The convenience, luxury, and magnificent landscape that come with train travel in Europe are unmatched. Europe has a vast and effective train network that connects big cities and beautiful rural locations.
The opportunity to experience Europe’s different landscapes, from rolling hills and quaint villages to breath-taking mountains and seaside vistas, is provided by taking the train throughout the continent. Travelers may easily transition from one famous location to another because to the well-connected rail network, which makes it a great choice for seeing several nations in one trip.
Moreover, punctuality, environmental friendliness, and roomy seats are also hallmarks of European rail travel. It enables travelers to unwind, mingle, and enjoy the journey without having to deal with airport security and check-in procedures.
Travelling by train in Europe is an educational experience that fosters a deeper connection to the continent’s history, culture, and natural beauty. This is true whether one chooses to go on a high-speed rail adventure or take a leisurely scenic route.
In this article, we will give you our top 5 train journeys to take in Europe.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express travels through the gorgeous Swiss Alps on its route, which is known the world over for its spectacular train travel. This famous train journey, which connects the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz over a distance of 291 kilometers (181 miles), provides travelers with a memorable experience.
The Glacier Express, dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” travels the distance in about 8 hours. Passengers enjoy breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains, quaint alpine towns, and pure valleys as they travel through 91 tunnels and cross 291 bridges during the course of the voyage.
The panoramic windows and plush seats on the train offers opportunities to take in the beauty of the surroundings. The Glacier Express is more than just a means of transportation; it’s an immersive experience that engages the senses and inspires awe.
The Glacier Express is a must-do for anyone looking to see the grandeur of the Swiss Alps from the comfort of a beautiful train, whether in the summer or the winter. It promises a fantastic adventure both times.
2. The Flam Railway, Norway
The Flm Railway, or Flmsbana, is an exceptional rail excursion that displays the breathtaking scenery of Norway’s fjord country. This magnificent railway route connects the lovely settlement of Flm, located at the innermost section of the Aurlandsfjord, with the high-altitude station of Myrdal over a distance of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).
The Flm Railway is well-known for its steep inclines, twisting tunnels, and dramatic elevation changes, providing travellers with stunning vistas of cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and snow-capped mountains. From Myrdal to Flm, the railroad descends through lush terrain, crossing raging rivers and tranquil fields.
Travellers may see the dramatic change from the untamed alpine nature to the serene serenity of the fjord region throughout the about hour-long trip. The Flm Railway is regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque train journeys, drawing tourists from all over the world to take in the breath-taking splendor of Norway’s fjord region.
3. The West Highland Line, Scotland
In western Scotland, the West Highland Line connects Glasgow with Mallaig over a beautiful rail route. The 264 mile train ride, which takes about 5 hours, travels through some of Scotland’s most breath-taking scenery.
From Glasgow, a railway travels across the Scottish Highlands, through the well-known Loch Lomond, and through the rocky mountains of Glen Coe. Before arriving at Mallaig, a charming fishing village on Scotland’s west coast, the train also travels through the picturesque Scottish settlements of Fort William and Arisaig.
The West Highland Line is renowned for its breath-taking views of the Scottish Highlands, which include vast vistas of undulating hills, narrow valleys and glistening lochs. The famed Glenfinnan Viaduct, a curved viaduct that spans 380 meters and affords breath-taking vistas of the surrounding landscapes, is another landmark that the train crosses. Glenfinnan has become famous for those interested in Harry Potter where it was used and mentioned.
A well-liked tourist destination, the West Highland Line is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful train routes. Although reservations are advised during the busiest travel period, the train travels all year long.
4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland
The picturesque Bernina Express connects Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. Passengers travel 144 kilometers in 4 hours on a train that passes through some of Switzerland’s most breath-taking scenery.
The train ride begins in Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, and travels by the well-known Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before arriving at the Bernina Pass, the highest point on the route at 2,253 meters above sea level, the railway passes through the Rhine Gorge, often known as the Swiss Grand Canyon.
Panorama vistas of the Swiss Alps, featuring snow-capped peaks, glistening alpine streams, and lush green valleys, are available to passengers the entire way. Before arriving in Tirano, an Italian border town, the train also travels through several charming cities and villages, including St. Moritz and Pontresina.
One of the most picturesque train excursions in all of Europe is the Bernina Express, a well-liked tourist destination.
Mainz to Koblenz, Germany
Germany’s Mainz to Koblenz train trip is a beautiful one that passes through the heart of the Rhine Valley. The trip is 68 kilometers long and lasts around an hour.
In Mainz, which is renowned for its old town’s historical significance and outstanding Romanesque architecture, the train journey begins. The next leg of the journey takes the train along the Rhine River, passing through quaint communities like Bacharach and Bingen. Passengers can take in expansive views of the Rhine Valley along the trip, including vineyards, castles, and the well-known Lorelei rock.
The portion of the Rhine Gorge that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the trip’s high point. The majestic Burg Rheinfels and the mediaeval Burg Katz are only a couple of the famous sites the railway visits. Additionally visible to passengers is the well-known Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, which is perched on an island in the middle of the river.
One of Germany’s most picturesque train routes is the one that runs from Mainz to Koblenz, which is a well-liked tourist destination. Reservations are not necessary for the train, which runs throughout the year, but they are advised during the busiest travel period.
