No matter whether we want to visit an exotic island or are planning a vacation in Malta – traveling by plane or car is probably the easiest and most uncomplicated way to get to your desired destination as quickly as possible. But imagine the following scenario: you are sitting comfortably in the carriage and can discover the most breathtaking landscapes when you look through the window. Sounds wonderful and incredibly relaxing, right? Although we travel a little slower by train, we can treat ourselves to one or two stops and get to know different countries and many breathtaking corners much better. Traveling by train through Europe is not just about arriving, but the whole journey itself is an unforgettable travel experience. Would you like to do something special this year and make some great memories? From Scandinavian plains to the Italian coast to alpine peaks in Switzerland – in this article we have put together the most beautiful train routes in Europe that you cannot miss!
Train travel through Europe: What is an Interrail ticket?
While the plane takes us quickly from A to B, train travel across Europe offers us the unique opportunity to see much more of the individual countries we pass through. So next time instead of booking the plane straight away, look for alternative train routes. The Interrail ticket is particularly suitable for this because it allows us to travel through various European countries for little money and very easily. With the Interrail Ticket we can travel either across a specific or through several of the 30 European countries involved in a predetermined period of time. In order to find the right ticket for you, you should be clear about the approximate destinations before you travel. With the Interrail Global Pass you can travel through any country for a month. If, on the other hand, you only want to visit a specific country and only have a few days available, then the Interrail One Country Pass is enough for you.
Train travel through Europe: West Highland Line in Scotland
The West Highland Line, which runs from Glasgow via the Trossachs National Park and the West Highlands to the Atlantic, takes you through Scotland’s most diverse landscapes. Beautiful castles, small islands, clear lakes and green valleys – the line is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful train routes in Europe and is an absolute must for all train lovers. The trip is an excellent way to experience the country’s wild west coast. As soon as the train leaves Glasgow, the urban landscape quickly fades into tranquil lakes and green forests. And now good news for all Harry Potter fans! Before reaching its terminus in the fishing village of Mallaig, the West Highland Line crosses the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, which features in the film series. Other films such as James Bond and Braveheart were also filmed along the beautiful railway line.
Discover the south of France with the pine cone train
Train travel through Europe is perfect for those who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the beauty of the beautiful countries in peace. One of the most beautiful and impressive train routes in France is undoubtedly the route from Digne-les-Bains to Nice with the “Train des Pignes”, known in German as the Pinecone Train. The train runs 5 times a day between the Côte d’Azur and the Alps through almost 80 bridges, tunnels and viaducts. The train route is around 150 kilometers long and there are a total of 50 stops – along the “Route Napoleon” through the wild Verdon valley to Thorame-Haute train station. Via Annot you then reach your final destination, Digne les-Bains – a beautiful place in the countryside where the big lavender festival takes place in August.
Train travel through Europe: Orient Express train routes
Is there a more famous train than the Orient Express? Of course, most of us know the crime thriller “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie or have at least seen the film. The elegant salon and dining cars with comfortable armchairs, the richly decorated carriages and the neatly set tables seem like they come from another time, but the Orient Express really exists! In the 1920s, the train transported wealthy politicians, actors and writers from London via Paris, Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade to Istanbul and did so in style. The train is now called the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, but it still partly runs on the original route and is therefore ideal for top-class train travel through Europe. Of course, such an experience also has its price – depending on the route, ticket prices start at around 1,000 euros and the historic route from Paris to Istanbul costs a whopping 8,500 euros. However, you can enjoy exquisite dishes in one of the fine on-board restaurants and have a personal butler who is available to you around the clock. Sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it?
Experience the most beautiful train routes in Switzerland with the Glacier Express
Hidden in the small but incredibly beautiful country of Switzerland is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. The route connects two of Switzerland’s most popular ski areas and is a opus of rugged valleys, 290 bridges, snow-capped peaks and wild mountain forests. The train departs from beautiful St. Moritz and you can enjoy the gorgeous mountain views through the large picture windows that surround each carriage for a 360-degree view. However, don’t let the name fool you – with an average speed of around 40 km/h, the Glacier Express isn’t particularly fast, but who wants to rush when the scenery is so spectacular? The trip is divided into four sections, so you can hop off and stop overnight as you wish. The large forest areas, the idyllic villages and the wonderful view of the Rhine – the diversity of this region is hard to beat and the train route is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.
Train travel through Europe and explore Cinque Terre in Italy
Picturesque little villages, colorful houses, steep coastlines and beautiful beaches: train travel through Europe allows us to explore the beautiful Italian Riviera in a unique way. When you think of Italy, you probably imagine fairytale coastal towns surrounded by vineyards – and that’s exactly what you’ll see when you take the Cinque Terre train. Five small villages in the Italian region of Liguria between Levanto and La Spezia are called Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The picturesque and rustic villages are lined up along the 12 kilometer long coastal strip on the Italian Riviera and can be wonderfully explored on foot. Since it is almost impossible to drive to the individual villages by car, it is best to take the Cinque Terre train. The distances between the individual stations are very short and the train journey between the individual villages usually takes 5-10 minutes. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea, the terraced vineyards and the colorful houses and take some Instagram-worthy photos!
By train to Mont Blanc
A fascinating experience in the deep snow-covered world of the highest mountain in Europe – that is how the Mont Blanc Express train route could best be described. This means you can travel through two countries – France and Switzerland – in around 2 hours. Between Chamonix and Martigny you can admire the breathtaking peaks, the wild gorges and the mysterious forests while enjoying the view of the rustic and mountainous valley of Trent. Over a 2.5 kilometer long section, the train climbs a gradient of 20 percent and the route is guaranteed to be one of the most impressive routes through the Alps that can be covered by train. From Chamomix you can also reach the 3,800 meter high Aiguille Du Midi, where the longest ski run in the Alps, “Vallèe Blanche”, begins. So this would be the ultimate train trip through Europe for all skiers!
The most beautiful railway routes in Germany: From Bingen to Koblenz
For anyone looking for ideas for a romantic and idyllic train trip through Europe, we have found the perfect train trip! The route from Bingen down the Rhine to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fantastic view! The railway line winds over 70 kilometers and is considered one of the most romantic and beautiful routes in Germany. Imposing castles, numerous monuments, Gothic chapels and green forests – the landscape that passes by outside the window is simply breathtaking. On the trip you can even see the Loreley, which is considered the most famous landmark on the Rhine.
Admire Austria with the Semmering Railway
Are you planning a vacation in Austria this year? So how about exploring the magnificent mountain landscapes and breathtaking views by train? The Semmering Railway route is around 42 kilometers long and runs from Gloggnitz over the Semmering to Mürzzuschlag. The route has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and is one of the most incredible engineering feats in the world. The Semmering Railway is actually the first standard-gauge mountain railway in Europe, was planned by Carl von Ghega and opened in 1854. The charming route leads over 16 viaducts, through 15 tunnels and over 100 stone bridges – pretty impressive, we would say! And for anyone who would like to take a short hike and marvel at the bridge construction, there are numerous entry and exit options.
Train travel through Europe: Inlandsbanan in Sweden
The Inlandsbanan in Sweden is without a doubt slow travel at its best! If you love adventure and untouched nature, then you should take a short train journey through the Swedish inland. Inlandsbanan takes you from the Swedish countryside to the snow-capped valleys of the Arctic Circle and through the windows you can enjoy the wonderful views of the whimsical forests or the reindeer herds. Although the drive is quite long, you can stop in any town or village to explore the country. You can also order fresh dishes from local restaurants at every stop and discover the local cuisine. The entire migration route from Kristinehamn on Lake Vänern to Gällivare is almost 1,300 kilometers long, where you can encounter moose and bears. However, Inlandsbanan only operates during the Swedish summer holidays, between mid-June and mid-August.
From Belgrade to Bar by train
The 476 kilometer long railway line between the Serbian capital Belgrade and the Mediterranean city of Bar in Montenegro, completed in 1976, is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and beautiful train routes in Europe. You will discover numerous highlights and bridges along the route. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct, which is considered the highest iron bridge in Europe with a height of 198 meters, can also be seen. The train crosses a total of 3 mountain ranges in the Dinaric Mountains and reaches 1032 meters at the highest point. It also goes through the impressive Moraca Canyon and past Lake Scutati – the perfect train trip through Europe for all nature lovers!
