Netherlands benefits from new high‑speed rail to Germany and guide to 11 off‑beat small towns

A travel guide highlights eleven lesser‑known European small towns suited for weekend trips, focusing on Dutch historic Hanse towns such as Deventer, Zutphen, Elburg, Urk and Alkmaar, as well as locations in Denmark, Belgium, Sweden and France’s Alsace region. The guide emphasizes their quiet streets, historic centres and affordable accommodation, positioning them as alternatives to crowded tourist hotspots.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn and the Dutch rail operator NS plan a new Intercity service linking Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem with German cities Düsseldorf, Cologne and Dortmund. Starting in 2028, three daily train pairs will run, later expanding to six, using modern Dutch Intercity units capable of up to 200 km/h. The project responds to a surge in international rail demand—about a one‑third increase since 2019—and aims to strengthen cross‑border connectivity amid growing competition from private operators.