Best Train Rides In Europe | Travel Video

Best Train Rides in Europe Have you ever wondered what the best train journeys in Europe are? There's something enchanting about taking the train, and it's one of the best ways to experience Europe's most stunning regions. All you have to do is sit back and watch a beautiful world, chugged by out of the window, taking in everything from the plunging fjords of Norway and the snowy Alps of Switzerland, to the lush mountains of Scotland. Europe is a small continent, and it's relatively well connected by railways. Some of these are nostalgic, like the Orient Express and have slowly been forgotten about over time, as budget flights become more common. However, in today's climate crisis, people are once again turning to trains, as they have a much lower carbon footprint than flights. Night train routes have restarted, meaning that once again, you can go to sleep in one country and wake up in another. There are plenty of other reasons to travel by train, some routes are incredibly beautiful. Plus, whether you are trundling through the Swiss Alps, taking a train trip around the coastline of Cornwall, or venturing from Europe to Asia on the Trans-Siberian Railway, each route is a completely unique experience. If you want a front-row seat to all this breathtaking scenery, here is a look at the most scenic train rides in Europe. 10. Golden Pass Train, Switzerland. Switzerland has some of the most scenic train rides in the world, and one of the best of them is the Golden Pass train line. Covering 8 lakes and 3 mountain passes, some of the best of Switzerland's natural beauty is on display on this rail. The Golden Pass route is the train line between Lucerne and Montreux, through Interlaken and Zweissemen. While you can travel on this route in either direction, we would recommend starting from Lucerne and making your way to Montreux. The grandeur of the views as you descend into Montreux through beautiful vineyards and with Lake Geneva spread out in front is absolutely breathtaking. Additionally, if you take the morning train, you reach Montreux by afternoon, giving you time to explore this beautiful city too. The entire Golden Pass route takes 4-5 hours across 3 different sections where you need to change trains. The first section is Lucerne to Interlaken which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and takes you through the stunning Swiss countryside and the lakes Lucerne, Sarner, Lundgren and Brez. The second section is from Interlaken to Zweissemen takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The last section from Zweissemen to Montreux takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and is the most scenic part of the entire train journey, helped by the huge panoramic windows on the train in this leg. On this section, you cross into the Fench-speaking part of Switzerland and the scenery has a more Mediterranean touch to it. The Golden Pass train is operational year-round and is one of the best experiences to be had in Switzerland. 9. Schaffburgbahn, Austria The Schaffburgbahn is a red-cog railway that runs from St. Wolfgang at Lake Wolfgangsee, Austria up to the Schaffburg mountain. There are only two stops, the first at Schaffburgalp at 1363 meters and the second one at the mountain station at 1732 meters. The railway line is only 5.85 kilometers long, but the journey is just breathtakingly beautiful and a one-in-your-lifetime adventure when you come to visit Austria. With the nostalgic red-cog railway, you will challenge a difference in altitude of 1188 meters. All in all, the journey takes about 35 minutes. In that time, you will always enjoy a marvelous panorama of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the top, you will have the most amazing views down to the many glittering lakes of Salzburg and Upper Austria. The red Schaffburgbahn cog railway has a long history. Construction works already began in April 1892 and was opened already in 1893. Today it is one of the famous tourist attractions in Austria and a must visit when you go to Salzburg or Upper Austria. Taking a ride with this nostalgic gear steam locomotive, which is among the oldest in the world, is an unforgettable experience. Keep in mind that the journey with the Schaffburgbahn is only possible from the beginning of May to the end of September. Best you go early in the morning, so you will avoid the crowds. Pre-booking is possible but not a must. 8. Newcastle to Edinburgh, East Coast Main Line England Some people love traveling by train and would always choose it as the preferred method of transport. You will find yourself sitting back and watching the world pass so relaxing. Add some tasty snacks and good company to the equation and it is heavenly. One of the prettiest journeys you will ever take is the 92 miles, around a 1.5 hour journey from Newcastle to Edinburgh. It is also an incredibly beautiful route as the train line runs closely along the Northumberland coastline so the views are simply spectacular. The route stays coastal for a large part of this journey, but the favorite parts are the golden sands and rugged shorelines of Ulmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The views from Ulmouth across the Royal Border Bridge and into Edinburgh are well worth taking the journey for alone. Some of the trains stop at these places so time-allowing. You are able to, why not hop off and get some beach time before arriving in the city. How many train journeys can boast that feature? Make sure that you find time to see the beautiful Bamberg Castle which is between Ulmouth and Berwick and combines the beauty of the coastal landscape. Golden beach and a magnificent castle breathtaking. 7. Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland. Embark on a grandiose journey through the Emerald Isle by hopping aboard the island's first luxury sleeper train. Launched in 2016, the Belmond Grand Hibernian delves into the country's mythical tales, dramatic seascapes, and picturesque towns. Your voyage begins in Dublin and after spending a memorable night in the Irish capital, sumptuous carriages whisk you around the island. Brandishing the names of Ireland's historic counties, each passenger car is embellished with images of Dublin's elegant Georgian architecture. End suite cabins serenade travellers with furnishings that draw inspiration from Ireland's verdant greenery. From the colourful homes of Cork to the untamed Connemara wilderness, the views outside your cabin window will take your breath away. The six-night grand tour of Ireland southbound courses through the country's scenic vistas while visiting majestic castles and opulent homes. Arrange a private tour of the Jameson Distillery just outside Cork, admire the stunning Westport House, and marvel at exquisite art inside Kilkenny Castle. For a weekend jaunt, book the Taste of Ireland itinerary to stop by Belfast and discover the cherished sites of Ireland's Ancient East. Two nights on the Belmond Grand Hibernian transports you to Kilkenny City Centre and attracts history buffs with a trip to the Medieval Mile Museum. While in Belfast, passengers receive the royal treatment while touring Hillsborough Castle, the Northern Ireland residence of the British Queen. The four-night legends and luffs adventure soothes the hearts of foodies and nature lovers. Taste local flavours by wandering the vibrant English Market in Cork. Then set off to Killarney National Park for a peaceful boat ride on Lough Leane. 6. The Glacier Express, Switzerland The Glacier Express in Switzerland is known as the slowest express train in the world. It connects glitzy snow resorts in Moritz with the famous Zermatt, the backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn. The journey is only 291 kilometres long, but it takes the train a whopping 8 hours to get you from start to finish. But travel on the Glacier Express is no punishment at all. Imagine it as a luxury, comfortable movie along with the most scenic views that Switzerland has to offer. Every tunnel and every bridge brings excitement. You ride along the rivers and pass cute alpine villages where you can hear the clattering of cowbells in the hills in the distance. The Glacier Express in Switzerland is a non-stop journey from Seine, Moritz to Zermatt or vice versa, but during the journey, you'll find highlight after highlight. To name a few to get you excited, the Landwasser Viaduct which is on every postcard of Switzerland, or Oberalp, the highest point of the journey at 2.044 metres and numerous switchbacks towards Andermatt. Of course, Seine, Moritz and Zermatt are each worth your time too. But be aware, the Glacier Express is one of the most popular things to do in Switzerland and tickets during peak season sell out quickly. As an alternative, you can follow the same route of the Glacier Express but with local trains. You'll see the same scenery but for a fraction of the price and no reservation costs. The Bernina Express from Toronto in Italy to Turin, Switzerland is one of the most popular Swiss rail journeys. The trip takes a little over 4 hours and covers a distance of 144 kilometres. There are 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and the famous Landwasser Viaduct along the way. The railway line was built over 8 years between 1896 and 1904. The line is operated by Rieschen Railway and was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The route takes you past many beautiful Swiss villages including St Moritz. Sit back and enjoy the fabulous views and alpine scenery. If you plan to book a ticket for the Bernina Express and have a Swiss Travel Pass or Interrail or Europass you only need to pay a small reservation fee. With its panoramic windows, it is worth paying to take the Bernina Express and experiencing this iconic Swiss train journey. Once you arrive in Cherkessing a train to Zurich is easy as you will find it is waiting for you on the platform opposite. 4. Snowdon Mountain Railway, Wales The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs from Llanberis to the peak of Mount Snowdon which is the highest mountain in Wales at 1085 metres. The total length of the railway is 4 miles 1188 yards. The journey to the top is made possible by four coal-fired steam locomotives which were built in Switzerland between 1895 and 1922. As you climb the mountain don't miss the amazing views of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can also see all the way to the North Wales coastline. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a 2.5 hour return journey to the peak of Snowdon. One hour up to the summit, half an hour at the summit and one hour back to Llanberis. At the top there is a scramble to reach the peak of the mountains. It is not for the fainthearted as you are required to climb some rock steps with no rails. 3. The Steam Train of the Savannes, Provence, France The steam train of the Savannes is a delightful day out for big kids and small. Off the beaten track in France and nestled within the wild and raw Savannes, a train line snakes through the magnificent Garden Valley between Saint-Jean-du-Garde and Anjous. The train is old-fashioned, without windows in the carriages and painted a deep red and ochre yellow. There are no mod cons or air conditioning here, just the wind as it rushes past the moving train and your own picnic. Enjoy it as you admire the passing view. As you chug slowly over the high bridges, the clear and shallow waters of the inviting garden below, kayakers and swimmers in the sparkling turquoise river wave up to the train as it passes, and everyone on the train waves back. The driver usually stops on one of the viaducts. Providing an opportunity to lean out and get a shot of the steaming engine in front with all its carriages following behind. Hop off at La Bambousserie and be amazed by the enormous bamboo and other exotic plants planted here, with lots of shady places to stop for a picnic and a maze for the children. This is the ideal lunch spot on a hot summer's day. The trip from Anjous to Saint-Jean-du-Garde takes around an hour and a half, short but spectacular and one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe. Start your journey in Saint-Jean-du-Garde or Anjous and buy your ticket early at the station or book online as the train can get busy in peak season. The West Highland Line in Scotland is one of my favorite UK train journeys and probably one of the best scenic rail journeys in Europe. Whether you catch the Caledonian Sleeper train service from London or hop on a day service from Glasgow, this is one train journey you will not forget. Incorporating the famous Glenfinnan Curving Viaduct, the train line wends its way from the Scottish city of Glasgow up into the West Highlands. Have your camera at the ready as you pass landmarks such as Change trains at Fort William and continue your journey to the coast at Malague. Change at Malague for ferry services to the beautiful Isle of Skye. If you really want to do this journey in style, book tickets on the private steam train The Jacobite. You really will feel like you are in a scene from Harry Potter as you cross the viaduct. Is there a more famous train than the Orient Express? Harking back to the glamorous times of travel in the 1920s and 1930s, the train used to take passengers from Paris all the way to Istanbul. And did so in style. This still happens roughly once a year at a stupendous price, and tickets sell out well in advance. However, you can sample the extravagance on shorter trips, such as an extended lunch or a murder mystery day trip in England. Or you can travel from London to Venice for a more in-depth experience. Along the way, you will travel through France and the Alps for spectacular views, even if most of the enjoyment of this particular trip lies firmly within the train and its superb black tie service. Perhaps one of the most iconic trains in all of Europe, the Venice Simplon Orient Express follows a historic route from London to Venice. The train itself is spectacular, with its art deco decor and high standards of service, the same standards that have been in place since the train's inaugural run in the 1880s. There are three elegant dining carriages in which to enjoy the freshly prepared meals and a romantic champagne car, where conversation flows as sweetly as the melodies from the piano. Passengers are treated to sumptuous onboard accommodations in private cabins that feature beautiful woodwork and fabulous finishings.