Travelling by train has just become a lot cheaper in Germany (at least, for the next three months). Our government is financing a monthly ticket for 9 Euro with which you can travel to every possible location within Germany.
There is one major restriction, e.g. you can only use it for regional trains, it is not valid in intercity and intercity express trains, i.e. a train ride from Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the South to Kiel in the North might take a while – but maybe in travelling it is more about the journey, not the arrival.
For me the attraction is combining trains with cycling. It definitely increases my radius and I’m looking forward to my summer break.
Taking a bike is better in some trains than in others. It can get very crowded. In fact, Deutsche Bahn jas already said that they will limit the bikes on a train if necessary
In fact, it is feared that trains will overload specifically on the popular tourist routes with so many Germans and visitors rushing to buy the cheap tickets.
For Amanda’s Friendly Friday Challenge: Trains, Tales and Tall Stories.
pictures imperfect blog 
What a great plan. Lots of train travel, with no reliance on the pesky car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cologne train station has already been closed because of over crowding 😣 It’s a long weekend in Germany, with Monday a public holiday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Joining our Jubilee celebrations then ;)?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, not really. It’s Whitsunday and -monday. BTW: I remember being part of the Golden Jubilee in Saudi. The Scouts held a parade in honour of the jubilee and we ( = scout leaders) were asked to wear something gold. I ended up in a golden sari.
LikeLike
I’d love to have seen that. And it’s many years since we had a Bank Holiday on Whit Monday here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An amazing opportunity to see more of the smaller cities in Germany. 9 euros is so cheap! Make the most of it and hope they find room for your bike every time.
Thanks for joining in with Friendly Friday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve just written – the first train stations have been closed because of over-crowding, in some trains people have been asked to de-board. The ticket came into effect on 1 June but this weekend is a long one, with Monday being a public holiday, and in many areas also the beginning of a two week school break. 😣
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine it will be chaotic for a while but may settle down once the kids return to school. It really is a great initiative.
LikeLike
A great idea 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great thought. Not so sure about the execution. (see my replies to Margaret and Amanda).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see what you mean
LikeLike
Sounds good, but I foresee overcrowding!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing to foresee – it has already started. The original idea, if I understand correctly, was to help people who commute to work with escalating prices. Why then during the summer / holiday season? Why when we are not sure about COVID? And without forward planning? — I am going to get a ticket but I probably will not be using it on weekends and during rush hour (they don’t allow bikes on during rush hour most days, anyway).
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of those things that ‘sounded like a good idea…” I gather this is to encourage more public transit use, given higher costs for petrol ?
It’s still a great deal, if you can plan around peak travel times. I’m guessing that commuters will appreciate not having bikes cluttering the trains.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I understood it, it was mainly meant to relieve people who commute to work with public transport. …
LikeLike
It seems like a great idea. Who doesn’t like train travel?
LikeLiked by 1 person