A summer adventure in Germany: see forests, cities, and countryside by train

Attention all football supporters attending UEFA EURO 2024™: if you’re searching for a fun and sustainable way to make the most of your journey to the tournament, we have some good news. 

Deutsche Bahn, as a National Partner of UEFA EURO 2024™, has collaborated with UEFA to make the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 (managed by Eurail) available exclusively to match ticket holders. With this Pass, you can travel by train to and from Germany to support your national team.

To illustrate how the Pass works, we created a sample itinerary for a hypothetical traveller from Lyon, who has purchased the 10-travel-day option to attend the French national team’s matches on 17 June, 21 June, and 25 June 2024. 

If you have additional questions about the Pass, please take a look at our dedicated FAQ page. We hope you have an unforgettable time at the tournament!  

Travel day 1: Lyon to Interlaken

The adventure begins! On your way from France to your first match in Germany, take a few days to explore one of Switzerland’s most jaw-dropping destinations: the Jungfrau region, in the Bernese Alps. 

Beginning in Lyon, take the train to Interlaken, transferring twice in Geneva and Bern. In total, your journey should take about five-and-a-half hours. During the journey, dont't forget to look out the train windows to catch sight of the snow-capped mountains and idyllic Swiss countryside. 

In addition to exploring Interlaken’s charming streets, shops, and cafes, experience the beauty of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun aboard a BLS Interlaken Lake Cruise. Interrail travellers can sail for free on these boat services. 

Travel day 2 and 3: Exploring the Jungfrau region

From the shores of Interlaken, take a 20-minute ride on the Berner Oberland-Bahn into the mountains to Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a valley with waterfalls cascading down from the cliffs above. It’s said that J.R.R. Tolkein drew inspiration for Rivendell, home of the elves in the Lord of the Rings series, from Lauterbrunnen. Once you arrive, it will be easy to see why. 

From Lauterbrunnen, travellers can use the Pass to access Wengen and Mürren, two mountain towns situated higher up in the Bernese Alps; each make an ideal base for a visit to the Jungfrau region. Spend an extra day taking the train around the region to stops such as Grindelwald, Winteregg, and beyond. As of December 2023, many of the region’s train lines are included in the Pass network.  

Find plenty of ideas for adventure in the Jungfrau region here.  

Travel day 4: The Jungfrau region to Basel

After hiking to your heart’s content in the Jungfrau region, it’s time to start making your way to Germany to experience the thrills of UEFA EURO 2024™. Halfway between the Jungfrau region and Düsseldorf, Basel is a helpful stopover point for travellers who wish to break up their journey. From Lauterbrunnen, the train ride to Basel should take about two-and-a-half hours, with a transfer at Interlaken Ost.

While in Basel, wander through the picturesque Old Town and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural offerings with a visit to one of its museums. Fun fact: the Kunstmuseum Basel is said to be home to the oldest public art collection in the world. 

Travel day 5: Basel to Düsseldorf

Let the games begin: after a four-and-a-half-hour direct train ride to Düsseldorf, you’ll be dropped into the excitement of the UEFA EURO 2024™. On 17 June, France will face off against Austria at Düsseldorf Arena – join your fellow supporters in the stands to cheer Les Bleus on to victory. 

While in Düsseldorf, treat yourself to a cruise on the Rhine, followed by a stroll down the street-art-covered Kiefernstraße. Searching for a snack or souvenirs? Just pop by Carlsplatz Markt (or one of the city’s other markets) and peruse the wide offerings of baked goods, cheese, produce, and other specialties available for purchase.

Travel day 6: Düsseldorf to Leipzig

Ready for match #2? On 21 June, France will play the Dutch national team at Leipzig Stadium. Plan to arrive at least a day ahead of time to fully immerse yourself in the pre-match excitement. 

Travelling from Düsseldorf to Leipzig takes approximately five hours, with one transfer along the way. Spend a few days after the match sightseeing around the city – the Bach Museum is an essential stop for music fans, as well as St .Thomas Church, where visitors can pay a visit to Johann Sebastian Bach’s grave. 

Travellers can also dive into the city’s contemporary art scene with a visit to the Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei, a former cotton spinning mill that is now home to over 100 artists’ studios, as well as performances spaces, restaurants and beyond. 

Travel day 7: Leipzig to Dortmund

Your third and final match of the UEFA EURO 2024™ takes place on 25 June at the legendary BVB Stadion Dortmund, where the French national team will face a yet-to-be-decided opponent.

Travellers can reach Dortmund from Leipzig with a five-hour direct train ride across the heart of Germany. Relax and enjoy the views of Germany's countryside from the train windows. 

Before experiencing the match, take time to visit the German Football Museum for an extra dose of football fun. The museum includes a deep dive into Bundesliga’s history, as well as an exhibition about the development of women’s football. 

Travel day 8: Dortmund to Bad Wildbad

After wrapping up your UEFA EURO 2024™ experience, there’s no need to rush back home; instead, travel back to Lyon via the Black Forest to experience a few of Germany’s hidden gems. 

Bad Wildbad, a charming town tucked amid the pines in southeast Germany, is an ideal home base for exploring the Black Forest. After checking out the town’s restaurants, shops and cafes, take the funicular up to the Sommerberg for some fresh air. Don’t miss the Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald, a treetop walking path that leads visitors to a dramatic spiral viewing platform overlooking much of the Black Forest. 

Pro-tip: After experiencing the Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald, venture further on hiking trails to the Waldgaststätte Grünhütte, a restaurant known for its pancakes with jam.

Travel day 9: Bad Wildbad to Strasbourg 

On your way back to Lyon from the Black Forest, split up your journey with a stay in Strasbourg, just over the German border in eastern France. Just two hours (and two transfers) from Bad Wildbad, it’s a convenient place to wind down your adventure while experiencing a taste of the Alsace region’s distinctive culture. 

While in Strasbourg, make sure to see the city’s highlights – such as the intricate and mesmerising astronomical clock inside the cathedral – as well as relax at the Parc de l'Orangerie or at a waterside cafe. You’ve covered a lot of ground during your UEFA EURO 2024™ adventure; take time to savour and reflect while soaking up the sun.

Travel day 10:  Strasbourg to Lyon

It’s time to travel home to Lyon, after experiencing three UEFA EURO 2024™matches, six European cities and two awe-inspiring natural destinations along the way. Spend your tenth and final travel day journeying back to Lyon from Strasbourg on a four-hour-long direct train ride. 

We hope this itinerary is a helpful illustration of how travellers can use the 10-day Interrail Pass UEFA EURO 2024™. Learn more about the Pass here and visit the dedicated FAQ page if you have any questions. Enjoy the matches – and the journey to reach the tournament!