Europe's Most Scenic Train Journeys: Readers Share Their Favorites
From vintage steam engines to alpine classics, readers have shared their most memorable European rail journeys. These trips offer breathtaking views, cultural insights, and a slower pace of travel that allows passengers to truly soak in the scenery.
Mountains and Fjords in Norway
Daniel traveled across Norway by rail on the spectacular Bergensbanen, running between Oslo and Bergen, and the unforgettable Flåmsbana branch line. The Bergensbanen crosses the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, passing lakes, forests, and snow-covered peaks before descending toward the fjords of western Norway. At Myrdal, he transferred onto the steep Flåmsbana, which drops dramatically to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, with waterfalls and sheer-sided valleys at every turn.
Charmed by the Vienna to Zagreb Train
Matt enjoyed the journey from Vienna to Zagreb, where mountainous central Europe relaxed into Balkan charm. Stunning Alpine scenery melted into forest, settling into rolling hills as they passed through Graz and reached the Slovene border. They stopped for an hour's changeover at the tiny Zidani Most station, enjoying afternoon beers while gazing over lush Slovenian countryside. The connection to Zagreb boasted dramatic lake scenery that gave way to farmland, golden in evening light, as they passed into Croatia. The trip was booked through Omio for a relatively cheap £41.
Vintage Locomotives in Tuscany
Nigel Gould took the Treno Natura from Siena for a whole day out in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It is a real steam engine with classic coaches. Most passengers were friendly locals; they only encountered two other foreign tourists, a Swiss couple. A band came aboard to entertain them, and an optional walk through vineyards was also available. The trip was fabulous value at only €42 each.
Historic Gem in Brandenburg, Germany
Rachael took the RB26 train from Berlin-Lichtenberg to Müncheberg (45 minutes) and changed for the Buckower Kleinbahn historic narrow-gauge train that runs from April to October. Opened in 1930 as an early electric railway, it closed as a regular service in the late 1990s. Now volunteers run the line through the rolling hills of the Märkische Schweiz in Brandenburg to the pretty spa town of Buckow. There, she visited the residence of Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel on the peaceful reedy shores of Lake Schermützel and relaxed on the beach after a hike through the woodlands.
Alpine Beauty on the Montreux to Interlaken Line
Christian Vassie took the MOB railway from Montreux station to Interlaken. Weaving up through vineyards, Lac Léman shimmers below as the panorama broadens. Suddenly, you are in pine forests and glimpsing jagged mountain crests. Bridges straddle rushing white water. The clanging and hooting warnings for road crossings. A long tunnel leads to alpine pastures peppered with chalets in Le Pays d'Enhaut. Valleys filled with crisp air, summer cowbells, flowers, and crickets are perfect for long walks. In winter, snow-muffled land offers skis and fondues. Arriving in Château-d'Œx feels like discovering a new world.
Slow Travel at Its Best: Belgrade to Bar
Peter describes the train trip from Belgrade to Bar as one of the slowest in Europe, taking 11 hours to cover 296 miles. At €23, it was probably the best-value travel money he has ever spent. The journey took him through deep gorges, canyons, and mountain peaks, crossing more than 400 bridges and stopping at every village. The Mala Rijeka viaduct was a highlight. The route included spectacular dams, ancient monasteries, and stone houses where old black-clad women waved from open kitchen windows. At one point, passengers got out to feed a herd of goats, and once they were overtaken by a mountain cowboy on a galloping horse. For the last part, swimmers and sunbathers could be seen on Adriatic beaches.
Through Italy's Apennines to Rome from the Adriatic
Stephen recommends the cross-country east-west train trip from Pescara on the Adriatic to Rome. It traverses the spine of Italy, single track all the way across the Apennines, stopping at towns such as Sulmona and Avezzano. The scenery changes as the route traverses mountain passes and ridiculous gradients before descending to plains over a period of 3 to 4 hours.
The Watchmakers' Railway in France and Switzerland
Martin highlights a little-known French railway line that allows you to enter Switzerland through the valley of the watchmakers. The line from Besançon in France drifts through the beautiful Jura foothills, on to Le Locle, a town at the center of the Swiss watchmaking industry since the 1600s, terminating at La-Chaux-de-Fonds. No one got on or off at L'Hôpital-du-Grosbois, a byway station named after a leprosy hospital. At Morteau, the French border station, customs officials seemingly left long ago. A line that Dr. Beeching would have closed still delivers you into Switzerland on time.
Best Way to See the Pyrenees? On a Little Yellow Train
Joe Brownen recommends Le Train Jaune, which runs between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol in France. Le Canari, as it is known locally, climbs to 1,595 meters at Bolquère-Eyne during its spectacular 40-mile (63 km) route. Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and valley-crossing suspension bridges can all be experienced either from the train's bright yellow open-air wagons or from within the cozy comfort of its carriages. It is the best way to discover the wonders of the Pyrenees. Joe and his wife went for their honeymoon and fell in love with the little yellow train.
Winning Tip: Urban Drama on the Porto Metro
Amy loves the surprise of urban rail. Porto's metro D line heading south probably tops the list for the fact it emerges dramatically from the darkness of the underground to suddenly skim rooftops and then rattles across the fantastic Eiffel-inspired Dom Luís I bridge (completed in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, a former partner of Gustave Eiffel). Choosing to walk back across the metal deck is a completely different experience.
