Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys – Flytoday

Traveling to the cities and countries of the European continent is one of the trips that the majority of tourists are interested in experiencing. Many facilities to go on the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe have made many people go to this evergreen land every year and see its history and nature. European railway routes take you to the center of historical cities, ancient castles, beautiful villages and pristine nature; From the towering mountains of the Alps to the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.

Traveling to these beautiful areas is possible with only one train ticket. In this article from tourism magazine flytodaywe decide to talk about some of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe and introduce the best train routes in Europe as well as the most special trains that travel in this continent; So be with us.

Get to know the best train routes in Europe

All the cities and countries of the European continent are connected to each other through railway tracks. Some of these trains move on routes that watching them is like watching the most beautiful works of art in the world! In addition to attractive tourism, you can experience economic travel by train in Europe. In the following, we will introduce a few routes and trains that will make you the most spectacular train journeys in Europe.

Swiss Glacier Express Railway (Glacier Express)

Since the word express is used for this train, it might confuse you a little and lead you to think of high-speed trains; But it is not so. The Glacier Express train moves at an average speed of 38 km/h and is the best option for watching beautiful scenery at low speed.

This train connects two of Switzerland’s most popular ski areas. On this route, you will meet snow-capped peaks, rugged valleys, 291 bridges and wild alpine forests. The stunning landscapes of Switzerland are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscapes that can be seen. Landwasser historical bridge is also one of the beautiful bridges located on this route. In Zermatt, you can continue your journey using the mountain train to the Görnergrat peak (3089 m). The breathtaking view of the Matterhorn is worth the long journey though!

• Train route: Zermatt to Saint Maurice (290 km, 7.5 hours)

Odontotos Mountain Railway (Greece)Odontotos Rack Railway)

Experience one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe along this route. This historical train was built in 1895 and moves at a pleasant and quiet speed through the wild valley of Pelponzed. This railway line is one of the last narrow gauge railway lines in the southern part of Greece.

The Diakopto train begins its journey from the coastal town of Diakopto and continues through hand-carved tunnels and sycamore forests to the mountain town of Calaverita. On this journey, your train will pass over 49 bridges, giving you the opportunity to watch the roaring Voraikos River from below. To visit the temples and the ancient stadium of Olympia, you need to take a small train from Katakolon, which also passes through a narrow track.

• Train travel route: Diakopto to Kalavarita (22.5 km, one hour)

German Rhine Valley RailwayRhine Valley Line)

The Rhine Valley railway route is also one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe that tourists must experience. The real beauty of this area is when you cross Bonn and reach the point where the railway and the river meet. Of course, it is possible to travel this route with high-speed trains and save an hour of your time. But in this case, you will miss the opportunity to see such sights as the lush vineyards, the castle on top of Coblents Hill and the legend of Lorelei Rock. Interrail cards, or international train passes, are valid on this line, and you can also get discounts on Rhine Line boats.

• Train travel route: Cologne to Mainz (152 km, 2.5 hours)

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Venice Simplon Orient Express train England, France and ItalyVenice Simplon Orient)

While the last generation of the Orient Express ended its service in 2009, an American businessman bought 1920s and 1930s carriages, many of which belonged to the original service, and revived the route to Venice. Some of Europe’s scenic rail journeys are made by these two historic trains. Undoubtedly, this journey will be one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe.

You can sip your favorite drink, eat lobster at Étoile du Nord restaurant and relax, enjoy the atmosphere or even daydream while watching the mountains and plains. Although the trip to the south is more popular, the experience of the trip to the north is also very wonderful and worth going and seeing.

• Train travel route: London to Folkestone; Calais to Venice (1636 km; 24 hours)

West Highland Railway, ScotlandWest Highland Line)

This is one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe starting from Glasgow. The West Highland Railway passes through some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in Britain, taking in endless hills, wooded lochs and the ruins of old castles.

It is interesting to say that in this place, the probability of seeing a red deer will be higher than seeing a human! Glenfinnan Bridge is a famous bridge on this route that is well known for its use in the Harry Potter movies. If you are traveling from southern cities to the north, we have to tell you this secret that to watch the best views, it is better to sit on the right side of the train! The Royal Scotsman and Jacobite Steam Trains are luxurious and expensive alternatives to this £16.80 one-way journey on Scottish Rail.

• Train travel route: Glasgow to Mallaig (264 km, 5.5 hours)

Bernina Express train, Switzerland and ItalyBernina Express)

Since this summer, the pleasure of traveling with the Bernina Express train has become more than ever; Because the route of this train has been extended by about 50 kilometers and you no longer need to buy expensive plane tickets or even re-buy train tickets to continue the journey. Now one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe starts from Lundquart and passes through the mountains of Pratigo and the deep valleys of Zogen.

This train runs between May and October; Because it has to pass the Bernina Pass at an altitude of 2,253 meters. The Bernina Pass is the gateway to Italy. Traveling with this train will be very comfortable, calm and full of excitement and pleasure. On this trip, you can visit and enjoy the breathtaking and panoramic views of Brusio’s Viaduct. For the best view, we recommend booking a window seat.

• Train route: Lundquart to Tirano (163 km, 5 hours)

Train Mariasel, Austria (Mariazell Railway)

This narrow-gauge train passes through one of the wildest regions of the Austrian Alps and divides this region into two parts: “Valley” and “Mountain”. The first part stretches from St. Paulten to Frankenfels and is full of green meadows and pleasant walking paths that, depending on the type of your ticket, you can walk and walk again in this area.

The second part is drawn from the beautiful and rough Erlauf valley and reaches the peaks of the Utsher-Thormayr National Park. To experience this journey as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe, you should consider a full day. Also, to enjoy the wonderful surrounding scenery, it is better to choose the first-class panoramic carriage. Passengers who are interested in old trains can also travel to these areas from June to the end of September with the 100-year-old Outcherber train.

• Train route: Saint Paul to Mariazle (78 km, 2.5 hours)

Inlandsbana train, Sweden (Inlandsbanan)

The introduction of the best railway routes in Europe continues. Inlandsbana is the best example for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. This train starts from Christianham and its route continues to the northern part of the Arctic and Swedish Lapland. On the two-day route of this train, there are planned stops that are very suitable for swimming in Siljan Lake, visiting Sami villages and also watching reindeer herds.

On this trip, you can watch reindeer and pick berries under the midnight light. At each stop, you can also order fresh food such as arctic smoked cranberries and lingonberry crumble from local restaurants in the area.

• Train travel route: Christianham to Gallivare (1288 km; 2 days)

Train Trentino Verde, Sardinia, Italy (Trenino Verde, Sardinia)

The best way to do scenic European rail journeys and also get to know Sardinia is by taking the green train of Ternino Verde. In this trip, the Mandas to Lacuni route passes through lush forests, the Palau to Tempio route ends in a city known for its cotton plantations, and the Sindia to Buza route also goes through the unspoiled nature of a spectacular island to the west coast. One of the scenes that made this journey one of the most special and spectacular European rail journeys is the train driver getting off to push the sheep off the tracks.

• Train travel routes: Palau to Tempio (59 km), Sindia to Buza (33 km), Mandas to Lacuni (37 km), Mandas to Sadali (58 km), Arbata to Girloch (62 km), (time of each trip: variable )

The Seine Railway in FranceLa Ligne des Cévennes)

Every twist of this railway line is considered an engineering masterpiece. The route of this incredible railway includes 106 tunnels, more than 1000 bridges and also an exciting bridge called Chamborigaud with a height of 46 meters. Chambrigod attracts all eyes with its 29 long arches made in a semi-circular shape. The Ceven railway reaches its highest point at Labasteid peak at an altitude of 1023 meters. On this route, which is one of the best train routes in Europe, you can walk in the vineyards of Auvergne, the chestnut forests of the Cevennes National Park and the spectacular route of the Allaire River and enjoy the view.

• Train travel route: Clermont-Ferrand to Nimes (304 km; 6.5 hours)

Derry/ Londonderry to Coleraine, Northern Ireland (Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine)

This route does not need 5-star wagons or steam locomotives to become one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe; The first-class view of this area is enough to satisfy tourists. On this trip, you will take a simple train to see nature and see windy beaches, sharp cliffs and wild landscapes.

If you are traveling east, sit on the left side of the train and prepare yourself for a journey that Mr. Michael Palin in the series “Great Rail Journeys” mentioned as one of the most beautiful and best train routes in Europe and the world! Along the route of this train, you will pass the habitat of peregrine falcons as well as the longest railway tunnels in Ireland. If you choose this train and this route for your trip, you can stop for a pleasant walk on the warm sands of Benone Beach.

• Train route: Derry/Londrey to Coleraine (55 km; 38 minutes)

Dover Railway, Portugal (Linha do Douro)

Instead of taking a day trip by boat from Porto, you can take the train. Of course, most of the boats only go to Pinhao village; But this railway takes you further and passes through high stone walls and vast vineyards. The remarkable part of this route is that the train route changes between the banks of the river. This means you don’t have to worry about choosing a seat. Pinhão station is one of the most beautiful terminals in Europe, decorated with colorful Azuljo tiles.

• Train route: Porto to Puccino (160 km; 3.5 hours)

September to Dubrinishte, Bulgaria (Septemvri to Dobrinishte)

This railway is the only active narrow-gauge railway in Bulgaria, which is the lifeline of the southwestern part of the country. This train moves at a very low speed and its speed is so slow that you can even walk next to it! But this trip will still be enjoyable and lovely. You can get off the train and go hiking in Bansko, use the hot springs in Volingrad, or even visit the Belita Dancing Bear Sanctuary. The thing you should know about this train is that the train only has a simple cafe; So be sure to bring picnic items with you.

• Train travel route: Septebri to Dubrinishte (125 km; 5 hours)

El Transcantabrico Classico luxury train, Spain (El Transcantábrico Clásico)

The route of this train is one of the best train routes in Europe. Visiting Santiago de Compostela will never be so enjoyable! The existence of luxury wagons and sightseeing in different areas by El Transcantabrico train will make a comfortable and memorable trip for you.

This train passes by the northern coast of Spain. With a stop at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, you can enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in Santander. This railway line is actually located between San Felice and Ferrol, which are a few kilometers from León and Santiago de Compostela; Therefore, to reach the train station of origin and destination, you have to travel a little way by bus.

• Train route: Leon to Santiago de Compostela (643 km; 4-8 days)

Belgrade to Bar, Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro (Belgrade to Bar, Serbia)

You cannot book tickets for this Balkan railway line online from national companies, and you must make a purchase in person. There are 254 tunnels and 435 bridges on the route of this train. It took decades for railway engineers to tunnel through the Alps, through endless birch forests and across Lake Skadar, creating one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys. It took the same amount of time to build the astonishing Mala Rijeka Bridge, which was the tallest railway bridge in the world until 2001. Apparently, this train currently only runs at night.

• Route: Belgrade to Bar (476 km, about 10 hours)

Golden Golden Eagle Danube luxury train, from Türkiye to Hungary (Golden Eagle Danube Express)

The Danube Express train on the route of “Castles of Transylvania” will transport you in the most luxurious conditions possible, between the two charming cities of Istanbul and Budapest. Excursions off the train are a great opportunity to explore Romania’s medieval towns and castles. Of course, the experience inside the train is like staying in luxury hotels and includes luxury facilities such as luxurious double cabins, first-class bedrooms and piano concert.

• Train route: Istanbul (Türkiye) to Budapest (Hungary) via Bulgaria and Romania (1832 km; 7 days)

North York Moors Railway, England (North York Moors Railway)

Traveling on this old passenger train with the famous whistle of decommissioned trains and hot steam will make you one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe. This relaxing journey starts from the beautiful town of Whitby in the North York Moors National Park. Although there are no modern facilities, these century-old NYMR steam trains travel the hills in an amazing way and at high speed. Along the way, you can get off for picnics and walks in the villages around the railway.

• Train travel route: Whitby to Pickering (38.6 km; about 2 hours)

Bohinj, Slovenia and Italy Railway (Bohinj Railway)

Undoubtedly, the Bohinj railway route will be one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe. This railway was built to pass through the peaks of the Alps and reach the northernmost point of the Italian coast. This train has been running for more than 110 years. In the past, this railway was built as a strategic network for the Austro-Hungarian Empire; But today it is used by hikers and bikers who are interested in easy access to Mostnasushi and Lake Balad.

• Train travel route: Jesenis to Trieste (about 150 km; 3 hours)

Simmering Railway, AustriaSemmering Railway)

It is interesting to say that the UNESCO organization has mentioned the Smering Railway as one of the greatest civil engineering achievements. This railway is located on double-decker bridges and narrow mountain passes and has steep turns and slopes.

Undoubtedly, this journey will be one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe. Watching the incredible views of the Austrian Alps and great opportunities for hiking or skiing are the experiences you will get on this trip. The construction of this route was the result of the round-the-clock efforts of 20,000 workers for 6 years.

• Route: Glognitz to Morzschlag (41 km, 40 minutes)

Train Bergen, Norway (Bergen Railway)

Even in the comfortable and cozy space of your coupe, seeing the desolate and uninhabited plateau of Hardangervida in Norway will be a very interesting and exciting experience. While the forests and lakes around Oslo are indescribably beautiful, it’s the uninhabited mountain passes of the Bergen Railway that catch all eyes. During your trip, we recommend getting off at Finse Station to see where Robert Falcon Scott and his crew trained before their famous expedition to the South Pole in 1912.

• Train route: Oslo to Bergen (500 km; 6.5 hours)

Train Brocken, Germany (Brocken Railway)

The route to Broken Peak is also one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe. If you use steam trains for this journey, your journey will be very comfortable and easy. Of course, the point is that in order to reserve a ticket for this train, you must be familiar with the German language or ask for help from a person fluent in this language. This train passes through dense pine trees and meadows full of flowers and takes you up to a height of 1141 meters.

• Train travel route: from Derry Anne Hone to Brocken (19 km, 51 minutes)

Festiniog Railway, Wales (Ffestiniog Railway)

Run by the world’s oldest railway company, the Festynug Railway has been running through Snowdonia National Park for nearly 200 years. On the way of this train, there are exciting tunnels, rivers full of water, roaring waterfalls, towering mountains and beautiful old forests that make a dream trip for you.

• Route: Blano Festiniug to Porthmadog (34.9 km; 1 hour and 15 minutes)

Discover the nature of Europe by train The most spectacular train journeys in Europe

Traveling by train in Europe is not just a transfer; Rather, it is a unique experience of pristine landscapes, historical monuments and diverse cultures of this continent. From the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps to the dreamy routes of the Rhine River in Germany and the wilds of Scotland, each of these rail journeys is a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Europe. These trips will not only introduce you to amazing landscapes and historical architecture, but also bring you peace beyond a normal trip.

Imagine you are on a spectacular train journey to Europe, sitting in the carriage and enjoying the stunning scenery around you. Perhaps no vehicle can show you this beautiful nature as easily and beautifully as a train. In this article, we took you to the best train routes in Europe and talked about the route these trains take. If you want to have this experience in domestic trips, it is enough with Buy train tickets Travel to the inner cities of Iran.

If you have experienced traveling on any of these rail routes, share it with us in the comments section. In your opinion, which of these roads should not be missed?

Frequently asked questions about Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys