Travelling through Europe on its excellent and extensive train network is a great way to explore the continent. Whether you’re gliding through the Alps or coasting through the French countryside, with almost 222,924km (138,518 miles) of track to discover, it might be challenging to decide where to board and get off. We’ve compiled a list of some of Europe’s most picturesque roads, best viewed from a window seat. So switch off your screen, unwind, and take in the most breathtaking train routes in Europe.
Rauma Railway, Norway
Route: Dombås to Åndalsnes
Distance and duration: 70 miles / 113km, 1.5 hours
Best time to ride: Summer or winter
With its majestic views of towering peaks, jagged cliffs, and the tranquil Rauma River, Norway’s Rauma Line provides a captivating rail trip. Highlights include going through Reinheimen National Park and over the Kylling Bridge. The route runs from Dombås to Åndalsnes, famous for treks to the Rampestreken viewpoint and adventure sports. The mountains of central Norway are home to fjords, valleys, and famous sites like the Kylling Bridge and the Trollveggen. With its white sand beaches and tumbling waters, the emerald Rauma River is a pleasure for travellers. A stop in Bjorli, which appears in the movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” provides for exploration and coffee. The Rauma Line is an incredible chance to experience the breathtaking scenery and unspoiled beauty of Norway.
West Highland Line, Scotland
Route: Fort William to Mallaig
Distance and duration: 41 miles / 67km, 1.5 hours
Best time to ride: Summer
Travelling through a variety of spectacular settings, such as untamed hills, serene lochs, and breathtaking beaches, the West Highland Line in Scotland is a visual feast. The peaks of the highlands, covered in mist, give the journey an almost otherworldly backdrop, while the lochs mirror the surrounding towering mountains and lush greenery. Views of the coastline, with its crashing waves and salty fresh air, are offered to passengers as the train meanders through the countryside. Passing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, with its snow-capped top serving as a monument to the splendour of nature, is one of the journey’s highlights. Another renowned sight is the Glenfinnan viaduct, whose elegant arches offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. In the Harry Potter films, this picturesque route was used to symbolise the Hogwarts Express. The last stop is Mallaig, a little fishing village known for its mouthwatering seafood selection, including white fish, mussels, and prawns.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Route: Zermatt to St Moritz
Distance and duration: 180 miles / 291km, 7.5 hours
Best time to ride: November to January
The Glacier Express, dubbed the “world’s slowest express train,” offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel across the breathtaking Swiss Alps and rub shoulders with the wealthy elite. The European train trip travels through breathtakingly pure alpine scenery to connect Zermatt and St. Moritz, two of Switzerland’s most prestigious ski resorts. A front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth, including tall peaks, narrow gorges, and lovely valleys, is offered by the panoramic windows. The Glacier Express provides a luxurious and comfortable way to visit some of the world’s best slopes, making it a must-do experience for any ski enthusiast. The train’s opulent amenities and first-rate service guarantee that passengers experience the height of luxury while travelling.
Bergen Railway, Norway
Route: Oslo to Bergen via Flåm
Distance and duration: 341 miles / 550km, 7 hours
Best time to ride: July or winter
Norway’s breathtaking natural splendour is on display through the Bergen Railway experience. As the European train travel progresses, guests are treated to breathtaking views of untamed alpine terrain. Before arriving at Finse, the line’s highest station at 1222 metres, passengers are presented with views of pristine environment and animals as the train winds over the Hardangervidda plateau. Finse, only accessible by train, is evidence of the incredible engineering achievement of the Bergen Railway. A trip highlight is the branch line that runs from Myrdal to Flåm. The Flåm Railway, ascending nearly 900 meters in just 20 kilometres, is the world’s steepest railway track. The trip comes to a close at Bergen, a stunning city on Norway’s west coast that perfectly combines urban elegance with natural beauty.
Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Route: Chur to Tirano
Distance and duration: 76 miles / 122km, 4 hours
Best time to ride: April
The Bernina Express connects northern and southern Europe with a breathtaking panoramic tour across the Swiss Alps as it makes its way down through the mountains to the palms of Italy, a great way to see more of Europe by train. It also passes through several charming Swiss towns and villages, including St. Moritz, Pontresina, and Poschiavo, where passengers can disembark and explore the local sights and attractions. The train passes through a variety of breathtaking scenery, including mountains, glaciers, valleys, and woods, as it travels along the Albula and Bernina railway lines, which are recognised UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as the Morteratsch Glacier, which is one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in the Alps. Some of the most iconic constructions in the world, like the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio spiral viaduct, highlight the route’s fantastic engineering. The Bernina Express route travels through 55 tunnels, across 196 bridges, and ascends to 2,253 metres at the Bernina Pass.
Rhine Valley Railway, Germany
Route: Bingen to Koblenz
Distance and duration: 38 miles / 61km, 50 min
Best time to ride: February to October
Romantic vistas seem straight out of a storybook while you are in Germany’s Rhine Valley. Elevated castles on tall hills provide a commanding view of the Rhine River, whose waters swirl past slender cliffs and steep vineyards. Taking a trip on the Mittelrheinbahn (Central Rhine Railway) is the ideal method to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Rhine Valley. Between the ancient cities of Mainz and Koblenz, this train travels along the winding left bank of the Rhine River. Passengers enjoy expansive views of the river, the castles perched above the hills, and the charming villages scattered over the terrain as the train traverses the rails. The Lorelei Sculpture, south of St. Goarshausen, is a must-see sight. This exquisite sculpture honours the legendary siren by encapsulating both her allure and the spirit of the tale that has captured people’s hearts for generations.
Semmering Railway, Austria
Route: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag
Distance and duration: 25.5 miles / 41km, 45 min
Best time to ride: Year round
The Semmering Railway is a testament to human invention and perseverance, tucked in the breathtaking scenery of Austria. Over 20,000 diligent workers built this railway line between 1848 and 1854, making it a notable accomplishment of civil engineering and architecture. The train passes through a breathtaking wonderland as it crosses the 965-metre (3166-foot) Semmering Pass. The trip runs via sixteen viaducts and fifteen tunnels, as well as innumerable switchbacks and arched bridges that weave through a lush mountain stretch covered with forests. Hiking along the railway line is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area fully. Make the most of this exceptional and stunning location by unwinding in a winter sauna in Semmering after a day of exploring.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Route: Levanto to La Spezia
Distance and duration: 12.5 miles / 20km, 40 min
Best time to ride: February to October
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the five lively, rustic villages that make up the Cinque Terre, a breathtakingly gorgeous region on the Italian Riviera that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These charming settlements create a captivating contrast as they hang on craggy cliffs and plunge down to the Ligurian Sea’s blue waves. Olive groves and vineyards adorn the neighbouring hills, showcasing the region’s illustrious agricultural heritage. Cinque Terrens are known for their inventiveness and perseverance, as evidenced by the expert way local farmers grow their products on precipitous terraces. Take the regional trains, which stop in all five villages and provide breathtaking views of the hills and ocean, to explore the area. As an alternative, Riomaggiore and Manarola are connected by the well-known Via dell’Amore, also known as the Path of Love, which offers couples stunning views and a romantic atmosphere.
Centovalli Railway, Switzerland and Italy
Route: Locarno to Domodossola
Distance and duration: 32 miles / 52km, 2 hours
Best time to ride: Summer
A masterpiece that captures the Alps’ stunning splendour in all its glory is the Centovalli Railway. Spreading vineyards, colourful landscapes, abundant flowing waterfalls, and dense chestnut woods make it seem like nature has painted a beautiful picture just for the passengers on this trip. The Isorno Bridge is one of the trip’s standout features; it’s close to the picturesque village of Intragna and offers panoramic views of the valley below. The train’s seamless passage through more than 30 tunnels and 83 bridges – each a remarkable feat of engineering in and of itself – leads passengers to marvel at the gorge that connects Intragna and Re. Take the chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lake Maggiore’s stunning blue waters. The serene surroundings of the lake offer an ideal counterpoint to the magnificent Alps, completing the encounter with an almost unparalleled sense of peace and tranquillity.
Mittenwald Railway, Austria and Germany
Route: Innsbruck to Zugspitze via Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Distance and duration: 51.5 miles / 83km, 3 hours
Best time to ride: Year round
The Mittenwald Railway is a charming route that connects Austria with Germany, winding past sparkling lakes and breathtaking mountainous scenery. This voyage is a monument to the natural splendour in this region of Europe, with views from your train window framing snow-capped peaks and lush foliage. Travellers can switch trains and board the picturesque Bavarian Zugspitze Railway at the quaint town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This iconic railway climbs to the top of Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain at 9717 feet (2961 metres). The scenery changes as you ascend, from verdant valleys to snow-capped peaks, making for even more breathtaking views. Don’t miss seeing Schloss Ambras when you are in Innsbruck. Situated on a hill with a stunning view of the city, this majestic white castle is a superb illustration of Renaissance architecture. A unique assortment of relics and displays offering insight into the region’s rich history and culture can be found here. There are also lovely gardens all around the castle that are ideal for a leisurely stroll after a day of sightseeing.
In conclusion, Europe’s scenic train rides offer an enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them a must-experience for any avid traveller. Whether you’re journeying through the majestic Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express, marvelling at the fairytale landscapes of the Scottish Highlands on the West Highland Line, or tracing the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre region in Italy, each ride presents a visual feast for the senses, these are the most scenic train rides in Europe.
