Europe’s Most Scenic Train Journeys: Exploring Breathtaking Landscapes by Rail

Europe’s railways offer some of the most spectacular travel experiences in the world, weaving through dramatic mountain ranges, rolling meadows, lush forests, and golden coastlines. Train travel provides a unique vantage point to witness the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, all while enjoying the romance and comfort of rail transport. From luxury experiences on historic carriages to quaint narrow-gauge railways climbing impossible gradients, Europe offers rail journeys to suit every traveler’s preferences. These train routes not only connect destinations but create unforgettable experiences where the journey itself becomes as important as the destination.

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express stands as the epitome of luxury rail travel in Europe, offering passengers a glimpse into the golden age of train journeys. This iconic service, with its meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages featuring exquisite Art Deco details, operates several routes including the popular Paris to Venice journey. Travelers embarking from London first enjoy a ride on the Belmond British Pullman to Folkestone before connecting to the Orient Express for an overnight journey to Venice. The experience is defined by unparalleled luxury—personal stewards attend to each carriage, French chefs prepare gourmet meals, and live music accompanies evening cocktails. As the train winds through the continent, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Italian Dolomites and Alps. For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the Grand Suites offer private marble bathrooms and unlimited champagne, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that combines nostalgia with modern luxury.

For travelers drawn to dramatic natural landscapes, Norway’s Flåm Railway and Switzerland’s Bernina Express offer unparalleled mountain scenery. The Flåm Railway, recognized as the world’s steepest standard gauge railway, traverses a breathtaking 20-kilometer route along western Norway’s fjords from Myrdal to Flåm. During this wild one-hour journey, passengers pass through 20 tunnels while enjoying spectacular views of snowy peaks and cascading waterfalls, including the magnificent Kjosfossen where the train stops for photo opportunities. The Bernina Express, meanwhile, traverses a UNESCO World Heritage route connecting Chur, Switzerland with Tirano, Italy. This remarkable journey takes travelers across the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and the spiraling Brusio Circular Viaduct, reaching its highest point at Ospizio Bernina—Europe’s highest railway crossing at 2,253 meters above sea level. Here, passengers can marvel at panoramic views of alpine lakes and glaciers, including the impressive Morteratsch Glacier and the contrasting waters of Lej Nair and Lago Bianco. Both railways offer opportunities for more immersive experiences, with options to disembark and explore hiking trails or cycle through portions of these magnificent landscapes.

The British Isles boast their own collection of scenic rail journeys, each showcasing the unique character of the United Kingdom’s diverse landscapes. In Wales, the Vale of Rheidol Railway offers a nostalgic journey on a narrow-gauge heritage line once used for transporting timber and lead ore. This picturesque 19-kilometer route from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge ascends nearly 200 meters through the Rheidol Valley, providing nature enthusiasts with opportunities to spot birds of prey such as buzzards and red kites. At journey’s end, travelers can explore the Three Bridges and Mynach Falls via walking trails, while the Engine Shed Museum at Aberystwyth Station offers fascinating insights into vintage railway preservation. Scotland’s Kyle Line presents an immersive Highland experience, running 92 kilometers from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh in approximately two hours and forty minutes. This journey encompasses the essence of Scottish scenery—mountains, coastlines, forests, rivers, lochs, and wildlife including deer—while passing through charming villages like Plockton and positioning travelers near attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. In Northern England, the Settle-Carlisle Railway traverses 117 kilometers of peaceful countryside, crossing the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and passing through England’s highest mainland station at Dent. This engineering marvel features 14 tunnels showcasing Victorian craftsmanship and includes the challenging “long drag”—an intense 25.7-kilometer climb from Settle to Aisgill summit, the highest point of the route.

Italy’s Mediterranean landscapes offer a different but equally captivating rail experience through the Cinque Terre Express, which provides an accessible way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage coastline. Running from La Spezia in the south to Levanto in the north, this service stops at all five of the colorful Cinque Terre villages: Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, and Monterosso al Mare. As the train hugs the coastline, passengers enjoy sweeping views of terraced vineyards dramatically descending to the sea, golden beaches nestled between rocky outcrops, and the sparkling blue Mediterranean stretching to the horizon. The beauty of this journey lies in its flexibility—travelers can hop on and off throughout the day, combining train travel with portions of the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) hiking path to experience the region’s beauty from different perspectives. This combination of convenient transportation and natural splendor makes the Cinque Terre Express a perfect example of how train travel can enhance the exploration of Europe’s most picturesque regions.

These remarkable rail journeys represent just a sampling of Europe’s extensive train network, which continues to offer travelers sustainable and immersive ways to experience the continent’s diverse landscapes. Whether seeking the luxury of the Orient Express, the dramatic mountain scenery of Scandinavia and the Alps, the pastoral beauty of the British countryside, or the Mediterranean charm of coastal Italy, Europe’s railways provide unforgettable travel experiences where the journey itself becomes a destination. In an age of fast travel, these train routes invite passengers to slow down and appreciate the unfolding panorama outside their windows, connecting with landscapes in ways impossible through other forms of transportation. For travelers planning European adventures, incorporating at least one of these iconic rail journeys promises not just efficient transportation between destinations, but also some of the most memorable and photogenic experiences the continent has to offer—proving that sometimes the most beautiful way to travel is also the most traditional.