There is no better way to travel through Europe than on its wonderful and extensive train network, whether you’re gliding through the Alps or coasting through the French countryside. Thankfully, we’ve produced a list of some of Europe’s most picturesque routes, which are best experienced from a window seat.
1. Rauma Line, Norway
As you travel through Norway’s Rauma Line, take in breathtaking vistas of high peaks, craggy rock faces, and mountain slopes rising to windswept plateaus. One of the joys of the journey is rattling across the impressive Kylling Bridge when the driver permits a brief stop so that passengers can take pictures. The journey continues as the train meanders into the untamed Reinheimen National Park.
2. West Highland Line, Scotland
The West Highland Line in Scotland is undoubtedly a beautiful route, passing through rough hills, solitary lochs, brief stretches of coastline, Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain), and breathtaking vistas from the Glenfinnan viaduct. The Hogwarts Express appears on the route and on the steam train because they are so appealing to the eye in the Harry Potter movies.
3. Bergen Railway, Norway
Norway is breathtaking Bergen As it travels through rocky mountain vistas and across the stunning Hardangervidda plateau to the nation’s highest station, Finse, at 4010 feet (1222 meters), which is only accessible by train, the Hardangervidda Railway connects two wonderful cities. The world’s steepest railway line runs straight up from Myrdal to Flm on a branch line. The journey culminates in the stunning city of Bergen on Norway’s west coast.
4. Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Enjoy the breathtaking Alpine vistas while relaxing behind panoramic windows on the highest train in the Alps, which connects northern and southern Europe. The Bernina Express travels through glaciers in Switzerland as it descends down the Alps to reach the palms of Italy, following two lines that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Albula and the Bernina.
5. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre, an 11-mile (18-kilometre) stretch of craggy coastline, gets its name from five vibrant, rural communities, which translate to “five lands.” Cliffs plunge into the idyllically turquoise Ligurian Sea, and the slopes are covered in pastoral vineyards and olive groves. There are numerous “wow” sights between each of the five Cinque Terre communities served by regional trains.
6. Rhine Valley Railway, Germany
Romantic settings straight out of a fairytale can be found in Germany’s Rhine Valley. Overlooking the narrows, where the siren Lorelei is said to have lured sailors onto the rocks with her voice, castles rise above the turbulent seas. Between Mainz and Koblenz, the Mittelrheinbahn (Central Rhine Railway) follows the left bank of the Rhine River as it meanders.
7. Semmering Railway, Austria
The 965m (3166ft) Semmering Pass is crossed by the Semmering Railway, which was built between 1848 and 1854 by more than 20,000 men. Along the journey, the train passes through 15 tunnels, 16 viaducts, innumerable switchbacks, and arched bridges as it travels through a gorgeous wonderland.
8. Centovalli Railway, Switzerland and Italy
The Alps are at their most mesmerizing on the “Hundred Valley” Railway, which features waterfalls, chestnut woods, lush scenery, and vineyards. Along with passing through more than 30 tunnels and 83 bridges, this journey’s highlights include the Isorno Bridge in the village of Intragna and the canyon that connects Intragna and Re.
9. Mittenwald Railway, Austria and Germany
The Mittenwald Railway is a stunning border crossing route that travels between Austria and Germany while gliding past sparkling lakes and magnificent mountainous landscapes. The magnificent Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, which chugs up the peak of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 9717ft (2961m), can be boarded at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you can change trains.
10. Glacier Express, Switzerland
As you travel on the Glacier Express between the eastern and western Swiss Alps, past stunning alpine scenery and two of Switzerland’s most renowned ski resorts, your chances of meeting a millionaire are higher than average. For ski enthusiasts (and, quite literally, the upwardly mobile), it is required attire.
