12 Most Scenic Train Rides in Europe for Your Bucket List

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Are you looking for a unique way to explore the breathtaking scenery of Europe? Your best bet would be taking scenic train rides to experience some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. From snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, deep valleys, and engineering feats to historic landmarks, Europe has train journeys that offer passengers much to see and experience.

We have chosen journeys that give you the best of the most sought-after European landscapes. From the Bernina Express to the Black Railway, these rail journeys are ideal for nature enthusiasts, Instagrammers, and history buffs.

Settle to Carlisle, England

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

The Settle-Carlisle train line starts in Settle, North Yorkshire, and ends in Carlisle, Cumbria. It takes passengers through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the Cumbrian Fells.

The start of the journey lets you soak in the small-town charm and picturesque landscape of Settle. As the journey progresses, you will be treated to stunning views of the Ribblehead Viaduct, a Victorian engineering feat that spans the Ribblehead Valley.

As the train travels through the Yorkshire Dales, you will catch views of rolling hills, green meadows, and picturesque stone villages. The real treat comes as you roll into Cumbria; you will be treated to views of the Cumbria Fells, including peaks such as Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. The 1-hour 45-minute journey is a real treat outdoor enthusiasts will cherish.

La Petite Train Jaune, France

La Petite Train Jaune (The Little Yellow Train), which traverses the French Pyrenes, is one of the best ways to experience part of Southern France’s charming landscapes.

The 1 hour 40 minutes journey starts at Villefranche-de-Conflent, ends at Latour-de-Carol, and takes passengers through picturesque landscapes. As the train departs, passengers are offered stunning views of Villefranche-de-Conflent ancient walls and fortresses, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The train then winds into Têt Valley, offering panoramic views of rugged mountains, lush forests, and rivers.

Other notable highlights include the Serdinya Viaduct, Mount Louis, and the crossing of the gravity-defying Gisclard Bridge. The train stops at Bourg-Madame, a picturesque town on the French-Spanish border, to allow tourists to take in the charming environment before proceeding to the final destination.

The Bernina Express, Switzerland – Italy

The Bernina Express, starting in Chur, Switzerland, and ending in Tirano, Italy, is one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys. While you can take the ride any time of the year, it was definitely made to be experienced in winter; the landscapes in these two of the most beautiful countries in the world are magical when covered in snow.

The Bernina Express rides on the Albula Line, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage railway due to its spiral tunnels, viaducts, and dramatic bridges.

Some of the highlights you cannot miss on this journey include the Landwasser Viaduct, Engadin Valley, Bernina Pass, Brusio Spiral Viaduct, and the charming town of Poschiavo. The 4-hour, 15-minute journey is full of magnificent scenery.

Bergensbanen, Norway

The Bergensbanen, starting in Oslo and ending in Bergen, is the best way to explore the Norwegian countryside if you have limited time in Norway. The journey takes tourists through stunning landscapes such as mountains, fjords, and charming villages.

Some of the highlights of this scenic trip include the charming towns of Hønefoss and Geilo and the Hardangervidda Plateau, which is the largest mountain plateau in Europe. The Bergensbanen offers passengers a memorable experience, allowing them to witness the beauty of Norway’s landscapes in just 7 hours.

Centovalli Express, Italy

The Centovalli is another option for exploring Italian and Swiss charm in one ride. This journey starts in Locarno, Switzerland, travels through Centovalli (hundreds of valleys), and ends in Domodossola, Italy.

This journey is the best way to catch views of the Centovalli Region, characterized by deep valleys, rugged mountains, terraced vineyards, dense forests and waterfalls. The ride passes through picturesque villages, each offering different personalities and charm to the passengers. The train stops in Intragna, a historic town where travelers can descend and explore the narrow streets and historic buildings.

You will also see breathtaking bridges, such as Ponte dei Salti, which crosses the Lavertezzo River.

The Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece

Also known as the Diakopto-Kalavryta Railway, The Odontotos Rack Railway traverses the Vouraikos Gorge in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The 1 hour 15 minutes journey starts in Diakopto and ends in Kalavryta.

A good reason to take this ride is the unbeatable views of the Vouraikos Gorge you will get to enjoy. You will catch views of towering cliffs, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and the Vouraikos River.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

The rail journey winds through narrow passages, cliffs, bridges, and tunnels carved into the mountainside, making it even more adventurous and exciting.

The Black Forest Railway, Germany

Taking The Black Forest Railway is effortlessly the best way to tour Germany’s stunning Black Forest region. The 3-hour journey starts in Offenburg, ends in Konstanz, and passes over two viaducts and 39 tunnels.

The trip treats passengers to the picturesque landscapes of the Black Forest region, including historic villages, thick forests, rivers, and valleys. Some of the journey’s must-see highlights include Feldberg, the highest peak of the Black Forest region, and the stunning Lake Titisee.

For the best views, take this trip in autumn or spring; you will enjoy amazing views of fall foliage in the thick forests of this region.

Cinque Terre Express, Italy

Exploring the Italian Riviera, specifically the villages of Cinque Terre, should be on every explorer’s bucket list. To kickstart this experience, consider taking the Cinque Terre Express, which takes you through five of the region’s villages.

This train ride starts at La Spezia Centrale and takes you through Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore before ending at Levanto. The train stops at each of the five villages, allowing passengers to descend and take in the views and some photos.

The journey is a perfect way to enjoy the views of the Ligurian Sea and the region’s rugged cliffs, terraced vineyards, and colorful villages perched on the hillsides.

Belgrade – Bar Railway, Serbia / Montenegro

This scenic train route starts in the Serbian capital of Belgrade and ends in the coastal town of Bar in Montenegro. The ride passes through diverse landscapes, offering passengers breathtaking views of mountains, gorges, rivers, and valleys.

As the train leaves Belgrade, watch out for the stunning mountains of Western Serbia, the picturesque countryside of Mokra Gora, and the Tara River Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest river canyons and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The journey spans 10-12 hours, and you may decide to catch some sleep, but be sure not to miss the Durmitor National Park, known for its dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests. This journey is a great way to experience the magnificence of Serbia and Montenegro firsthand.

The West Highland Line, Scotland

The West Highland Line is a great way to explore the scenic Scottish Highlands’ lochs, landmarks, and beautiful landscapes. The journey starts in Glasgow and ends in Mallaig.

While the journey offers numerous landmarks and features, you want to catch glimpses of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch, Loch Shiel, and Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hello, Harry Potter fans!).

This 4-to-5-hour trip has something for every type of explorer, whether they’re looking to enjoy natural landscapes, engineering marvels, or scenes from Harry Potter films.

The Semmering Railway, Austria

While this train ride has a lot to offer nature enthusiasts, we highly recommend it to architectural and engineering enthusiasts. The journey starts in Gloggnitz and ends at Mürzzuschlag.

The journey’s excitement starts when the train ascends the Semmering Pass, which is 2,936 feet (895 meters) above sea level. This pass offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

This rail line acquired UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its breathtaking tunnels and viaducts. Anyone who is into engineering will enjoy admiring these marvels of 19th-century engineering.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

There are many ways to tour the magnificent Swiss Alps, but an excellent option is to take The Glacier Express. The views and experiences this 181-mile (291-kilometer) ride offers are unparalleled.

The ride starts at Zermatt and goes all the way to St. Moritz; however, you could choose to go with shorter versions and stop at Chur, Andermatt, or Brig, all of which are very charming villages. Either way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and picturesque valleys.

Some of the unmissable highlights include the iconic peaks of the Swiss Alps, like the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, and Piz Bernina. This journey is best experienced in winter, offering fantastic views of snow-covered landscapes.