transport, otherwise there are a number of horse-drawn carriages waiting.

• Train info: The fastest (and direct) train connection from Munich to Vienna takes just under four hours.

2. Budapest: The City of Spas

21 public thermal baths, nine bridges and a UNESCO world heritage site: a fault line in the earth’s crust from which 120 thermal water springs bubble up, the Danube and affordable prices make Budapest an attractive city trip destination. The Buda part of the city of 1.8 million inhabitants lies on the western bank of the Danube. With Gellért Hill, the Statue of Liberty and the Citadel. With the castle hill, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the former royal castle. And with many public thermal baths.

In autumn, these are the perfect end to a day. In the Rudas-Bad, for example, there is a new rooftop pool with a bar and a view of the Danube bridges. This is particularly spectacular when the bridges are illuminated in the evening. The Gellert Baths is considered the most elegant due to its Art Nouveau architecture, while the Széchenyi Baths is the most famous with its 15 steaming pools and its nightly parties. On the other side of the Danube, the flat Pest side, are the Parliament building, the Academy of Sciences and, further south, the National Theater and the Palace of Arts.

• Train info: The fastest train connection from Munich to Budapest takes just under seven hours. It leads via Vienna, the transfer point.

3. Strasbourg: Capital of Europe and Alsace

Medieval old town, home to numerous European institutions, on the German-French border: the capital of Alsace is said to have a lot – energy and dynamism, architecture, culture and romantic canals. A good way to get started is with a tour by electric boat along the rivers and canals of the city of 280,000 inhabitants. Afterwards, you can take a walk through the “Petite France” district with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

Charming cafés invite you to stop off before continuing to Strasbourg Cathedral. The city’s landmark is known for its 142 meter high sandstone tower, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The interior of the cathedral is also impressive with its astronomical clock from 1547. For those interested in culture, there is even more to discover – like in the 13 museums. If you feel like nature, visit the Parc de l’Orangerie or take a bike tour through the vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route. Autumn, as the time of the grape harvest, is ideal for this.

• Train info: The fastest (and direct) train connection from Munich to Strasbourg takes around three and a half hours.

4. Bruges: Insider tip in Belgium

UNESCO World Heritage city in northwest Belgium: The 118,000-inhabitant city is at the top of the list of the most picturesque cities in Europe. It enchants with its cobbled streets, picturesque canals like in Venice and medieval squares framed by colorful buildings and Gothic facades. The best overview of Bruges – even as far as the Netherlands when the weather is clear – is provided by the 122 meter high brick tower of the Church of Our Lady.

The Gothic town hall is Belgium’s oldest building – and is also considered the most beautiful in the city. Speaking of beauty: how about a visit to the Diamond Museum? The art of diamond polishing is said to have been invented here in 1450. Since then, Bruges has played a prominent role in the history of the diamond trade, which is shown in the museum alongside many valuable stones. If you are thirsty, you can quench it in the beer museum, among other places. Belgium has been known for its beer specialties since the Middle Ages. Conveniently, the museum tours end in the tasting room – with a view of the medieval market square.

• Train info: The fastest train connection from Munich to Bruges is eight and a half hours. It usually goes via Frankfurt and Brussels.

5. Copenhagen: World Capital of Architecture

Environmentally friendly, forward-looking, design and innovation: Denmark’s capital is a role model in many ways. It was the world capital of architecture in 2023 and wants to be CO2-neutral by 2028 at the latest. In addition to the expansion of climate-friendly mobility such as many cycle paths – around 68 percent of the 630,000 residents cycle, walk or use public transport – design and innovation are the focus of urban planning. The best examples of the brilliant projects of Danish architects are the harbor front, the playhouse, the opera and the library.

What is special is the mixture of old and new, the juxtaposition of historical and modern. The must-sees also include the bronze figure of the Little Mermaid, which sits on a rock just a few meters from the shore. Or the tower of Frelser Kirke in Christianshavn, which offers the best views over the city by the sea. Or the Copenhill, the coolest waste incineration plant in Europe and a new thermal power plant, on whose roof you can ski on mats – with an après-ski bar, of course. Speaking of gastronomy: The Meatpacking District in the Kødbyen district, where butchers and prostitutes used to be located, is the hip place to meet locals in bars, restaurants, galleries and underground clubs.

• Train info: The fastest train connection from Munich to Copenhagen takes around eleven hours. At least one change is required, usually in Hamburg.