Hi all, Some friends and I are taking a weeklong trip from Copenhagen to Paris. We'd prefer to travel by train (there's a night train, right?) but are looking for some itinerary advice. First, the train schedules are a little confusing, and any recommendations would be welcome. It seems heading through Germany is the best option, and then perhaps through Brussels. Is the following itinerary reasonable? Sunday -- leave Copenhagen for Hamburg (overnight train?) Hamburg for a night or two Brussels for a night or two (I've heard mixed things about the city... is Western Germany or Bruges a better stay for people interested in food, culture, off-the-beaten-path stuff?) -- and then on to Paris. Should we rely on the overnight trains? The hi-speed rail? (Are prices much higher?) Any advice for this part of Europe is appreciated. We're all seasoned travelers in our 30s (and have no particular need for luxury) but have yet to poke around these areas yet. thanks!
Christopher
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I'd start with a cheap flight to Paris and work back by train from there. Train is pretty reasonable through Bussels and Hamburg. After that another cheap plane flight may be the better choice to return to Copenhagen. We looked at training from Copenhagen to Hamburg a couple of years ago (for a short visit with my wife's cousin) but abandoned the idea as it was too expensive and time consuming.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta
2 posts
Thanks Brad, but we're locked in already on some commitments on both ends, so I'm flying in to Copenhagen and out of Paris. Do you have any experience heading southwards like that? Is there an overnight train?
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Yes there's an overnight train that leaves between 6 and 7 pm but it gets to Hamburg just after midnight, so not a good option for Hamburg. Train arrives at Cologne just after 6 am where you have to change trains. Just my opinion, but I like Cologne better than Hamburg, so would spend a couple days there. Brussels would be a good choice for your 2nd stop. Look at bahn.de for train schedules.