5 Epic ICE 4 Train Routes for Scenic Landscapes & Unforgettable Adventures

February 28, 2025 Francesca 6 min read

Ever dreamed of exploring Europe’s most iconic cities, mountains, and rivers—all while relaxing in a comfy seat with a snack in hand?

Germany’s ICE 4 high-speed train isn’t just a way to get around; it’s your ticket to adventures where the journey is as thrilling as the destination.

From snowy Christmas markets to sunlit vineyards, let’s uncover five routes that turn ordinary trips into extraordinary memories. Ready to ride?

1. Berlin to Munich: Speed Meets Bavarian Beauty

A lively scene at Oktoberfest in Munich with a massive crowd enjoying the festivities and attractions.

Hop aboard the ICE 4 in Berlin, and in just 4 hours, you’ll swap the capital’s gritty-cool vibe for Munich’s beer gardens and alpine vistas.

This route isn’t just fast—it’s a masterclass in efficiency. Business travelers love the quiet cabins and reliable Wi-Fi for last-minute emails, while leisure riders stretch out in spacious seats, snapping photos of the Thuringian Forest blurring past.

But why rush? Break up the journey with stops in Leipzig and Nuremberg.

In Leipzig, dive into its buzzing art scene at the Spinnerei galleries, a former cotton mill turned creative hub. Then, Nuremberg beckons with its storybook medieval castle and gingerbread-scented streets.

As you near Munich, keep your eyes peeled for the Bavarian Alps peeking above the horizon. And here’s the kicker: this eco-friendly ride emits 75% less CO2 than flying.

Who knew saving the planet could feel so glamorous?

2. Cologne to Frankfurt: A Rhine Valley Fairytale

Frankfurt's illuminated skyline reflected in the river at night, showcasing iconic architecture and vibrant city lights.

Forget river cruises—the ICE 4’s 1.5-hour sprint from Cologne to Frankfurt serves up the Rhine Valley’s greatest hits at 250 km/h.

Grab a window seat and watch hilltop castles like Marksburg (Europe’s never-destroyed medieval fortress) and the legendary Lorelei Rock glide by.

The train’s panoramic windows are perfect for capturing vineyard-covered slopes that look like they’re straight out of a postcard.

Hungry? The onboard menu features regional Riesling wines and hearty schnitzel sandwiches.

Pro tip: Pause your journey in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet under the stone gaze of the Deutsches Eck monument.

Whether you’re a history buff or a hopeless romantic, this route proves that sometimes, the best way to see a fairy tale is at high speed.

3. Zurich to Hamburg: Alps to Harbor in One Ride

Stunning view of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall reflecting the sky on the Elbe River.

How’s this for range? The ICE 4’s 8-hour cross-border journey from Zurich to Hamburg connects Swiss Alpine peaks with Germany’s rugged northern coast.

Depart Zurich’s crystal-blue lake and chug past Stuttgart, home of the Mercedes-Benz Museum (a must for car geeks), before rolling into Hamburg’s maritime buzz.

What makes this route special? The ICE 4’s modular design lets carriages split or merge mid-route.

Imagine: part of your train peels off toward Zurich Airport while you continue to Hamburg, hassle-free.

Sustainability shines here too—Switzerland and Germany power these trains with renewable energy, so you’re basically riding a wind-powered bullet.

From mountain air to salty sea breezes, this trip packs a continent’s worth of vibes into one day.

4. Leipzig to Stuttgart: Where Bach Meets Porsche

Calling all culture vultures! The 3.5-hour ride from Leipzig to Stuttgart is a time machine disguised as a train.

Start in Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach’s music still echoes in the St. Thomas Church.

Then, zip past Erfurt’s half-timbered houses to Stuttgart, a city where Baroque palaces share sidewalks with futuristic car museums.

The ICE 4’s noise-canceling tech keeps the ride library-quiet, so you can unwind between stops.

Need a detour? Hop off in the Black Forest for a slice of cherry cake or a hike among misty pines.

Whether you’re into classical music or horsepower, this route stitches together Germany’s past and present like nowhere else.

5. Hamburg to Vienna: Christmas Magic on Rails

Winter warriors, rejoice! The ICE 4’s 7-hour snowy sprint from Hamburg to Vienna turns holiday travel into pure enchantment.

Warm up with glühwein (mulled wine) from the onboard café as you glide past frost-dusted villages.

Stop in Nuremberg for its iconic Christkindlesmarkt, where hand-carved ornaments and gingerbread steal the show, then roll into Vienna just in time for Stephansplatz’s twinkling lights.

Practical perks? Heated seats, extra luggage space for gifts, and no icy road worries. The ICE 4 handles snow like a pro, thanks to weather-adaptive tech.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect nutcracker or savoring Sachertorte in Vienna, this route proves that winter travel doesn’t have to be a nightmare—it can be a snow globe come to life.

All Aboard the Future of Travel

So, why settle for cramped planes or endless highways when the ICE 4 offers speed, comfort, and front-row seats to Europe’s best landscapes?

These five routes aren’t just trips—they’re invitations to slow down (even at 250 km/h) and savor the journey.

Pack your curiosity, charge your camera, and let Germany’s engineering marvel show you how travel should be: effortless, exhilarating, and always unforgettable.

Ready to ride into the sunset—or a Christmas market? Your window seat awaits.