Trains from Koeln to Karlsruhe

Exploring Germany by Train: An Excursion from Cologne to Karlsruhe!

Embark on an exciting journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe by train with this guide. Taking the shortest route with a duration of 2 hours, you will pass by many important cities and towns as you make your way south.

Starting your journey from Cologne's Hauptbahnhof station, you will be thrust right into the heart of the city. The iconic red-brick Cologne Cathedral can be seen as you depart, standing proud over the city. Soon you will be heading south-west. Within the hour you will have reached the town of Siegburg, where you can see the ruins of Burg Siegburg castle, located on a hill surrounded by lush forests.

Continuing south, you will pass through St. Goar and eventually Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. After about an hour and a half, you will arrive at Mannheim, an important international port city situated on the banks of the Rhine river. Shortly after, you will reach your destination, Karlsruhe's Hbf (main station), where the iconic Karlsruhe Palace can be seen standing tall.

A journey from Cologne to Karlsruhe by train is an exciting and convenient way to explore Germany. With a distance of 300 kilometers, you can experience a wide variety of cities and towns in a short amount of time. 

So why not plan a trip today and experience the culture and beauty of Germany?

Cologne, in Germany is a beautiful destination to visit for those interested in history and architecture. With its stunning Romanesque churches, a fascinating Jewish history, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, a trip to Cologne is sure to be a memorable one. 

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): Located in the heart of the city, the magnificent Cologne Cathedral is the city’s main landmark and a UNESCO World heritage site. It is famous for its impressive Gothic facade, its unique stained glass windows, and its treasury. Visit in the early evening for a breathtaking view of the majestic spires of the Cathedral lit up in the night sky. Location: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany. Hours: 6:00 AM–9:30 PM. Entrance Fee: €9.

Augustusburg Castle (Schloss Augustusburg): Set atop a hill in nearby Brühl, Augustusburg Castle is the former residence of the prince-electors of Cologne. Built in the Baroque and Rococo styles, it is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Inside, you can admire the beautiful Golden Gallery and the exquisite Court Chapel. Location: Schlossplatz 2, 50321 Brühl, Germany. Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Entrance fee: €7.

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): The Chocolate Museum is a must-visit for any chocoholic. Here, you can learn all about the history of chocolate and sample some delicious treats. With its interactive exhibits, workshops, and a café serving over 20 varieties of hot chocolate, this is sure to be a sweet experience. Insider tip: make sure to try the fondue fountain! Location: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50678 Köln, Germany. Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €11.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud (WDR): This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of European art, with masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Highlights include paintings by Rubens, Baroque sculptures, and a modern art collection. Location: Martin-Luther-Platz 3, 50676 Köln, Germany. Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €9.

Cologne Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Köln): Visit the oldest and largest zoo in Germany, located on the banks of the Rhine River. This zoo is home to over 7,500 animals, including many endangered species. It also features a stunning Japanese Garden and an aquarium. Location: Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Köln, Germany. Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €19.

Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum): Explore the history of the city by visiting this museum located in the heart of the city. Here, you can see ancient artefacts and relics from the city's past, including the famous Dionysius mosaic. Location: Roncalliplatz 4, 50667 Köln, Germany. Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €4.

Keulen Restaurant: For a true taste of Cologne, head to Keulen Restaurant. Sample some of the city's classic dishes such as the famous Halver Hahn (cheddar cheese sandwich with onions and mustard) or try some Reibekuchen (potato pancakes). Location: Am Hof 12–14, 50667 Köln, Germany. Hours: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Cologne is an exciting city offering a range of attractions to explore. From its stunning architecture and rich history, to its delicious cuisine and vibrant entertainment, there’s something for everyone in Cologne. Make sure to add it to your travel list!

Karlsruhe is a city in southwest Germany that is known as a cultural hub and a melting pot of historical and architectural wonders. From the sprawling Old Town to the impressive Karlsruhe Palace, there is something for everyone to explore in Karlsruhe. Here are the must-visit sites and culinary treats the city has to offer. 

Karlsruhe Palace, Karlsruhe's Castle: Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Karlsruhe Palace is the most iconic symbol of Karlsruhe. It was built in 1715 in an ornate baroque style, and today it houses the Badisches Landesmuseum. Within the palace walls are a number of impressively decorated state rooms, as well as amazing sculptures and works of art. Visitors can reach the palace via the Karlsruhe Palace Funicular. It is open every day from 10:00am - 5:00pm and entrance is free!

Badisches Landesmuseum: Found within the walls of Karlsruhe Palace, the Badisches Landesmuseum is a must-see for history buffs. This museum focuses on the cultural heritage of Baden-Württemberg, as well as archaeological finds from the region. It is open every day from 10:00am-5:00pm, and a ticket will cost 10 Euros.

Friedrichsplatz: Taking a break from all the sightseeing? Head to Friedrichsplatz to relax in one of the city's main squares. With its fountains and beautifully manicured gardens, it's the perfect place to take a break from a long day of exploring. In the center of the square, you'll find the impressive Marktplatz, the city's largest neo-classical structure.

Museum of Natural History: You don't have to be a science nerd to appreciate the Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe. This museum houses more than 1 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, plants, and animals. It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30am-5:00pm, and tickets cost 6 Euros.

Karlsruhe Zoo: Karlsruhe Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Germany, with more than 2,000 animals and 250 species living in its enclosures. It is open everyday from 9:00am-7:00pm and tickets cost 16 Euros.

Staatstheater Karlsruhe: Looking to experience high culture? Look no further than the Staatstheater Karlsruhe. This stunning theater is home to some of the most acclaimed opera, ballet and theater performances in all of Germany. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Zum Schwarzen Baren: Before you leave Karlsruhe, be sure to stop by the Zum Schwarzen Baren for a delicious meal. This beloved restaurant is famous for its authentic Swabian cuisine, such as Maultaschen (German ravioli) and Kässpätzle (German cheese noodles).

From the impressive palace to the idyllic town square and all the delicious food in between, Karlsruhe is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a day of sightseeing or a night of culture, you will find it in Karlsruhe. So go ahead, explore the city and soak up all it has to offer.