Freiburg and the Black Forest by First Class rail

Lying in a secluded wine-rich corner of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg is a laid-back university city, and widely known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”. Enjoy time to explore its atmospheric cobblestoned lanes and beautifully preserved medieval centre, along with the wider Black Forest region, on this 4 night / 5 day holiday by First Class rail.

Day 1 – London to Freiburg  

Your holiday begins as you enter beautifully restored St. Pancras International station; take the time to appreciate the splendour of the magnificent glass roof before making your way to the Eurostar check-in. Then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’s First Class for leisure travellers). On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord, it is a short walk to the Gare de l’Est for your onward journey to Karlsruhe, where you change trains for the last part of your journey to Freiburg, in the heart of the Black Forest.  Here you are making your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the stylish and welcoming Oberkirch Hotel (4 star), ideally located directly opposite the famous cathedral.

Days 2-4 – Freiburg

You have three full days to discover the charming university city of Freiburg. You might like to start with a stroll around the Old Town with its historic gabled townhouses and relaxing squares. Then depending on the day of the week head to the Cathedral square in the morning to see the farmer’s market. Explore the side streets and step over the many Bächle, which are tiny water-filled runnels or formalised rills unique to Freiburg. You might then like to head up the Schlossberg (Castle Hill), a mountain extension of the Black Forest which has now been terraced to house a beer garden and a seating area from which to enjoy views of the whole city. If you do wish to venture further afield, the lakeside resort of Titisee, bustling Karlsruhe and the beautiful city of Heidelberg are all easily accessible by train.

Day 5 – Homeward bound 

This morning after breakfast make your way back to Freiburg im Breisgau station for your journey back to Paris via Karlsruhe. Stretch out in your comfortable First Class seat and reflect on the experiences of the last few days as you travel through Germany and back into France. In Paris you walk the short distance back to the Gare du Nord where you connect with the Eurostar to London.  Let the train take the strain as you enjoy a light meal and drinks in your Standard Premier Class seat. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St. Pancras for the final stage of your journey home.