16-Day Interrail Journey from Zagreb to Copenhagen Avoiding Budapest and Switzerland

Day 1: Zagreb Exploration

Zagreb, Croatia on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Amelie

Start your morning with delicious pastries and specialty coffee at Amelie, a well-loved cafe in the city centre.
HRK40, 1h

9:30am

Explore Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Visit the historic medieval heart of Zagreb with its cobblestone streets, St. Mark's Church with its colourful tiled roof, and Lotrščak Tower for panoramic city views. Open daily 9am-6pm.
HRK30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Štruk

Enjoy traditional Croatian štrukli, a baked dough filled with cottage cheese, at this cosy local restaurant.
HRK70, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Zagreb Cathedral

Admire Croatia’s tallest building and Gothic architecture. Entry is free, open 9am-5pm on weekdays.
Free, 45m

2:30pm

Walk through Zrinjevac Park

Relax in this serene green park in the heart of Zagreb lined with fountains and historic buildings.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vinodol

Dine on authentic Croatian cuisine with excellent wine pairings in a stylish setting open until 11pm.
HRK150, 2h

Day 2: Ljubljana City Tour

Ljubljana, Slovenia on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Train from Zagreb to Ljubljana

Start early with a direct train to Ljubljana, approximately 2.5 hours journey.
EUR15, 2h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Le Petit Café

Enjoy fresh pastries and speciality coffee in a charming Central Ljubljana cafe near the river.
EUR6, 1h

12:00pm

Ljubljana Castle Cable Car & Tour

Take the cable car up to the medieval castle for spectacular views and informative exhibits. Open 10am-7pm.
EUR13, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Julija Restaurant

Sample Slovenian dishes including local sausages and fresh trout in the old town area.
EUR18, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll along the Ljubljanica River

Explore the charming bridges and riverside markets for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Druga Viola

Unique social enterprise restaurant offering traditional Slovenian dishes with a modern twist, open until 10pm.
EUR20, 2h

Day 3: Vienna Highlights

Vienna, Austria on May 1, 2025

6:30am

Train to Vienna

Depart early for a 4-hour train journey to the Austrian capital.
EUR40, 4h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Experience traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture at this historic café, famous for its pastries.
EUR12, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Hofburg Palace

Tour the former imperial palace with grand state rooms and the Sisi Museum. Open 9am-5:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

3:00pm

Walk through Stadtpark

Relax in this lovely park known for its statues including the one of Johann Strauss II.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Coffee and cake at Demel

Indulge in classic Viennese cakes in a traditional patisserie established in 1786.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Savour authentic Viennese Tafelspitz (boiled beef) in a renowned local restaurant.
EUR35, 2h

Day 4: Brno Cultural Day

Brno, Czech Republic on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Train to Brno

Enjoy a 1.5 to 2 hour train ride from Vienna to the Moravian city of Brno.
EUR20, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Jedna

Sample excellent coffee and fresh pastries near the city centre.
CZK120, 1h

11:30am

Explore Špilberk Castle

Visit this iconic castle and fortress with museum exhibits detailing the Moravian heritage. Open 9am-5pm.
CZK100, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice

Traditional Czech cuisine paired with Pilsner beer in a lively local pub.
CZK180, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Tugendhat Villa

Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage modernist villa (book in advance). Open 10am-5pm.
CZK350, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Koishi

Enjoy a refined blend of Czech and Asian flavours at this popular fusion restaurant.
CZK400, 2h

Day 5: Prague Sights

Prague, Czech Republic on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Train to Prague

Short 2.5-hour train journey from Brno to Prague for exploring the capital city.
CZK300, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Můj šálek kávy

Start the day with expertly brewed coffee and fresh pastries in Prague’s trendy Karlin district.
CZK150, 1h

11:30am

Prague Castle Complex

Visit the largest ancient castle in the world including St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. Open 9am-5pm.
CZK350, 3h

3:00pm

Walk across Charles Bridge

Enjoy stunning views of the Vltava River and baroque statues along this iconic 14th-century bridge.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Afternoon at Old Town Square

Marvel at the Astronomical Clock and explore the colourful streets of Prague’s historic centre.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá

Taste authentic Czech dishes like goulash and dumplings in a lively beer hall setting.
CZK250, 2h

Day 6: Dresden Art & History

Dresden, Germany on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Train to Dresden

Longer train ride to Dresden, around 2.5 hours from Prague, crossing into Germany.
EUR30, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Milchmädchen

Enjoy fresh coffee and German pastries in this quaint café near Altmarkt.
EUR8, 1h

11:30am

Visit Zwinger Palace

Explore this Baroque palace complex featuring the Old Masters Picture Gallery and porcelain collection. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Pulverturm an der Frauenkirche

Traditional Saxon dishes in a historic building with views of Frauenkirche church.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Tour Frauenkirche Dresden

Visit the beautifully restored church symbolising peace and reconciliation. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll along the Elbe River

Relax with scenic river views and photo opportunities along the banks of the Elbe.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sophienkeller

Savour hearty German cuisine in historic cellars beneath Dresden's old town.
EUR25, 2h

Day 7: Leipzig Culture

Leipzig, Germany on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Leipzig

Train journey of about 1 hour from Dresden to Leipzig, known for its rich musical history.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Kandler

World famous for its exquisite cakes and pastries, perfect to start your day.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Visit Bach Museum

Explore the life and works of composer Johann Sebastian Bach at the historic Thomaskirche. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Auerbachs Keller

Dine in one of Germany’s oldest restaurants famed in Goethe’s Faust, serving traditional Saxon fare.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:30pm

Walk through Leipzig Zoo

Enjoy one of Europe’s most modern zoos with a variety of animal species. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Evening stroll at Clara Zetkin Park

Relax in this large urban park known for its greenery and walking paths.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Max Enk

Enjoy upscale German cuisine with a modern twist in a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR30, 2h

Day 8: Berlin Historic & Trendy

Berlin, Germany on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Train to Berlin

Approximately 1.5 to 2-hour train ride from Leipzig to the German capital.
EUR25, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Five Elephant

Start with some of Berlin's best coffee and delicious cheesecake in Kreuzberg.
EUR8, 1h

11:30am

Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Tour

Explore iconic landmarks including a free visit to the Reichstag dome with amazing city views (advance registration recommended).
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Markthalle Neun

Experience diverse street food options in this vibrant food market open until 6pm on weekdays.
EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Explore East Side Gallery

Walk along the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall covered with murals. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Museum Island

If time allows, explore museums like Pergamon (open until 6pm), or just view the architecture and riverside.
EUR19, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Zur letzten Instanz

Dine in Berlin’s oldest restaurant, serving traditional German dishes in historic surroundings.
EUR30, 2h

Day 9: Hamburg Harbour

Hamburg, Germany on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Train to Hamburg

Travel north on a 2-hour train ride from Berlin to Hamburg.
EUR30, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Herr Max

Taste exquisite cakes while enjoying a calm atmosphere in Hamburg’s Sternschanze district.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Harbour Boat Tour

See Hamburg’s famous port and Elbphilharmonie from the water; tours run regularly 10am-4pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Fischereihafen Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with views over the harbour in this iconic establishment.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Miniatur Wunderland

Experience the world’s largest model railway exhibit, open 9am-6pm.
EUR16, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mutterland

Taste regional German and Hamburg specialties with a modern approach in a market setting.
EUR25, 2h

Day 10: Odense Danish Charm

Odense, Denmark on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Train to Odense

A longer train journey of about 4.5 to 5 hours from Hamburg to Odense, Denmark.
DKK450, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Biografen

Relax with homemade Danish sandwiches and cakes in a quirky café setting.
DKK100, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Explore exhibits dedicated to Denmark’s beloved author and fairy tale writer. Open 10am-5pm.
DKK95, 2h

4:30pm

Walk in Munke Mose Park

Enjoy the green spaces and river views in this scenic city park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sortebro Kro

Dine on traditional Danish cuisine in one of Odense’s oldest inns with a cosy atmosphere.
DKK200, 2h

Day 11: Aarhus Art & History

Aarhus, Denmark on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Train to Aarhus

Train takes about 1.5 hours from Odense, travelling northeast to Aarhus.
DKK150, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at La Cabra Coffee Roasters

Start with expert coffee and fresh pastries from one of Aarhus’s top roasters.
DKK60, 1h

11:00am

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Visit one of Northern Europe’s largest contemporary art museums. Open 10am-6pm.
DKK160, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Drudenfuss

Traditional Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches) served in a local favourite restaurant.
DKK120, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Old Town (Den Gamle By)

Outdoor open-air museum showcasing Danish urban history with reconstructed houses. Open 10am-5pm.
DKK150, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Frederikshøj

Fine dining with modern Danish cuisine awarded with Michelin stars.
DKK600, 2h

Day 12: Aalborg Discovery

Aalborg, Denmark on May 10, 2025

9:00am

Train to Aalborg

Train journey approximately 2 hours from Aarhus north to Aalborg.
DKK150, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Peace

Enjoy fresh Danish bakery items and coffee in the city centre.
DKK60, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Aalborg Tower

Climb up for panoramic views over Aalborg and the Limfjord. Open 9am-5pm.
DKK40, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mortens Kro

Traditional Danish dishes in a restaurant renowned for local flavours and quality.
DKK150, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Utzon Centre

Architecture and design museum showcasing the work of Jørn Utzon, designer of the Sydney Opera House. Open 10am-5pm.
DKK70, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Aalborg waterfront

Scenic walk on the modern waterfront development with cafés and sculptures.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fusion

Modern Danish fare in a relaxed fine dining atmosphere.
DKK250, 2h

Day 13: Return to Odense

Odense, Denmark on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Train to Odense

Return journey south to Odense, about 2 hours.
DKK150, 2h

11:30am

Brunch at Storm

Trendy brunch spot known for creative dishes and great coffee.
DKK120, 1h30m

1:00pm

Visit Odense Zoo

Spend the afternoon at this well-regarded zoo featuring both native and exotic animals. Open 10am-5pm.
DKK150, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Annes Diner

Casual American-style diner popular for comfort food and friendly vibe.
DKK150, 1h30m

Day 14: Roskilde Viking History

Roskilde, Denmark on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Train to Roskilde

Train ride about 1.5 hours from Odense to Roskilde.
DKK120, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Satchmo

Enjoy ecological coffee and breakfast options near Roskilde Cathedral.
DKK60, 1h

10:30am

Visit Viking Ship Museum

Discover authentic Viking ships and interactive exhibits about Viking seafaring. Open 10am-5pm.
DKK120, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Snekken

Located on a historic sailing ship, serving fresh Scandinavian seafood and local dishes.
DKK200, 1h30m

3:00pm

Roskilde Cathedral

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, royal burial church with stunning gothic architecture. Open 10am-4pm.
DKK50, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll around Roskilde Harbour

Enjoy a peaceful walk by the waterfront with cafés and boats.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Lillet

Cozy café ideal for light dinner and Danish desserts.
DKK100, 1h30m

Day 15: Arrival Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark on May 13, 2025

9:00am

Train to Copenhagen

Vibrant capital reached in approx 30 minutes from Roskilde by train.
DKK60, 30m

10:00am

Breakfast at The Coffee Collective

Famed for outstanding coffee with a focus on sustainability in Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
DKK70, 1h

11:30am

Nyhavn and Canal Tour

Explore colourful harbour front and take a boat tour to see the city from the water, tours run 10am-6pm.
DKK110, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Puk

Traditional Danish food in a cosy environment near city centre, open until 4pm on weekdays.
DKK150, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tivoli Gardens

Historic amusement park offering rides and gardens. Open daily 11am-11pm in May.
DKK135, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Höst

Contemporary Nordic cuisine with design-led interiors, very popular for its atmosphere and food quality.
DKK450, 2h

Day 16: Final Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mirabelle Bakery

Artisan bakery serving fresh breads and pastries with organic ingredients.
DKK60, 1h

9:30am

Visit The Little Mermaid Statue

Iconic Copenhagen landmark inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, located by the harbour.
Free, 30m

10:30am

Explore Christiansborg Palace

Seat of Denmark’s Parliament featuring royal reception rooms and tower views. Open 10am-4pm.
DKK160, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Smørrebrød spot Aamanns

Try classic Danish open sandwiches with high-quality local ingredients.
DKK130, 1h

2:00pm

Free time for shopping in Strøget

Enjoy strolling along Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian shopping street with a variety of shops.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Noma (reservation required)

Experience world-renowned New Nordic cuisine at one of the best restaurants globally for a special finale.
DKK2500, 3h