17 Scenic Train Routes in Europe You Won’t Want to Miss
Traveling by train offers a unique way to experience Europe’s stunning landscapes. From dramatic alpine peaks to charming countryside views, these scenic routes offer unforgettable experiences. These train journeys take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent. If you are a fan of travel and nature, these routes are the perfect combination. Get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Let us explore some of the best scenic train rides in Europe.
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Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are two of the most scenic routes in Wales. The combined route stretches over 40 miles, offering stunning views of Snowdonia National Park. Passengers can enjoy sights like deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains along the way. This narrow-gauge railway is known for its historical charm and beautiful landscape, making it a popular choice for nature lovers.
As one of the oldest heritage railways in the world, it also offers a glimpse into the past with its steam-powered engines. The train passes through picturesque villages and lush forests, providing a serene and relaxing journey. With routes open year-round, it’s perfect for travelers seeking adventure and scenic beauty. It’s ideal for those looking to experience the natural wonders of Wales.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a 7-mile route in the Lake District of England. Known for its breathtaking views, the journey takes you through forests, rivers, and rolling hills. It is one of the oldest and most popular narrow-gauge railways in the country, offering stunning views of the fells and coastline. The scenic journey is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a leisurely ride through one of the most picturesque areas in the UK.
The route also passes the famous Muncaster Castle, a historic landmark with beautiful gardens. The steam-powered engines give it a traditional feel, adding to the charm of the experience. The railway runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth, where visitors can enjoy exploring the local area. It is a family-friendly route with plenty of photo opportunities.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an iconic luxury train known for its opulence and unique routes. This historic train travels through some of Europe’s most scenic landscapes, including the Swiss Alps and the Italian countryside. The routes vary in length, but many journeys cover approximately 1,000 miles, offering a combination of glamour and stunning views. Guests enjoy elegant interiors while taking in the picturesque vistas of rolling hills, lakes, and mountain ranges.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is renowned for its vintage décor, offering travelers an unforgettable experience. It is a perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty, providing access to some of the most beautiful parts of Europe. The train offers gourmet dining, luxurious cabins, and impeccable service. A journey on this route promises not just scenic views but a touch of class and sophistication.
Le Train Jaune
Le Train Jaune, also known as the Yellow Train, runs for 31 miles in the Pyrenees Mountains of France. This scenic route takes passengers through some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France, with views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and dense forests. The train’s route travels from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol, offering panoramic views of the high peaks and the unique scenery of the region. The train also crosses over spectacular viaducts and bridges.
As the highest railway line in France, Le Train Jaune offers a truly unforgettable ride. The journey takes you through UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Pyrenees. It is a fantastic way to explore the region, with a smooth and scenic ride that is perfect for those who love mountain landscapes. The vibrant yellow train itself is as much a part of the charm as the breathtaking views.
Settle-Carlisle Railway
The Settle-Carlisle Railway is a 73-mile route through the stunning Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian mountains. Famous for its scenic views, the train travels over viaducts, through deep valleys, and past rolling hills. One of the most notable sights is the Ribblehead Viaduct, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This route is particularly popular among photography enthusiasts due to the incredible vistas it provides.
The journey itself is an adventure, taking passengers through remote, unspoiled parts of the UK. The railway is one of the most picturesque in the country, with dramatic landscapes and historic landmarks. It is a great option for those who want to experience the charm of rural England from a unique vantage point. The Settle-Carlisle Railway is a perfect way to escape into nature while enjoying the comfort of a classic train ride.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a combination of scenic train and boat rides in Switzerland, covering a distance of about 200 kilometers. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, including lakes, valleys, and mountains. The route starts with a scenic train ride from Lucerne to Flüelen, followed by a boat ride across Lake Lucerne to the charming town of Lucerne. This unique combination of land and water travel offers a more immersive experience of the region.
Along the way, passengers can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Swiss countryside, including dramatic mountain peaks and serene lakesides. The Gotthard Panorama Express is a relaxing and scenic way to experience the natural beauty of Switzerland. The train itself is designed with large windows to offer panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. It is an ideal route for those who want to experience the Swiss Alps in a comfortable and scenic way.
Kyle Line
The Kyle Line is a 56-mile route that travels through the Scottish Highlands, offering some of the most spectacular views in Scotland. The journey takes you from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, passing by lochs, rivers, and the stunning Skye Bridge. The train ride offers views of rugged landscapes, including the majestic Ben Wyvis mountain. It is a great way to experience the wild beauty of Scotland’s Highlands.
Along the way, you will pass through quaint villages and charming small towns, making it a true journey through Scotland’s natural beauty. The route is known for its wide-open landscapes and remote wilderness. The Kyle Line is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and enjoys scenic train rides. It provides an unmatched opportunity to experience Scotland’s natural wonders from the comfort of a train.
The Flam Railway
The Flam Railway is one of Norway’s most famous scenic routes, traveling over 12 miles from Myrdal to Flam. This steep journey takes passengers through breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and mountains, offering panoramic views of the dramatic Norwegian landscape. The train ascends steep tracks, allowing passengers to experience the raw beauty of the Norwegian countryside up close. The entire ride takes about an hour, making it an accessible yet unforgettable experience.
This railway offers a chance to see the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway. The Flam Railway is one of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world, with a stunning descent that provides incredible photo opportunities. Whether you are traveling in the summer or winter, the views remain equally stunning year-round. It is a must-ride for anyone visiting Norway and seeking a picturesque adventure.
The Bergen Railway
The Bergen Railway is known for being one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe, stretching 370 kilometers between Oslo and Bergen. The route takes passengers through the Norwegian mountains, past pristine lakes, and over high-altitude plateaus. Travelers can enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, waterfalls, and traditional Norwegian villages along the way. This journey takes about seven hours and provides one of the best ways to see Norway’s rugged beauty.
The Bergen Railway passes through the Hardangervidda National Park, offering views of some of the highest mountain ranges in Norway. Along the route, passengers can see dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The train ride offers an immersive experience in Norway’s vast and varied landscapes, providing a glimpse of its untouched wilderness. This journey is perfect for those who want to explore Norway’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.
Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway
The Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway is a narrow-gauge train that runs between Italy and Switzerland, connecting Domodossola to Locarno. This 52-mile journey offers passengers views of the stunning Alps and picturesque valleys, making it a scenic route worth experiencing. The train passes through dense forests, waterfalls, and scenic villages, offering breathtaking views of both Italy and Switzerland. It is a great way to see the beauty of the Alps without the crowds.
The Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway is known for its dramatic switchbacks and scenic bridges, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. The route is especially popular during the fall, when the trees change color and the landscape is transformed into a vivid mix of oranges and reds. Whether you are traveling through the Swiss or Italian countryside, the views remain breathtaking year-round. It is a perfect way to see two countries in one scenic journey.
Brecon Mountain Railway
The Brecon Mountain Railway is a 5.5-mile journey that takes passengers through the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. The train runs along the old Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Railway line, offering scenic views of rivers, mountains, and lush greenery. The journey offers a glimpse of the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside, with sights like the Pontsticill Reservoir and the surrounding hills. It is a charming and relaxing route for those who appreciate the beauty of rural Wales.
The Brecon Mountain Railway is powered by a steam locomotive, which adds to the vintage appeal of the journey. The route is ideal for families, as it is short and easy to navigate, offering picturesque views throughout. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike, as the railway runs through an area rich in industrial heritage. Whether for a relaxing day out or a unique way to explore the Brecon Beacons, this railway offers a lovely experience.
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, connecting Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. This 4-hour ride covers over 120 miles of breathtaking landscapes, from alpine meadows to snow-capped peaks. The route includes a highlight, the Bernina Pass, one of the highest railway passes in Europe, offering panoramic views of glaciers and mountains. The journey is made even more special by the train’s panoramic windows, providing unobstructed views of the stunning scenery.
Travelers on the Bernina Express pass through the beautiful Engadine Valley, with its charming Swiss villages and vibrant green fields. The train travels through the Swiss Alps, offering some of the most spectacular views you can experience from a train. The Bernina Express also crosses numerous bridges and tunnels, making it a memorable ride. This route is perfect for anyone looking to explore the Swiss-Italian Alps in a relaxed and scenic manner.
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is a 19th-century narrow-gauge railway that travels through the stunning Exmoor National Park in England. Although the full length of the line is no longer operational, the preserved section offers a glimpse of the scenic views and natural beauty of this part of the country. The journey takes passengers through picturesque woodlands and fields, providing a peaceful escape into nature. The route is a charming way to experience the beautiful landscapes of North Devon.
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is particularly known for its steep gradients and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The route was originally used to connect the seaside towns of Lynton and Barnstaple but now offers a nostalgic experience for train enthusiasts. The train operates on steam and diesel locomotives, adding to its vintage charm. It is perfect for those who want to take in the beauty of the English countryside at a relaxed pace.
West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway line in England, stretching over 20 miles through the Somerset countryside. The route offers stunning views of the Quantock Hills, the Bristol Channel, and the beautiful English countryside. Passengers can enjoy traditional steam train rides that take them through picturesque villages, farmland, and woodlands. This railway is especially known for its seasonal special events and scenic photo opportunities.
The West Somerset Railway runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, offering a perfect way to explore the region’s beauty. Along the route, travelers pass through some of the most unspoiled parts of Somerset, with views of lush green landscapes and distant hills. The train features both steam and diesel engines, allowing visitors to experience the history of English railways. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing ride, this scenic railway provides a wonderful way to explore Somerset.
Llangollen Railway
The Llangollen Railway is a heritage railway located in North Wales, running for 7 miles through the beautiful Dee Valley. The route offers picturesque views of the River Dee, the rolling hills, and the surrounding countryside. The railway operates historic steam locomotives, adding to the charm of the journey. Passengers can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Welsh countryside, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
The Llangollen Railway is a great way to experience the natural beauty and history of North Wales. The train travels through lush valleys, forests, and over historic bridges, providing a scenic and relaxing experience. The line is especially popular for its events, such as the popular Santa trains during the holiday season. Whether you are a train enthusiast or someone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature, the Llangollen Railway offers a perfect escape.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a 12-mile route in Wales, taking passengers from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge through the stunning Rheidol Valley. The train travels through lush forests, picturesque villages, and along rivers, offering a peaceful and scenic journey. The railway is operated by steam engines, adding to its nostalgic appeal. The views of the valley and the Cambrian Mountains are a highlight of this beautiful route.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a great way to experience the beauty of Mid Wales. As the train chugs along, passengers can see charming waterfalls and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the valley. The journey is perfect for those who want a relaxing ride through some of Wales’ most untouched natural areas. The route also offers a historical experience, as it has been running since the early 1900s.
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is a luxury train journey through the Swiss Alps, offering some of the most spectacular views in the world. The route connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, covering 180 miles of mountains, valleys, and scenic landscapes. The train is equipped with panoramic windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps, glaciers, and picturesque villages. This 8-hour journey is perfect for those who want to experience Switzerland’s natural beauty in style.
The Glacier Express is famous for its smooth ride through the Alps, making it a relaxing way to experience the stunning landscapes. The train also crosses over the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route, offering incredible views of snow-covered peaks and crystal-clear lakes. With luxurious dining and attentive service, it is a unique way to explore Switzerland’s beauty. The Glacier Express provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Swiss Alps from a truly memorable perspective.
Taking a scenic train ride is one of the best ways to explore Europe’s most beautiful regions. Each route offers distinct views that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.