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If there’s one thing Europe can brag about against America, it’s their massive train system.
I don’t know about you, but every time I venture ‘across the pond’ I’m amazed at how cheap domestic flights can be and how well each country seems to be connected by trainboth high speed and the ‘we’ll get there eventually’ kind of attitude.
While planes and trains each have their own appeal, hitting the rails makes it even more appealing when the words “high speed” are involved.
We at Travel Off Path have covered numerous new train routes across Europe scheduled for 2026, but this might be the best one to come!
Why?
Because more travelers say au revoir to Paris and other global icons in favor of discovering the lesser known.
A few underrated cities will soon be easily accessible Deutsche Bahn high-speed trainwith even more hidden gems if you fancy the full journey.
Underrated city #1: Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
When I first heard about Cologne, it was number one Parts unknown episode, essentially presented as Germany’s emerging cool city, along with its quirky twin, Dusseldorf.
A lot has changed since then.
While most still put Berlin and Munich at the top of their bucket list, Cologne has certainly become one of the trendiest destinations in Central Europe.
Home to one of Germany’s most awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals and perhaps the Rhine’s liveliest waterfront. Cologne boasts history, culture and nightlife without the grit of Berlin or the touristy atmosphere of Munich.
German operator Deutsche Bahn is launching their exciting new route with Cologne as the perfect starting point, but we’re not sure we agree…
There are no direct flights to Cologne from the US
Flying to Brussels and visiting Cologne?
Listen: There’s no doubt you’ll get your money’s worth with 2 great destinations that many tourists often skip.
That said, let’s go ahead and dive into the meat of the route starting from Cologne:
- Cologne
- Aachen
- Shutter
- Leuven
- Brussels
But there is a warning…
Few Americans benefit from finishing at the last stop, and here’s why:
From Cologne, Deutsche Bahn’s fast ICE trains speed through beautiful scenery that seems like a blur from your window seat, stopping in a few unnamed small towns before finally terminating in Brussels Airport.
No, not a centrally located train station, but an airport half an hour by another train from the city center, home to Brussels’ beautiful Grand Place (Brussels’ most popular selfie spot).
So why do we think it’s best for Americans to take this route in reverse?
Since there are six major American cities with direct flights to this airport, you can see the sights all over Brussels, perhaps even transfer to other Belgian gems like Ghent, and then merrily make your way to perhaps the coolest city in Europe, Cologne.
Further & Antwerp: Belgium’s little-known city
Belgium is one of those countries that you think you have a handle on, given Brussels’ extensive connectivity and because it is highly publicized.
But if you’re not staying in Brussels, you’ll often encounter fellow travelers and guidebooks referring to charming small towns like Ghent and Bruges, rather than the country’s second-largest city. Antwerp.
The truth is that Brussels, as beautiful as its aesthetics may be, may have you too doubtful in your decision to visit, given some ugly reports on the ground.
That was the case last fall reported by their own Brussels Times that at least 150 violations were reported every month – and those are just the reported violations…
Of course you can decide for yourself, but that makes urban expansions such as Antwerp and the aforementioned charmers more attractive to visit.
Antwerp is known as a huge port, with its own Gothic masterpiece that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Cathedral of Our Lady that rivals Brussels’ wonders and an unmissable fashion and art scene, even if that’s not your problem.
Let us know above how you feel in Belgium!
The complete route and schedule
Assuming you follow our advice and start your trip in Brussels, below you will find the full route, where you can go to Antwerp and return, or leave for Germany:
- Antwerp
- Brussels Airport ↕️
- Leuven
- Shutter
- Aachen
- Cologne
The trains will run twice a day, with a journey time of about 2 hours between Cologne and Brussels.
The launch date is expected for September 7, 2026.
