German tourists wishing to visit the Flemish coast can now do so using the brand new direct high-speed rail service from Cologne to Ostend (West Flanders). The train runs at weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays, and will continue to operate if it proves to be a success, which is highly likely.
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Direct high-speed rail link between Cologne and Ostend back after 25 years
Colin Clapson
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After 25 years, there is once again a direct train service between the leading Flemish seaside resort of Ostend and the Cologne metropolis in Germany. Due to high demand, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn has decided to run the train twice a day at weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ostend Mayor John Crombez is pleased. “The German railway company Deutsche Bahn has recognised the interest in getting people from Germany to Ostend quickly. It is a direct connection, and the train runs at high speed. The first section to Leuven runs at 200 km per hour. That means people can get from Cologne to Ostend in 3 hours and 40 minutes."
“Germans are the largest group of non-Belgians visiting Ostend as tourists. We see a lot of German number plates in the city. If some of them now choose to take the train, that will also be good for mobility issues and the parking situation in the city.”
700,000 German overnight stays on the coast
“This is a significant development,” says Lisbet Vandebroek of the Flemish tourism agency VisitFlanders. German tourists are the largest group of foreign visitors to the Belgian coast. Their numbers are on the rise. During the recent Easter holidays, around 16 per cent of visitors came from Germany. That’s quite a lot."
“For the time being, the train only runs at weekends, but if the service proves a success, it could be extended. Tickets start at around 30 euros if you book early, which is a good price. There are stops in Leuven, Ghent and Bruges. It’s important for those cities too.’
More tourists to Ostend?
Will the direct rail link now attract more tourists from Germany to Ostend? “People always choose the easiest mode of transport,” adds Mayor Crombez. “Price, quality and speed are three key factors. I think that’s why Deutsche Bahn has chosen Ostend – because there’s a market for it.”
“Much of Germany isn’t that close to the sea, so this is a real asset. But on the other hand, it’s also nice for Flemish people who want to take a city break to Cologne in this way.”