Trier Germany in a Day and Why That’s Not Enough

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I discovered Trier Germany while visiting Luxembourg. I originally thought Luxembourg was going to be a vibrant European city and I would need a few days there to see it all. I soon realized while planning that this was not the case. Unfortunate as that was, it opened up possibilities to check out other places. Zooming out on a map, I made my choice to visit Trier.

I always get ridiculously happy when I remember how close everything is in Europe. I can get from one country to another in less time than I can beat downtown traffic in Vancouver. Living in Canada now, the idea of being able to visit three countries in a day is ridiculous. But possible.

Why visit Trier Germany?

For those of you who have never heard of it (I hadn’t before I visited), Trier is a small city in southwest Germany close to the Eastern border of Luxembourg. Trier’s history was one of the things that drew my attention to it.

It is possibly the oldest city in Germany, with a rich Roman history. That history is still very evident in the city today. Trier is also very walkable, full of small town charm, and even has a really good Christmas market if you’re visiting in December.

Getting to Trier Germany

Trier Germany is only a 40 minute train ride from Luxembourg. I bought my ticket online about a week in advance for 19 Euro each way. I’m sure you can just get a ticket at the station as it wasn’t a full train. But I’m a planner, so advanced booking it is. This was way more convenient.

The thing that always amazes me when travelling within Europe, is how mundane it is. There’s no big fanfare when you cross a border. My passport was checked in the same way my ticket was checked. No big process, or immigration questions. I didn’t even get a passport stamp to my dismay. With the Euro, you don’t even have to worry about swapping out your money.

If you’re already in Germany, the closest big international airport is Frankfurt – also a really nice city to explore. From Frankfurt you can be in Trier in around 2.5-hours by car.

Welcome to Trier Germany

Trier’s train station was pretty non-descript, with only a mural in the entrance to indicate where I was, and a small kiosk with a map.

The city isn’t huge and I figured I couldn’t really get lost so I headed out of the station to explore. Walking down the main road towards the town, within minutes I was at the city gate.

Trier’s city gate dates back almost 2000 years. Stood in front of the imposing Roman-built Porta Nigra, this is the first of many Roman sites you will encounter on a trip to Trier. It is impressive to say the least.

Adjacent to this gigantic gate is a small Tourist Information office. I recommend making a quick stop to learn a bit more about the city and orient yourself a bit.

As well as an incredible Roman city, Trier is also the birthplace of Karl Marx, the founder of Marxism. I was quickly aware that my day in Trier would oscillate between learning about one of the largest empires of the ancient world, and one of the most renowned philosophers of the 19th century. A day in Trier will be a history filled day for sure.

How to spend a day in Trier Germany

I’ll start off by saying that a day trip to Trier is a mistake. You need longer to be able to experience all it has to offer. The city has lots to see and do, and one day doesn’t do it justice. That said, if you’re limited on time it’s a great start. Whether you only have a day or you have longer, here are a few ideas to start filling your itinerary

The Market Square

Wandering up the main street, Simeonstraße, you’ll reach Trier town square. Quaint cobbled streets lined with modern looking department stores and other smaller stores, giving way to the more traditional German-style buildings around the Market Square.

Trier reminded me very much of my own hometown, Carlisle. A mix of modern and historical buildings but with great Roman and Medieval history. Within minutes I knew I’d made a great decision coming here.

Trier’s Market Square is beautiful, the central point being the market cross and the 16th century fountain. Colorful buildings on all sides were intricately decorated. Ornate mouldings and statues adorned the facades of most of the buildings.

I arrived to Trier at around 10am when some local vendors were still setting up stalls. One of these was a wine booth in the market square already open for business. People were already sampling the local wine. Later in the evening this is where local’s will gather to drink and talk in the square.

Places of worship in Trier Germany

Walking down a side street just off the main square there are some lovely little shops and restaurants. Housed in more ornate Medieval buildings, the street ends with a courtyard and a beautiful 13th century Cathedral.

Trier Cathedral is home to the robe Jesus is said to have worn around the crucifixion (although not often on display). Go inside the magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral (entry by donation only) to marvel at the stunning architecture.

Not far from Trier Cathedral is another church. The Church of the Redeemer was no ordinary church though. It was originally commissioned by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and known as the Basilica of Constantine.

Inside you can read panel after panel of history about the now church. In the 20th century it was bombed during a World War II air raid and the information panels also showed the restoration. I was in awe of how high the ceiling was inside, the hall seemed so immense it was spectacular.

The Electoral Palace

Adjoined to the basilica is a rather grand looking palace. The Electoral Palace stands overlooking a perfectly manicured garden complete with statues.

Around the main garden opposite the palace were giant hedges. On the other side, in the shade of an avenue of trees, were some benches. It’s a great place to sit and read a book for a while or rest your legs. As well as taking in the serenity of this garden space so close to the city.

You can’t go inside the palace, now used for administration, except on special occasions. However, it’s still very much possible to admire it from the outside.

Trier Roman baths

Continue to walk through the palace garden and it will turn into a much larger park. At the edge of the park you will come across the Trier Imperial Roman Baths site. The baths are open to visitors, but parts of it can also be seen from outside.

There are a lot of ruins, and it is a really interesting site to explore. Not only is it only a few Euros to enter, but you can while away a couple of hours here if you really want to. One really cool aspect is being able to go into the narrow underground corridors of the Roman baths.

Leaving the park and the baths you’ll reach a highway. Take the underpass to your next stop, which is filled with some colorful pieces of street art.

Trier Roman Amphitheater

Now on the other side of the highway, turn left and head up the hill. After a few minutes you’ll reach the site of the Roman Amphitheater.

One of the only amphitheaters I’ve seen before was the Colosseum in Rome. I know the Trier amphitheater is not on that scale, but I was impressed at how well maintained it was. Also, much cheaper at only 4 Euro entry.

Flanked by huge walls on either side follow the walkway to the central point, the arena. It has been here since the 2nd Century. You’ll find plenty of information on the history of the amphitheater, including English translations. Walking through the middle of the arena I could almost feel the history of the place.

The arena has two sets of steps leading down into the cellar where animals and prisoners would have been kept. I descended one set of steps into the dark, damp cellar.

Wooden walkways have been constructed around the ruins of the cages and storage areas and rain water is puddled to form underground mini-lakes. I walked through and out the other side up the stone steps back up into the arena.

Continuing through the arena I took some steps up into the stands. This is where the spectators would have sat watching the gladiator fights and various other entertainments. Walking up level after level of steps I was able to get some great views of the amphitheater, looking down on the arena and imagining being a witness to the entertainment.

For 4 Euros and seeped in Roman history, this is perhaps the coolest thing to see and do in Trier. Do not miss it!

Exploring the town center

Trier town center is filled with shops offering easy takeaway food, a nice cheap lunch if you’re on a budget – or just have too much to do to waste time with a sit down meal.

Browse in the tourist shops to see what you can find or get distracted by all the chocolate and pastry shops. You are in Germany after all. I went in one place just on the side street from the market place to the cathedral. They had the most inviting array of local confectionery. I bought a lot of marzipan, chocolate and sweets as gifts (and maybe some for myself too).

Right next to the chocolate shop was an amazing intricately decorated building that I just had to take a picture of. And it’s not the only one you’ll see around Trier town center like this.

Karl Marx in Trier Germany

Trier, as I previously mentioned, was the birthplace of famous philosopher Karl Marx. One of the main tourist attractions in the city is his house which has been turned into a museum.

Marx only lived here for a short time as a child, but the house has been associated with him throughout history and remains a popular tourist spot. A ticket to get in only costs around 5 Euro. You will be able to spend well over an hour here, I know I did. There’s so much to read about Karl Marx as a person and of his work.

The plain white walls have exquisitely written informational pieces about Marx, the history of socialism and his theories. I found the above mural of Marx in the first room.

Throughout the house there were wonderful pieces of art with Marx as the focal point. Words written by or about him made up a variety of murals in the house.

Through the back of the house, walk out into a lovely little garden with a couple of statues of Marx. Returning to the house walk up the stairs and continue your self guided tour.

A walkway connected the two parts of the house and I was able to look down on the inner courtyard. Progressing around the house read more on how Marx’s philosophies were put into practice since he wrote them and how they were interpreted.

It really was an interesting place to visit, and I highly recommend visiting Karl Marx’s house to anyone going to Trier. Book a walking tour of Trier through Viator here.

When in Germany…drink beer

Germany is known for a lot of things, but you have to admit that beer is pretty high on that list. No matter how little time you have, there’s always time to sample what the country had to offer. Especially after walking around all day.

There are enough small restaurants and bars around the main town that you’re bound to find one that will take your fancy.

I set myself up at a table with my trusty travel notebook and relaxed for a while with a cold, German wheat beer. The landlady in the bar didn’t speak English but the menu had some English translations (as I found in most places). She was very nice, and as welcoming as everyone I had met so far had been.

Stock up on delicious food

If, like me, you are on limited time (I had a 7:30pm train back to Luxembourg to catch), you’ll still want to leave with a taste of Germany. That means chocolate, pastries and beer.

Why not pay a quick visit to a local supermarket and purchase a couple different German beers and some chocolate? That’s kind of my favorite travel ativity.

I also went to a wonderful confectionery shop. Ogling the cakes in the window I finally had to give in and buy an assortment of delicious sweet treats. I fully recommend you do the same. The most difficult part will be choosing.

The Roman Bridge

There was one thing left on my map I wanted to see today. An old Roman bridge over the river, still used today. In fact, this is said to be the oldest bridge in Germany. The Roman Bridge has support columns dating back to the 2nd Century. Yet another reminder of Trier’s past.

You can even go down onto a tree lined path along the river, which appeared to be a local cycle route and place for people to go for a walk. I sauntered back towards the part of the town I first arrived at on what turned out to be a pretty nice fall day. The intricately decorated railings along the river were really nice, as was the walk itself.

Dinner in Germany

Even though I was only on a day trip to Trier Germany, I decided to have dinner before I got back on the train. I managed to find a nice restaurant in the town with some classic German items on the menu. Classic schnitzel or currywurst sausages can easily be found and I was able to find vegetarian options too.

I ordered a broccoli, potato and cheese gratin. It was possible the richest, most delicious thing I can remember eating and I’m pretty sure given the opportunity I’d return to Trier for that alone. Another German classic, Apple Strudel, is the perfect way to top off a nice meal.

You won’t have too much trouble finding good food in Trier, but I urge you to go for some proper German food and really enjoy a carb-loaded meal.

You need more than one day in Trier Germany

I’m already planning my return to Trier, a town I would shout from the rooftops to visit if you’re in Germany (or Luxembourg). It’s a quaint city, with more history than you can shake a stick at. The people are so friendly and hospitable.

I studied German for a couple of years in high school. My German now doesn’t get me much further than telling someone my name, my age and that I have a rabbit. Only one of those are likely to get you anywhere on a visit to Germany. But if you try to use the language where you can (please and thank you, hello and goodbye) the locals will for sure appreciate your efforts.

If I go back I might visit in December and check out the Christmas markets (something Germany always does well). Trier is a quiet city in the off-season, but it’s just as nice a place to visit. It also doesn’t really matter what time of year you visit as there’s lots to see and do whatever the weather.

For somewhere I’d never heard of until my recent visit, and how I found by zooming out on a map, I’m sure glad I made Trier Germany part of my trip to Europe.

If you’ve enjoyed this post please share using the social media buttons below or leave a comment. Have you visited Trier Germany? Are there any other places you just loved that you chose at the last minute?