Ranked: Europe's most scenic train routes

Terrific trains

With so many countries to explore – each offering vastly different landscapes and scenery – Europe almost seems custom-made for train travel. So it’s little wonder that the continent is covered in a huge network of brilliant railways, most of which are affordable and easy to navigate. From routes along the Alpine slopes of Switzerland to Italian coastal villages, we've ranked the continent's most beautiful train rides. While any such list is naturally subjective, we hope the expert opinion of our well-travelled team will inspire your next rail adventure.

Read on to discover our favourite European train journeys...

15. North York Moors Railway, England, UK

Whisking you back to the golden era of train travel, the 24-mile (39km), 1h 50min journey between Whitby and Pickering in the north of England promises to be a trip to remember. This steam-powered railway has been around since the 1830s and received a new lease of life in 1967, when a group of local volunteers took on the task of restoring it.

15. North York Moors Railway, England, UK

For the ultimate luxury experience, hop aboard the Pullman dining carriage, where you can enjoy a lavish seasonal lunch or dinner service as the train ambles through the countryside. Unmissable attractions along the way include the 1930s-era Pickering station, Goathland, which served as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as well as the historic port of Whitby where the journey ends. The train runs from April to October every year and runs special itineraries in the wintertime too.

14. Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

Translating to 'little green train', the Trenino Verde is a sublime – and surprisingly little-known – way to see the Sardinian countryside. This 130-year-old vintage railway has five different routes across the country, totalling 272 miles (438km) of track, which pass through a treasure trove of landscapes, including olive groves, quaint villages, glittering seas, craggy coastlines and steep peaks.

14. Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

Among the gorgeous spots you can get out and explore are the medieval village of Mandas with its 4,000-year-old stone towers; Isili, which is known for its copper artisans; and the traditional hilltop town of Laconi. You could travel along every part of the railway without getting bored, but if you have to pick one, the 37-mile (59km) stretch between Tempio and Palau is said to be especially captivating. Journeys take between two and four hours.

13. The Brocken, Germany

Named after the 3,747-foot (1,142m) mountain which it traverses, central Germany’s Brocken Railway is all sweeping panoramas and serpentine bends. This 11-mile (19km) branch of track, connecting the mountain to the Harz railway, is still operated by historic steam locomotives, since this part of Germany was behind the Iron Curtain for decades and its trains were never modernised. But that’s good news for rail buffs, who come here to experience the decades-old carriages in all their glory.

13. The Brocken, Germany

The 50-minute ascent packs in plenty of mesmerising views, across towering forests, vibrant green meadows and distant peaks, travelling at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40km/h). Inside, carriages have back-to-back seats with large windows for gazing out of – or you can head to one of the open-air viewing platforms for optimum vistas.

12. Mariazell Railway, Austria

Captured here in the golden-tinged glory of early autumn, Austria’s Mariazell Railway is a fine way to see the picturesque Pielach Valley. The journey begins at St Pölten, the capital of the Lower Austria region, snaking its way southwards through 21 tunnels and across 19 viaducts before arriving at Mariazell. The so-called ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway, covering a distance of around 56 miles (91km) in just over two hours.

12. Mariazell Railway, Austria

There are three options for those wishing to experience the storied route. Either take the modern Himelstreppe (pictured), which departs daily, or book a ticket on the first-class panorama carriage, which runs April to October and over Christmas, boasting 360-degree views and a first-class catering service. Alternatively, for a historic experience check out the historic Ötscherbär adventure train, powered by either a century-old electric locomotive or the nostalgic steam locomotive.

11. Rauma Line, Norway

Few places on Earth have as much dramatic scenery as Norway and the Rauma Line is a great way to experience it. The one hour and 40-minute journey begins in the village of Dombås, taking in the historic towns and mountain farms of the Gudbrandsdalen valley before entering the steep and rugged Romsdalen valley. It then passes over the famous Kylling Bridge and cruises past Trollveggen mountain before arriving at its final destination, Åndalsnes.

11. Rauma Line, Norway

If you’re ending your journey in Åndalsnes, there’s no shortage of things to do in the fjord town. Hop on the Romsdalen Gondola for more epic views across the valley, enjoy a bite to eat at the panoramic Eggen Restaurant or lace up your hiking boots and explore one of the region’s many walking trails. Tickets can be purchased from SJ NORD.

10. Mountain Spirit, Wales, UK

Dating back more than 150 years, North Wales’ Mountain Spirit service was rejuvenated in 1982, following a three-decade-long restoration. The nostalgic steam train journey begins in the charming village of Blaenau Ffestiniog, crossing over the Cob embankment and climbing up the valley past woodlands and fields, before stopping at pretty Tan-y-Bwlch. The scenic 13.5-mile (21.7km) journey ends in Porthmadog, a port town and narrow-gauge railway hub.

10. Mountain Spirit, Wales, UK

Those who board the historic train will be rewarded with its gorgeous vintage interiors, complete with comfortable seats and huge windows for admiring the scenery. A there-and-back journey takes around three hours.

9. La Rhune, France

You’d be hard-pressed to find a much more adorable train journey than this. Located in France’s captivating Basque Country, the Rhune Railway (or Le Petit Train de la Rhune) is a fabulous cog railway which takes passengers on a 35-minute ascent up to the 2,969-foot (905m) summit of its namesake mountain. The picture-perfect chestnut-wood carriages have been navigating this steep section of track since 1924.

9. La Rhune, France

When you’re done fawning over its gorgeous interiors, peel your eyes back outside to enjoy some seriously beautiful landscapes as the train winds up the peak. Along the way, you’ll see a huge variety of flora and fauna, including pottok (Basque ponies), raptors and many types of wildflower. The railway is open from around March/April to early November each year.

8. Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece

Operating on the world’s narrowest gauge track – just a hair-raising two-and-a-half feet (0.75m) wide – southern Greece’s Odontotos Rack Railway is a stunning and historic way to experience the Peloponnese Gorge. Starting in the coastal town of Diakopto, it runs alongside the Vouraikos River, through rock-hewn tunnels and next to adrenaline-pumping sheer drops before arriving at the mountain town of Kalavrita.

8. Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece

The leisurely one-hour journey covers a total distance of 14 miles (22.5km) but there are an impressive 49 bridges in total, plus six tunnels which have been carved directly into the rock. As well as being jaw-droppingly picturesque and historic (the train has been in operation for over 120 years), the Odontotos Rack Railway is also one of the most affordable scenic train journeys on the continent.

7. Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Slicing through Sweden from top to bottom, the Inlandsbanan should be top of all rail buffs’ wish lists. This epic 807-mile (1,200km) track stretches from Gällivare and Laponia in the north to Mora and Dalarna in the south, passing from relatively flat green fields through Alpine forests and the perennially snowy mountains of Lapland. Naturally, such a monumental journey takes a while to complete, with the typical itinerary taking six days to cover the full route.

7. Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Stops include the lakeside city of Mora, the small Lapland town of Gällivare and the city of Östersund, where a UNESCO-recognised food scene and pretty cobbled streets await you. On the train, keep your eyes peeled for reindeer and elks – there are usually plenty to spot along this route. A seasonal package features a stop at the Jokkmokk Winter Market too.

6. Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro

There aren’t a whole lot of options for exploring the famously bus-heavy Balkans by rail, but this legendary 10-hour journey takes in some of the best scenery Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have to offer. That includes this eye-wateringly high bridge, which teeters 656 feet (200m) above the Mala Rijeka viaduct (until 2001 it was the highest railway bridge in the world). But it’s just one of 435 bridges along the route – necessary to cross all the mountains and gorges.

6. Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro

Beginning at the Serbian capital, the train rattles past wide, flat fields and distant mountains, before stopping at Užice in the country’s southwest. Next, it hurtles towards Podgorica in Montenegro, skimming along the shores of Lake Skadar before finishing up at the coastal town of Bar. There's a daytime departure and a night train too, but note that you can’t book online.

5. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St Moritz, the Glacier Express is a brilliant way of seeing some of the most beautiful views in the Swiss Alps. The scenic route takes in sights including the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey, and the Landwasser Viaduct (pictured) – a six-arch bridge which stands at 213 feet (65m) and plunges straight into a tunnel that leads through the mountain.

5. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

The day-long trip covers 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, and offers the chance to take in Alpine meadows, mountain lakes and chalets. Your only decision is whether to travel in summer, when you’ll get to see the region covered in vibrant green trees and colourful wildflowers, or winter, when the alpine landscapes are blanketed in frost and snow.

4. Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

The storied mountaintop monastery of Montserrat is one of the most gorgeous parts of Catalonia – but did you know you can reach it by train? The ToT Montserrat is an ultra-scenic route which runs between Barcelona and the foothills of the peak, at which point you can choose between taking the cable car (Aeri) or the rack railway (Cremallera) up to the Montserrat Monastery. Whichever option you go for, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas across the rugged valley.

4. Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

A round-trip ticket, which includes either the Aeri or Cremallera option, takes around an hour and a half in total. If you want to go even higher, hitch a ride on the Saint Joan funicular (pictured) which is included in the price of your ticket and takes you from the monastery right up to the top of the mountain.

3. West Highland Line, Scotland, UK

It’s little wonder that ScotRail's West Highland Line is often dubbed Britain's most scenic train route, with rugged Highland landscapes, rolling hills and windswept moorlands galore. But the most picture-perfect (and famous) section of the rail line, which runs between the cities of Glasgow and Mallaig, is the part where the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Recognise it? That’s because it’s the same bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films.

3. West Highland Line, Scotland, UK

For an even more authentic Harry Potter experience, you can travel across the famous viaduct on the Jacobite steam train, which is used in the films. The seasonal service typically runs between March/April and late October each year, covering the 84-mile (135km) round trip between Fort William and Mallaig in leisurely style.

2. Flåm Railway, Norway

Travelling between Myrdal and Flåm in western Norway, the Flåm Railway is among the most historic and beautiful journeys in Europe. The route was built between 1923 and 1940 to serve villages along the Sognefjord. In fact, it’s one of the steepest rail journeys on the planet, dropping 2,844 feet (867m) during its 12-mile (20km) route, with 20 tunnels travelling through the steep mountains. Along the way, you’ll get to see everything from waterfalls to mighty lakes and mountains.

2. Flåm Railway, Norway

Inside, its vintage carriages are decked out with wooden furnishings and plush seats, plus there are large windows for gazing out at all the panoramic views. The round trip takes just under an hour each way and includes a five-minute stop at the stunning Kjosfossen waterfall, where guests can get out and take pictures. The route also connects with Norway’s Bergen Line between Bergen and Oslo, so you can combine two ultra-pretty journeys.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, France to Türkiye

For a no-expense-spared, once-in-a-lifetime trip, look no further than this route between Paris and Istanbul. With an aim to evoke the romance and grandeur of old-school railway journeys, the stunning Art Deco Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a chance to see rolling countryside and iconic European cities in style. This journey includes overnight stays in both Budapest and Bucharest, and three nights on board the timelessly decadent train.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, France to Türkiye

There are six Grand Suites on the train and each one is uniquely decorated to reflect a different city (Vienna, Prague, Paris, Istanbul, Venice and Budapest). Expect plenty of period features, delicate light fixtures, polished cherrywood marquetry and marble ensuite bathrooms. Exquisite food (think lobster, veal chops and tarte tatin) is served in the dining car, and there’s also a 24-hour butler onboard.

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