If there’s one bragging right Europe has against America, it’s their vast train system.
I don’t know about you, but every time I venture ‘across the pond’, I’m blown away by how cheap domestic flights can be and how well connected every country seems to be by train, both high-speed and the ‘we’ll get there eventually’ kind.
While planes and trains each have their own appeal, when it comes to the words “high speed”, that makes hitting the tracks even more enticing.
We at Travel Off Path have covered numerous new train routes across Europe that are slated for 2026, but this may be the best to come!
Why?
Because more travelers are saying au revoir to Paris and other global icons in favor of discovering the lesser-known.
A pair of underrated cities will soon be easily reachable by Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed train, with even more hidden gems if you’re up for the full journey.
Underrated City #1: Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
When I first heard of Cologne, it was featured on a Parts Unknown episode, essentially presented as Germany’s up-and-coming cool city, along with its quirky twin, Düsseldorf.
A lot has changed since then.
While most still circle Berlin and Munich atop their wishlist, Cologne has certainly become one of Central Europe’s trendiest destinations.
Home to one of Germany’s most awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral and perhaps the Rhine’s liveliest waterfronts, Cologne boasts history, culture, and nightlife without Berlin’s grit or Munich’s touristy vibes.
German operator Deutsche Bahn is marketing 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 U.S.
Fly To Brussels & Tack On Cologne?
Listen — there’s no doubt you will get your money’s worth with 2 awesome destinations many tourists tend to skip.
That said, let’s go ahead and dive into the meat of the route commencing from Cologne:
- Cologne
- Aachen
- Liege
- Leuven
- Brussels
But, there’s a caveat…
Few Americans will benefit from ending up at the last stop, and here is why:
Starting in Cologne, Deutsche Bahn’s speedy ICE trains will blast through beautiful scenery that may seem like a blur from your window seat and stop in a few no-name small towns before ultimately ending at Brussels Airport.
No, not a centrally located train station, but an airport half an hour by another train from the city center, hosting Brussels’ magnificent Grand Place (the most popular selfie spot).
So, why are we thinking it’s best for Americans to take this route in reverse?
Because there are 6 major U.S. cities with direct flights to this very airport, you can see the sights across Brussels, maybe even hop over to other Belgian gems like Ghent, and then be on your merry way to arguably Europe’s coolest city, Cologne.
Onward & Antwerp: Belgium’s Little-Known City
Belgium is one of those countries you feel you have a grasp on, given Brussels’ extensive connectivity and since it’s well publicized.
But if you don’t stay in Brussels, you’ll often find fellow travelers and guidebooks referencing charming small towns like Ghent and Bruges, not the country’s second largest city, Antwerp.
The truth is Brussels, as gorgeous as its aesthetics may be, might have you waffling in your decision to visit given some unsightly on-the-ground reports.
Last fall, it was reported by their very own Brussels Times that a minimum of 150 offenses were reported each month — and that’s just the ones reported…
Of course, you can make your decision, but that makes urban sprawls like Antwerp and aforementioned charmers more appealing to visit.
Antwerp is known as being a massive port, boasting its own UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece Cathedral of Our Lady that rivals Brussels’ marvels, and an unmissable fashion and arts scene, even if that’s not your jam.
Let us know above how you feel in Belgium!
The Full Route & Schedule
Assuming you follow our advice and start your trip in Brussels, listed below is the full route, where you can go to Antwerp and loop back, or set off to Germany:
- Antwerp
- Brussels Airport ↕️
- Leuven
- Liege
- Aachen
- Cologne
The trains are set to run twice daily, with a travel time of roughly 2 hours between Cologne and Brussels.
The launch date is expected for September 7, 2026.
