So many great sites in Europe – the railway is one of the best ways seeing them. All you have to do is sit comfortably in your seat and look out the window. Here are ten great and versatile itineraries, that not only take the passengers from one place to another, but also introduce to some of the most amazing European landscapes!
10. Venice-Munich Railway, Italy, Germany
Direct train from Venice to Munich guarantees plenty of beautiful sites. Passing through Italian valleys and small villages, Alps and snowy peaks, then reaching Bavaria – one of the most beautiful parts in Germany. Driving along the river Isarco in a shadows of Dolomites is particularly striking.
Route: Venice-Verona-Trento-Innsbruck-Munich
Duration: 7 hours, 450 km
When to go: spring, summer, fall
Visit: loco2.com
Photo by Jim Nilsen
Photo by Gianluca Gobbi
Photo by Edgar Moskopp
9. Train des Pignes, France
Discover this private railway, that passes the most beautiful regions in France. Since Provence is famous for its nature and picturesque landscapes, the trip is indeed a good idea. On its way the train passes rivers, bridges, small gorgeous villages like St Andre les Alpes and Entrevaux until its final destination – Digne les Bains – the capital of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region.
Route: Nice-Digne les Bains
Duration: 3 hours, 145 km
When to go: spring, summer, fall
Visit: www.trainprovence.com
Photo by Itamar Campos
Photo by Rob Coombs
8. The West Rhine Railway, Germany
The train goes along the river Rhine and reveals the picturesque sites of Germany. The rocky slopes with vineyards, old castles on top of them – you can get off the train and visit the legendary Lorelei rock in St. Goarshausen, which rises 120 m above Rhine. A really nice route, while traveling in these beautiful German cities.
Route: Cologne-Bonn-Koblenz-Bingen-Mainz
Duration: 185 km
When to go: spring, fall
Visit: www.loreley-info.com
Photo by Dominic Meinardi
Photo by Jiuguang Wang
Photo by Uwe Müller
7. Balkan Flexipass, Serbia, Montenegro
The Balkans are a truly beautiful part of Europe. Belgrade is a hip capital of Serbia, so after having some nightlife fun here, you may want to visit Bar – a historic city on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. The Balkan Express also has plenty of other options, that enable easy traveling in the Balkans.
Route: Belgrade-Bar
Duration: 10 hours, 550 km
When to go: summer
Visit: www.raileurope.com
Photo by Nebojsa Mrdja
Photo by Dragan Todorović
Photo by Dragan Todorović
6. The Chocolate Train, Switzerland
All the food travelers, this is the thing to consider for you! The vintage train has a 1st class service and passes the gorgeous Swiss Riviera and Lake Geneva in Montreux, stops in Gruyère, famous for cheese and its castle. Finally, the tourists reach Cailler-Nestlé factory for the finest Swiss chocolate sampling.
Route: Montreux-Gruyères-Broc-and back
Duration: 10 hours, 100 km
When to go: summer, fall
Visit: www.myswitzerland.com
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
5. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
One of the most beautiful routes is said to be the trip of extremes. The round trip passes Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain, lakes Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, River Morar. Some of the sites you might recognize from the Harry Potter saga. And have dinner in Mallaig, famous for fresh seafood.
Route: Fort William-Glenfinnan-Arisaig-Mallaig-and back
Duration: 2 hours, 135 km
When to go: from 19th of May to 25th of October
Visit: www.westcoastrailways.co.uk
Photo by Daniel Korzhonov
Photo by Kenny Barker
Photo by Andreas Enderlin
Photo by François Lemmens
4. Madrid and Oviedo, Spain
From the capital of the country to the capital of the Principality of Asturias – the trip is beloved by the travelers. The railway crosses the small Spanish villages – a classic southern European countryside. In Asturias the ride becomes especially stunning, as the train rises to the Picos de Europa mountains.
Route: Madrid-Oviedo
Duration: 5 hours, 450 km
When to go: spring, autumn
Visit: www.logitravel.fr
Photo by Eve Ingram
Photo by Manuel Lancha
Photo by Manuel Lancha
3. The Rauma Railway, Norway
Admire gorgeous sites of the Nordic country unfolding through the large windows of the train. See the emerald green River Rauma, rocky peaks and green valleys – Norway is famous for having wonderful unspoiled nature. The train passes the Troll Wall – the tallest vertical rock in Europe. The routes elevation varies from 4 m to 659 m above sea level.
Route: Åndalsnes-Dombås
Duration: 1.5 hour, 114 km
When to go: from 29th of May to 26th of August
Visit: www.nsb.no
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Thomas Roth
Photo by Unknown
2. The Great British Heritage Route, United Kingdom
There are plenty of historic sites to discover in United Kingdom, particularly the castles. The BritRail offers to combine its pass with the Great British Heritage pass and choose from many exciting itineraries. It can take 15 days to see 580 attractions, including Lindisfarne, Dover and Bamburgh castles, or you can plan a shorter trip by picking the most interesting sites for you.
Route: Inverness-Gwynedd
Duration: 15 days, 500 km
When to go: spring, summer
Visit: www.hudsonsexplorerpass.com
Photo by Steve Clancy
Photo by Steve Clancy
Photo by Alfie Tait
1. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
The route passes stunning nature, tunnels, bridges and beautiful villages. From Swiss to Italian Alps, the sites are indeed precious: the route from Chur to Tirano is recognized as the World Heritage Site.
Route: Chur-Thusis-Tirano-Lugano
Duration: 4 hours, 123 km
When to go: April
Visit: www.rhb.ch
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Wojciech Przybylski