In the heart of the French Pyrenees, a small tourist train has become one of the most spectacular mountain attractions in Europe. It is the Artouste Train, considered the highest tourist railway on the continent, which climbs to an altitude of about 2,000 meters and offers impressive views.
The attraction, intended especially for lovers of nature and thrills, is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. Instead, for tourists looking for spectacular panoramic views, the route promises an unforgettable experience, with images of the dramatic peaks, deep valleys and picturesque mountain villages of the Béarn region, according to the express.
The train is located in the Ossau Valley, and access to the boarding point is exclusively via a cable car. The ride takes about 15 minutes and climbs up to the train’s departure station, where the real rail adventure begins.
The train journey takes about 55 minutes and stretches for about 10 kilometers, offering spectacular views, including Lake Artouste, one of the area’s natural attractions.
The composition of the train consists of six carriages, each with a capacity of approximately 12 passengers, which means a total of 72 people per journey.
According to the cited publication, a peculiarity of the train is the fact that it allows access to pets, but they are not allowed on the hiking trails in the area.
The railway line was inaugurated in 1921, initially having a strictly industrial purpose. It was built to support work on the Artouste dam, being used to transport construction materials up the mountains. Approximately 2,000 workers contributed to the construction of the infrastructure, including a 318-meter tunnel dug through the mountain.
After the dam work was completed, the railway was preserved and later turned into a tourist attraction, becoming over time one of the most sought-after mountain experiences in France.
Tickets can be purchased from the Tourist Office in Valea Ossau or online.
A “discovery” ticket, which includes both the cable car ride and the return journey by train, as well as a stopover of around 1 hour 20 minutes in the area, costs around 28 euros for adults and 20 euros for children over 4 years.
Europe offers several spectacular train journeys, but also road routes with unforgettable panoramas.
