City breaks in Germany 2026 – travel in comfort, experience amazing moments | railtour travel blog
Germany is a country full of lively cities, cultural diversity and exciting experiences – from traditional metropolises to modern trendy districts. In 2026, getting there will be easier than ever: with new direct connections and modern night trains, you can travel in comfort from Switzerland to the heart of German cities, and your weekend will begin while you're still on the train.
Be inspired and plan your next train journey to Germany.
Overnight to Hamburg
Since December 2025, the new generation Nightjet has been connecting Zurich and Basel directly with Hamburg. Passengers who board in the evening arrive in the Hanseatic city the next morning well rested, without having to get up early or deal with the stress of the airport.
The modern night trains offer:
• Mini cabins with plenty of privacy
• Comfortable sleeping cars with fixed beds
• Wi-Fi and digital passenger information
• Private shower and toilet in selected compartments
Together with its partner railways, SBB is thus further expanding the European night train network. For travellers, this means saving time, travelling in a climate-friendly way and enjoying the first day of their holiday to the full.
Direct and convenient connections to major German cities
In addition to Hamburg, travellers also benefit from new direct connections without transfers. Since the timetable change in December 2025, additional trains have been running from Brig and Chur to Berlin, Hamburg, Mannheim and Frankfurt.
This makes the journey particularly easy for guests from eastern and south-eastern Switzerland. No changes, no long waiting times – just hop on and arrive comfortably in the city centre.
The train remains one of the most pleasant ways to travel.
Musicals in German cities in 2026
Germany is a stage for big emotions, and musical fans can look forward to a particularly varied year in 2026. From internationally successful productions and popular classics to new stagings, visitors can expect an impressive variety.
Glamorous revues, touching love stories or rousing pop shows: musicals combine music, dance and drama to create an unforgettable overall experience. Many theatres are also centrally located and can be ideally combined with a city break – discover the city during the day and immerse yourself in the world of the big stage in the evening.
We present selected cities and their highlights for 2026.
Hamburg
Hamburg will remain one of the top destinations for musical fans in 2026. The programme includes:
‘The Lion King’ – the timeless classic
‘Disney's Tarzan’ – with spectacular acrobatics
‘Back to the Future – The Musical’ – from spring 2026
The Hanseatic city inspires with large stage sets, international ensembles and impressive technology. A musical evening can be ideally combined with a walk along the Elbe, through the historic Speicherstadt or a visit to the Elbphilharmonie – turning a show visit into an all-round successful Hamburg experience.
Berlin
Berlin combines history, creativity and large-scale shows like no other city. In 2026, the capital will once again present itself as a diverse musical and entertainment hotspot. The programme includes:
‘Wir sind am Leben – Das Berlin Musical’ (We Are Alive – The Berlin Musical) – a new in-house production at the Stage Theater des Westens
‘Romeo & Julia – Liebe ist alles’ (Romeo & Juliet – Love is Everything) – a modern musical adaptation of the classic
‘Cabaret’ – the atmospheric stage classic at the Tipi am Kanzleramt
‘SIX – The Musical’ – the energetic international pop phenomenon
Many venues are centrally located and can be reached in a few minutes from Berlin Central Station.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is one of Germany's established musical venues and will be putting on some major stage productions in the south in 2026. The programme includes:
‘Frozen’ – the hit Disney musical with a touching story and impressive effects
‘We Will Rock You’ – the rousing rock musical featuring Queen's greatest hits
Modern theatres, top-class ensembles and the central location of many venues make Stuttgart the ideal destination for a weekend of shows, shopping and culinary discoveries.
