Some of the most beautiful journeys in Europe, in all seasons, can be done by train. There are some incredible rail routes. In addition to the comfort of the carriages in which the meal can also be served, the landscapes traversed by the railways are absolutely fabulous.
Glacier Express crosses the Alps PHOTO glacierexpress.ch
The favorite means of travel in Europe is undoubtedly the plane. The prices are acceptable or even real bargains, if the tickets are taken early or on offer, and the journey duration is short. In just a few hours we can travel from one corner of Europe to another. For the adventurous and willing to explore the continent unhindered, stopping whenever they feel the need, traveling by car or caravan are the best options. Even so, nothing beats a train journey on Europe’s splendid railway routes. It is an experience that must be tried at least once in a lifetime. Full of romance, fabulous landscapes and true relaxation, traveling by train can be something unforgettable, especially if the most beautiful European railway routes are chosen, where comfort and visual experiences come together in a harmonious way.
A dream trip through the Swiss Alps
One of the most beautiful rail trips in Europe is called Glacier Express. It is a train that connects the stations of the most important mountain resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt and Saint Moritz. It is a route of 291 kilometers that the train covers in eight hours. In short, it’s an express train ride through the Central Swiss Alps. Although called an express train, it travels the 291 kilometers at a reduced speed so that passengers can admire the incredible scenery and UNESCO sites located along the route. The Glacier Express connects two of Europe’s most famous mountains: the Matterhorn and Piz Bernina. The journey begins in Zermatt, at the end of an alpine valley, the Mattertal, just below the Matterhorn massif, at an altitude of 1,606 m. The train then descends into the immense valley of the Valais in Brig. It runs 291 kilometers through the center of the Swiss Alps, crossing over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels.
The most spectacular is the Furka Tunnel, 15.4 km long, at an altitude of 1,500 m, which bypasses the mountain pass of the same name. The train makes a stop at Andermatt, in a high and secluded alpine valley, to then resume its route and cross the highest point of the journey, the Oberalp Pass, at 2,033 m. Like a real carousel, but without unnecessary excitement and adrenaline, it then descends to the lowest point of the journey, at Chur, located at an altitude of 585 m. From Chur, the capital of the canton Graubünden, the Glacier Express soars again into the Alpine heights and reaches Filisur, a railway junction, where travelers can decide whether to continue their journey or choose another route. From here the train goes to Davos, later crossing the Albula Mountains, through a tunnel located at 1800 meters. The end of the journey is in the resort of Saint Moritz. The landscape is incredible, offering unique experiences. The Glacier Express train uses purpose-built 2006 comfortable, carpeted, air-conditioned carriages with huge panoramic side windows and glass skylights.
Glaciar Express PHOTO glaciarexpress.ch
Tickets can be purchased in first class or second class. First Class simply means more space and fewer passengers per carriage, with the onboard service being exactly the same. Both classes have outlets and free WiFi. You will receive a free printed trail guide with an explanation of the main sights and a map of the trail. There are free headphones that you can plug in to listen to the directions of the guides. Video screens at the end of the car show the train’s location and other information. There is a bar car, but there is no need to visit as staff take orders for tea, coffee, alcoholic and soft drinks and snacks, as well as a 2, 3 or 4 course lunch. You can book lunch in advance. Ticket prices vary between 170 and 280 euros, depending on the class, and you can make the reservation online.
The road to Hogwarts on the most scenic railway line in the world
An unmissable experience is traveling by train on the West Highland line in Scotland. This line became known all over the world thanks to the film productions inspired by the famous Harry Potter. The train to Hogwarts in the film travels exactly along the West Highland route, crossing the Glenfinnin Viaduct. In fact, this route that crosses the west coast of the Scottish Highlands was voted, in 2009, as the most scenic railway line in the world, for the second consecutive year ahead of the Trans-Siberian and the Cuzco-Machu Picchu line in Peru.
The survey was conducted among readers of Wanderlust magazine, a reference publication in the field of travel. In short, the West Highland line is a railway that connects the ports of Mallaig with Oban on the west coast of the famous Scottish Highlands. It is a route of 153 kilometers that the train covers in three hours and 15 minutes. It is a true immersion in the beauty of Scottish landscapes and history, with mountain lochs, castles, forts and mountains. Natural beauties such as Loch Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, the Lora Falls and Ben Nevis can be seen.
Through the wilds of Scotland PHOTO scenicrailbritain.com
Travelers can experience the thrill of traveling 30 meters above the ground along the breathtaking curve on the Glenfinnan Viaduct. After Bridge of Orchy the line to Mallaig climbs Rannoch Moor past the former Gorton Crossing to Rannoch station. In winter, the marsh is often covered with snow and deer can be seen running parallel to the train. Corrour station on the moor is one of the most remote stations in Britain and is not accessible by any public road. The journey can be done either with modern trains that have first class and standard class, but also with a historical train. A modern train ticket costs 38.90 pounds.
The longest train journey in the world
There are many other incredible railway routes in Europe. For example, the Rhine Valley Line, in Germany, with its beautiful historical and natural scenery, the Bergen Line in Norway with Scandinavian mountains and fjords, the Douro Line in Portugal, along the Douro River valley, entered into the UNESCO heritage, but also the famous Belgrade-Bar line, which takes you through the Balkan Peninsula. However, for an adventure in the truest sense of the word, the longest train journey in the world can be initiated from Europe. It is about the route Lagos (Portugal) – Singapore. In short, a train journey of over 19,000 kilometers that can be completed in 21 days. During the three weeks you can admire the natural and urban beauties of Europe and Asia, including Siberia, Mongolia and China.
The longest train journey in the world PHOTO skratch.com
This route has been available since 2023, when the Chinese authorities inaugurated the 416-kilometer railway between Laos and China, allowing travelers from Mohan Railway Station in Yunnan, China, to reach Singapore. Obviously, this journey is not made on the same train from one end of the line to the other. A few trains change. For example, in Moscow, travelers will board the Trans-Siberian. In Beijing, China, the train changes again and the journey continues to Vietnam. And from there train changes can occur. The route was calculated by Mark Smith, former manager of Charing Cross station and editor of Seat61.com, a website dedicated to train travel, but also by other railway institutions in Europe. Minimum overnight stops, visa checks and short trips across cities to the relevant train stations are taken into account. The cost of the road was estimated at between £1000 and £1500.
