Long regarded as an environmentally friendly option compared to planes, which emit large amounts of carbon, train trips offer more than just ecological benefits. They stand out not only for their efficiency and affordability but also because the ride itself can be as pleasurable as reaching your final destination.
As the introduction of a unified European ticketing system for trains approaches over the coming few years, this railway revival will genuinely gain momentum.
You can reserve numerous of these trips through the railway operator. Byway Which will celebrate in 2025 the bicentennial of contemporary railway transportation.
Gaze out the train window to witness some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery and travel routes.
To get the ideal Instagram photo, hop aboard the Le Petit Train Jaune in France.
Stretching for 63 kilometers from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol through the Catalan region, France’s The small golden train provides a touch of Wes Anderson's quirky charm.
As you travel along its picturesque path dating back to the early 20th century, the vivid yellow locomotive ascends to Bolquère, which stands as the nation’s loftiest railway station. During your trip, you'll be treated to vistas from both a viaduct and a bridge spanning an impressive 80-meter-deep cliff face.
To enjoy a magical journey, take a ride on the West Highland Line in Scotland.
Also referred to as 'the Harry Potter train', due to the Hogwarts Express being inspired by the massive Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire. This Victorian-era concrete construction cost £18,000 back then and currently draws thousands of non-magical tourists annually.
The West Highland Line connects Glasgow with Mallaig in Scotland’s Highlands, serving as an entry point to the Isle of Skye. Offering vistas of lakes, mountains, and creatures like red deer, this picturesque journey often appears among top scenic routes.
For the most steep climbs, all of Norway’s Bergensbanen within the fjords region is renowned.
The Bergen Line is Scandinavia's highest railway, linking Norway’s The trip between the two biggest cities, Oslo and Bergen, lasts from six to seven hours as it takes you up to the remote Hardangervidda plateau, providing vistas above 1,200 meters.
Constructed from 1875 to 1909, this railway features over 180 tunnels drilled through Norway's seemingly impregnable gneiss rock. However, the journey isn’t just about passing through tunnels; travelers adore the breathtaking vistas of fjords and cascading waterfalls along with the isolated stops accessible solely via rail.
This provides you with entry to the Flåm railway, which is among the steepest rail lines globally.
For an unforgettable day trip, explore Portugal's Douro Line on what is known as the 'road to nowhere.'
Meandering along the Douro River over a distance of more than 160 kilometers from Porto in the west to Pocinho in the east, Portugal’s The Douro Line is preferred by those who enjoy a leisurely journey.
This particular piece focuses entirely on the voyage rather than the endpoint (do not feel discouraged by the initial hour of unremarkable landscapes - the scenery improves significantly after you arrive at the river).
This path meanders right through the core of the wine region, providing numerous chances to visit wineries and classic 'quintas', which are essentially wine farms. With a duration of three hours and twenty minutes for a one-way journey, this makes an ideal plan for a day excursion.
For idyllic station views, opt for England’s iconic Settle to Carlisle railway route.
This 117-kilometer route in northern England offers great value: it covers both the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, nearly reaching the Scottish border.
The distant, countryside path serves as an entryway to England’s small hamlets and settlements, whereas the train track spans numerous bridges—including the iconic Ribblehead.
Walkers and ramblers They might wish to make stops at numerous small, historically significant stations throughout their journey—many of which have been meticulously restored to reflect their appearance during the heyday of railway travel.
To witness breathtaking vistas of the Alps, embark on a journey along the Semmering Line in Austria.
Commonly recognized as the globe's premier mountain railway, Austria’s Semmering Railway became the first rail line to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Known for its impressive 19th-century engineering feats, this route traverses perilous Alpine landscapes through a series of loops, tunnels, and viaducts.
Covering 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels, and 100 bridges along the 42-kilometer route from Gloggnitz to Murzzuschlag, this offers a more leisurely travel option compared to a thrill ride.
To reach incredible elevations, make your way to Switzerland's record-setting Bernina Line.
The Bernina Line in Switzerland, another site with UNESCO recognition, closely follows in terms of scenic beauty: this alpine railway boasts one of the highest tracks in Europe and the steepest incline in the world.
You'll definitely want to stay awake for this ride. The Bernina Express covers approximately 200 bridges, passes through Switzerland’s most ancient municipality, showcases various natural wonders like ravines, includes impressive human-made constructions such as aqueducts, travels alongside frozen glaciers, and even goes past palm trees in the Italian city of Tirano.
For €5 train tickets, it must be the Cinque Terre line along the Italian Riviera.
Dotting the Italian Riviera coast of Cinque Terre are five charming villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Connecting these picturesque locations is the Cinque Terre Line , traveling between La Spezia Centrale and Stazione Ferroviaria di Levanto. This ideal stop-and-go trip allows you to enjoy various swimming areas and local delicacies along the way.
When combining an inland city with a seaside destination, one must consider Serbia and Montenegro’s route from Belgrade to Bar.
Starting out in the Serbian The capital of Belgrade marks the beginning of the line constructed in the 1970s, which extends along the Adriatic coast all the way to Bar,Montenegro, traversing Bosnia-Herzegovina on its journey.
During this route, which spans an 11-hour trip recognized as one of the Top 10 journeys in Europe by CNN, travelers pass through Montenegro’s dramatic Black Mountains, where monasteries seem precariously perched at their peaks. The path also leads visitors past stunning national parks, picturesque lakes, imposing Brutalist structures, and winding lanes within Bar’s historic district.
If you and your traveling companions cannot agree on which scenery to enjoy, and each of you wants something different, then this is the route you should choose.
To relive fond memories, take a ride on the Bohinj Railway from Slovenia to Italy.
Another marvel from the 1900s, the stunning Bohinj Railway links Jesenice with Slovenia With Trieste in Italy as the destination. During their journey, travelers will go through the 6,327-meter-long tunnel under Mount Kobla and cross the Solkan Bridge — the world’s longest stone railway arch.
Awaiting designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bohinj spans across what many call Slovenia’s 'Garden of Eden' near Nova Gorica. Consider stopping at Lake Bled to sample the area’s renowned custard-filled treats, or remain aboard to admire the vistas of Vintgar Gorge.
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