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Ffestiniog Travel · Escorted tour

Denmark & Northern Germany

Twelve-day escorted rail journey from Cologne through Denmark to northern Germany

Illustration of Denmark & Northern Germany

Ffestiniog Travel's 12-day escorted tour combines mainline and heritage railway travel across Denmark and northern Germany, departing London via Eurostar to Cologne and ending in Rostock. A tour leader from London accompanies throughout. The journey weaves between major cities (Hamburg, Aarhus, Copenhagen) and railway heritage sites, with overnight stays ranging from one to three nights in each location. Day 4 centers on a paddle steamer cruise on the Silkeborg Lakes and the Veteranbanen steam railway; Day 7 takes you on Denmark's longest narrow gauge line at Hedehusene; Days 9 and 10 feature the Molli and Rasender Roland steam railways in Germany. Between organized excursions, free time allows independent exploration of Copenhagen's Nyhavn and other city attractions. Hotel accommodation includes breakfast; all rail travel is in Standard Class. This tour suits repeat rail travellers and history enthusiasts seeking a guided pace with substantial heritage railway focus.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is currently published for July 2026; availability and departures beyond that date are not listed.
  • The from-price includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; meals beyond breakfast are not included.
  • Several days offer free time for independent exploration; this is not a fully guided itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    London to Cologne

    A mid-morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels then onwards to Cologne where we have an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Hamburg

    Miniatur Wunderland

    Today we continue to Hamburg and check in to our hotel for the evening. This afternoon we visit the world’s largest model railway exhibition Miniatur Wunderland.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aarhus

    On to Aarhus

    After a leisurely breakfast we take a train to Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city and the centre of the Aarhus region. We check in to our hotel for a 2-night stay and the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city or ride the Letbanen light rail system.

  4. Day 4overnight: Aarhus

    Steam Day

    Morning coach transfer to Silkeborg where we board the “Hjejlen”, the world’s oldest original coal-fired paddle steamer still in operation. The Hjejlen sails on the Silkeborg Lakes in the heart of the Lake District Søhøjlandet and gives you a unique opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery from the water. Our day continues with a visit to the Veteranbanen Bryrup-Vrads where we take a nostalgic journey by steam through beautiful countryside before returning by coach to Aarhus for the evening.

  5. Day 5overnight: Copenhagen

    Onwards to Copenhagen

    Departing after breakfast we arrive in Copenhagen in time for lunch. We check in to our hotel for a 3-night stay and the afternoon is free for you to explore this wonderful city. You could visit the famous Little Mermaid statue or head to the old harbour, Nyhavn, or maybe take a canal cruise for an alternative view of the city.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Copenhagen

    National Railway Museum

    Today we travel by rail to Odense, home of the Danish National Railway Museum. The museum is situated in an authentic engine shed from 1954 and houses Denmark’s oldest preserved steam engine from 1868 along with many other exhibits. The afternoon is free for you to explore the old town, perhaps visit the childhood home of Hans Christian Anderson or ride the local trams.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Copenhagen

    Hedelands Veteranbanen

    We take a short ride on a regional train to Hedehusene, for a visit to the Hedeland Vintage Railway, Denmark’s longest narrow gauge steam railway which is currently 5.5km long. We visit the exhibits and take a return journey before returning to Copenhagen for some free time.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Rostock

    Return to Germany

    A coach transfer to the Danish Tramway Museum for an exclusive visit and to ride some vintage trams on the forest line. We then continue by road to Gedser Remise, a preserved railway roundhouse and museum. After our visit we make our way to the ferry terminal to board the ferry to Rostock where we transfer to our hotel and check in for a 3-night stay.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Rostock

    The Molli

    A short journey to Bad Doberan and the home of the line affectionately known as the Molli. The rail route travels through the streets of Bad Doberan to the coastal resort of Bad Kühlungsborn. Enjoy some free time for sightseeing before returning to Rostock.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Rostock

    Rasender Roland

    The island of Rügen is a favourite destination for German tourists and the railway with it’s steam trains is an important attraction. Nicknamed the ‘Rasender Roland’ (‘Rushing Roland’) we have time to explore the whole line before returning once again to Rostock.

  11. Day 11overnight: Cologne

    On to Cologne

    Leaving Rostock on a regional service we travel to Hamburg where we change onto an ICE service for the journey to Cologne. On arrival we check in to our hotel for an overnight stay.

  12. Day 12rail

    Homeward Bound

    After breakfast we head to the station to board an ICE to Brussels where we check in for the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Visit Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, the world's largest model railway exhibition.
  • Day 4Board the Hjejlen paddle steamer on the Silkeborg Lakes, then ride the Veteranbanen steam train from Bryrup to Vrads.
  • Day 7Travel Denmark's longest narrow gauge steam railway, the Hedeland Vintage Railway at Hedehusene.
  • Day 9Ride the Molli steam train through the streets of Bad Doberan to the coastal resort of Bad Kühlungsborn.
  • Day 10Explore the Rasender Roland steam railway on Rügen island.

Included

  • All rail travel as stated in Standard Class
  • Standard Class InterRail Pass
  • Transfers as listed
  • Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Excursions as listed
  • Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel is included in Standard Class, including Eurostar (London to Brussels to Cologne and return), ICE trains between Cologne, Hamburg, and Rostock, regional trains, and heritage steam railways.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Ffestiniog Travel provides a tour leader from London who accompanies the entire 12-day journey.
What are the main heritage railways?
The Veteranbanen (Bryrup to Vrads steam), Hedeland Vintage Railway (Denmark's longest narrow gauge), Molli (Bad Doberan to Bad Kühlungsborn steam), and Rasender Roland (Rügen island steam).
What is included in the price?
All rail travel in Standard Class, accommodation in good quality hotels with breakfast, coach transfers, the paddle steamer cruise, ferry crossing, museum visits, and the tour leader's services.
How many nights do I spend in each city?
Cologne (2), Hamburg (1), Aarhus (2), Copenhagen (3), and Rostock (3).
When does this tour run?
One departure is scheduled for July 2026 at £3,050 per person (approximately USD 4,073).

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