Europe has long boasted an extensive train network, but the continent is experiencing a “rail renaissance” as of late, with a slew of exciting new long-distance routes in the works. And savvy travelers know that buying a train ticket allows you to explore Europe and skip the expense and stress of a rental car, all while sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the view. We’ve compiled six bucket-list train trips throughout Europe that you won’t want to miss.
The Jacobite – Scotland
Chugging along an 84-mile round-trip journey through the splendid Scottish Highlands, the Jacobite steam train is one of the most thrilling ways to see northern Scotland. The route begins in the historic port town of Fort Williams before meandering all the way to Mallaig, a coastal village with ferry service to the scenic Hebrides Islands.
Along the way, riders are treated to spectacular views of the windswept Highlands from the comfort of a train car. Notable sights include Ben Nevis (the highest mountain, or what locals call a “Munro,” in Scotland) and Loch Morar (the deepest freshwater lake in the British Isles). The vintage steam-powered train also passes over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a dramatic arched bridge that appears in the Harry Potter movies as part of the Hogwarts Express.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Various Countries
Connecting 16 cities across 10 countries, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express transports riders back to the golden age of train travel, with renovated cars from the 1920s featuring fine French dining and high-end accommodations. Paying homage to the original Orient Express, the priciest cars include butler service, in-cabin dining, and private marble bathrooms.
The most well-known route travels from London to Venice, with a stop in Paris. The train also travels to Istanbul annually, with various connections in Budapest, Florence, and Rome. Whichever route you choose, the Orient Express is a true throwback to a bygone era: Formal evening attire is required every night, and guests can mingle in Bar Car 3674 to grab a cocktail, listen to live music on the baby grand piano, or enjoy the chef’s special midnight brunch.
Bernina Express – Switzerland and Italy
Over the course of three hours, travelers on the Bernina Express are treated to front-row views of alpine lakes, intact glaciers, and soaring mountains while traveling on the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world. Connecting Tirano, Italy, and Chur, Switzerland, the journey begins in a climate that is home to palm trees and ends in a charming Alpine town.
The train passes through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, and two viaducts, including the sky-high Landwasser Viaduct and the heart-pumping Brusio Circular Viaduct. Climbing to 7,392 feet above sea level, the journey includes stops in the charming villages of St. Moritz and Pontresina, where riders can disembark and explore.
Flåm Railway – Norway
The journey might be brief, but the Flåm Railway is a scenic stunner through Norway’s famous fjords. Connecting Myrdal, a stop on the Oslo-Bergen Railway, with the village of Flåm, the 12.6-mile trip takes roughly one hour. With an elevation change of 2,841 feet at a 5.5% incline, it’s also one of the steepest train journeys in the world.
The trains run year-round, traveling through 20 tunnels and treating riders to arresting views during all four seasons. The showstopper is Kjosfossen, a waterfall that descends an astonishing 738 feet in summer and is frozen during winter. Visitors can disembark the train to watch a theatrical impersonation of Huldra, a forest spirit who dances beneath the falls.
Semmering Railway – Austria
Dating back to the Hapsburg Era, the Semmering Railway was completed in 1854 as the first European mountain railway, “one of the greatest feats of civil engineering” in the early era of the rails, according to UNESCO. Connecting Vienna with Trieste, a port on the Adriatic Sea, it was a significant railway for trade, commerce, and military transportation.
Today, the railway is mostly used for scenic purposes. As part of the Eurail, it connects Vienna and Carinthia, with stops in Semmering and Graz that allow for extended connections to Slovenia. The train travels through dark tunnels, over brick viaducts, and along rocky outcrops with incredible views for much of the way.
Le Petit Train Jaune – France
Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss Le Petit Train Jaune, or the “Little Yellow Train,” a historic track that runs through the Pyrenees Mountains. Nicknamed “the Canary” by locals, the narrow-gauge railway was originally built as a link between remote Catalan mountain communities.
Today it traverses the French-Spanish border, with an exhilarating open-air car that affords passengers unfettered views of the region’s mountains and valleys. Connecting 22 stations, the Canary traverses 19 tunnels before reaching an altitude of 5,250 feet, allowing passengers access to Bolquère, one of the highest ski stations in France. All told, the journey from Saillagouse to Villefranche de Conflent takes just under 2.5 hours.
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