Europe offers some of the most spectacular railway experiences in the world by connecting historic cities with remote natural landscapes. Travelers can traverse soaring mountain peaks and sun-drenched coastlines without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. These rail routes provide a comfortable and eco-friendly way to witness the diverse geography of the continent. The following journeys represent the pinnacle of scenic travel and engineering marvels across the region.
The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express offers an eight-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of snowy peaks and deep gorges through massive glass windows designed for sightseeing. The train crosses over 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels during this slow moving adventure across the mountains. Travelers can enjoy a complete meal served directly at their seats while admiring the stunning Oberalp Pass.
The Flåm Railway
This steep railway line in Norway transports visitors from sea level at the Sognefjord up to the Myrdal mountain station. The journey covers twelve miles of lush greenery and roaring waterfalls in just under one hour. Engineers constructed twenty tunnels to navigate the challenging landscape of the Flåmsdalen valley during the initial build. It remains one of the steepest standard tracks in the world with a gradient of over five percent.
West Highland Line
The West Highland Line connects the urban center of Glasgow to the coastal towns of Oban and Mallaig in Scotland. This route became famous globally after featuring the Glenfinnan Viaduct in several major motion pictures. Riders traverse the rugged Scottish Highlands and pass by lonely lochs and wide expanses of heather. The journey provides a unique perspective of Ben Nevis which stands as the highest mountain in the British Isles.
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy by crossing the highest railway tracks in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage route climbs steep gradients without the use of cogwheel mechanisms usually found on mountain trains. Travelers witness a dramatic shift in scenery from icy glaciers to warm palm trees within a four hour span. The iconic Brusio Spiral Viaduct allows the train to gain elevation in a relatively small space while offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Cinque Terre Express
The Cinque Terre Express hugs the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera and connects five colorful fishing villages. This short but spectacular route offers uninterrupted views of the turquoise Ligurian Sea and steep terraced vineyards. Frequent stops allow travelers to hop off and explore the narrow streets of towns like Vernazza and Manarola. It serves as an essential lifeline for locals and a scenic delight for tourists visiting the region.
Please tell us which of these European train journeys you would like to experience most in the comments.
