A bargain ticket giving one month's unlimited rail travel all over Germany has been launched by Deutsche Bahn and is available until 24 August 2013.

The Deutschland-Pass costs £263 (€309) and is valid on ICE high-speed trains as well as inter-city and regional trains and is a perfect way to enjoy a touring holiday in Germany. It can be used until 31 August.

The pass is an even better deal for young people up to and including 18 years old at £93 (€109), while young adults up to and including 26 pay £220 (€259).

It can also be used on trains in Switzerland and Austria for two consecutive days.

“We invite everyone to discover Germany by train – comfortably and environmentally friendly – using the Deutschland-Pass," said Ulrich Homburg of DB Passenger Transport. "It is 100% green power."

He added: “This offer gives young people especially, the opportunity of visiting friends or relatives throughout Germany. A detour into Switzerland or to Austria is also possible."

The Deutschland-Pass is available from all DB sales points, at DB automatic ticketing machines in Germany, as well as online at bahn.com/uk. The Deutschland-Pass is non-transferable and valid in conjunction with an ID card or passport. It is not valid on City Night Line and EuroNight trains.

Britain's All-Line Rail Rover by contrast costs £464 (£307 with a railcard) for just seven days and is not valid on Eurostar, Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow, Docklands Light Railway, London Underground, all local metro tram systems, shipping services or on any of the private railways except for the Ffestiniog Railway. There are also restrictions on travel before 10.00 at Birmingham New Street, Bedford, London Euston, London King's Cross, London St Pancras, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway, Milton Keynes Central, Stevenage and Watford Junction. A 14-day British All-Line Rail Rover costs £702 (£464 with a railcard).

"The German ticket looks like a fantastic bargain," said one rail campaigner. "The British version is more than four times more expensive, even with a railcard!"

More information: railrover

Information from DB.