German Rail Experience

Ms. Jane

Ms. J. L. Chua

Destination Q & A

Jane

Q: When was your visit?
The trip to Germany was in September this year. It was my first visit and it was a good time as it coincided with the Oktoberfest and the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Motor Show.

Q: Where in Germany did you travel?
I travelled to Frankfurt and Munich.

Q: What are the best places to visit?
I like both the places I visited. Oktoberfest is a great time to be in Munich. The events take place in large tents in the Theresienwiese Park filled with friendly drinkers dancing on tables and singing along to brass bands. Apart from the various beers, it is a good opportunity to try traditional German fare such as würstel (sausages) and reiberdatschi (potato pancakes). I was fortunate to attend the IAA, also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show. This is one of the largest motor shows in the world. 
More than 800,000 car enthusiasts and members of the automotive industry attended this year’s show, with nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 32 countries.  

Q: How did you make ticketing arrangements for German Rail?
I bought the German Rail pass through DEKS AIR TRAVEL & TOURS PTE LTD as they recommended us to do so.  It provides value for money and makes for a good arrangement, as we did not need to queue for tickets.

Q: Which stations did you connect with?
From Frankfurt Airport, it is possible to connect with the Main Central Station. The train station is a short distance from the luggage pick up point and it’s very convenient especially if you already have your German Rail pass before hand.


Q: Did you have a comfortable trip?
Yes, it was very comfortable with cushioned seats in open-plan saloons. Inside each carriage there are information displays showing the train's destination, information on the next stop and at times, the train's speed. The on board announcements are usually made in both English and German.

Q: What are the meal options on board?
There is a restaurant carriage on one end and a bistro-café car at the other. Breakfast is served on board as well as three course meals with beverages. The food was fantastic and we could tell the ingredients used were fresh. The desserts were very nice.

Q: Will you travel on German Rail again?
I will definitely consider it on my next trip. The German Rail is one of the most comfortable and impressive high-speed train system I’ve experienced.   

 
Q: Would you recommend it to friends/relatives?
Yes, I’ve told my friends and relatives about it and suggested they try the German Rail experience for themselves.

 
Q: What is your survival tip for visitors?
Germany is really a very easy country to get around and I can’t think of any need for a survival tip. 

11 Magic Cities Germany

Rail in Germany

(Article copyright (c) www.natastravel.com)

Getting around Germany is a breeze when you have access to a well connected inter city train service

11 Magic Cities: Frankfurt - Cologne - Duesseldorf - Hannover - Hamburg - Berlin - Dresden - Leipzig - Nuremberg - Munich - Stuttgart

Whether you arrive at Frankfurt or Munich, make the most of your trip to see more of Germany by signing up with the Fly & Rail service offered by Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway operator.

DB runs a nation wide train system with access to some 6,000 German railways stations. It is also a boon for tourists, connecting directly to major airports all over the country.

With the Intercity Express (ICE) service, it is possible to link to cities nation wide with connections available to Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart among others.

It certainly helps that some of these gateways have convenient railway links that make for seamless travel. Both Frankfurt and Munich airports have their own railway station and is about five minutes' walk from the baggage claim area. Upon arrival, you will soon find yourself warm and snug in the cosy carriages of the well-established DB train service.

Note: Visitors can book the German Rail Pass and make seats reservation through the DB appointed agency in Singapore, Deks Air Travel & Tours Pte Ltd. http://www.deksair.com

Free Consultation Call Tel: 63388188 or email rail@deksair.com.sg to make enquiries.  

PRICE LIST Download PDF

1. The Twin Pass and the German Rail Youth Pass offer more savings for those eligible.
2. Pass (3days - 10days) is valid to travel within 1 month

3. Prices quoted in Euro valid as of 1st January 2011 and are subjected to changes without prior notice (service fee applies). 

*children between 6 and up to including 11 years of age: 50% reduction
**price quoted are for 2 adults traveling together
***special discounted fare for young people between ages 12 and 25

 

Munich - a city with something for everyone

Munich is a fusion of the modern with the quaint; a place where tradition blends easily with the bustle of modern life; where the peaceful parks contrasts with the dynamic city and beer is just as important as business.

A walking tour through Munich’s exquisite old town is a highlight of any visit. The Bavarian capital is famous for its stately palaces and splendid churches, side by side with contemporary steel-and-glass structures.

A must visit is the Frauenkiriche (Cathedral of Our Lady), which is a distinctive landmark. Its Gothic towers and characteristic green onion shape copper domes are synonymous with the city.

Munich’s cultural scene is a key attraction and the city is home to a wide array of exceptional museums, including the Pinakothek art museum, which displays six centuries worth of sculpture and art.

Traditional festivals play a major role in the life of the city, including the world famous Oktoberfest, which is held in the last week of September, and the Christmas Market, which takes place every year in the central Marienplatz square.

Frankfurt – mix of the traditional and modern

Frankfurt is a modern city but it still has remnants of its old-world mediaeval past. One example is the Röemerberg town square, which provides a pleasant break from the skyscrapers that make up the city skyline. It was rebuilt after World War II and is surrounded by restaurants serving German fare such as Frankfurt's green sauce, a creamy herb sauce served with hard-boiled eggs and potatoes.

Order a frankfurter and it will be served to you with a hard roll and two thin sausages with mustard, not the Americanised hot dog. It goes well with Apfelwein, a piquant apple wine that is the choice tipple, as popular as the city’s myriad of festivals.

Frankfurt is a city that loves a good party and throughout the year, the city’s schedule of events comprises over 100 street festivals, markets, folk fairs, cultural celebrations and other open-air events.

Apart from its colourful theatre and opera performances, which includes the renowned Oper Frankfurt and the distinguished Alte Oper, Frankfurt also boasts a wonderful museum scene. Don’t miss the Goethe Museum, Bible Museum and Film Museum, especially the world-famous Städel Museum, which features a recent underground extension.

If you’re visiting during the yuletide season, then the traditional Christmas market is a must. The Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is staged at Römerberg from November to December, is a wonderful wintertime celebration considered one of Germany’s most dazzling Christmas markets.


(Article is written for www.natastravel.com)

Subway from Incheon to Seoul City in 43 minutes!

It is finally here!

Commuters can now look forward to travelling the Incheon Airport Express (AREX) Subway ride to Seoul station in just a mere 43 minutes!  Any holders of the Korea Pass can also use their stored transportation value to enjoy the subway. 

I.e. of Korea Pass:

Line Map 

Timetable

For more information: http://english.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/index.jsp

What's more for AREX Passengers - Free Shutter Bus Service!

Starting on October 15^th, international travellers travelling on Airport Railroad Express (AREX) Express Line from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station can look forward to enjoying the free shutter bus service available along the station to major hotels such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
 
Buses will depart between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. (Except 1 P.M.) on the first floor of Seoul Station and it will stop at Pacific Hotel, Hotel Prince, Seoul Sejong Hotel, Ramada Hotel, CO-OP Residence, and Eastgate Tower Hotel. 
 
AREX will also serve the Commuter Line from Incheon and Gimpo International Airports to major Seoul landmarks like Digital Media City Station, Hongik University Station, and Seoul Station. 

Images and Text Credits: Korea Tourism Organization