Ever wondered why Europe is considered the ultimate destination for people who love train journeys? Well, it's where these magnificent beasts were born during the Industrial Revolution (thanks, inventors!). Today, these steel champions not only zip between major cities but are also environmental superheroes, producing way fewer carbon emissions than cars and planes.
But here's the real treat – European train journeys are basically like starring in your own travel documentary. You're cozied up in your window seat to watch snow-capped mountains, and the next moment, miles and miles of green meadows roll by. The legendary Jungfraujoch railway and the stunning Flåm Railways aren't just great for transportation; they're front-row tickets to nature's greatest show.
Ready to embrace slow travel and discover Europe's most spectacular rail routes? Hop aboard – this blog will be your trusty guide!
1. Chur to Poschiavo
Country: Switzerland & Italy
Distance: 144km
Train name: The Bernina Express
No wonder this route is a UNESCO World Heritage journey for showcasing Switzerland's most breathtaking alpine scenery. You'll cross the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, wind through the Albula Valley, and climb to the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters. The dramatic landscape transitions from snow-capped peaks to Mediterranean-like valleys.
Pro-tip: Travel in winter for magical snow views. Summer is great for spotting wildflower meadows under clearer skies.
2. Cagliari to Mandas
Country: Italy
Distance: 57km
Train name: Sardinia Green Train
The Sardinia Green Train, aka "Trenino Verde," takes you on a nostalgic journey through Sardinia's untamed heartland. This journey on an Italian island takes you through olive groves, cork forests, and rugged mountains while passing ancient Nuraghi towers. The slow pace allows you to absorb the authentic Sardinian countryside, where shepherds tend their flocks just as they have for generations.
3. Fort William to Mallaig
Country: Scotland
Distance: 66km
Train name: The Jacobite Steam Train
Made famous by the Harry Potter films, this journey takes you through some of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes. You'll cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express was filmed, and see some stunning views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. The journey winds past pristine lochs, ancient castles, and remote Highland villages. For the best experience, travel between May and October when the weather is most favorable.
Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the train when heading to Mallaig for the best views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct and surrounding landscape.
4. Myrdal to Flåm
Country: Norway
Distance: 20km
Train name: Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railway lines, making this engineering marvel a must-experience. The journey takes about an hour, with the train moving slowly enough to capture perfect photos. The best views are on the right side when descending to Flåm. Catch the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall — the train pauses here for photos and if you get a chance, then do learn about the mythical Huldra (a forest spirit) who appears during summer months.
5. Budapest to Ljubljana
Country: Hungary
Distance: 382 km
Train name: Hungarian Railways (MÁV)
This journey connects two beautiful capitals to an ever-changing landscape show. Starting from Budapest's urban charm, the train rolls through Hungary's Great Plains and past Lake Balaton, one of Europe's largest freshwater lakes. As you cross into Slovenia, watch the scenery transform as rolling hills give way to the majestic Julian Alps, with their snow-capped peaks and beautiful valleys. You’ll pass charming villages and lush countryside before arriving in Ljubljana. Make sure you book a morning departure to make the most of daylight views. Also, pack some local snacks for this 8-hour journey through some of Central Europe's most diverse landscapes.
6. Belgrade to Bar
Country: Serbia & Montenegro
Distance: 476 km
Train name: Montenegro Express
This route is pure engineering marvel! It connects Serbia's capital with Montenegro's Adriatic coast, crossing 435 bridges and passing through 254 tunnels. The journey through the stunning Dinaric Alps offers great views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and picturesque rivers. A highlight is crossing the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, once Europe's highest railway bridge nearly 200 meters high. The most scenic part is when the train descends from Bijelo Polje to Podgorica, you'll follow the Moraca River canyon, with its cliffs and lush greenery. Near the end, catch views of Lake Skadar, known for its rich biodiversity.
7. Bergen to Oslo
Country: Norway
Distance: 430km
Train name: Bergensbanen
The Bergen-Oslo route is Norway's most spectacular rail journey, crossing Europe's largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda. The 7-hour journey climbs to Finse at 1,222 meters, from where you’ll see peaks, valleys, and serene lakes. Each season brings its charm — from winter's snowy wonderland to summer's vibrant meadows. Don't miss the charming stops at Geilo, a popular ski resort, and the culturally rich town of Ål.
8. Vienna to Salzburg
Country: Austria
Distance: 290km
Train name: OBB railjet
The journey between Austria's cultural capitals will treat you to some surreal landscape of the Eastern Alps and Salzkammergut region. As you leave Vienna, watch the landscape transform from gentle countryside to mountain terrain approaching Salzburg. The route passes through historic towns like Linz and St. Pölten, offering glimpses of Austria's rich heritage. The sight of pine-clad mountains and crystal-clear lakes will stay with you forever.
9. Geneva to Milan via Zermatt
Country: Switzerland & Italy
Distance: 255km
Train name: Interrail
This iconic Alpine route offers Switzerland's most beautiful mountain scenery, including the famous Matterhorn. The journey winds through pristine valleys and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, with stunning views of Lake Geneva. The most spectacular segment is near Zermatt, where glaciers and snow-capped peaks dominate the landscape. Montreux and Brig are notable stops along this scenic route, where you can get a taste of the local culture and experience the charm of Swiss towns.
10. Paris to Marseilles
Country: France
Distance: 770 km
Train name: TGV
This high-speed journey whisks you through France's most enchanting landscapes. As you zoom south from Paris, you'll pass through the Loire Valley's château country before entering the sun-drenched regions of Provence. Keep your eyes peeled for purple lavender fields (best seen in summer), rolling vineyards, and the mighty Rhône River. You might even catch glimpses of the distant Alps as you approach the Mediterranean. The train passes charming historic towns like Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.
11. Porto to Pocinho
Country: Portugal
Distance: 174km
Train name: Comboios de Portugal
This scenic railway follows the Douro River Valley, also known as Portugal's premier wine region. The UNESCO-listed landscape features steep terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine, with the train running along the riverbanks and crossing historic bridges. The final stretch from Pinhão to Pocinho is amazing, where the river narrows between rocky cliffs and lush vegetation. Don't miss Pinhão station's beautiful blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting wine-making scenes!
12. Munich to Innsbruck
Germany & Austria
Distance: 98km
Train name: ÖBB
The Munich to Innsbruck route is great if you want to explore the beautiful landscape of Bavaria and Tyrol. This Alpine adventure showcases the majestic Bavarian Alps, with mountains and peaceful lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks. The train goes through charming towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and you can even get a glimpse of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze.
13. Oraviţa to Anina
Romania
Distance: 33km
Train name: Oraviţa-Anina Railway
This historic railway line, built in 1863, is often called "Romania's Semmering" due to its similarity to Austria's famous mountain route. The journey features 14 tunnels and 10 viaducts that cross the Carpathian Mountains. You’ll experience sudden elevation changes as the train climbs through dense forests and limestone formations. The route is particularly scenic during autumn, when the forest foliage displays vibrant colors. Notable landmarks include the Jitin Viaduct and the Gârlişte Valley.
14. Munich to Venice
Germany, Austria & Italy
Distance: 563km
Train name: Brenner Railway
This cross-country adventure goes through three nations, showcasing the mighty Brenner Pass and the Alps. The route climbs from Munich's Bavarian forests through Innsbruck, where jagged peaks frame the medieval city center. In Bolzano, the landscape shifts as the train snakes alongside the Adige River, with the Dolomites in the background. The track then goes through Verona, where Romeo and Juliet's city unfolds beneath its Roman amphitheater before the terrain softens into the Veneto region's vine-covered hills.
