The Parsifal was an express train that linked Paris with Dortmund in Germany and later Cologne.

The train was named after Wagner's opera inspired by the legendary knight Percival.

[5] The DB Class VT 11.5 was used until 28 September 1968 when the rolling stock was replaced by electric-locomotive hauled trains.

[7] In September 1978 it was decided to offer second-class on the Hamburg - Paris link, which meant that the TEE criteria were no longer met.

[8] On 31 May 1987 with the start of the EuroCity network the EC Parsifal was one of the initial services, although its route was reduced to the Paris – Cologne section.