8 Beautiful Train Rides You Must Try in Europe

In many ways, trains are simply the best way to travel. They are more environmentally friendly than flying, more relaxing than driving and more comfortable than buses. You have space, can move around, and (if available) go for a bite in the dining cart.

And is there anything more romantic than travelling by train? Train travel conjures up images of elegance and class, of leisurely making your way through beautiful scenery and watching the landscape roll by. With train travel, it’s all about the journey, not just the destination.

Some train rides are an event in their own right. They take you through breathtaking landscapes filled with mountains, valleys, rivers, and picturesque villages. And all you have to do is sit back, look out the window and enjoy the ride.

# Semmering Line in Austria

Austria, with its rolling hills, impressive mountains, elegant cities, and quaint towns, has plenty of spectacular views to offer. While most of them require a car and a long hike to reach, the Semmering Line allows you to experience some of the best views in Austria from the comfort of a train.

The Semmering Line runs from Wiener Neustadt to Bruck an der Mur in the southeast of Austria. It’s a historic train line, built between 1848 and 1854, and one of the greatest feats of railway engineering. The tracks run through tunnels and over viaducts to create a continuous connection over 41 km of mountainous terrain.

# Cinque Terre in Italy

Cinque Terre, meaning “five lands,” is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy. The collection of five villages, perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian coast, seems to have been built for postcards. The colourful buildings, blue ocean, and dramatic views draw millions of visitors every year.

Cars are useless in Cinque Terre, as no roads connect the villages. Instead, there are hiking trails through the National Park as well as a railway. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stretches in not only Italy but also Europe. It’s not a long ride, it takes about 20 minutes from one end to the other, but the views are spectacular.

# Flam Railway in Norway

The Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flam is not a long trip, It only takes about an hour, but it’s still pretty spectacular. The railway runs alongside some of Norway’s most impressive fjords and offers fantastic views.

Fjords are the natural pride of Norway, a unique landscape feature created by glaciers during the Ice Age. As you sit back and relax, you can see the cliffs out the window.

# Rhine Valley Line in Germany

Though Germany is famous for its Autobahn and quality cars, the country also has a great train network. Although locals love to complain about the state of the railways and frequent delays, train travel in Germany is a fairly comfortable affair.

It’s a relatively affordable way to explore the country while enjoying the varied landscape of the German countryside through the window. Although there are many stretches of the railway that offer beautiful views, none can beat the Rhine Valley Line.

# West Highland Line in Scotland

The West Highland Line in Scotland is better known as the Hogwarts Express. The old red Jacobite Steam Train was used in the Harry Potter movies. There is something profoundly mystical and enchanting about Scotland. And riding this train through the Scottish Highlands will make you feel like you’re on your way to the magic school.

You can make your way to Fort William by train from Glasgow, which is a beautiful ride as well. In Fort William, you can then get on the Jacobite Steam Train, a historic steam train in mint condition. This is an unforgettable experience for fans of Harry Potter and old trains alike. The old train gives the ride an added splash of romance and elegance.

# Linha do Douro in Portugal

The Douro region in Portugal is most famous for the production of traditional port wine. The best port wines come from this area in the north of Portugal. The hills are covered in vineyards, and every village has cellars filled with the delicious sweet dessert wine.

Douro is the perfect destination for a day trip from Porto. And you don’t need to drive to explore the area, because there is a convenient train line that will take you to the heart of Douro. Although you can take the train directly from Porto, the first part of the journey isn’t all that exciting.

# Bernina Express in Switzerland

Switzerland undeniably has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. The Swiss Alps, with their snow-covered peaks and glaciers as well as lush green valleys, are absolutely breathtaking. Add to that the Swiss reputation for first-class engineering, and you won’t be surprised that there are several amazing train rides you can take.

But the Bernina Express tops the cake. The trip from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano only takes 2 to 2.5 hours, but it offers a lifetime of memories. The view of the epic mountains, charming villages, and flower-filled fields is one you won’t soon forget.

# Inlandsbanan in Sweden

Most of the train rides on this list are quite short and perfect for day trips or a quick detour. But the Inlandsbanan in Sweden is on a whole new scale. The 14-hour complete journey takes you from Kristinehamn in the south to the Arctic Circle!

Few people ride this train in one go, which is why the ticket is valid for 14 days. This means that you get on and off as often as you want and make a whole vacation out of it. Due to the popularity of the Inlandsbanan, you need to reserve a seat for every separate stretch.

The views from the Inlandsbanen are one of a kind. From fields of wildflowers, blue lakes and deep forests to the harsh frozen tundra of the arctic, no other train ride in Europe offers such a variety of landscapes. The Inlandsbanan is a unique way to experience Sweden, both nature and culture. So plan some overnight stops along the way to explore Swedish culture and history.