Germany’s state rail operator, Deutsche Bahn is looking after passengers who are in the mood for love. German trains will soon feature private cabins with frosted glass. Moreover, this will allow passengers to take private video calls, or “cuddle” each other. But that’s not all, as the rail operator will allow passengers to reserve seats with “digital towels.” Read on to find out more about DB’s multi-billion euro revamp for romantic or privacy loving travelers.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) shows its romantic side

As part of a multi-billion euro revamp, Deutsche Bahn in Germany is investing in greater privacy on its train. The German state rail operator has plans to add frosted glass in compartments where romantic passengers can take video calls or cuddle with each other.

The German newspaper Bild dubbed Deutsche Bahn‘s plan ‘knutsch-abteil’ (smooch cabins) and the new compartments will feature on the company’s Intercity Express (ICE) high-speed trains. Moreover, the rail operator also plans to install digital seat reservations and scent buttons.

The new compartments have been designed to fit a maximum of two people and at the push of a button set in the armrest, the transparent window glass turns frosted for great privacy. Deutsche Bahn says these new compartments can turn a train seat into “a personal space with significantly more privacy.”

Meanwhile, the rail operator added that the new privacy function is designed to allow passengers to make video calls in privacy while traveling. Deutsche Bahn board member, Michael Peterson told Bild:

These enable private and confidential conversations in a protected environment. Anyone who sits in the model of an ICE two-person compartment can already get a sense of what train travel could soon feel like.

How was the name chosen?

Bild launched a poll for readers to find a good name for the new seating. Among the many suggestions were “cuddle compartment” and “cuddle chamber.” However, the winner was “knutsch-abteil,” which translates in English to “smooch cabin.”

The paper launched a poll for readers to find a name for the new seating, including ‘cuddle compartment’ and ‘cuddle chamber’. The winning name was ‘smooch cabin’. Currently, the new compartments are being trialed by different passenger types.

Seat towels and scent buttons on DB trains

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn has also announced the installation of digital screens, on which passengers can mark their seat as occupied if they should leave to visit the restaurant car, bathroom or the new “smooch cabins.” Moreover, DB has announced a service known as a “digital towel,” which refers to the controversial habit of German tourists, who reserve pool and beach loungers with their towels.

The rail operator is also planning scent buttons next to doorways and station lift that will release a relaxing and pleasant fragrance.

When will Deutsche Bahn introduce ‘smooch cabins’ and other new options?

So far, DB has not revealed when the new amenities will be introduced. However, these are part of a more comprehensive multi-billion euro revamp of their services. Meanwhile, the rail operator pledges to deliver a “railway fit for the future” by 2030. At that time it will also announce the use of AI technology to improve engineering works.