These Scenic Train Rides in Europe Reveal the Continent's Most Spectacular Landscapes

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.

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If you had to be dramatically staring out a train window, which scenic European ride would be your backdrop?

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Scenic Train Journeys Around the World The West Highland Line, Scotland

West Highland Line (SCOT) 1/5

Scenic Train Rides in Europe_The Black Forest Railway, Germany

Black Forest Railway (DE) 2/5

Scenic Train Rides in Europe_Cinque Terre Express, Italy

Cinque Terre Express (IT) 3/5

Scenic Train Rides in Europe_The Bernina Express, Switzerland -Italy

Bernina Express (CH-IT) 4/5

Scenic Train Rides in Europe_Bergensbanen, Norway

Bergensbanen (NO) 5/5

Results

West Highland Line (SCOT)

3 0

Black Forest Railway (DE)

3 0

Cinque Terre Express (IT)

3 0

Bernina Express (CH-IT)

3 0

Bergensbanen (NO)

3 0

Settle to Carlisle, England

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.

Book Your Tickets in Advance: The Settle-Carlisle train line is a popular scenic route, and tickets can sell out, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance ensures you get a seat and possibly a better deal.

Bring a Camera and Binoculars: The landscapes along the route are stunning, with plenty of wildlife and historic landmarks. A camera will help capture the beauty, while binoculars can enhance your view of distant peaks and viaducts.

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.

Dress for the Weather: The train has open-air carriages in the summer, making it a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery, but it can also get windy or chilly at higher altitudes. Wear layers to stay comfortable.
Sit on the Right Side When Heading North: If you want the best panoramic views of the valleys, mountains, and viaducts, grab a seat on the right side when traveling from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol.

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.

Book a Window Seat in Advance: The panoramic windows offer stunning views, so securing a window seat ensures you get the best experience, especially when passing landmarks like the Landwasser Viaduct and Bernina Pass.
Bring Snacks and Drinks: While the train has a small snack service, it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks, especially for the longer journey. This way, you can relax and enjoy the scenery without interruptions.

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.

Travel During Daylight Hours: Since the journey is all about breathtaking scenery, book a daytime trip to fully enjoy the stunning views of fjords, mountains, and plateaus along the way.
Dress in Layers: Weather conditions can change quickly, especially when crossing the Hardangervidda Plateau. Bring warm layers to stay comfortable, especially if you plan to step out at stops.

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.

Sit on the Right Side (If Traveling from Locarno to Domodossola): The best views of deep valleys, waterfalls, and charming villages are on the right side of the train when heading towards Italy.
Stop in Intragna: If you have time, get off at Intragna to explore its historic streets, visit the tallest bell tower in Ticino, and soak in the local charm before continuing your journey.

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.

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

Book Tickets in Advance: This scenic railway is popular, especially in peak seasons, so reserving your tickets early ensures you get a seat with the best views.
Explore Kalavryta After the Ride: Once you arrive, take time to visit the historic town of Kalavryta, known for its charming streets, the Holocaust Museum, and the Monastery of Mega Spilaio.

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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.

Sit on the Right Side for the Best Views: If you’re travelling from Offenburg to Konstanz, the right side of the train offers the most breathtaking views of the valleys, forests, and villages.
Plan a Stop at Lake Titisee: This scenic lake is a perfect spot for a short break, where you can enjoy a lakeside walk, try Black Forest cake, or even take a boat ride.

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.

Get the Cinque Terre Train Card: This pass allows unlimited train travel between the five villages in a day, saving you money and hassle if you plan to hop between them.
Travel Early or Late to Avoid Crowds: The trains get packed with tourists, especially at midday. Riding early in the morning or later in the evening will give you a more relaxed experience.

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.

Book Tickets in Advance: This scenic train route is popular, especially in summer. To secure a good seat (preferably by the window), book your tickets early.
Bring Snacks and Water: The journey takes 10-12 hours, and food options on board are limited. Packing your own snacks and drinks ensures you stay comfortable throughout the ride.

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.

Sit on the Left Side of the Train: For the best views of lochs, mountains, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, choose a seat on the left when travelling from Glasgow to Mallaig.
Plan a Stop in Fort William: This town is a great midway stop to explore Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, or grab a meal before continuing to Mallaig.

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.

Sit on the Right Side When Heading to Mürzzuschlag: For the best views of the impressive viaducts, deep valleys, and mountain landscapes, choose a seat on the right side of the train.
Stop at Semmering for a Hike: The town of Semmering has scenic hiking trails with viewpoints overlooking the railway’s historic bridges and tunnels, offering a perfect break during the journey.

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.

Bring Snacks & Drinks – While there is onboard dining, it can be pricey. If you want to save some money, pack some Swiss chocolates, snacks, and a bottle of water to enjoy during the ride.
Choose the Right Direction for the Best Views – If you’re travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, sit on the right side of the train for the best views of the Matterhorn and deep valleys. If going from St. Moritz to Zermatt, the left side offers the most stunning landscapes.