Category: Fun & Useful Facts

10 Day Trips from Siegen with the Deutschlandticket

As our semesterticket is also the “Deutschlandticket” you can use it, to discover a lot of beautiful locations near Siegen by train! You can reach many destinations with no or just one  or two transfers. That makes it possible to travel to your destination early in the morning, visit the place and come back to Siegen in the evening. It is important to know, that you can only take regional trains with your Deutschlandticket but no distance trains!

For researching the connections, I recommend downloading the app “DB Navigator” where you can search for train connections. In the settings it is possible, to set the language to English! You can tick a box so that only Deutschlandticket connections are shown! In addition, you are able to see if your train is delayed or cancelled. That is very helpful, because sometimes that happens with Deutsche Bahn. 🙁

Still, traveling by train is a great way to discover Siegens surroundings! Often, the trains tracks go through really beautiful nature, and it can feel like an adventure itself just sitting in the train looking out of the window.

These are my tips for which destinations are worth visiting and where you can go and come back in just one day:

1. Cologne

Cologne is famous for its breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the charming Old Town, walk along the Rhine River, or stop by one of the city’s many cafés and museums.

How to get there: Take the train RE9 from Siegen Hbf to Köln HBF (central station). The train is going hourly, at 9 past the hour.

2. Bonn

Once the capital of West Germany, Bonn is a relaxed riverside city and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. Explore the historic city center, enjoy a walk along the Rhine, or visit one of the excellent museums on Museum Mile.

How to get there: Take the train RE9 from Siegen Hbf to Siegburg/Bonn. Then take the Straßenbahn STR66 to Bonn central station.

 

3. Marburg

Marburg is a picturesque university town known for its fairy-tale atmosphere, colorful half-timbered houses, and hilltop castle. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy stunning views over the old town.

How to get there: Take the train RE99 from Siegen HBF to Gießen. Than transfer to RE30 to Kassel. Get off the train at Marburg (Lahn).

 

4. Frankfurt

Frankfurt combines modern skyscrapers with a charming historic center, making it one of Germany’s most unique cities. Visit the Römer Square, walk along the Main River, and enjoy the impressive skyline from one of the city’s viewpoints.

à How to get there: Take the train RE99 from Siegen HBF to Frankfurt HBF. The train is departing every two hours!

5. Winterberg

Winterberg is a popular destination for outdoor lovers all year round, offering hiking trails in summer and skiing in winter. Whether you want to enjoy nature or simply escape the city for a day, it’s a perfect choice.

How to get there: There are several options. Please look into the App DB Navigator to see which one is most suitable for you. It might depend on if you prefer bus or train rides.

6. Biggesee

Biggesee is one of the most beautiful lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia and an ideal destination for a relaxing day outdoors. Go for a lakeside walk, rent a boat, or simply enjoy a picnic with scenic water views.

How to get there: Take the bus SB1 from Siegen ZOB to Olpe ZOB. Then take the train RB92 (currently it is replaced by busses) to Finnentrop and get out at the stop called “Sondern”. There you can go swimming, hike a bit or get ice cream.

7. Freudenberg

Freudenberg is best known for its famous “Alter Flecken,” a beautifully preserved ensemble of black-and-white half-timbered houses. Although it’s a small town, its postcard-perfect streets make it one of the most charming places near Siegen.

How to get there: There are several Busses from Siegen ZOB. Get of at “Freudenberg Bahnhofsstraße”

8. Königswinter (Drachenfels)

Königswinter is home to the legendary Drachenfels, one of the most famous hills along the Rhine. Hike to the top or take the historic cogwheel railway to enjoy panoramic views and visit the stunning Schloss Drachenburg.

How to get there: There are several options, look up whats most suitable for you on Google Maps or DB Navigator!

9. Limburg an der Lahn

Limburg is a charming medieval town famous for its impressive cathedral overlooking the Lahn River. Its beautifully preserved old town is filled with colorful half-timbered houses, cafés, and small boutique shops.

How to get there: First take the RE99 to Frankfurt and get off in Wetzlar. Then take the RB45 to Limburg!

10. Dortmund

Dortmund is best known for football and is home to the legendary Borussia Dortmund and Signal Iduna Park. Beyond football, you can relax at Phoenix See, visit the German Football Museum, or explore the city’s green parks.

How to get there: Just take the train RE34 from Siegen or Weidenau ZOB. It departs every 1-2 hours.

Important information: Currently there is a lot of construction work being done on the train tracks. In this case, some trains might be replaced by busses. You can look it up in DB Navigator.

I hope you will have fun exploring Siegen’s surroundings!!

Your SLR Host Alessa

 

The summer can feel tough in Germany, as there are some heatwaves coming up and most buildings do not have air conditioning.

Tips from student to student:

• If you want to use the weather for swimming, I recommend you our blog post about swimming spots in Siegen: https://blogs.uni-siegen.de/fit-in-siegen/de/2025/06/26/slr-blog-outdoor-swimming-spots-in-siegen-student-survival-tips/
• Many supermarkets have air conditioning, and some do have a little bakery where you can sit, grab a coffee and enjoy the cooler temperatures! I often do that, when I want to escape the heat and I really recommend it!

I have prepared a list of “survival tips” on how to deal with the heat better:

Cool your body

• Run cool water over your wrists and forearms.
• Place your feet in a bowl of cool water.
• Put a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
• Take a lukewarm shower (ice-cold water can cause your body to produce even more heat afterwards).

Stay hydrated

• Drink regularly before you feel thirsty.
• Water, unsweetened tea, or diluted fruit juice are good options.
• If you are sweating a lot, make sure to replace electrolytes as well (for example through mineral water, broth, or electrolyte drinks).
• Avoid large amounts of alcohol, as it can interfere with your body’s fluid regulation.

Adjust your diet

• Choose light meals such as salads, fruit, vegetables, and yogurt.
• Eat foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, or peaches.
• Very heavy or fatty meals can increase the body’s heat load.

Keep your home cool

• Air out your home in the early morning and at night when temperatures are lower.
• Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day and use blinds, curtains, or shutters to block sunlight.
• Place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to help cool the air.

Clothing

• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible, especially between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Sleeping in hot weather

• Use cotton or linen bed sheets.
• Take a short lukewarm shower before going to bed.
• Fill a hot water bottle with cold water or wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it briefly on your feet or calves.

If you exercise

Since exercising generates additional body heat, try to do it early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Bring more water than usual and take breaks in the shade.

Warning signs of heat-related illness

If you experience dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat, move to a cool place immediately, drink fluids, and seek medical attention if necessary.

I hope you will have a great summer and will have the chance to enjoy the warmer temperatures!!

 

 

Your Host, Alessa 😊

Kaan-Marienborn Heated Outdoor Pool

This popular spot features:

• Three 50-meter lanes and five 25-meter lanes

• A separate area for non-swimmers

• Football mini-goals, a boccia court, and a table tennis area

• Fully accessible facilities (wheelchair-friendly changing rooms, entry slide for easy pool access, and disabled parking)

Opening hours:

• Mon, Tue, Thu: 9:00–20:00

• Wed, Fri: 7:00–20:00

• Sat, Sun, Holidays: 9:00–19:00
  Note: Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Swim time ends 15 minutes before closing.

How to get there:
– Take bus R12 or R13 from Siegen ZOB to “Kaan-Marienborn Ortsmitte.” It’s about a 7-minute walk from there. Or take bus C109 from Siegen ZOB to Kaan-Marienborn Freibad. It is a one minute walk from there.

📍 Address for GPS: Breitenbacher Straße 59, 57074 Siegen

 Geisweid Heated Outdoor Pool

Here’s what’s waiting for you in Geisweid:

• Four 50-meter lanes plus shorter swim lanes

• A beach volleyball court

• Life-sized chess and Nine Men’s Morris boards

• Football goals and large sunbathing areas

• Bonus: The 10-meter diving platform is open daily from 4 PM

Opening hours:

• Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00–20:00

• Tue, Thu: 7:00–20:00

• Sat, Sun, Holidays: 9:00–19:00

How to get there:
Bus C130 from Siegen ZOB or Weidenau ZOB→ “Geisweid Freibad” → 1-minute walk
📍 Address: Auf der Schläfe 4, 57078 Siegen

Eiserfeld Natural Pool (Eiserfelder Weiher)

!!!Closed until approx. May 31st 2026!!!

• No chlorine

• Large swim area

• beach volleyball court

• Wide open space to sunbathe and relax

Opening hours:

• Daily: 14:00–19:00 (may vary during heatwaves or bad weather)

How to get there:
From Siegen ZOB, take bus C100 to “Eiserfeld Ortsmitte” -> 25 minute walk

📍 Address: Am Freibad 3, 57080 Siegen

Seelbacher Weiher (Natural Pool)

!! Closed until approx. June 13th 2026!!

• A big swimming area

• A floating platform and water slide

• Beach volleyball and football areas

• Large sunbathing lawn

Opening hours:

• Mon–Fri: 13:00–19:00

• Sat, Sun & Holidays: 10:00–19:00

• During school holidays: Open daily 10:00–19:00

How to get there:
Bus R38 or R39 from Siegen ZOB → “P+R Seelbacher Weiher” → 6-minute walk
📍 Address: Bubergstraße 78, 57072 Siegen

Final Tips

Bring sunscreen, cash (some pools don’t take cards), and check the official websites before visiting , hours may shift depending on the weather.

Also, do not forget to bring your student ID! Swimming pools are a lot cheaper for students! Usually around 2 Euros!

Your SLR host Emma☺️