Do you dream of travelling by train in Europe with breathtaking views of mountains and waterfalls? Trains are not only an environmentally friendly way of travelling, but also often offer beautiful scenery and wonderful encounters. As much as we love travelling by motorhome, we also love travelling by train. Here are 12 train journeys in Europe to dream about.
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Train journeys in Europe
Travelling by train is often both comfortable and relaxing. The seats are reasonably spacious and you can read, listen to music or admire the view in peace and quiet. If you want, you can walk to the dining car, and if you're in the mood, you might find fellow passengers to chat away for an hour.
We haven't done a lot of train travel in Europe, but we have travelled by train in Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Today we've collected some more train journeys in Europe to dream about!
1. Train through Switzerland
The most beautiful train journeys in Europe we have made have been through Switzerland. We travelled by train from Zurich to Zion and from Sion to Zermatt. Both journeys were beautiful, and the latter was extraordinary with dramatic views from the large high glass windows.
2. Glacier Express in Switzerland
One of the most talked about train journeys you can take in Switzerland is the one called the Glacier Express, which runs between Zermatt and St Moritz. This is a slightly more luxurious option and is considered stunningly beautiful by those in the know.
3. The Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy
The Bernina Express runs from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Valtellina in northern Italy. According to those who have travelled this route, it is supposed to be something very special. The railway runs at an altitude of over 2250 metres, making it the highest railway line in Europe. Just like that!
4. Train journey Vienna-Venice
We know that the Alps can be dramatically beautiful, and travelling by train through that landscape must be fascinating. There are several different train journeys you can take here, and one of the more spectacular is the Vienna-Venice route. The railway constantly winds upwards, passing through 14 tunnels and over 100 bridges.
5. The Flåm railway in Norway
Norway is known for its natural beauty, and the landscape is no less beautiful when travelling through it by train. The route that inspires us most is the one between Myrdal and Flåm. This particular stretch only takes an hour, but it seems to be magically beautiful.
The height difference between the fjord in Flåm and the mountains in Myrdal is 864 metres, which of course adds to the experience. There's probably also a reason why Lonely Planet named this route 'the world's most amazing train journey'.
6. Inlandsbanan in Sweden
Why not experience Sweden from the train? With Inlandsbanan you get access to a third of the country, especially the Swedish wilderness. A beautiful and genuine adventure awaits you. You can book package holidays in advance or buy a train travel card.
7. Harry Potter trip in Scotland
The 1.5 hour train journey between Mallaig and Fort William in Scotland is said to be one of the most magically beautiful train journeys in Europe. If you're a Harry Potter fan, there's even more reason to make this journey. This is the very place where Harry Potter travelled with his friends in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Plus, you get to make the journey in a real steam locomotive!
8. Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth /Pwllheli, Wales
Some say the train that takes you from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli in Wales offers the most beautiful train journey in Britain. The journey, called the Cambrian Coast Line, takes you past beautiful sandy beaches and ancient castles. At the terminus, you can feast on seafood of all kinds ...
9. The Yellow Train in the French Pyrenees
'Le train jaune', the yellow train, was already built in 1910 in France. The tour starts in Villefranche-de-Conflent and ends three hours later in Latour-de-Carol. During this journey you will travel 1200 metres of drop, both over bridges and through tunnels - no less than 19 in fact - before reaching the final destination, near the border with Spain.
10. Train from Milan to the Italian coast
Many believe that the train from Milan to the coast offers one of the most unmissable train journeys in Europe. This journey takes you past mountains and picturesque villages before arriving at Cinque Terre on the Italian coast.
11. Train journey Oviedo - Vigo in Spain
The journey from Oviedo to Vigo takes just over ten hours, passing through magnificent limestone mountains on the way. Once there, you can enjoy the Spanish west coast, with the dramatic Atlantic Ocean just outside.
12th Orient Express Paris - Istanbul
The Orient Express has a magical and historical flavour. The journey originally known as the Orient Express ran between Paris and London. Istanbul between 1883 and 1977. Today, there are various chartered luxury trains that organise journeys reminiscent of the former glamour of the Orient Express, but you have to pay a lot of money. If you want to experience the same itinerary as the original train, you can buy an Interrail pass and travel the classic route.
Have you experienced any beautiful train journeys in Europe, or do you dream of one? Tell us about it!
All photos in the post, except the top two, are borrowed from Pixabay.
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Lena - good for the soul says:
There have been few trains in my life at all. Stupid really because it actually has its advantages. I can imagine that it is fantastically beautiful to travel by train both in the Alps and in northern Norway.
Hug Lena
10 February 2019 - 8:40
Helena says:
Trains are a nice way to travel 🙂 .
10 February 2019 - 16:35
Ama de casa says:
I like travelling by train, but not very often.
Then I can't help but wonder about the issue of environmental friendliness. For example, how is the electricity that powers the trains produced?
Yes, yes, yes. It is certainly less environmentally harmful than the planes are, but I still intend to continue flying. And go by train when it fits in 🙂
10 February 2019 - 10:14
Helena says:
Everything requires energy in some way, so nothing is totally environmentally friendly (except maybe walking ;)) but if you compare with other ways of travelling, it's better for the environment I guess ...
10 February 2019 - 16:38
Anki says:
Nice train journeys - there are several I would like to do ... e.g. Inlandsbanan.
We travelled by train to Budapest once, many years ago - from Norrköping, via Malmö and Berlin ... an exciting and interesting trip 🙂.
10 February 2019 - 10:21
Helena says:
Glad you took the train to Budapest! Yes, now that you say that, I remember that I also travelled by train in Europe, including to Budapest!
10 February 2019 - 16:42
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Travelled a lot by train in my early teens. North in Sweden. We have travelled on the FLOODWAY in Norway and parts of the Inland Railway. Not so long ago we travelled veteran trains one of the emergency locomotives.
10 February 2019 - 10:55
Helena says:
Glad you went on the Flåm railway! Fun with vintage trains too! 🙂
10 February 2019 - 16:43
Maria's Memoirs says:
I am currently thinking about travelling by train through Switzerland ? Even Norway would be a nice alternative, because I wouldn't dare to drive there (or not drive myself, that is).
10 February 2019 - 11:15
Helena says:
Both Switzerland and Norway are probably great for train journeys! 🙂
10 February 2019 - 16:44
Elisabeth says:
Nowadays there are not many train journeys, but in the 80s there were some Norrköping - Gällivare t.o.r. It was in the spring winter, often week 13 and 14 to ski on Dundret and in the surroundings. The journey went through many beautiful areas!
10 February 2019 - 11:36
Helena says:
It sounds like cosy and nice train trips! 🙂
10 February 2019 - 16:45
Maya Nordlund says:
I travelled on the Bernina Express during a train trip many years ago. It was truly a unique experience and by far the most beautiful train journey I've had! I also dream of travelling on the "Hogwartsex Express" in Scotland!
10 February 2019 - 12:03
Helena says:
Oh how wonderful that you travelled on the Bernina Express! Looks like a fantastic train journey!
10 February 2019 - 16:55
Only British says:
North Wales is also a beautiful stretch with the sea on one side and Snowdonia National Park on the other, and the railway runs right through an old castle.
To your list I would have added the Belgrade Bar which is supposed to be sensational. I recommend the Bernina Express myself. Wow. The bridges...
10 February 2019 - 12:34
Helena says:
Oh that sounds nice too! Thanks for more inspiring tips! 🙂
10 February 2019 - 16:56
Marianne - Glimpses of the world says:
The Flåm Railway is certainly a great train journey! Right now I'm mostly dreaming of a holiday by train from Oslo to Slovenia and Croatia at Easter 🙂 .
10 February 2019 - 14:03
Helena says:
How wonderful to look forward to! 🙂
10 February 2019 - 17:10
BP says:
What fantastic pictures! The last time I travelled by train is at least 25 years ago - oooops I know. Because local trains hardly count.
10 February 2019 - 16:06
Helena says:
Oh it was a while ago! And well, the commute to like Haninge is indeed a train, but maybe not really the same thing ... 😉.
10 February 2019 - 17:13
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
The Flåm railway has been high on my wish list for at least 20 years, but for some reason it has never materialised.
My coolest train journey (although not in Europe) is the one over El Nariz del Diablo/Devil's Nose between Riobamba and Alausi in Ecuador. There you can sit on the roof and enjoy the incredible views, although it's not for the faint of heart. Derailments are probably the rule rather than the exception.
In general, travelling by train is great!
10 February 2019 - 16:12
Helena says:
It's good to keep some on that bucket list too! 😉 The train journey in Ecuador sounded absolutely fantastic!!! Albeit a little scary maybe 😉 😉
10 February 2019 - 17:15
Ditte says:
Inspiring post with beautiful pictures. Trains are fun and some of the journeys you have included here I have tried, but a long time ago. Car holidays are not our thing anymore. But we like trains. in Switzerland, from Milan to the coast, Inlandsbanan in different stages and the "yellow train". The Flåm railway will be this summer and during a work trip. So much fun!
Would love to take the Orient Express and the train from Vienna to Venice. And the Oviedo - Vigo route is in the plans. (The coolest train journey we've made is from Beijing to Lhasa in Tibet. But that's not in Europe).
10 February 2019 - 18:20
Renate's travels says:
I love train journeys! A wonderful way to travel. There were a lot of nice train routes and a lot of nice inspiration. I took a couple of the routes, and visited the "Harry Potter" viaduct in Scotland twice. The rest I save as inspiration for future train journeys 😉.
10 February 2019 - 19:20
Maria's Memoirs says:
Norway and Switzerland attract me extra much! Good tip with the train from Milan to the coast too, will try to keep it in mind if that Italy trip ever happens (have been planning to go there for several years, but for some strange reason it always becomes other countries instead?)
24 May 2019 - 10:54