May is here, and so is the long-awaited 49-euro bill. If you want to make the most of all the holidays (Feiertage) this month has to offer and feel a little more inspired by a day trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein, here’s an overview of non-German cities you can go to, and with the 49 euro bill.
Travel outside of Germany with the 49 euro ticket
As of May 1, 2023, the €49 Deutschlandticket is valid on all regional trains and public transport throughout the federal republic.
Although the long-distance ICE or IC trains are sold out, with a little patience you can get quite far with the €49 ticket.
This includes crossing borders into some of Germany’s eight neighboring countries.
Because the limits of national train rates are usually not located on the actual border between two countries, in some cases the German national rate still applies at stations on the other side of neighboring borders.
As long as regional transport is available for these connections, the €49 ticket can be used to cross these borders.
From Tønder to Salzburg, see how you can get the most out of your monthly pass.
Tonder, Denmark
Let’s start from the beginning. Beginning its journey in Niebüll, Schleswig-Holstein, RB66 crosses the Danish border into Tønder, a quaint Danish town that hosts its namesake festival every summer, a staple on folk fans’ calendars.
And if you want to make a really sensational trip with the 49 euro ticket, remember that since the 1960s, the Danish border town has been a favorite place for Europeans who want to “steal”.
Denmark’s lax marriage laws mean many couples opt to seal the deal Scandinavian-style to avoid tedious German paperwork.
Venlo, Netherlands
With RE13 you only need six minutes to cross the border from Germany and reach Fenlo, a small town in the Netherlands that has played its part in the great history of the world.
During World War II, the district became famous for the Fenlo incident, in which two British spies were kidnapped by the German SS and used by the Nazis to link Britain to an assassination attempt on Hitler.
As they are all close to the border, many of the places abroad accessible with the €49 note have their own special stories to tell about WWI and WWII international relations.
But if you’re looking to splurge on your spring or summer trip, a visit to the Meuse River, followed by a cold beer at Café de Klep, can provide it.
luxembourg
Via Koblenz and Trier on the RE11, travelers can end their journey in one of Europe’s smallest countries, Luxembourg.
This route comes with an added bonus, which fans of the long-gone-but-not-forgotten €9 note are sure to love: all public transport in Luxembourg is free for residents and tourists alike.
This policy, which has been in place since 2020, means that you can see all of this small country for almost free.
But if your arrival in Luxembourg finds you in a rush to get off a sweaty train, little Luxembourg is also known for something more special, as it’s one of the few countries that can be crossed with relative ease.
Crossing southern Luxembourg from Wormeldange to the Belgian town of Aubange and back will take just under 12 hours, including a stop for lunch in Luxembourg City, the country’s capital.
Strasbourg, France
Across the River Rhine, Strasbourg is the perfect trip for Francophiles living in Germany, a fusion of the two countries that will leave German learners disoriented after hearing too much Alsatian.
With its route beginning in the German city of Offenburg, the RB25 can take you from the almost indistinguishable local specialty Flammkuchen to tarte flambé in just half an hour.
Now this addition to the list may technically be a cheat.
Since Strasbourg doesn’t actually allow the €49 note to pass through its territory, you’ll have to spend a few more euros.
Get off at the last stop in Germany, Kehl, and change to the tram at the stop outside Bahnhof Kehl, after a few stops on this interstate tram you will be in the center of the Alsatian city.
Walkable in size and packed with attractions, Strasbourg is perfect for a weekend trip from the federal republic.
The city’s Notre-Dame de Paris is impressive in size and towers over the old town, while the Upper Rhine valley that runs through it offers a few tree-shaded picnic spots by the water.
Salzburg, Austria
When it comes to traveling to cities outside of Germany, that’s the most you can get out of a €49 ticket.
About two hours from Munich on the Bavarian RE5 you can find yourself in the center of Salzburg, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Surrounded by the Alps, Salzburg is best known for being the birthplace of the often mischievous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1756.
Much of the city’s tourism industry is centered around this location, with pistachio Mozartkugel and marzipan chocolates the focus of many shops and tourist attractions.
Now put on your headphones, put on Wolfie’s hit from 1782 Leck mich im Arsch (Lick My Ass) and take a scenic drive!
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