My First Time Onboard a DB ICE Train in Germany. Hamburg to Leipzig Return in First Class...

[@Steeler-wg5zo]

A little tip: If you know the carriage number, there will also be a letter from A - D on the ticket. These are the letters that are too displayed quite large on the platforms. You can go to the corresponding zone from A - D and then you don't have to search for the carriage and rush around later.

[@effektgeraeteinfo]

Yes and you can see them on the bottom of the displays on the platform too, like at 8:33 in the video.

[@lilmouse4750]

This is true, very useful it is 😊

[@Tajarim88]

Only if DB actually knows what's going on for once. Usually you have to place yourself in the middle of the train and run towards your compartment.

[@kludgie]

I usually find the long-distance train layout diagrams (Wagenstandsanzeiger) located on the platform (in the same display cases as the timetables) are pretty accurate for working out where to stand.

[@ijstock]

The great thing about that small first class compartment is that if you really *are* at the front (i.e. not with another unit in front), the glass will go clear and you can watch where you are going over the driver's shoulder. Hence the banked up seats.

[@barvdw]

Indeed, I love those seats, but only if the driver activates the window (it's smart glass, it's opaque when not in operation, but run a current through it, and it becomes see-through.) It's also a quiet compartment, great for a nap.

[@briangentle5515]

Yes, I had a seat there from Cologne to Brussels once, but the one at the back. The glass was clear and we had a similar view to the one you used to get on traditional trains through the rear coach window; just a bit faster!

[@olli2591]

It will only go clear if the driver wants it to. It's entirely dependent on luck.

[@drealcf7513]

The small Cabin you showed in the second train was once used as a telephone cell. The train is older than mobile phones so this was a nice way to communicate right from the train. But the service is out of use nowadays cause like everybody has a smartphone. The cabin obviously still does remain :)

[@Mishima505]

The scenery in northern Germany reminds me of the Fens in England. There’s a saying in German that translates as “the land is so flat that you can already see on Tuesday who’s coming to visit you on Wednesday.”

[@tissot233]

DB app is pretty good what I have noticed travelling across Germany a bit due to my work. Good on buying tickets, live info on delays and it tells you where to wait so you are right on front of your carriage. Not much of a problem considering the length of trains here in Finland, but over there a handy thing.

[@mikemitchell418]

Hello from Northern California USA! I find your videos and adventures absolutely fascinating. Thank you for sharing them. Maybe one day I will get the chance to see Germany in person. Until then I will continue appreciate your videos. Many thanks!

[@wandaenman5630]

What an unexpected delight. A mid week video of very cool trains. I loved it. What a busy place. Fabulous as always Steve. 😍

[@saintuk70]

03:05 that's what they thought ;)

[@wandaenman5630]

Really, did that make you feel good? Unbelievable. @@richarddevaottien7724

[@stevewilson8467]

Absolutely love Hamburg! Miniatur Wonderland, the bustling river front, the stunning architecture and of course, great beer. The main station is indeed crazy busy but does have plenty of shops and eateries, not an ideal place to go with a hangover though..

[@jericho1961]

Suspending reality for a minute - it was difficult to watch you get off the train in Leipzig knowing what would happen later and not being able to warn you. A bit of a weird curl in the timeline. This said, you closed this series in such a satisfying way! Another great one in the books and lots of lovely treats. Win-Win!!

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Very interesting trains, so clean and well organized. Hamburg also looks very tidy. Loved your favorite shop! Thanks, loved it!

[@kristianbarford]

I travel between Rotterdam - where I'm based - and Hamburg, and I always elect to take Deutsche Bahn's ICE trains. Everyone in shipping I know in Rotterdam tend to either drive or fly from Schiphol, but for me it's more hassle than it's worth. I love the bistro car; always have me a currywurst + frites and a Bitburger pils. Speaking of currywurst, there was a stand just before you boarded in Hamburg; no word of a lie, THE nicest currywurst I've ever had. You just wouldn't expect that sort of quality from a station stall.

[@notactuallymyrealname]

I always worry about getting on the wrong train too! That's actually why I started paying attention to train journey channels on KZbin -- it's so helpful to see a variety of videos shot in train stations I'm planning to visit. Some of those channels, like yours, have ended up being continued favorites!

[@MrSquuqs]

My wife and I went from Hildesheim to London first class, under the tunnel, once. It was fantastic, free food, free drinks ..All it cost was 20€ more than the normal price, some special deal that the lady at information sorted out. We went back to normal second class for the return journey. Trains in Germany are good. Next time go to Berlin Steve, you won't regret it ..

[@Cayldan]

As a German, it was interesting to watch your experiences with DB. I recently traveled with the ICE from Cologne to Hamburg and I must say that the Hamburg train station made a very run-down impression on me. Since the DB privatization 30 years ago, no more money has been put into maintenance and that's excactly what it looks like today. Regarding your comment that you had no DB lounge access: You need a 1st class in the Flexpreis category. This is the most expensive category. I don't think that it is worth the money, that's why I always prefer 2nd class Sparpreis. And yes! The german Currywurst is a classic german streetfood and it get's even better if you combine it with "Pommes rot/weiß" ;-)

[@conorbrown792]

Currywurst is pure muck 😂

[@Cayldan]

@@conorbrown792 If you love pure muck then try a Döner as well

[@RichardParker-hc6dn]

Hi Steve, really interesting video. I have never seen so many trains and tracks in all my life. I'm almost 80 years old too. Great train trip but very crowed most of the time. Thanks for another great video. Keep up the good work, I love it! 😍

[@Timstravels01]

Congratulations on the 100k subscribers! Very well deserved! An excellent video as always mate. That train looked fabulous and 1st class looked very comfortable indeed.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Beer and pretzels, now that’s my kind of fine dining. 👏👏👍😎 So looking forward to a future “ Steve in Berlin “ video. It’s a lovely city with so much to see. Thank you for the bonus video.

[@Blackadder75]

I never understood how people can eat those pretzel thingies... yuck!

[@clareclark6535]

Two uploads thank you 😊 That shop is lovely x

[@sheilam4525]

Dont ever worry about not vlogging if you are tired, Steve, your health comes first!

[@simonboulton4490]

Steve I love the German railway stations they are so big and interesting I think I need to visit Berlin, Hamburg and Leipzig. Great video Steve you are really good at train and station videos.

[@shirkahn92]

Hamburg Station is just a mess in my opinion - always full of people and there are way to small platforms. I'm always happy when I leave Hamburg. Maybe you should also consider the Uelzen Hundertwasser Station which is near Hamburg - Munich has also a huge train station as well as Frankfurt - where you have a nice view on the skyscrapers when driving towards the station. And in 12/2025 Stuttgart (S21) opens its new train station - which looks pretty cool, but is totally useless regarding the increase of train capacities...

[@mijos3]

Hamburg is definitely a beautiful city, but the station, well, just avoid it whenever you can. As a local I can tell you that as you may saw in the video, the station is exceptionally busy, especially in rush hour. Additionally, the station itself and the area around it is a major criminal hotspot. You may board your ICE in Altona or Dammtor station (most ICEs will also stop there BEFORE they go to the main station, so you have some extra time to find an unreserved seat if you haven’t reserved one, as most people will board at the main station). Both stations (Dammtor + Altona) are quiet in comparison to the main station and you’ll also find many shops and things to buy for your journey.

[@billnict1]

Excellent! A midweek VLOG, what a treat!

[@davidshaw5979]

Berlin is fantastic its a must "do" place and so cheap to travel around . all the best

[@Chris_Carini]

I always enjoy my trips in Germany. Berlin is wonderful. So is Dresden. 🙂

[@geogeek7816]

STEVE! Congrats on you 100k subscriptions!🎉🎉🎉

[@iankendrick5282]

Germany very clean and very organised transport wise great vog trains very good

[@rodgerraubach2753]

I was in Germany in August and went from Dresden to Vienna after travel from Leipzig. I made a big loop starting in Munich and then Heidelberg, thence to Leipzig. Stayed in Leipzig for 4 nights and then to Dresden for 2 nights. The speed was phenomenal at 300 to 315 kph on the long stretches.

[@lvsluggo007]

I must say the DB ICE trains have really improved since I last rode one, actually I believe one of the very early ICE trains that DB ran. This was back in 1971 during my year in Germany, with the US Army. I rode an ICE once, between Frankfurt and Wurzburg, where I normally, to save money, I took the regular trains. As an E4 in the Army, my pay didn't allow for very much 1st class travel. The only reason I took the ICE was I'd just missed the connecting train that would have taken me "home" to Bamberg from Frankfurt.I noticed there was an ICE due in, that would get me to at least Wurtzburg, then I could catch a regular train from there to Bamberg. I asked an attendant if I could upgrade to the ICE and if so, how much would it cost.. Turns out it was only 20marks, if I remeber correctly. Very nice ride!!!

[@Quasihamster]

The first ICEs ran in 1991, so a full 20 years after your trip. Maybe you rode an IC?

[@GrandTheftChris]

You must have traveled in time and took the whole ice train with you lol.

[@christianx8494]

In those days the English term „Intercity“ had just been introduced for express trains. They were conventional coaches pulled by one or two diesels on the non- electrified tracks or one electric loco, usually the then newly introduced E 103. Today we still have those conventional trains as Eurocities. They often have coaches from all over Europe. The Intercity Express trains follow a complete different design. The motors are all along the train in various places under the floor and not just behind the drivers‘s cab.

[@aslandama]

That shop looked amazing for sure. Thanks for sharing as always.

[@southernairs]

Nice trip report on the ICE Train Steve!

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Delighted to find this here for mid week pleasure, thank you so much and stay safe and get some sleep.

[@michaelscott2789]

Trains are for sleeping in. Hamburg's a great city. Driving into it from the south is interesting passing over the harbour looking down on the container ships. You really have to go to Berlin m8, the atmosphere is amazing. Been a great set of vlogs about Germany and the great trains and stations. 👍

[@johncrwarner]

We travel by train a lot in Germany as we don't have a car and like travelling The trick with DB is booking early and getting up to 50% off your ticket price then with a 25% Bahncard I can get 62.5% off tickets.

[@acmenipponair]

Well, you can travel as cheap at 14 Euro through whole Germany when you are really early.

[@sandrader2889]

That shop was really nice, and I hope that by now you had a well deserved rest!!!!

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I enjoyed the video as usual Steve. The train looked really comfy. I don't know how you managed to stay awake so long. Look forward to the next one.

[@Diana-andre2018]

Great video Steve, ICE trains looked very comfortable and ideal for having a much needed sleep as well. You did mention you would like to visit Berlin, What a fascinating place to go to and maybe a future video? There would be so much to see, the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, to name but a few. Also your favourite shop in the whole of Germany, Manufactum, looked amazing😊

[@Nook747]

I did very much enjoy the mini series Steve...what a wonderful video, as usual . Thank you.

[@paulherron1933]

Not that bad a seat Steve , They are far superior to anything we have in UK. Time you and Scott together for a trip full of facts and giggles. Both have best content on KZbin mate

[@harriscouwenberg139]

factoids in Scotts lingo

[@peterbrady6772]

You're right about one thing.....Curry wurst is delicious....Loved them when we visited Bavaria.....Cracking bonus video Steve....Thanks....

[@adema1978]

You found the phonebooth. A common sight on older ICE trains. A word of advise though always use the Wagenstandanzeiger on the platform. It will indicate where you need to stand to find your carriage.

[@barvdw]

Do keep an eye out for announcements for '"Geänderte Wagenreihung", though. It's not uncommon for German trains to run in reverse order, but at least, it's generally well indicated.

[@notroll1279]

​​@@barvdw They just rearrange the railcars to spice up things for the passengers. The busier the station and the more frantic and disoriented the passengers are, the more they are likely to do that.

[@razzlejazzled]

I got back from my first trip to Germany and a couple of other countries (actually my first trip to Europe in general) just a couple of weeks ago. My experiences with DB were mostly positive, although there were a couple of pretty serious delays that I had to deal with (OBB and SBB/CFF were much more timely). I had a similar mission to get one last currywurst before leaving. So tasty!

[@lauraautry6992]

The more I watch your train videos the more I want to take a trip 😊 very nice. Your favorite store was really nice and I looked it up online. Thank you 🤗

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Loved it. Super cool trains. Thanks Steve. 👍😊

[@thomasmcanea8531]

I love Manufactum! Top quality, great choice, my favourite German shopping experience. Great video as usual, Steve.

[@IroAppe]

I would actually love that little booth at the front. It seems like it's the quietest in the whole train, a be-quiet-compartment as well, probably the best place to get good sleep.

[@MartinCook-kg1vn]

I loved the mini-series. I sat in exactly the same front seat from Cologne to Liege ( a week after being very close to you in Douglas IoM), and as it was a very busy train I was just glad to he sat down. Looking forward to your next one.

[@jkardez4794]

Another interesting train journey. I love to see these modern German trains with modern interiors and sleek exteriors. Can imagine relaxing in the restaurant car with a delicious meal and drink watching the scenery go by ; though in this case it was an impressionist view ! The stations too are big and bustling - thats what I like with a lot of eating options included. Thanks for packing it all in including squeezing yourself into a toilet in the line of duty , Steve . Looking forward to travelling by ICE in future .

[@robertmansfield2856]

I have travelled from Amsterdam to Frankfurt on the ICE train and got a good deal in terms of the fare. German and The Netherlands refer to platforms as tracks where it's the other way round in this Country.

[@Rick2010100]

The train drives on the tracks and the entry/boarding is via the platform (pavement). So if the speaker would announce that a train is driving on the paltform, the German speaker would be irritated.

[@janinehawkins9565]

How sweet, Alicja will adore it 😻. Gorgeous shop. Great vlog as always Steve❤.

[@acfbrown1]

I do like the German ICE trains even though long distance reliability is now fairly poor with quite a few trains getting cancelled. When I last went to Germany with a companion in August and travelled between Berlin and Hamburg return each got a 3 day railpass (which was about €191.00 each) and were also able to do a day trip from Hamburg to Lübeck. We also went to Saxony in February and got a Sachsen ticket for €35 in each direction for the two of us to travel from Leipzig to Dresden and back. Hamburg to Berlin is the longest train journey I've ever done in Germany. I've flown into Frankfurt and Munich lots of times and know those S Bahn networks really well but had never done a DB train journey longer than Frankfurt-Stuttgart or Munich-Salzburg until this year.

[@cool9146]

Great video Steve, I live in Berlin but support RB Leipzig, so I spend a lot of time in the trains from Berlin to Leipzig. Liked the video on Colditz the other day too. Keep up the good work.

[@Tatia146]

The first time I went from Hamburg central station was in 1976. How time flies! Great video.

[@g745-z2r]

Used to have frequent traveller (comfort) status with DB when I lived in Germany. Delays and unreliability back then, but seems much worse now. On holiday in the summer, nearly all the journeys I took ended up with a refund for delays, with over two hours not uncommon. Adding in overnights where a connection would have never been an issue before. But going to avoid them from now on as far as possible as the stress not worth it, especially with the added risk of strikes. Used to enjoy a nice first class ICE trip, but cba'd now.

[@spiders-tours]

Nice video Steve. Note sometimes in the front seat the driver can decide to "demist" the foggy window. Obviously it has to be the front unit. You suddenly have a cab eye view of the journey! Quite rare they do that. I think the booth is for phone use in the quiet carriage, also rare.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Thanks for the explanations. A previous comment said that the window WILL demist but probably not by the sound of it unless you bung the driver a tenner.

[@spiders-tours]

@@SirPrancelot1 One trip I'd took once the driver turned it on or off several times. It seems to depend on driver mood.

[@jameswiddowson3976]

Steve, I've travelled on many high speed trains, including the bullet train (which is amazing) ICE, Eurostar and the Russian high speed train, but the best in Europe by far is the TGV. It just blows you away, shear speed, cleanliness and on time. If you haven't tried it you must give it a go.

[@spidyman8853]

Steve, In the future, can you please do a vlog on Berlin. Cheers.

[@hfgd_gaming]

12:54 it basically is an aircraft toilet. It also uses a vacuum system for the dirt water tank

[@katesterly547]

Another wonderful foot on the ground video. You know I love trains! Too bad you missed the meal service. And I can understand why that shop is your favorite. That's all. Lots of things in there I would love. I hope you got Alicja a surprise. Say hi to her for me. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.

[@ARetiredPirate]

Great vid! I used to travel much with the ICE, never was on time but was very comfortable in first class ...

[@Big.Al.3]

The first train was an ICE4, and your return was on two ICE3's. Both are very comfortable . Also a great was to see the country.

[@SGtravelsEU]

not ICE3, ICE-T ;)

[@Tascountrygirl]

Thank you Steve. What a great video. I especially loved the beautiful sound of church bells with a full rich sound. Loved your enthusiasm for curryworst and shopping at your be favourite shop. I agree. A wonderful shop like this is addictive. In my present home city in Tasmania, Australia, we had a great shop like this which had been in existence for a very long time. However for various reasons the retiring owner could not sell it and it closed. Also, many of the Anglican churches with good bells have been sold. Looking forward to your new videos. Happy travelling.

[@marenk8429]

I think the little room - "the shower" - is for talking in your mobile phone privately and to not disturb other passengers.

[@norsegolf76]

Heey, a Steve bonus vid! Made my day! 👏👏

[@chrisdeeley3775]

As usual Steve a high class video even though you were very tired . You kept it sumple aand the journey flowed along . Very relaxing for me but probably not for you at the time. I loved that shop at the end. My kibd of store. ATB

[@christianherald]

Shopping with Steve Marsh is actually a really good format.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I'll happily do more of that! :D

[@johnwhitlock7469]

One and only time visiting Hamburg was in the Navy. They put us in the boon docks far from the downtown. Highlight was free seats at the opera. Saw cosi van tutti

[@Martincars56]

Great video with loads of interesting and useful information. I look forward to the next adventure

[@janettesinclair6279]

Those wee red seats at approx 12.39 are punishment areas for misbehaving passengers - the guard makes them sit there where they cannot see out the window and film their trip. 😄 PS That store was brilliant, no wonder it is your favourite.

[@cianmilne]

Hi Steve just thought I would say that I really love your videos they are amazing always watch them when am not feeling the best you always cheer me up when am watching your videos your the best!!

[@nealeTH]

We did the Hamburg to Berlin stretch 1st class. Fantastic journey. Brilliant product. A fraction of the cost of UK standard class.

[@matthiashaverland1730]

Great Video as usual, and yes, please visit my hometown Berlin, you won't regret, just stay off the no go areas ;) And about prices of Train tickets in Germany: The earlier you book the cheaper they are

[@sandrakent8049]

Not been to Hamburg station but have been to Cologne lovely station and love the DB ice train more leg room than UK! xx

[@TransCanadaPhil]

Yes I discovered Currywurst for the first time when I visited Germany 🇩🇪 for the first and only time so far. I liked it and bought it from a similar street vendor like that when I noticed everyone else was buying it. I like it and have been trying to find it here at home in Canada but it’s very rare! 😊

[@bahnspotterEU]

Currywurst is very easy to make. Simply grill up a regular Bratwurst, which might be more common in North America, add a thick tomato sauce and yellow curry powder.

[@reddix435]

@@bahnspotterEU Not realy. You braise some small cut onios at first, then with some fresh pieces of tomatoes. Then together with Tomato paste, sweet pepper powder. Salt, sugar and vinegar. and use allways oil from the fried sausages. After 20-30 min your sauce is ready and you can put good curry powder on top, but please don`t mix. Together with a Bratwurst you have the perfect Currywurst like i allways had in Hannover. They never used a common tomato sauce.

[@falafel4618]

Great timing Steve - most of the network seems to have ground to a halt this week due to heavy snow. The cubicle reminds me of the orgasmatron in the Woody Allen film 🤣

[@MilesMiser]

Hey Steve! Late congrats on hitting 100k subs, Awesome job! Keep up the great work! Anyways onto the video, nothing wrong with some lazy video recording, because being sleep deprived is rough. Most people see the joyfully side of travel videos portrayed in other Vloggers videos but in reality it can get rough for the traveler. Sometimes it's had to put on a smiley face and go to work filming your adventure. But you do a superb job no matter what. Thanks again for bring us all your journeys! Skol!

[@dia.ko08]

My brother and I were so excited to travel on the french TGV-trains and were surprised that the ICE-trains' interior is so much more modern and roomy. Can't beat the speed though! 😂

[@roybackhouse117]

A journey full of Kloppiness

[@simonticehurst5899]

Thanks for sharing Steve I love and miss Germany thank you for sharing ❤

[@Irisishunter]

Always great to get a sneaky mid week bonus. The food was what is tempting me to go. Good to see the boss man Jürgen as well. Safe travels

[@ViviNorthbell]

Manufactum: expensive but extra ordinary, love it.

[@DonHG32]

I loved Berlin! I went twice and spent a week there the first time. Not enough! Berlin is so big and has so much on offer that no matter how much time you have it's never enough!

[@michaelsaayman2802]

Nice video Steve. Curry wurst is great but the store you went to would keep me wanting to buy till my money was finished. A lovely trip maybe next time you can do Berlin

[@keithstone178]

The best in Hamburg

[@tomthelegoguy]

I took an ICE train from Dortmund to Hamburg last month. Bayern Munich were in town so you can imagine the atmosphere in Dortmund station was pretty festive, before the game's 0-4 result at least! Train was an hour and a half late... but the 12 euro delay compensation more than covered the cost of Deutsche Bahn's onboard currywurst... now that was a result! (and it was delicious... you slept through a treat Steve :D)

[@noahcount7132]

You are certainly full of surprises, Steve, using a Scottish toilet in a German railway station (Hamburg). Brilliant and funny at the same time! 👍 The clip of you pretending to sleep on the return from Leipzig to Hamburg was way too quiet. Alicja says you're a world-class snorer. 😄

[@dennisb9638]

As soon as you said you were going to your favourite German shop, I knew it had to be Manufactum. I love that place too. And currywurst ofcourse!

[@4sstg]

The bells at the end were so grand. And the shop. 🌟

[@maryearll2135]

thank you for taking us along on your journey. I could also spend time and $$$ in that wonderful store!! On my list!!!

[@Design2winLew]

Enjoyed the video Steve . Used to spend a lot of time in Germany Berlin in particular , a lovely city but has changed so much over the last years . Started going there in 1991 was still very East West . Well worth a visit though . Was impressed with your ability to order Currywurst in German !!!

[@wayneeschbank2895]

I always expect the unexpected when your videos come on but as normal it was a great look at the ICE train and love that store you visited and yes looking forward to the next video

[@ozelhassan8576]

A reconstruction of what sleep looks like, so funny, I love that 😂😂😂

[@davidoliver1169]

Hi Steve. So pleased I found your channel. I particularly enjoy the rail journeys overseas, and this is a great one. Take care and all the best.

[@issy7465]

I dunno if it’s available in your part of the world, but Aldi Australia sometimes have curry wurst packs. You get some thick German style sausages and a pouch of the sauce. You can have it in a bun, or with some chips.

[@keithhunt4959]

I agree. You have to go to Berlin. I went a few years ago. Totally loved it. Lots of things to see and do.

[@David-l4m9y]

Nice video chap…I travelled from Hamburg to Copenhagen by train via boat 👌👌nice journey. I loved the shop you went into in Hamburg “you pay for quality they say” 👍👍

[@johnsweekendworkshops4100]

Hi Steve, loves your travel vlogs and adventures!. You’ll definitely have to go to Berlin it’s one of my favourite cities!! Plenty to see and do.

[@elainehowell2836]

Glad you had a good time in Germany and on the train station and train ride and thanks for showing me round the place

[@ChrisHockman]

Look how happy Juergen was that you got that pretzel!

[@jarekweckwerth1390]

Reconstruction of sleep! You made my day there!

[@DenaliDad]

3:07 on a train sounds like heaven to me…

[@highqualityorangejuice420]

Same idk why though

[@167curly]

Hamburg's station reminded me of an anthill. Some years ago I travelled from Denmark to Hamburg by ferry and then on to Amsterdam rail so must have transitted that station.

[@167curly]

Your worry about boarding the wrong train reminded me that I was once going from Baltimore to Washington DC by AMTRAK, and the ticket inspector came round, and informed a young woman whose ticket was for New York that she was heading in the wrong direction. She got on her 'phone to tell NY people she'd arrive there late.

[@anthonvanderneut]

I am not travelling DB that often, but there used to be one or more boards on the platform that indicate where the wagons of the ICE trains stop (related to the A, B, C sections of the platform). Knowing that usually saves on running when the train arrives.