Look, I’ll tell you a secret – after quitting my 9-to-5 job to travel full-time, I’ve found that trains beat planes any day of the week. Sure, sipping California wine by an infinity pool is nice (and I do plenty of that), but nothing beats watching the Alps roll by from a panoramic train window. Ready to discover some of Europe’s most incredible rail journeys? Let’s go.
1. The Bernina Express: Switzerland to Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
Ever wanted to see glaciers and palm trees in the same day? I didn’t know this was possible until I took this ride. The Bernina Express climbs higher than any other Alpine train (2,253 meters!). You’ll cross 196 bridges – yeah, I counted – and zip through 55 tunnels.
The real showstopper? The Landwasser Viaduct. Picture this: you’re 65 meters up in the air, crossing a curved limestone bridge that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Trust me, your Instagram followers won’t believe it’s real.
2. The Flåm Railway: Norway’s Mountain Marvel
You know those train rides that make your jaw drop? This is one of them. It’s one of the steepest regular-track railways worldwide, climbing 866 meters in just 20 kilometers. Fun fact: most of its 20 tunnels were dug by hand. By hand!
The best part? The train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall. You can hop off and watch 93 meters of pure Norwegian water power crash down right in front of you. I still dream about that sound.
3. The West Highland Line: Scotland’s Magic Railway
Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you. Remember the Hogwarts Express scenes? They filmed them right here on the Glenfinnan Viaduct. But even if you’re not into wizardry (though who isn’t?), this route is pure magic.
The train passes Ben Nevis (Britain’s tallest mountain) and Loch Lomond (their biggest freshwater lake). During summer, you can catch the Jacobite steam train. It’s like time travel, but with better seats.
4. The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Slow-Motion Masterpiece
Want to know something funny? They call this the slowest express train in the world. It takes 8 hours to cover 291 kilometers, but that’s exactly the point. The seats rotate (yes, really) so you don’t miss a thing.
I splurged on the Excellence Class once – seven courses of Swiss cuisine while crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. Worth every franc.
5. The Belgrade to Bar Railway: The Hidden Gem
Here’s a route most travel guides skip. Running from Serbia to Montenegro, this track is an engineering wonder with 435 bridges and 254 tunnels. The views switch between the Dinaric Alps and the blue Adriatic Sea.
The Mala Rijeka viaduct used to be the world’s highest railway bridge. Even today, it’ll make your heart skip a beat.
6. The Semmering Railway: Austria’s Time Machine
Speaking of history, this was Europe’s first mountain railway to make it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built in the 1850s, it still uses some of its original station buildings. How cool is that?
The track weaves through 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels, with over 100 curved stone bridges. It’s like riding through a living museum, but with better coffee.
7. The Inlandsbanan: Sweden’s Arctic Adventure
Want to spot reindeer from your train window? This Arctic route delivers. It only runs in summer (because, well, Arctic winters), but the timing means you get the midnight sun.
The train stops right at the Polar Circle. You can jump out, take photos, and tell everyone you crossed into the Arctic by train. Way better than another airport selfie, right?
Pro Tips From a Train-Obsessed Traveler
After countless European train adventures, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Book window seats. Always.
- Pack a good camera – your phone won’t do these views justice
- Bring snacks (even on routes with dining cars)
- Download offline maps – the prettiest routes often have spotty cell service
- Get up early for the best light (says the guy who normally prefers lounging)
Have you taken any of these train trips? Which one’s first on your list? Drop me a comment below – I love swapping travel stories!
