Overview

Deutschlandreise (Journey Through Germany) is a family board game published by Ravensburger. Players travel across a map of Germany, visiting cities assigned to them via destination cards. The game is a classic German family game that has been published in multiple editions since the 1950s, with rule variations across editions. The 1995 and later editions added action cards for more strategic options.

Components

• 1 game board depicting a map of Germany with cities connected by routes
• Destination cards (city names players must visit)
• Action cards (in later editions)
• Player pawns
• 1 die
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Place the board in the center of the table.
2. Each player selects a pawn and chooses a starting city (this becomes their “home” city).
3. Deal destination cards to each player – typically 8 cards indicating cities that must be visited.
4. In editions with action cards, deal action cards to each player as well.
5. Determine the starting player.

Turn Structure

On your turn:

1. Choose Action: Roll the die to move, OR play an action card (in later editions).
2. Move: Move your pawn along connected routes up to the number rolled.
3. Visit City: If you arrive at a city on one of your destination cards, reveal the card.
4. Return Home: After visiting all destinations, head back to your starting city.

Actions

Rolling and Moving

• Roll the die and move your pawn along connected routes on the map.
• You may choose your path through the network of routes.

Visiting Destination Cities

• When you reach a city matching one of your destination cards, show the card to other players.
• That card is complete; move on to your next destination.

Action Cards (1995+ Editions)

• Instead of rolling, you may play an action card:
  • Move to any city: Instantly travel to any city on the board.
  • Move to another player: Travel to the city where another player’s pawn is located.
  • Summon a player: Move another player’s pawn to your city.
  • Exchange cards: Swap a destination card with the deck or another player.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The first player to visit all of their destination cities and return to their starting city wins the game.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Multiple Editions: Rules vary between editions. Earlier editions are pure roll-and-move; later editions add action cards for strategic depth.
• Route Network: Players must follow the connected routes on the board – they cannot move directly between non-connected cities.
• Home City: Each player’s starting city serves as their final destination. The game is not over until you return home.
• Related Games: Part of the Ravensburger “Reise” (Journey) series, which includes Europareis and other geographic variants.

Player Reference

Turn: Roll die (or play action card) → Move along routes → Visit destination cities → Show matching cards

Win: First to visit all destination cards and return to starting city

Action Cards (1995+): Move anywhere

Move to a player

Summon a player

Exchange cards