Embark on an unforgettable journey via the awe-inspiring landscapes of Europe with these high scenic prepare rides. As you sit again and chill out in your prepare seat, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque scenes that unfold exterior your window. From snow-capped mountains to charming villages, these routes supply probably the most rewarding method to discover the great thing about the continent.
So, which scenic prepare trip will you select?
Greatest scenic prepare rides in Europe
The Flam Railway: Myrdal to Flåm, Norway
Expertise one of many steepest prepare journeys on the planet as you descend from the mountainous plateau of Myrdal to the picturesque village of Flåm. The journey takes you thru lush valleys, previous waterfalls, and alongside the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord.
The Bernina Railway: Chur to Tirano, Italy
Switzerland and Italy come collectively in a exceptional show of pure magnificence on the Bernina Railway.
This scenic route takes you on a winding journey round vivid blue lakes and throughout majestic viaducts. Fields remodel into snowy mountains proper earlier than your eyes, leaving you in awe of the gorgeous landscapes.
Whereas panoramic trains supply an opulent expertise, you can even get pleasure from the identical stunning route on common trains with out the surcharge.
The Glacier Categorical: Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland
Traverse the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Categorical, generally known as the slowest categorical prepare on the planet. Marvel on the snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and charming alpine villages throughout this leisurely 8-hour journey.
Editor’s tip: Trying to discover Europe effortlessly? Take into account leveraging Omio, a flexible journey platform providing an in depth vary of journey choices by prepare, bus, and flight to each nook and cranny throughout the continent. It not solely facilitates fast and straightforward comparisons of journey decisions but in addition ensures affordable reserving prices. Plus, choosing extra eco-friendly modes of transportation, similar to trains, may also help cut back your carbon footprint—a acutely aware alternative facilitated by Omio!
The Bergen Railway: Oslo to Bergen, Norway
Put together to be enchanted by Norway’s spellbinding landscapes on the Bergen Railway.
This epic 7-hour prepare journey takes you thru fjords, glaciers, and Europe’s highest mountainous plateau. As you watch the breathtaking surroundings cross by, you’ll be immersed in the pure wonders that Norway has to supply.
Make a cease in Myrdal and hop on the legendary vacationer prepare to Flåm for an unforgettable detour.
The Black Forest Railway: Konstanz to Offenburg, Germany
Step right into a fairytale as you embark on the Black Forest Railway in Germany. This scenic route takes you thru lush forests and villages with conventional timbered homes.
The part between Donaueschingen and Hornberg is especially enchanting, with picturesque views at each flip. Maintain an eye fixed out for the native double-decker trains that run alongside this route, and be sure you declare a top-deck seat for the perfect views.
The Salzkammergut Railway: Stainach-Irdning to Attnang-Puchheim, Austria
Immerse your self in the great thing about Austria’s Salzkammergut area on this picturesque prepare trip. Marvel on the large cliffs, picturesque villages, and glistening lakes that make this journey really exceptional.
Positioned throughout the gorgeous Austrian Lake District, every station alongside the route beckons you to discover and uncover hidden gems.
You’ll want to get off the prepare at each station, and don’t miss the chance to go to Hallstatt, one of the stunning cities in all of Austria, by taking a ferry throughout the adjoining lake from the railway station.
The Flamands Line: Brussels to Bruges, Belgium
Discover the charming Belgian countryside on the Flamands Line. This scenic route takes you thru picturesque farmlands, alongside canals, and into the medieval metropolis of Bruges, recognized for its cobblestone streets and historic structure.
The Amalfi Coast Line: Salerno to Sorrento, Italy
Witness the breathtaking fantastic thing about the Amalfi Coast from the consolation of a prepare. As you journey alongside the shoreline, get pleasure from panoramic views of colourful cliffside villages, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious Mediterranean landscapes.
The Belgrade-Bar Railway: Belgrade to Bar, Montenegro
For the adventurous at coronary heart, the Belgrade-Bar Railway in Serbia and Montenegro gives an unforgettable Balkan prepare trip.
Surrounded by rocky valleys, speeding rivers, and broad lakes, this 12-hour journey showcases the gorgeous fantastic thing about the area. Cross the tallest viaduct in Europe and immerse your self within the breathtaking surroundings alongside the way in which.
If you wish to maximize your expertise, go for the day prepare and absorb each second of the superb landscapes.
The Semmering Railway: Vienna to Semmering, Austria
Uncover the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage web site, as you journey via the Austrian Alps. This historic route options viaducts, tunnels, and gorgeous mountain vistas.
The West Highland Extension: Crianlarich to Oban, Scotland, UK
Lengthen your Scottish journey by taking the West Highland Extension to Oban. Benefit from the scenic fantastic thing about Loch Awe, mountains, and glens as you make your method to the charming coastal city of Oban.
Cinque Terre: La Spezia to Levanto, Italy
Italy’s picturesque shoreline involves life on the scenic prepare trip via Cinque Terre.
Because the prepare hugs the shore, you’ll really feel such as you’re floating throughout the water, passing from one picture-perfect village to a different. Immerse your self within the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage web site as you discover the strolling trails between the 5 seaside villages.
Don’t miss the pleasant part between Monterosso and Vernazza, with its gorgeous views and vibrant environment, and browse this text on how one can preserve your Italy travels on a price range.
The Rhine Valley Line: Mainz to Koblenz, Germany
Wind alongside the Rhine River, passing vineyards, medieval castles, and charming cities. The Rhine Valley Line gives a romantic journey via one in every of Europe’s most scenic river valleys.
The West Highland Line: Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland, UK
Uncover the untamed fantastic thing about Scotland’s moorlands, lochs, and glens on the West Highland Line.
This prepare trip will take your breath away as you traverse the well-known Glenfinnan viaduct, recognized for its look within the Harry Potter movies. Benefit from the isolation of the panorama and marvel on the scenic vistas alongside the way in which.
Whereas steam trains can be found on this route, you can even go for the native providers operated by the Scottish rail operator for a extra budget-friendly expertise.
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains: Dresden to Decin, Germany
Immerse your self within the distinctive rock formations and sandstone landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This picturesque journey alongside the Elbe River gives gorgeous views of the Czech-German border.
The Gotthard Panorama Categorical: Lucerne to Lugano, Switzerland
Mix a scenic boat journey with a prepare trip on the Gotthard Panorama Categorical. Journey via the Swiss Alps, cross by pristine lakes, and expertise a seamless transition between rail and water transport.
The West Coast Fundamental Line: Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland, UK
Take pleasure in breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands as you journey from Glasgow to Mallaig on the West Coast Fundamental Line. Move via rugged landscapes, cross viaducts, and catch glimpses of iconic castles on this scenic route.
The Douro Line: Porto to Pocinho, Portugal
Embark on a splendid journey alongside the Douro River in Portugal on the Douro Line. Because the prepare snakes its manner via the scenic valley, you’ll be handled to views of winery terraces on both aspect.
Admire the great thing about the petite, white, and blue-tiled prepare stations alongside the route, which add to the allure of the journey.
Take the morning prepare to permit ample time to discover the valley, tasting scrumptious wines and immersing your self within the wealthy Porto architectural gems and the general cultural heritage of the area.
The Little Yellow Prepare: Latour-de-Carol to Villefranche-Vernet-les-bains, France
Put together for an exhilarating trip on the Little Yellow Prepare within the French Pyrenees.
In the course of the summer season, you possibly can even select to trip within the open-top carriage and revel in unobstructed views of the majestic Pyrenees mountains. This scenic route is positioned close to the borders of Andorra and Spain, providing a singular alternative for exploration.
Needless to say there could also be occasional line upkeep, so it’s a good suggestion to verify the prepare occasions upfront.
The West Cork Line: Cork to Killarney, Eire
Discover the scenic fantastic thing about Eire on the West Cork Line. This route takes you thru picturesque landscapes, alongside the coast, and into the charming city of Killarney.
The Montenegro Categorical: Podgorica to Bar, Montenegro
Revel within the rugged fantastic thing about Montenegro on the Montenegro Categorical. Journey via mountainous terrain, tunnels, and bridges as you make your manner from Podgorica to the coastal city of Bar.
Rhodope Slender Gauge: Septemvri – Dobrinishte, Bulgaria
Journey again in time on Bulgaria’s Rhodope Slender Gauge, the nation’s final remaining slim gauge prepare. This picturesque route takes you thru mountains, forests, and charming villages with minarets, immersing you in the great thing about the Balkan countryside.
Beginning on the Pirin vary, the prepare journey gives breathtaking views and a glimpse into the wealthy historical past and tradition of Bulgaria. Earlier than embarking in your journey, be certain to verify the prepare route info on the BDZ web site for the newest updates.
The Bernese Oberland Railway: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Ascend to the “High of Europe” on the Bernese Oberland Railway. Journey via lush meadows and snowy landscapes to succeed in Jungfraujoch, the place you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
The Settle-Carlisle Line: Settle to Carlisle, England, UK
Expertise the scenic splendor of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells on the Settle-Carlisle Line. This historic route takes you thru viaducts, tunnels, and picturesque countryside in northern England.
Tricks to plan an unforgettable European journey by prepare
Now that you’ve found these exceptional scenic prepare rides, it’s time to plan your excellent journey.
- Keep in mind to think about the timing of your journeys, utilizing a web-based dawn and sundown calculator to decide on the perfect prepare occasions for having fun with the surroundings.
- Additionally, don’t miss the chance to discover the stops alongside the route, as they usually maintain hidden treasures and distinctive experiences. Don’t fear about breaking the financial institution, as most of those scenic prepare rides are reasonably priced regional providers that locals use day-after-day.
- If in case you have an Interrail Move, you possibly can even get pleasure from these prepare rides at no extra price or with a small reservation price.
- Additionally, don’t neglect to think about the environmental influence of your travels with Omio’s platform, evaluating sustainable choices. Comply with Omio on Instagram for inspiration and discover the brand new Ecosia x Omio inexperienced journey function—combining sustainable journey with tree-planting initiatives!
So, get able to embark on an unforgettable journey via Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes – a dream for hikers! – with these 24 finest scenic prepare rides. Sit again, chill out, and let the great thing about the continent unfold earlier than your eyes.