The most beautiful railway routes | PolishTrains
Like no other mode of transport, the train offers the opportunity to simultaneously relax and enjoy the surroundings during the journey. The space of modern carriages provides comfort, the large windows offer a good view and the tracks, situated away from the main roads, offer breathtaking views! Here is a selection of the 10 most beautiful rail routes in Europe!
At a glance
At a glance
- The Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz is widely regarded as one of Europe's most iconic rail journeys
- The West Highland Line in Scotland passes through the Grampians and Caledonian Mountains with breathtaking loch scenery
- The Orient Express section from Paris to Venice spans 844 km through the French countryside, Swiss Alps, and Italian Dolomites
- The coastal route from Marseille to Nice runs for over 150 km, more than half of it along the Mediterranean coast
- Seat reservations are compulsory on panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express
- Most Alpine scenic routes operate at their best between May and September, though some run year-round
Glacier Express - Zermatt di St. Moritz
It is a shared opinion among many people who have travelled on the Glacier Express that a ride on the Swiss Panoramic Railway is an experience that every person should experience at least once. A journey on the Glacier Express is a breathtaking combination of journeys through tunnels and mountain canyons with views of the sharp peaks of the Alps and, among others, the distinctive Matternhorn. The train ends its run in St. Moritz, a Swiss resort that needs no introduction to anyone.
More information about the Glacier Express is available here.
West Highland Line (Scotland)
Who wouldn't want to hop on an express to Hogwarts and be transported to the world of wizards, if only for a moment? However, the Scottish West Highland Line is not only for fans of the Harry Potter films, but for all travellers who appreciate the comfort of a train journey and beautiful scenery. From the windows of the train you can admire, among other things, the panorama of the Grampians and the Caledonian Mountains, accompanied by picturesque mountain lakes.
Orient Express - From Paris to Venice
A train journey you don't want to end! This 844-kilometre section of the Orient Express route starts in Paris, passes through the picturesque regions of the French countryside, the mountainous terrain of the Swiss Alps, the Italian Dolomites and finally arrives in the unique city on stilts that is Venice. A journey along this stretch will allow us to visit two of the most romantic cities in Europe and to feast our eyes on the beauty of the natural landscapes passing by. A great idea for a trip for two!
France - From Marseille to Nice
What could be better than a sunny holiday in the south of France? A scenic train journey during your holiday there! The route is more than 150 km long, more than half of which runs along the coast - guaranteeing fantastic views and a sense of uniqueness! After all, it's not often you get to travel between the world-famous bay with its luxury yachts and elegant Cannes.
Sommering Bahn - Austria
Returning to Alpine climes, a mention of the Semmering line is a must. It was established in 1854 as one of the first railway lines in the Alps and was at the time the highest railway in the world! Interestingly, it is also referred to as...the first rollescoaster in Europe due to the great differences in altitude! The Sommering Bahn line is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a perfect example of the harmonious combination of technology and the natural mountain landscape.
Zugspitze Bahn - Germany
There are few railways in the world that go almost to the very top of a country's highest mountain. One such is the Zugspitze Bahn in Germany, a railway which dates back to the 1930s and is still considered one of the spectacular examples of German engineering. The first section of the railway follows the valley floor to soon begin the ascent from 720m above sea level to 2,600m above sea level. The journey up ends at the platform, whose platform is located right next to the glacier. The views - unforgettable!
The Central Rhine Valley
The beauty of this railway route is already evidenced by the fact that it has been listed by UNESCO. Leading from Cologne to Mainz, the line winds its way through numerous vineyards, rolling hills, hills and embedded castles. Train tickets for Deutsche Bahn trains and other trains in Germany are available at.
Bernina Express
The train takes its name from the Bernina Pass, the highest mountain pass in Europe, through which it passes at an impressive altitude of 2253 m. The route of the Swiss Panoramic Railway connects the Swiss resort of St. Moritz with the Lombardian town of Tirano. During the ride, such attractions await travellers. These include a ride past the Morterasch glacier, soaring viaducts and alpine mountain landscapes visible from the windows and through the glass roof, of this UNESCO-listed train.
More information about the Bernina Express is available here.
Norway - From Bergen to Oslo
Connecting Norway's two most important cities, the Bergensbanen line is one of the highest running rail routes in Europe. At its peak, it reaches an altitude of 1,301 metres. Add to this the fact that sea level is not far above sea level in relation to the tracks running along the bay, and you have a truly impressive elevation. An additional attraction is the crossing of numerous bridges spanning the mountain streams and rivers of the Hallingdal National Park.
Inlandsbanan (Sweden)
The rugged Scandinavian landscape is why Sweden is considered one of Europe's most picturesque countries. The bare fjords, the crystal-clear and cold sea and the distinctive Scandinavian architecture are definitely something to behold...preferably from a train window! The Inlansbahn railway line connects the coastal town of Kristinehamn with faraway Lapland, allowing you to travel from the south to the north of the country along the Gulf of Bothnia.
Trans-Siberian Railway
Taking an eastern direction, this is certainly one of the most interesting proposals. With a route of more than 9289 kilometres, it passes through as many as seven zone times. The journey through almost the whole of Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok, allows you to admire the diversity and beauty of this vast country. Lake Baikal and the wild tundras of Siberia are just some of the attractions of the railway, once dubbed "the brightest jewel in the Tsar's crown".
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