10 of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe for your next vacation

Traveling by train is wonderfully unique. While being rocked by the movement of the carriage, you can admire breathtaking landscapes and take the time to really appreciate the journey. From France to Switzerland and Italy to Norway, Europe offers a palette of incredible landscapes that can be explored by a well-developed railway network. So don’t deprive yourself from trying it out!

Discover our selection of 10 breathtaking train journeys in Europe: enough to inspire you for your next getaway.

1. The Glacier Express – Switzerland: journey to the heart of the Swiss Alps

Nicknamed "the slowest express train in the world," the Glacier Express connects Zermatt to Saint Moritz, covering around 300km in approximately 8 hours. Which is plenty of time to admire the imposing landscapes of the Swiss Alps! In service since 1930, the Glacier Express passes over dizzying bridges, impressive tunnels and landscapes of raw beauty.

Every moment aboard this train is a life-sized postcard, especially at the crossing of the famous Landwasser Viaduct. Lovers of architectural heritage will be pleased to know that this journey passes through nearly 100 tunnels and across 300 bridges! In terms of nature, you will pass by glaciers (obviously), but also snowy peaks, dense forests, waterfalls and more. In short, this is a train journey that’s simply essential for lovers of this exceptional mode of transport.

2. The Little Yellow Train – France: explore the Catalan Pyrenees

Nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees, the Little Yellow Train connects Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol. Over 100 years old, this train has become a true emblem of the Catalan Pyrenees. And for good reason, as in 2 hours 30 minutes of travel, you can admire a summary of all that makes this region so beautiful: majestic peaks, picturesque villages, gorges and plateaus...

The Little Yellow Train climbs to an altitude of more than 1,500 meters, offering impressive views of the mountains. It notably passes through the small local station of Bolquère, the highest station in France at 1,593 meters! To board, simply signal the driver and buy your ticket directly on the train. With its retro look, the Little Yellow Train is a beautiful way to discover the Catalan Pyrenees, and is without doubt one of the most picturesque train journeys in France.

3. The West Highland Line – Scotland: a journey worthy of the most epic adventures

Board a train on The West Highland Line, and prepare yourself for one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. Connecting Glasgow to the coastal town of Mallaig, this train winds through the Scottish Highlands, passing through deserted moors, misty lakes and isolated valleys. And in the process, it offers a natural setting filled with magic and mystery.

The highlight of the show? The passage over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct which you might recognize since it served as a setting for the Harry Potter films. During 3 hours 30 minutes of travel, and with panoramic windows ensuring you won’t miss a thing, the trains of The West Highland Line offer you an immersion into what makes the very essence of Scotland: wild and green landscapes that appear as if they’ve been frozen in time.

4. The Bergen Line – Norway: heading towards the Norwegian fjords

Norway hosts a dense railway network with each journey more impressive than the one you took before. Among the legendary lines, the trip between Oslo and Bergen plunges you into fairytale Nordic landscapes. Between majestic fjords, glaciers, thundering waterfalls, snowy mountains and green valleys, The Bergen Line offers an unforgettable panorama in every season.

The total itinerary lasts 7 hours, but you’re free to stop and enjoy layovers as you wish: maybe at Geilo, a renowned ski resort in the heart of the Scandinavian Alps? Or in the heart of Hardangervidda National Park, the highest plateau in Europe, where you can take superb hikes? If you can, we’d advise you to make a stop at Myrdal to take the small tourist train to Flåm: a legendary, breathtaking journey.

5. The Black Forest Line – Germany: crossing between nature and charming villages

Take a seat onboard the "Schwarzwaldbahn", The Black Forest Line, to admire landscapes that rank among the most beautiful in Europe. 150 km long and climbing up to an altitude of 650 meters, this tourist route connects Offenburg and Konstanz crossing one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. On the program: immense deep green pine forests, wooded hills, lakes, and small hamlets that boast traditional wooden houses.

The section between Donaueschingen and Hornberg is particularly sublime, so you’ll want to keep your eyes wide open! Some double-decker trains run on this route, and there aren’t any charges to reserve a seat, so if possible, don’t hesitate to find a seat on the 2nd floor where you will be able to enjoy the landscapes even more. Our advice: take this line in the fall, when the forest dons its most beautiful shimmering colors.

6. The Douro Line – Portugal: in the heart of the Portuguese vineyards

This iconic journey of Portugal starts beautifully, departing from the sublime Porto-São Bento station, which is decorated with azulejos (the famous tiles), a true architectural masterpiece. The line then continues its route to Pocinho passing through the small and charming town of Pinhão, all following the meanders of the Douro river.

During the trip, you will be able to observe the authentic beauty of this wine region with its impressive terraced vineyards, golden hills and typical villages. It is possible to do the Porto-Pinhão round trip in one day as the journey only lasts for 2 hours, but we’d strongly advise you to spend at least one night there. You will then have time to enjoy the beauty of the Douro Valley and perhaps even sample some of its delicious grape varieties.

7. The Cinque Terre Train – Italy: explore this emblematic destination in "slow" mode

Between sea and steep mountains, the Cinque Terre train connects La Spezia to Levanto passing through the five villages clinging to the Ligurian coast: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The Cinque Terre train is, in our opinion, the best way to explore this magnificent coastal region because it crosses spectacular landscapes and allows you to avoid the crowd on winding roads.

Largely dug into tunnels, this train journey offers striking views of the landscapes at each opening to the outside, further enhancing the beauty of the steep cliffs, the turquoise sea and the terraced vineyards. It also allows, of course, the chance to admire the famous colorful villages of the region. Make the most of every stop by strolling through the lively alleys, exploring the picturesque fishing ports, and tackling the superb hiking trails.

8. The Bernina Express – Switzerland and Italy: an exceptional journey

It is hardly a secret that Switzerland hosts a large number of exceptional, even outright legendary tourist trains, like the Bernina Express. Connecting Chur to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular route culminates at an altitude of more than 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass, with imposing mountains, glaciers and deep blue lakes as a backdrop. A feast for the eyes!

Aside from admiring the beauty of the changing landscapes of the Swiss Alps, this train is also exceptional because it is one of the rare railway lines to be featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Passing through 55 tunnels and across 196 bridges and viaducts, the Bernina Express is classified as an "exceptional technical, architectural and environmental ensemble." A feat of engineering and natural beauty.

9. The Belgrade to Bar Line – Serbia and Montenegro: discover the heart of the Balkans

The Belgrade-Bar line is one of the most impressive and spectacular train routes in Southern Europe. It connects the Serbian capital, Belgrade, and the town of Bar, on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. Embark on a railway adventure of nearly 476 kilometers and enjoy a deep immersion in the Balkans during these 12 hours of travel. Authentic culture and natural treasures await you at every turn!

Hours pass and the wild landscapes evolve: fertile plains, gorges and canyons, steep mountains, and finally… the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea. This journey, considered a masterpiece of engineering, encompasses more than 250 tunnels and crosses 435 bridges, including the famous Mala Rijeka viaduct, one of the highest in the world which is 200 meters above the valley.

10. The Rome to Palermo Line – Italy: a unique crossing

Want a truly unique railway adventure? Board the train that connects Rome to Palermo: it literally boards a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina! This railway curiosity is a must-see moment for anyone who loves train travel. After crossing the magnificent southern Italian countryside, the train boards a ferry at Villa San Giovanni – a fascinating operation you can observe from the carriages or the boat deck.

Once in Sicily, the journey continues through Mediterranean landscapes bathed in sunlight: olive groves, arid mountains, villages perched on hillsides and spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea… all before arriving in the heart of the vibrant city of Palermo. It’s an unforgettable train experience!

Testimonials

The HomeExchange community is already well and truly charmed by train travel. Our members love taking their time to enjoy a journey, before arriving at their destination where they enjoy home exchanges in which they can immerse themselves in local cultures.

Here are some of their testimonials:

“I have an incredible memory of the train between Bergen and Oslo, Norway: seven hours through wild landscapes, between frozen lakes, forests, and snowy mountains. I did not notice the time pass.” – Elisa

“We left Dinant in Belgium and over several days we traveled to Naples. On the way, we stopped in Milan and Rome, then had a return crossing through the Alps.” – Sophie

“We did a wonderful exchange in Switzerland, enhanced by the train going up to the Diablerets station. A magical journey!” – Caro

“[Our best train journeys] The steam train Zsuzsi in Debrecen, in the middle of the forest. The Trinichellu is great for children for magnificent journeys between Calvi, Bastia, and Ajaccio, grandiose mountain and seaside landscapes.” – Anne