A city trip by train with Deutsche Bahn to the Netherlands is fast, easy, and sustainable. Tickets start at just €19.99 (subject to availability). Instead of sitting in highway traffic, your journey starts stress-free on the train. There’s time to read, watch the landscape roll by, and arrive fully relaxed. For me, traveling by train is the most comfortable and climate-friendly way to begin an adventure.

A Relaxed Start to Your City Trip by Train

The train ride already feels like part of the journey. As the scenery passes by, there’s time to unwind and look forward to what’s next. I love this calm beginning to a city trip by train.

The link to the offer Deutsche Bahn

Sneek – A Touch of Frisian Charm by the Water

Sneek in Friesland has a charming historic center, peaceful canals, and a relaxed atmosphere. Old merchant houses, small boutiques, and cozy cafés line the water. It’s the perfect place to slow down for a few days on a city trip by train.

The city’s landmark is impossible to miss: the famous Waterpoort, a historic water gate and Sneek’s most photographed spot. A walk along the canals shows how Sneek blends tradition with a lively local scene.

The city’s landmark is impossible to miss: the famous Waterpoort, a centuries-old water gate and Sneek’s most photographed sight. A walk along the canals shows how Sneek blends historic charm with a lively local scene.

Wandering through the narrow streets, you’ll find design shops, local products, and a mix of modern style and old-town charm. The distances are short, the pace is slow, and there’s always another view of the canals waiting around the corner.

Despite its young and lively vibe, Sneek has kept the charm of a small town. Distances are short, the atmosphere is calm, and around every corner new views of the canals and bridges open up. It’s easy to explore everything on foot, which makes a city trip by train here feel even more personal and relaxed.

My Favorite Moments in Sneek:

• Dinner at Brasserie De Koperen Kees
• Lunch at Bij Fier
• A cozy book & coffee break at Bente’s Books & Coffee
• Staying overnight at B&B Stadslogement By Peek
• Morning coffee at Just JP
• A sustainable boat tour with Greenjoy.nl

More on the region: Discover Friesland

Almere – Young, Modern & Full of Surprises

Almere is one of the Netherlands’ youngest cities. Founded in the 1970s on reclaimed land, it has grown into a vibrant and forward-thinking destination. Modern architecture, plenty of water, and wide green spaces make it truly unique.

A walk through the city shows how carefully it was planned. Wide promenades, open plazas, and contemporary buildings give Almere an urban feel — but nature and water are never far away. On weekends, locals head to the canals and beaches to sail, swim, or simply enjoy the sun.

Almere’s buildings tell their own story. The Wave and De Smaragd are striking landmarks and proof of the city’s bold design vision. In the Eilandenbuurt district, each house was designed by a different architect — walking here feels like exploring an open-air museum.

A highlight is the Nieuwe Bibliotheek. It’s more of a community hub than a classic library. Students work on laptops, families browse books, and others relax with a coffee while admiring the architecture.

Just minutes from the center is the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. Wild horses, deer, and countless bird species live here. It’s a paradise for nature lovers. And if you want to see what sustainable urban planning can look like, visit the site of Floriade Expo 2022. The international garden exhibition brought green innovation to Almere, and its ideas still shape the city today.

Just minutes from the center is the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. Wild horses, deer, and countless bird species live here. It’s a paradise for nature lovers. And if you want to see what sustainable urban planning can look like, visit the site of Floriade Expo 2022. The international garden exhibition brought green innovation to Almere, and its ideas still shape the city today.

My Top Highlights in Almere

• 42 kilometers of waterfront and eight city beaches, including Zilverstrand
• Nieuwe Bibliotheek – a modern library and community space
• The Wave & De Smaragd – two architectural icons
• Eilandenbuurt – a neighborhood designed like an open-air gallery
• Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve – with wild horses, deer, and rare birds
• Floriade Expo 2022 site – a showcase for sustainable ideas
• Dinner at Bohttps://boutiqalmere.nlutiQ, highly recommended!

Almere stands for the perfect balance between bold urban development and a relaxed quality of life. It’s a place full of surprises and smart, future-focused ideas — a destination that proves just how inspiring a city trip by train can be.

More on the region: Experience Almere

Fazit

A city trip by train to the Netherlands shows just how diverse the country is. In Sneek, you’ll find Frisian charm by the water. In Almere, you’ll discover modern architecture and green spaces. Traveling with Deutsche Bahn is affordable, comfortable, and sustainable.

And the best part? Your next adventure starts from €19.99.

This article was created in collaboration with the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC). My opinion remains unaffected by this partnership