These 12 Train Rides for Fall Foliage in Europe Will Make You Wish Autumn Lasted Longer

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Are you looking for scenic train rides for fall foliage in Europe? We have you covered in this article. As autumn takes over Europe, specific parts of the continent transform into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and it is an experience perfect for anyone who appreciates beautiful scenery.

Don’t wait too long—fall foliage is fleeting, and timing is everything. The good news? With these scenic train rides, you can effortlessly explore the season’s beauty and even get the rarely-seen perspectives of fall foliage.

Whether going through gorges, valleys, and up the mountains, these train journeys will take you to the heart of Europe’s most stunning autumn scenery.

Bernina Express (Switzerland, Chur to Tirano)

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The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most iconic train routes. It offers a beautiful journey through the Swiss Alps. Starting in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, the Albula route takes passengers through snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct built by the Rhaetian Railway. As the train winds through the Alps, the landscapes change dramatically, especially during the fall season.

The journey’s highlight comes when you cross the Bernina Range, where the trees are ablaze with color. The journey doesn’t end with the foliage in Switzerland—once you cross into Italy, the landscape transitions into quaint vineyards ablaze with color and small villages before reaching Tirano. It is a journey through varied landscapes, all picturesque as they come, especially in the fall.

Flåm Railway (Norway, Myrdal to Flåm)

Train Rides for Fall Foliage in Europe Flåm Railway (Norway, Myrdal to Flåm) — © Fuentes RAW / Adobe Stock

The Flåm Railway goes through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Norway, which are even more breathtaking when bathed in fall colors. This 12.55-mile (20.2-kilometer) journey is one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, dropping from the mountainous plateau at Myrdal to the fjord-side village of Flåm. You are in for perfect scenery interlaced with an unforgettable thrill.

During the fall season, the forests along the route transform into a vibrant mix of oranges and yellows, contrasting beautifully with the deep blues of the fjords and waterfalls. A highlight of this journey is the Kjosfossen waterfall, which contrasts dramatically with the autumn colors. Have your camera ready, as this scene is not to be missed!

Semmering Railway (Austria, Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschla)

Train Rides for Fall Foliage in Europe Semmering Railway (Austria, Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschla) — © Petertakacs / Adobe Stock

The Semmering Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most impressive feats of engineering. Constructed in the mid-19th century, this railway line is often hailed as the first mountain railway in Europe. While this is a good enough reason to make you book that ticket, we are here because of how even more picturesque the journey is in the fall.

Spanning 25.48 miles (41 kilometers) and connecting Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag, this route takes you through dense forests, deep valleys, and majestic mountain landscapes.

During the fall, you’ll marvel at how the surrounding woods glow in warm autumnal colors. Look out for charming mountain villages that dot the landscape. This route also provides an opportunity to enjoy various hiking trails near the Semmering Pass—ideal for those who wish to blend the beauty of the railway with a bit of outdoor adventure.

GoldenPass Line (Switzerland, Montreux to Lucerne)

If Switzerland is known for anything, it’s the jaw-dropping Alpine scenery, and no better example exists than the GoldenPass Line. This railway route stretches from Montreux, a lakeside town on Lake Geneva, to the storybook city of Lucerne.

You’ll travel through the heart of Switzerland, crossing the Swiss Alps, picturesque vineyards, and pristine lakes. The standout feature of the GoldenPass Line in autumn is the vibrant display of autumn foliage that covers the surrounding landscapes.

As you traverse the GoldenPass Line, you’ll pass through the Pays-d’Enhaut District and the Bernese Highlands. These regions are known for their rolling hills, green pastures, and traditional Swiss chalets.

Besides, trains on this route have large panoramic windows, ensuring you enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

Cinque Terre Railway (Italy, La Spezia to Levanto)

Coastal views with vibrant fall colors along the way? I don’t know about you, but this is a scenery I could never resist. The ride takes around 15 minutes and passes through the five picturesque villages that make up Cinque Terre. There are stops at villages along this railway line that allow passengers to explore their narrow streets, harbors, and terraced vineyards, which glow vibrantly in fall colors.

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In the fall, the crowds that flock to this destination during the summer months have thinned out, leaving you to enjoy the beauty of the vineyard terraces and colorful houses that line the cliffs.

Odontotos Rack Railway (Greece, Diakofto to Kalavryta)

The Odontotos Rack Railway in Greece offers a unique autumn experience that most travelers overlook. This route snakes through the Vouraikos Gorge in the Peloponnese region. It climbs steep gradients and crosses deep ravines, treating you to beautiful views of the mountainous landscape. Autumn converts the gorge into a canvas of warm, fiery colors, with the lush forests taking on shades of gold and crimson.

The journey is short—about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers)—but it’s filled with natural beauty and rugged terrain best appreciated in the fall.

Furthermore, the railway line passes through traditional stone bridges, tunnels carved into the mountains, and scenic villages, all adding to the autumnal scenery.

Glacier Express (Switzerland, Zermatt to St. Moritz)

Running between the Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Glacier Express is often nicknamed the “slowest express train in the world.” However, its slow pace makes it perfect for admiring the breathtaking fall scenery of the Swiss Alps.

You’ll pass through lush valleys, alongside pristine rivers, and beneath towering mountains—many of which may already be dusted with the season’s first snowfall. Further, the route takes you through the Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” where the fall colors are most vivid. This 181-mile (291-kilometer) train ride is a must-try for any traveler seeking a luxurious yet deeply immersive experience of the Swiss Alps in autumn.

The Rauma Line (Norway, Dombås to Åndalsnes)

Train Rides for Fall Foliage in Europe The Rauma Line (Norway, Dombås to Åndalsnes) — © Kabelleger / David Gubler / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Taking a train ride on The Rauma Line allows one to experience how history and nature intertwine seamlessly. This 71-mile (114.2-kilometer) long railway route features beautiful views of towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forests.

As the trees change color in autumn, the route is transformed into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.

The train meanders alongside the Rauma River, passing through cliffs and gorges, making the experience even more adventurous. A noteworthy highlight is Kylling Bridge, which is not only a marvel of engineering but also a perfect spot to soak in the fall colors in their full glory. The journey is not only about nature, though; the quaint villages and ancient farmlands along the way tell a story of Norway’s rich cultural heritage.

Mariazell Railway (Austria, Saint Pölten to Mariazell)

Train Rides for Fall Foliage in Europe Mariazell Railway (Austria, Saint Pölten to Mariazell) — © Christian Spiller / Adobe Stock

The Mariazell Railway is among Austria’s oldest narrow-gauge railways and is renowned for its charm and nostalgic appeal. Connecting the city of St. Pölten to the town of Mariazell, this 56.7-mile (91.3-kilometer-long) journey is a true hidden treasure for those seeking autumnal bliss.

The Lower Austrian Alps are covered in rich fall colors during the fall season. The Mariazell Railway, with its vintage locomotives and carriages, winds its way through the dense forests, over hills, and across picturesque viaducts, allowing passengers to take in the beautiful scenery. As the train ascends higher into the mountains, the views become more dramatic, with sweeping views of valleys drenched in autumnal hues.

Black Forest Railway (Germany, Offenburg to Singen)

Germany’s Black Forest is world-famous for its dense woods and picturesque villages. The Black Forest Railway runs through the mountainous region in southwest Germany, giving adventurers an easy way to explore the region. Fall is an ideal time to explore it, as the forest is awash with autumnal colors.

This route passes through some of the most beautiful sections of the Black Forest, with deep valleys and vast stretches of untouched woodland along the way.

The stretch through the Gutach Valley lets you admire beautiful hills and quaint timber-framed houses set among the trees. The Black Forest Railway also passes through historic towns such as Triberg, famous for its waterfalls and cuckoo clocks. This ride is a journey through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, bathed in beautiful autumnal glow.

West Highland Line (Scotland, Glasgow to Mallaig)

Departing from Glasgow, this train route winds through the wild highlands, crossing moors, mountains, and lochs. This journey is famous for being one of the most scenic in the world, and during the fall, the Scottish Highlands are painted in shades of amber, rust, and copper.

Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, is among the route’s highlights. To be fair, this viaduct is more than just making appearances in Harry Potter; it is an experience in itself. As the train passes over this iconic structure, you’ll have sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, where autumn colors blanket the hillsides. The journey ends in the small fishing village of Mallaig, but the memories of Scotland’s autumnal beauty stay with you long after the ride.

Yellow Train (Villefranche-Vernet les Bains – Latour de Carol – Enveitg, France)

Winding through the landscapes of the Pyrenees, the Yellow Train is one of France’s most scenic train rides. This journey is picturesque and historic, as it has operated since 1903. The train, which starts at Villefranche-de-Conflent, is also known for its slow pace and open-air carriages, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

This ride winds through valleys, rugged mountain terrain, and quaint villages, all picturesque in different ways. During the autumn, the journey transforms into a spectacular display of fall foliage, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Some of the highlights of the journey include the Séjourné viaduct, a stone bridge spanning a deep gorge, and the Gisclard Bridge, a suspension railway bridge that provides beautiful views of the foliage in the valley below.