Cologne Travel Guide
Cologne is easily accessible from Austria and Switzerland, especially while you sleep, with the comfortable ÖBB night trains. ÖBB Nightjets make a regular stop in the Rhine metropolis on their routes to Amsterdam and Brussels. During Carnival season, Cologne is known as the “fool’s capital” of Germany. But the city is also famous year-round for its hospitality and open-mindedness.
Right outside the main train station, you’ll be almost overwhelmed by the impressive sight of Cologne Cathedral. Cologne can also be the starting point for a boat trip on the Rhine.
Genoa travel guide
The fascinating city of Genoa is a true gem and offers a multitude of attractions. It is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and lies on the charming Ligurian coast of the Mediterranean. Due to its long history dating back to ancient times, it is still considered an important port location, playing a key role in trade and voyages of discovery.
Genoa is also an ideal base for a trip to the Cinque Terre region or chic Portofino. The public transport network is recommended for exploring the area around Genoa.
Venice Carnival trave guide 2025
In 2025, the Venice Carnival took place from February 15 to March 4. The origins of this festival date back to 1094. This centuries-old tradition was revived in its current form in 1979.
In German-speaking countries, Carnival is often celebrated with copious amounts of alcohol, sometimes loud singing, and large parades. In Venice, however, the festival is quite different. This year’s parade on the Grand Canal took place on February 16. It always begins at 11:00 a.m. at Punta della Dogana and continues along the Grand Canal to Campo Erbaria.
At the head of this water parade sits the famous papier-mâché figure “Pantegana.” This Venetian word means rat. Near the Rialto Bridge, the giant rat explodes, releasing numerous balloons and confetti into the air.
Many magnificent and elaborately designed masks are a typical feature of the Carnival of Venice.
The 2026 Carnival will begin on February 7 and end on February 17.
Paris travel guide
Paris is the perfect destination for a brief visit. This vibrant city boasts an abundance of historical landmarks and cultural venues. The arcades and shopping malls provide a wide range of retail options alongside an eclectic culinary scene.
The OBB nightjet transports holidaymakers to the city of romance in comfort overnight. The eBook features numerous links to maps and reservation possibilities.
This travel guide has been developed in collaboration with OBB and Atout France.
Zurich travel guide
Zurich is a lively metropolis that radiates a distinctly unique charm. The city presents an extensive array of choices: alongside indulging in a shopping adventure on Bahnhofstrasse, one of the globe’s most opulent and celebrated shopping avenues, visitors can savour exquisite meals at top-tier restaurants situated along the banks of the Limmat. A multitude of fascinating excursion spots in the nearby region can be conveniently reached via public transport. Nature, culture, sports, and not to forget, a rich culinary landscape – all these experiences await to be discovered in and around Zurich.
Brussels travel guide
Brussels is not merely the capital of Belgium; it also serves as the administrative centre of the European Union. The city boasts a wealth of attractions, such as the Atomium, the Grand Place, and the iconic Manneken Pis.
Renowned for its superb chocolates and delightful waffles, both of which originate from Belgium, Brussels offers a culinary experience like no other. A visit to this vibrant city would be incomplete without sampling the world’s finest French fries, which are proudly Belgian. These twice-cooked potatoes are an essential treat for every visitor.
Additionally, beer enthusiasts will discover a wide array of options in Brussels. With over 280 breweries across Belgium producing a variety of delicious beers, visitors can enjoy classics like “Delirium Tremens” alongside the historic offerings from the “Affligem” brewery, one of the oldest beer producers in existence.
Amsterdam travel guide
Amsterdam is frequently dubbed the “city of sin.” This label primarily stems from the liberal mindset of its inhabitants. Actions that may be deemed immoral in other regions are either permitted or, at the very least, accepted in Amsterdam.
This perspective has transformed Amsterdam into a hotspot for travellers from across the globe who are intrigued by the city’s leniency. The lively nightlife, the myriad of cafes offering both imaginative and open-minded environments, and the vibrant red-light districts draw individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In this city, culture and enjoyment intertwine in a manner that is both invigorating and captivating, while simultaneously revealing a diversity that epitomises the fundamental principle of tolerance.
OBB nightjet routes 2025
Cinque Terre travel guide
Situated approximately 80 kilometres to the south of Genoa, there exists a genuine haven for hiking enthusiasts and those searching for tranquility: Cinque Terre. This collection of five charming villages along the Ligurian coastline includes Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre National Park spans an impressive 3,860 hectares and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Adjacent to this area is the Whale Sanctuary in the Mediterranean Sea, established in 1999, which serves as a habitat for fin whales, striped dolphins, and numerous other rare species of whales and dolphins. Visitors to this picturesque region can gather information at one of the “Welcome Centers.” Here, tickets for Cinque Terre are available for purchase, with options that include or exclude train travel. In most instances, accessing the hiking paths incurs a fee.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the trails of Cinque Terre offer varying levels of difficulty, allowing everyone to revel in the breathtaking natural beauty of the rugged coastline and cascading vineyards. Each village along the path provides unique landscapes and invites visitors to indulge in local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and regionally produced wines. As dusk falls, the villages come alive with charm, where quaint cafés and vibrant markets create perfect settings for unwinding after a day of exploration. With the sun setting over the horizon, it becomes abundantly clear that Cinque Terre is not merely a destination; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Italian life.
The cosy overnight trains operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) provide a seamless connection between Munich and Vienna, making this excellent destination easily accessible.
Basel travel guide
Basel is the third-largest city in Switzerland, following Zurich and Geneva. Known as the cultural capital of Switzerland, Basel captivates with its fascinating contrasts and warm hospitality. In addition to numerous historical buildings, the canton of Basel is home to around 40 museums.
The University of Basel was founded in the year 1460 and is one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe. Basel is a significant trade fair location. The pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Hoffmann-La Roche have their headquarters in Basel, establishing the city as an international centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Brenner Railway travel guide
The Brenner Railway forms a section of one of the most important European railway connections. As part of the Berlin-Palermo railway axis, it connects Munich via Innsbruck directly with Verona and then with Bologna.
Vienna travel guide
To describe Vienna in a single eBook is simply impossible. For this reason I have tried to present the city with lots of photographs and create an overview of exciting places and locations to visit on your next trip to this great city. Almost every street corner in Vienna has some connection to a famous musician, poet, politician or even members of the imperial family. I am inviting you to come on a colourful walk through the most liveable city in the world. Vienna can be reached from many European Cities on direct route by train. Especially the night train connections are very comfortable and travellers arrive in the city of Music whilst asleep.
Graz travel guide
Graz can be easily reached with the OBB trains. Thanks to the direct OBB nightjet connection, passengers reach the city of Graz asleep and stress-free. The old town of Graz is always worth a visit and offers numerous cultural highlights as well as excellent regional cuisine with many specialties.
Salzburg travel guide
Mozart, music, good food, and friendly people: This is Salzburg, the world’s stage. When visiting the city, you will discover very quickly that there are many more reasons to come to Salzburg more than just once. The Westbahn course turns at Salzburg towards Bischofshofen, Villach, and Italy, and the highways A1 and A10 split here as well. This allows visitors to reach major cities like Munich or Vienna quickly and conveniently. Having a drink at sundown at the Mönchsberg hill or sitting in a coffeehouse in the garden of Mozart’s house at Makartplatz is a true Salzburg experience.
Salzkammergut travel guide
Salzkammergut is the name given to the region from Fuschlsee, Wolfgangsee and Mondsee to the Almtal. It also extends from the Vöckla valley to the Dachstein and Grimming. The area is particularly popular with hikers. With the OBB nightjets you can easily get to the Salzkammergut via the city of Salzburg, which you can then travel to with the OBB regional trains.
Munich Travel Guide
The typical Bavarian way of life, the hearty meals and the ubiquitous beer are just a few of the reasons why tourists love to visit Munich. It is easy to walk to the city centre from Munich’s main train station. Even from your comfortable seat on the OBB Railjet you will be able to see that traffic in Munich is a whole other ballgame. Thankfully, the city is equipped with an excellent network of public transportation, which takes you from point A to point B quickly and without traffic jams.
