The rhythmic chugging of wheels on tracks, panoramic windows framing ever-changing landscapes, and the freedom to sit back while nature’s masterpieces unfold before your eyes – there’s something magical about exploring Europe by train. From dramatic mountain passes to coastal marvels, these journeys transform transportation into an unforgettable experience.
Here is a list of 20 breathtaking train journeys that showcase the diverse beauty of Europe. These journeys take you through snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and charming villages that seem frozen in time.
Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)
The crown jewel of European rail journeys winds its way from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage route climbs effortlessly to altitudes over 7,000 feet without using cogwheels.
The train crosses 196 bridges and 55 tunnels while offering views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, where the train appears to plunge directly into the mountainside.
Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Often called the world’s slowest express train, this eight-hour journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps. The train’s panoramic cars provide spectacular views of the Matter Valley, Rhine Gorge (Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”), and numerous picture-perfect Swiss villages nestled among green meadows and snow-dusted peaks.
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Bergen Railway (Norway)
This spectacular seven-hour journey between Oslo and Bergen showcases Norway’s dramatic landscape transformation. The train climbs from sea level to over 4,000 feet, passing through 182 tunnels carved through the mountains.
The scenery shifts from lush forests to barren mountain plateaus dotted with frozen lakes and snow, even during summer months.
West Highland Line (Scotland)
Made famous as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, this journey from Glasgow to Mallaig offers quintessential Scottish Highland scenery. The train passes lonely lochs and remote moorlands and crosses the spectacular 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, with views extending to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Flåm Railway (Norway)
One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, this 12-mile marvel climbs 2,833 feet from the picturesque village of Flåm to the Myrdal mountain station. The train passes thundering waterfalls, mountains, and farms clinging to steep hillsides, with the journey taking just under an hour to complete.
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Semmering Railway (Austria)
This pioneering mountain railway was the first to cross the Alps and remains an engineering masterpiece since its completion in 1854. The route from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag features 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels, offering perfect views of pine-covered mountains and the elegant curve of the tracks as they weave through the landscape.
Belgrade to Bar Railway (Serbia to Montenegro)
This remarkable 296-mile journey connects Serbia’s capital to Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The train crosses 435 bridges and passes through 254 tunnels, with highlights including the Mala Rijeka viaduct (one of Europe’s highest railway bridges) and spectacular views over Skadar Lake before descending to the azure Adriatic Sea.
Centovalli Railway (Switzerland to Italy)
This enchanting two-hour journey connects Locarno, Switzerland, to Domodossola, Italy, through the “hundred valleys” that give the railway its name. The train crosses 83 bridges and passes through 34 tunnels, with views of chestnut forests, mountain villages, and cascading waterfalls that seem to brush past the windows.
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Rauma Line (Norway)
Beginning in Dombås and ending in Åndalsnes, this hour-long journey passes through some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery. The highlight is the view of the Trollveggen (Troll Wall), Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, rising an imposing 3,600 feet from the valley floor. The final approach to Åndalsnes offers stunning fjord views.
Rhine Valley Line (Germany)
Following the mighty Rhine River between Mainz and Koblenz, this route showcases the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley, lined with medieval castles perched on rocky cliffs. Expect vineyard-covered slopes, charming villages, and the storied Lorelei Rock, where legend tells of a siren luring sailors to their doom.
Black Forest Lines (Germany)
These scenic routes weave through southwestern Germany’s mystical forests. The Höllental Railway climbs sharply from Freiburg through a steep gorge, then opens onto a high plateau scattered with wooden farmhouses featuring the region’s iconic sloped roofs.
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Settle to Carlisle Line (England)
This 73-mile journey through northern England’s rugged Pennine mountains features 20 major viaducts and 14 tunnels. The highlight is crossing the quarter-mile-long, 104-foot-high Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 massive stone arches. Views extend across the wild, windswept Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Cinque Terre Line (Italy)
Though just a short local service connecting the five colorful cliff-hugging villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre, this journey offers extraordinary views of the Mediterranean Sea. The train emerges from tunnels carved through the rocky coastline to reveal breathtaking vistas of pastel-colored houses seemingly stacked above the azure waters.
Mariazellerbahn (Austria)
This narrow-gauge railway connects St. Pölten with the pilgrimage town of Mariazell, traversing the beautiful landscapes of Lower Austria. The 78-mile route climbs through the Pielach Valley and over the Götscher Pass, offering mountain panoramas, alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and traditional Austrian villages.
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The Little Yellow Train (France)
Known locally as Le Petit Train Jaune, this bright yellow train travels along one of France’s most scenic routes through the Pyrenees. The open-air carriages allow you to feel the mountain air as the train climbs to Font-Romeu, France’s highest railway station, passing deep gorges, medieval fortresses, and sun-drenched plateaus.
The Inlandsbanan (Sweden)
This 807-mile seasonal summer service travels through Sweden’s remote interior from Kristinehamn to Gällivare. The journey showcases pristine forests and crystal-clear lakes and crosses the Arctic Circle.
The train makes stops in wilderness areas where passengers can briefly disembark to enjoy the clean air and remarkable silence.
Bohinj Railway (Slovenia)
This historic line connects Jesenice, Slovenia, with Trieste, Italy, passing through some of Slovenia’s most picturesque countryside. The route features the remarkable Solkan Bridge spanning the emerald Soča River and offers wonderful views of the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj, and numerous cascading waterfalls.
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The Arlberg Line (Austria)
Connecting Innsbruck with Bludenz, this alpine route traverses the Arlberg massif and required the construction of the 6.4-mile Arlberg tunnel when completed in 1884. The journey offers spectacular views of the Tyrolean Alps, with the train climbing up and over the mountains via a series of spiraling tunnels and viaducts.
Balkan Explorer (Serbia-Montenegro-Bulgaria)
This multi-country adventure connects Belgrade with Sofia via Montenegro, showcasing the diverse Balkan landscape. The journey includes mountain passages, river valleys, and remote villages where life continues much as it has for centuries, providing glimpses into a region where East meets West.
The Golden Pass Line (Switzerland)
This panoramic route links Lucerne with Lake Geneva, passing through traditional Swiss villages, alpine meadows, and alongside crystal-clear mountain lakes. The journey offers views of imposing peaks, including Jungfrau and Eiger, before descending through vineyards to the shores of Lake Geneva.
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Connecting Past and Present
These train journeys offer more than just transportation – they provide a window into Europe’s soul. From engineering marvels carved through forbidding mountains to leisurely coastal meanders, each route tells stories of human ingenuity and nature’s grandeur.
Modern travelers following these historic paths connect with generations past while experiencing landscapes that remain among the world’s most beautiful. All aboard for adventure!
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