Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

So many great sites in Europe – the railway is one of the best ways seeing them. All you have to do is sit comfortably in your seat and look out the window. Here are ten great and versatile itineraries, that not only take the passengers from one place to another, but also introduce to some of the most amazing European landscapes!

10. Venice-Munich Railway, Italy, Germany

Direct train from Venice to Munich guarantees plenty of beautiful sites. Passing through Italian valleys and small villages, Alps and snowy peaks, then reaching Bavaria – one of the most beautiful parts in Germany. Driving along the river Isarco in a shadows of Dolomites is particularly striking.

Route: Venice-Verona-Trento-Innsbruck-Munich

Duration: 7 hours, 450 km

When to go: spring, summer, fall

Visit: loco2.com

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Jim Nilsen

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Gianluca Gobbi

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Edgar Moskopp

9. Train des Pignes, France

Discover this private railway, that passes the most beautiful regions in France. Since Provence is famous for its nature and picturesque landscapes, the trip is indeed a good idea. On its way the train passes rivers, bridges, small gorgeous villages like St Andre les Alpes and Entrevaux until its final destination – Digne les Bains – the capital of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region.

Route: Nice-Digne les Bains

Duration: 3 hours, 145 km

When to go: spring, summer, fall

Visit: www.trainprovence.com

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Itamar Campos

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Rob Coombs

8. The West Rhine Railway, Germany

The train goes along the river Rhine and reveals the picturesque sites of Germany. The rocky slopes with vineyards, old castles on top of them – you can get off the train and visit the legendary Lorelei rock in St. Goarshausen, which rises 120 m above Rhine. A really nice route, while traveling in these beautiful German cities.

Route: Cologne-Bonn-Koblenz-Bingen-Mainz

Duration: 185 km

When to go: spring, fall

Visit: www.loreley-info.com

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Dominic Meinardi

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Jiuguang Wang

germany- Uwe Müller

Photo by Uwe Müller

7. Balkan Flexipass, Serbia, Montenegro

The Balkans are a truly beautiful part of Europe. Belgrade is a hip capital of Serbia, so after having some nightlife fun here, you may want to visit Bar – a historic city on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. The Balkan Express also has plenty of other options, that enable easy traveling in the Balkans.

Route: Belgrade-Bar

Duration: 10 hours, 550 km

When to go: summer

Visit: www.raileurope.com

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Nebojsa Mrdja

balkan- Dragan Todorović2

Photo by Dragan Todorović

balkans- Dragan Todorović

Photo by Dragan Todorović

6. The Chocolate Train, Switzerland

All the food travelers, this is the thing to consider for you! The vintage train has a 1st class service and passes the gorgeous Swiss Riviera and Lake Geneva in Montreux, stops in Gruyère, famous for cheese and its castle. Finally, the tourists reach Cailler-Nestlé factory for the finest Swiss chocolate sampling.

Route: Montreux-Gruyères-Broc-and back

Duration: 10 hours, 100 km

When to go: summer, fall

Visit: www.myswitzerland.com

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

5. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

One of the most beautiful routes is said to be the trip of extremes. The round trip passes Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain, lakes Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, River Morar. Some of the sites you might recognize from the Harry Potter saga. And have dinner in Mallaig, famous for fresh seafood.

Route: Fort William-Glenfinnan-Arisaig-Mallaig-and back

Duration: 2 hours, 135 km

When to go: from 19th of May to 25th of October

Visit: www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Daniel Korzhonov

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Kenny Barker

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Andreas Enderlin

scotland- François Lemmens

Photo by François Lemmens

4. Madrid and Oviedo, Spain

From the capital of the country to the capital of the Principality of Asturias – the trip is beloved by the travelers. The railway crosses the small Spanish villages – a classic southern European countryside. In Asturias the ride becomes especially stunning, as the train rises to the Picos de Europa mountains.

Route: Madrid-Oviedo

Duration: 5 hours, 450 km

When to go: spring, autumn

Visit: www.logitravel.fr

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Eve Ingram

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Manuel Lancha

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Manuel Lancha

3. The Rauma Railway, Norway

Admire gorgeous sites of the Nordic country unfolding through the large windows of the train. See the emerald green River Rauma, rocky peaks and green valleys – Norway is famous for having wonderful unspoiled nature. The train passes the Troll Wall – the tallest vertical rock in Europe. The routes elevation varies from 4 m to 659 m above sea level.

Route: Åndalsnes-Dombås

Duration: 1.5 hour, 114 km

When to go: from 29th of May to 26th of August

Visit: www.nsb.no

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Thomas Roth

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

2. The Great British Heritage Route, United Kingdom

There are plenty of historic sites to discover in United Kingdom, particularly the castles. The BritRail offers to combine its pass with the Great British Heritage pass and choose from many exciting itineraries. It can take 15 days to see 580 attractions, including Lindisfarne, Dover and Bamburgh castles, or you can plan a shorter trip by picking the most interesting sites for you.

Route: Inverness-Gwynedd

Duration: 15 days, 500 km

When to go: spring, summer

Visit: www.hudsonsexplorerpass.com

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Steve Clancy

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Steve Clancy

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Alfie Tait

1. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy

The route passes stunning nature, tunnels, bridges and beautiful villages. From Swiss to Italian Alps, the sites are indeed precious: the route from Chur to Tirano is recognized as the World Heritage Site.

Route: Chur-Thusis-Tirano-Lugano

Duration: 4 hours, 123 km

When to go: April

Visit: www.rhb.ch

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Unknown

Top 10 Train Routes in Europe

Photo by Wojciech Przybylski