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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Freiburg and the Black Forest by First Class rail

Five-day First Class rail journey from London to Freiburg in the Black Forest.

Illustration of Freiburg and the Black Forest by First Class rail

Planet Rail's five-day tailor-made holiday takes you by First Class rail from London St Pancras through Paris and Karlsruhe to Freiburg, in the heart of Germany's Black Forest. You will travel independently with no guide or group, staying four nights at the four-star Oberkirch Hotel opposite Freiburg's Gothic cathedral. The outbound journey on Eurostar to Paris offers light meals and drinks in Standard Premier Class, then you continue in First Class comfort to Freiburg. Your first day ends with arrival and settling into the hotel. Days 2, 3, and 4 are entirely free: explore Freiburg's atmospheric medieval centre with its gabled townhouses, cobblestoned lanes, and the unique Bächle water runnels, or venture by train to nearby Titisee, Heidelberg, or Karlsruhe. Day 5 reverses the journey, returning to London via Paris. This suits independent travellers seeking comfort, first-time rail journeygoers, and couples who value unhurried exploration over constant motion.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1,795 covers accommodation and First Class rail between London and Freiburg, but any meals beyond hotel breakfast are not included.
  • The itinerary names no specific trains between Paris, Karlsruhe, and Freiburg; confirm the exact train times and connections with Planet Rail before booking.
  • Days 2 to 4 are unguided; you will plan your own activities in Freiburg and the Black Forest region.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Freiburg

    London to Freiburg

    From London St Pancras International travel by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class with light meal and drinks on board. From Gare du Nord it is a short walk to the Gare de l'Est for the onward journey to Karlsruhe, changing trains for the last leg to Freiburg in the heart of the Black Forest. Four nights at the stylish Oberkirch Hotel (4 star), directly opposite the famous cathedral.

  2. Day 2overnight: Freiburg

    Freiburg

    Discover the charming university city: the Old Town with its historic gabled townhouses, the cathedral square farmer's market, the Bächle water runnels unique to Freiburg, and the Schlossberg with its beer garden and views over the whole city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Freiburg

    Freiburg

    A second full day to explore Freiburg and the surrounding region; the lakeside resort of Titisee, bustling Karlsruhe and the beautiful city of Heidelberg are all easily accessible by train.

  4. Day 4overnight: Freiburg

    Freiburg

    A third full day at leisure in Freiburg and the wider Black Forest region.

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    From Freiburg im Breisgau station travel back to Paris via Karlsruhe in your comfortable First Class seat, then walk to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar to London St Pancras with a light meal and drinks in Standard Premier Class.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris in Standard Premier Class with light meal and drinks, then onward by First Class rail through Karlsruhe to Freiburg in the Black Forest.
  • Day 2Explore Freiburg's Old Town with its historic gabled townhouses, the cathedral square farmer's market, and the unique Bächle water runnels that run through the streets.
  • Day 3Visit the lakeside resort of Titisee or take a day excursion by train to Heidelberg or Karlsruhe, all easily accessible from Freiburg.

Included

  • First Class rail travel from London to Freiburg and return (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
  • 4 nights' accommodation at the Oberkirch Hotel in Freiburg, with breakfast each day

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of GBP 1,795 (USD 2,397) includes First Class rail from London St Pancras to Freiburg via Paris and Karlsruhe, and the return journey, plus four nights' accommodation with breakfast.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail describes this as a tailor-made, self-guided holiday. You will travel independently; there is no tour guide or group.
Which trains will I travel on?
Eurostar operates London St Pancras to Paris and Paris to London St Pancras in Standard Premier Class. You will travel First Class on the onward and return legs between Paris, Karlsruhe, and Freiburg, though Planet Rail does not name those specific trains.
What is included in the accommodation?
Four nights at the four-star Oberkirch Hotel in Freiburg, directly opposite the cathedral, with breakfast each day included.
What will I do on Days 2 to 4?
These are free days at leisure in Freiburg and the Black Forest region. You can explore Freiburg's medieval centre and cathedral, or take day excursions by local train to Titisee, Heidelberg, or Karlsruhe.
How much walking is involved?
Freiburg's Old Town has cobblestoned lanes and a historic centre you will explore on foot. Beyond that, the pace and distance depend on your own choices during the free days.

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