The Renaissance of Train Travel in Europe: Escaping the Tourist Crowds for Autumn Adventures

In a year marked by record-breaking tourism across Europe, travelers are increasingly seeking alternatives to crowded destinations and sweltering summer temperatures. As Spain welcomed over 11 million international visitors in August alone (a 2.9% increase from 2024) despite widespread anti-tourist protests, and the Italian Dolomites saw approximately 8,000 tourists in a single day on popular routes like Seceda mountain, the continent has been grappling with overtourism concerns. This surge, combined with extreme heat and increasing tourist taxes, has made shoulder season travel more attractive than ever. Autumn, with its cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, offers the perfect opportunity to experience Europe’s beauty through one of its most charming and sustainable modes of transport: train travel. Japanese rail operator JR Pass has identified a growing appetite for immersive autumn experiences, analyzing popular European routes based on ratings, social media presence, search data, and seasonal weather patterns to compile a list of five exceptional rail journeys that showcase Europe’s most spectacular fall landscapes.

Switzerland’s historic GoldenPass Line tops the list, offering a breathtaking 191-kilometer journey from Montreux to Interlaken on railways dating back to the 1890s. This route treats passengers to iconic Alpine scenery, from the shores of Lake Geneva to panoramic vistas of some of Europe’s most famous peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Eiger. Cultural highlights include the medieval Châteaux de Chillon fortress perched dramatically on Lake Geneva’s shoreline and views of the Tsanfleuron Glacier situated approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. What makes this journey particularly appealing for autumn travelers is the favorable weather—clear skies prevail for over half the season (52.55%), with rain occurring only about one in four days, creating ideal conditions for leaf-peeping and photography. At around €60 for a second-class ticket without seat reservation, this journey represents good value given the unforgettable experiences and vistas it delivers.

For travelers seeking warmer autumn conditions, Spain’s Tren de Sóller in Mallorca ranks second on JR Pass’s list. This charming electric railway, constructed in 1912 and still operating with its original wooden carriages, connects the towns of Sóller and Palma while winding through the island’s often-overlooked mountainous landscapes and lush citrus groves. What makes this route particularly special for art enthusiasts is the Sóller train station itself, which houses permanent exhibitions featuring original works by renowned artists Miró and Picasso. The journey also provides access to cultural treasures like the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana. Mallorca’s reliably clear skies and minimal rainfall during autumn months ensure optimal conditions for enjoying the island’s natural beauty from the comfort of these historic carriages. At €40 for a return ticket, the Tren de Sóller offers an accessible way to experience Mallorca beyond its famous beaches and resorts.

Bulgaria’s Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway provides a gateway to what JR Pass describes as “one of Europe’s most unspoiled landscapes,” connecting the Gornotrakiyska Valley with the magnificent Rhodope and Pirin mountain ranges along a 125-kilometer route. Celebrated as one of Bulgaria’s greatest engineering achievements, this railway takes passengers through golden beech forests ablaze with autumn colors and past quaint villages that appear “frozen in time,” offering a glimpse into rural Bulgarian life rarely experienced by conventional tourists. Each station along the route serves as a starting point for hiking trails that allow travelers to further immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. The railway’s appeal for autumn travel is enhanced by the typically dry weather conditions—with an average of just five rainy days throughout the season, visitors can expect “crisp, pristine conditions” ideal for viewing the fall foliage. Day tour packages start from €79, though prices may be lower depending on specific travel dates, making this hidden gem accessible to budget-conscious travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Austria’s historic Semmering Railway stands out as a testament to 19th-century engineering prowess, being the world’s first standard gauge line built across a high mountain pass. This remarkable feat of civil engineering, which continues to operate today, takes passengers from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag through a landscape of stone viaducts and carved tunnels set against spectacular mountain backdrops. JR Pass particularly recommends this journey for showcasing Austria’s “vibrant tapestry of colors” during autumn, when the surrounding forests transform into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds. The region enjoys clear skies for almost half of the autumn season, providing ideal conditions for appreciating both the natural splendor and the architectural achievements visible along the route. At just €8.90 for a standard class ticket covering the 36-minute journey, the Semmering Railway offers exceptional value for an experience that combines cultural heritage with natural beauty.

Completing JR Pass’s list of top autumn rail journeys is another Austrian treasure—the Schneeberg Railway, one of Europe’s few remaining cog railways. This specialized mountain line carries passengers up to Hochschneeberg station at an impressive elevation of 1,800 meters, offering increasingly spectacular views as it climbs. A recommended stop along the route is Baumgartner station, where travelers can sample the delicious regional specialty known as Schneeberg buchteln—sweet rolls filled with jam that provide a literal taste of local culture. Upon reaching the summit, passengers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across multiple mountain peaks, made all the more dramatic by autumn’s clear air and the possibility of early snow dusting the highest elevations. Combined tickets, which enhance the experience by including access to explore the countryside via cable car as well, start from an affordable €23.50. This journey epitomizes how rail travel can provide access to landscapes and elevations that might otherwise require strenuous hiking, making alpine experiences accessible to a wider range of travelers.

As overtourism continues to challenge Europe’s most popular destinations, these scenic rail journeys represent a more sustainable and immersive alternative for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from the crowds. Not only do they showcase some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes transformed by autumn’s palette, but they also connect visitors with regional culture, cuisine, and heritage while reducing the environmental impact of travel. Whether winding through the Swiss Alps, climbing Austrian mountains, or traversing Bulgaria’s hidden valleys, these train routes demonstrate that sometimes the journey truly is the destination—especially when experienced through the window of a historic carriage as golden leaves flutter past and Europe’s timeless landscapes unfold at a leisurely, contemplative pace.