Hey all! Im planning a holiday trip to Europe this Christmas and Im having a bit of trouble with Germany. Im leaving Cologne on Dec 23, with a plan to arrive in Prague on Christmas eve morning. The problem is breaking up the long train trip across Germany. I was thinking of taking to train to Dresden, staying overnight there, then continuing on to Prague in the morning, but Im open to other suggestions. Any other interesting little towns I can stop over in between Cologne and Prague without going too far out of my way? I will stopover in Dresden if I cant figure something else out, but Ive been there before and would like to check out somewhere new, if possible. Thanks!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19100 posts
You might also think about taking the trains to Nürnberg, then next day the non-stop Bahn IC bus to Prague.
Posted by
(Berlin, Germany)
70 posts
To travel on 23 and 24 December, is not such a good idea. Many Germans are then on the road to travel to their families. On the afternoon of December 24 close most of the shops and the hotels then often go into a sleep mode. How exactly it is in Prague I can not say. My advice is go there some days earlier and may make reservations in Restaurants if possible for this evening. (It is a little like thanksgiving in the US.)
As mentioned to travel via Nuremberg is a good idea.
Posted by
OP
pittsburgh
162 posts
Checked my map again and yes, Nuremberg looks like a good stopover for connecting to Prague. As for the extra holiday travelers, I kind of figured the trains will be crowded, so Im planning on buying my tickets as soon as I can--I keep checking the DB Bahn site and I think I they will be available to buy in September or October. Ive been to Prague at Christmas before so I know what to expect; that's why I want to arrive in the morning. Thanks for the advice guys!
Lee, is there not a train from Nuremberg to Prague, or is the bus faster and cheaper?
Posted by
(Berlin, Germany)
70 posts
The train route is very slow therefore they have been changed to a bus connection.
Posted by
OP
pittsburgh
162 posts
After a bit of research, it looks like I'm going to Nuremberg. Thanks for the help, everyone!