Using DB ICE seat map and reserving forward facing seats

The cars are designed to run in both directions. Second, it is possible that the direction of the train might change during the journey. So it is nearly impossible to determine the direction in advance. If forward facing is critical then reserve two seats facing each other so that you can change seats when needed. Not a great answer but it is the best we can do.

I suggest you book seats on opposite sides of a table. My wife can't travel backwards, so we switch seats when the train changes direction.

Do this:

• In overview of connection and itineraries click on "Journey information".
• In opened overlay click on "Coach sequence" in second line.
• Choose departing station, normally default selection.
• Find "Abfahrtrichtung" with arrow (left or right) to identify in which direction the train will leave the station.
• Read and remember coach / wagon number of first coach leaving the train station.

Now change back to booking the train and the seats.
Normally the seat reservation shows the same coach sequence and you now remember if left or right is the direction of the train leaving the station (Abfahrtrichtung).

Be aware that some stations are head stations which means that trains will need to change directions to leave the stations, e. g. München, Frankfurt or Leipzig Hbf. See station details such as map or track sites on https://www.bahnhof.de/en. Enter German name of station.

Hope this helps.

And yes, needs improvement by DB website because in former times they had this arrow already on seat booking page. I addressed it to DB already.

The longest ride will be from Berlin to Munich

Only the connections via Halle (Saale) and Erfurt do not change direction of train.

OI just do what the first two posters do. Hopefully, your husband does not suffer from the same directional preference.

There is no way to guarantee forward facing seats. Railways don't care. Train passengers don't care either, as Europeans do not suffer from motion sickness when travelling backwards. And as indicated, trains do reverse. Some of the trains on Berlin - Munich reverse in Nuremberg. If you travel Berlin to Interlaken the train will reverse three times for example...

My suggestion: Book two seats opposite each other. And give riding backwards a try. I believe that for most people it is just all in the head. Humans are not wired differently in Europe versus the US or Australia, so this sensitivity to travelling backwards must be mainly imaginary.

as Europeans do not suffer from motion sickness when travelling backwards.

I would assess this as factually wrong unless you have scientific evidence on this.

Mark, WengenK: My wife is German and suffers from motion sickness, so I can readily falsify that claim.

Eileen: I second the idea of booking opposing seats at a table - I do this with my wife as well. It is just very likely that the train changes direction several times during a trip because of the way some stations are designed.