Traveling by train in Europe is a relaxing way to enjoy beautiful views. You can see snow-covered mountains, charming villages, and stunning coastlines along the way. Whether you want a peaceful trip or to explore new places, these train journeys are a great way to experience Europe. We bring you some of the best routes to try.
1. The Glacier Express – Switzerland
The Glacier Express, known as the “slowest express train in the world,” travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Along the way, it crosses 291 bridges and goes through 91 tunnels. This eight-hour trip through the Swiss Alps offers amazing views of snowy mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful alpine fields. A highlight of the journey is crossing the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a key part of Swiss railway history.
Highlights:
- The majestic Swiss Alps
- Panoramic windows for a better view
- Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey at 2,033 meters
2. The West Highland Line – Scotland
The West Highland Line is known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the UK, running from Glasgow to Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast. The trip takes you through rough highlands, past peaceful lakes, and shows views of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. Fans of the “Harry Potter” films will recognize the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, where scenes with the Hogwarts Express were filmed.
Highlights:
- Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Views of Ben Nevis
- The wild beauty of Rannoch Moor
3. Cinque Terre Express – Italy
The Cinque Terre Express is a short but very scenic train ride along the Italian Riviera. It connects five beautiful villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The train runs close to the coast, passing through cliffs and tunnels, and you’ll see colorful houses sitting on steep hills.
Highlights:
- The colorful coastal villages of Cinque Terre.
- Great views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Easy access to hiking paths between the villages
4. Flåm Railway – Norway
The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest train journeys in the world. It runs from Flåm to Myrdal in Norway and takes you through stunning landscapes. On this ride, you’ll see tall waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering mountains. One of the highlights is the Kjosfossen Waterfall, where the train stops for a great view.
Highlights:
- Kjosfossen Waterfall, with a stop to enjoy the view.
- Beautiful fjord landscapes.
- Steep hills and curves through Norway’s rough land
5. Bernina Express – Switzerland and Italy
The Bernina Express travels from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. This train ride is very scenic and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey takes you over the Bernina Pass, which is 2,253 meters high. You’ll see amazing views of mountains, glaciers, and beautiful lakes. One highlight is the famous Brusio Viaduct, which has a unique spiral design.
Highlights:
- The amazing Morteratsch Glacier
- Views of the Palü Glacier and Lago Bianco
- The spiral Brusio Viaduct
6. The Transcantábrico – Spain
The Transcantábrico is a luxury train that travels from León to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This route goes through northern Spain, showing beautiful landscapes and charming towns. You’ll see green hills, dramatic coastlines, and experience the rich culture of the Basque Country. The train itself is very comfortable, offering a unique travel experience.
Highlights:
- Luxurious vintage-style train interiors
- Spectacular coastal and mountain views
- Cultural stops in Bilbao, Santander, and Santiago de Compostela
7. Rhine Valley Line – Germany
The Rhine Valley Line runs between Mainz and Koblenz in Germany. This scenic train ride follows the Rhine River and passes many castles and small towns. You’ll see vineyards on the hills and beautiful views of the river. A famous spot on this route is Lorelei Rock, which has a legendary story in German culture.
Highlights:
- Dozens of castles along the Rhine River
- Lorelei Rock, a legendary spot in German folklore
- Vineyards and charming riverfront villages
8. Semmering Railway – Austria
The Semmering Railway is one of the oldest mountain railways in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It runs from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag in Austria, taking you through beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll see high peaks, deep gorges, and impressive viaducts. The train ride is a great way to experience Austria’s natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Historic engineering marvels, including several viaducts
- Gorgeous alpine views
- Easy access to hiking trails in the Semmering area
9. GoldenPass Line – Switzerland
The GoldenPass Line connects Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux in Switzerland. This train ride takes you through diverse landscapes, including lakes, mountains, and charming towns. You’ll enjoy panoramic views from the train’s big windows. A highlight of this journey is crossing the Brünig Pass, which offers stunning mountain scenery.
Highlights:
- Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne
- Panoramic trains for clear views
- Crossing the Brünig Pass
10. The Douro Line – Portugal
The Douro Line takes you through Portugal’s famous wine country. The train runs from Porto to Pocinho, following the Douro River. You’ll see beautiful vineyards, olive trees, and stunning river views. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the views are especially nice in autumn when the leaves change colors.
Highlights:
- The terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley
- The calm waters of the Douro River
- An opportunity to visit Portugal’s famous port wine estates
Train travel in Europe is more than just getting from one place to another, it’s an experience on its own. These scenic routes not only offer beautiful views but also let travelers enjoy the different landscapes, cultures, and histories of Europe. Whether you want a relaxing trip through the mountains or a comfortable ride along the coast, these train routes have something for everyone. So, the next time you plan your European adventure, think about taking the scenic route – it might be the best part of your trip!
