7 of the best train journeys in Europe…

Your holiday starts here, the moment you jump on board.

Mountain climbers, grand stations, and luxury sleepers. Seeing Europe from the window of a train is a vacation in itself.

The comfortable seats and changing landscape right outside your window invite you to sit back and relax.

 

 

Everything slows down. The twists and turns of the natural landscape, misty mountain forests, sleepy villages, alpine towns and bustling cities. There’s no better way to see a country, and its delights.

From Wanderlust to Lonely Planet and National Geographic, many have attempted this train list before. We felt it was high time we shared our version!

Enjoy Rock My World’s 7 best rail journeys in Europe.

 

1. Scotland | The West Highland Line | 5 hours

A perfect long weekend…

The West Highland Line takes you through mountains, moors and marine marvels, between Glasgow and Mallaig. You can enjoy this journey in one go, or 3-4 days to make this rail trip even more heavenly.

What’s outside your window?

Valleys covered in purple heather, lochs as silver as mirrors, steep hillsides lined with birch trees and one of the most recognisable sections of track in the world: you’ll see the Glenfinnan Viaduct at the top of Loch Shiel (which you may recognise from the timeless Harry Potter films).

 

 

2. Switzerland to Italy | The Bernina Express | 4 hours

A truly memorable trip…

A journey between icy Switzerland and sunny Italy – you’ll witness 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, reaching 7,391 feet and then descending 5,905 feet. It’s a smooth ride no doubt, but one that’s big on drama.

What’s outside your window? 

Jaw dropping alpine landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site right outside your window – it doesn’t get much better than this. Looping through the Prättigau mountains and over Zügen Gorge’s sheer-sided ravines, witness glistening glaciers before descending into Italy far below.

 

 

3. Norway | The Flam Railway | 1 hour

Witness an engineering feat…

Described by many as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and by National Geographic as one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe. Although this rail journey is shorter than the others, it is no less dramatic. It’s a great activity as part of a longer trip exploring the fjords.

What’s outside your window? 

Enjoy views of old churches, small farms, sparkling blue rivers that follow the railway track for much of the route and spectacular waterfalls. The train takes a stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall where you can enjoy a photo opportunity. From the comfort of a vintage train compartment, you’ll climb over 2,838 feet to reach the mountain plateau inside an hour.

 

 

Check out the 7 reasons to travel by train not plane here.

 

4. London to Venice | Orient-Express | 36 hours

The ultimate in romance…

Probably the most famous name in train history, this journey can be completed across 2 days and 1 night, or stretched across 7 glorious days for the ultimate break. The service, with its warm smiles, good humour and careful attention to detail – welcomes you to relax.

What’s outside your window? 

Awake to the sight of the snow capped Alps, then take in the breathtaking views of lush green mountains with a warm cup of coffee. For this luxurious train journey, what’s inside your cabin is just as impressive. After dinner, a chance to enjoy a cocktail and listen to a little piano music cannot be missed.

 

5. Spain | El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo | 8 days

One of the world’s finest trains…

Explore northern Spain in utmost luxury with a five-star journey. Relax in the lounges with its comfortable seating, and large windows that boast panoramic views. Dine on regional specialities and visit local monuments, across 8 glorious days and 7 nights.

What’s outside your window? 

Views of stunning coastlines, gushing rivers, picturesque meadows and impressive mountains await you. If you can bear to take your eyes off the views, the food and wines on board the Gran Lujo deserve your attention too, as they reflect the local specialties of northern Spain.

 

6. Sweden | Inlandsbanan | 2 days

Slow travel at its best…

A journey that snakes 850 miles north from central Sweden to Swedish Lapland, it is one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses. Enjoy scheduled stops to Lake Siljan or visit reindeer herds in the Sami villages. At each stop there is the chance to order fresh dishes from local restaurants, the perfect opportunity to try that smoked Arctic Char!

What’s outside your window? 

Mile after mile, dense forests stretch out: pine, spruce and birch all the way to the Arctic Circle. If you like trees, this is the perfect train trip for you. In Sweden, forest coverage is 70 percent, so you can imagine the scenery that awaits you. Pass tranquil lakes and tumbling streams all bursting with life.

 

7. Venice to Budapest | The Balkan Odyssey | 11 days

Welcome onboard the Danube Express, a private train with classical elegance, modern conveniences, and fine dining for an indulgent rail trip. Begin in the famous waterways of Venice, travel into the heart of the Balkans, ending in Budapest along the Danube.

What’s outside your window? 

Expect architectural treasures and stunningly beautiful countryside along the way. From the iconic cities of Venice, Istanbul and Budapest, to the intriguing countries of the former Yugoslavia, discover a troubled history and diverse cultures here.

 

 

If this has got you in the mood for a rail journey of your own, discover 7 reasons to travel by train not plane here. If you feel inspired by one of these train journeys, or perhaps you have something else in mind, reach out to us here. We’d love to help make your dream trip a reality.  

Written by Rebecca Woolford