15 Best Scenic Train Routes in Europe for Spectacular Landscapes
Europe’s railways offer some of the world’s most breathtaking journeys, taking you through dramatic mountains, pristine fjords, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, these scenic train routes in Europe promise unforgettable views and incredible photo opportunities.
๐ญ SWITZERLAND: The Alpine Masterpiece
1. Glacier Express
“The Slowest Express Train in the World”
Route: Zermatt โ St. Moritz/Davos Duration: 8 hours Distance: 291 km (181 miles) Elevation: Crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Panoramic cars with glass roofs and walls
- Crosses the iconic Landwasser Viaduct (65m high stone arch bridge)
- Traverses the Oberalp Pass (2,033m/6,670ft)
- Views of the Matterhorn, Rhine Gorge (“Swiss Grand Canyon”), and pristine Alpine valleys
Best Time to Travel: June to October (summer/early autumn for clear views) Reservation: Mandatory (book 2-3 months ahead) Cost: From CHF 150 (2nd class) + reservation fee
Pro Tip: Sit on the right side from Zermatt to St. Moritz for the best Rhine Gorge views!
2. Bernina Express
UNESCO World Heritage Route
Route: Chur/St. Moritz โ Tirano (Italy) Duration: 4 hours Highlights: Highest railway crossing in the Alps without rack-and-pinion
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the Bernina Pass (2,253m/7,392ft)
- Spiraling viaducts at Brusio (iconic circular viaduct)
- Glaciers, alpine lakes (Bianco and Poschiavo), and dramatic elevation changes
- Travels from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean palm trees in one journey
Best Time: Year-round (summer for hiking, winter for snow scenes) Reservation: Mandatory for panoramic cars Cost: From CHF 70 + reservation fee
3. GoldenPass Line
“The Heart of Switzerland”
Route: Lucerne โ Montreux (via Interlaken & Zweisimmen) Duration: 5-6 hours (can break journey) Highlights: Three different mountain passes, six lakes
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Passes Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and Lake Geneva
- Views of the Eiger, Mรถnch, and Jungfrau peaks
- Traditional Swiss villages and Gruyรจre cheese country
- MOB (Montreux-Oberland Bernois) railway with panoramic cars
Best Time: May to October Reservation: Recommended for panoramic cars Cost: Covered by Swiss Travel Pass; standard tickets from CHF 100
๐ณ๐ด NORWAY: Fjords & Mountains
4. Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen)
“Europe’s Highest Mainline Railway”
Route: Oslo โ Bergen Duration: 6.5-7 hours Elevation: Reaches 1,222m (4,009ft) at Finse station
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the Hardangervidda plateau (Europe’s largest mountain plateau)
- Dramatic transition from Oslo’s forests to barren mountain landscapes
- Views of snow-capped peaks year-round
- Stops at Finse, Norway’s highest railway station (accessible only by train)
- Descends into Bergen surrounded by seven mountains and fjords
Best Time:
- Summer (June-August): Green landscapes, midnight sun
- Winter (December-March): Snow-covered dramatic scenery
Cost: From NOK 449 (book in advance for discounts) Pro Tip: Sit on the right side from Oslo for best mountain views!
5. Flรฅm Railway (Flรฅmsbana)
“One of the World’s Steepest Railway Lines”
Route: Myrdal โ Flรฅm Duration: 1 hour Gradient: 55 meters per km (18% incline)
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Drops 865 meters (2,838ft) in just 20km
- Passes Kjosfossen waterfall (train stops for photos!)
- Steep mountainsides, rushing rivers, and traditional farms
- Connects to the Nรฆrรธyfjord (UNESCO World Heritage fjord)
Best Time: May to October (operates year-round but summer has full service) Cost: From NOK 630 Pro Tip: Combine with a Nรฆrรธyfjord cruise for the ultimate fjord experience!
6. Rauma Railway (Raumabanen)
“The Most Beautiful Mountain Journey”
Route: Dombรฅs โ ร ndalsnes Duration: 1.5 hours Highlights: Dramatic valleys and waterfalls
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Passes the Kykkjelsklova gorge
- Views of Romsdalen valley (one of Norway’s most beautiful)
- Vermafossen waterfall visible from the train
- Steep cliffs and the iconic Trollveggen (Troll Wall) – Europe’s tallest vertical rock face
Best Time: June to September Cost: From NOK 399
๐ฌ๐ง UNITED KINGDOM: Highland Drama
7. West Highland Line
“Britain’s Most Scenic Railway”
Route: Glasgow Queen Street โ Mallaig Duration: 5.5 hours Highlights: Featured in Harry Potter films
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter’s “Hogwarts Express” route)
- Views of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest peak)
- Passes remote Highland lochs and glens
- Ends at Mallaig, gateway to the Isle of Skye
- Rannoch Moor – one of Europe’s last great wildernesses
Best Time: April to October (longer daylight hours) Cost: From ยฃ35 (advance booking); Jacobite Steam Train from ยฃ55 Pro Tip: The Jacobite Steam Train runs May-October – book 3+ months ahead!
8. Settle-Carlisle Railway
“England’s Greatest Railway Journey”
Route: Leeds/Settle โ Carlisle Duration: 1.5 hours Highlights: Victorian engineering masterpiece
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct (iconic 24-arch stone viaduct)
- Travels through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines
- Highest mainline station in England (Dent, 350m/1,150ft)
- Dramatic limestone landscapes and remote moorland
Best Time: Year-round (spring/summer for green valleys, autumn for colors) Cost: From ยฃ15
๐ฎ๐น ITALY: Mountains to Coast
9. Bernina Express (Italian Section)
Route: Tirano โ St. Moritz (Also listed under Switzerland – see above)
10. Cinque Terre Regional Train
“Italy’s Colorful Coastal Route”
Route: La Spezia โ Levanto (via Cinque Terre villages) Duration: 1.5 hours total Stops: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Clings to dramatic Ligurian coastline
- Views of colorful cliffside villages
- Tunnels carved through rock with glimpses of turquoise sea
- Vineyards terraced on steep hillsides
Best Time: April to October (avoid August crowds) Cost: Included in Cinque Terre Card or regional tickets (~โฌ8-โฌ16) Pro Tip: Sit on the right side from La Spezia for sea views!
11. Tirano-Sondrio Line (Valtellina)
“Alpine Valley Wine Route”
Route: Tirano โ Sondrio/Lecco Duration: 2-3 hours Highlights: Alpine valley with vineyards
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Travels through Valtellina wine region
- Views of snow-capped Bernina Alps
- Terraced vineyards on steep valley sides
- Traditional mountain villages
Best Time: September-October (harvest season) Cost: From โฌ10
๐ฆ๐น AUSTRIA: Imperial Mountain Routes
12. Semmering Railway
UNESCO World Heritage – “The First Mountain Railway”
Route: Gloggnitz โ Mรผrzzuschlag Duration: 1 hour Built: 1848-1854 (engineering marvel)
Why It’s Spectacular:
- 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels
- Dramatic Alpine scenery
- Historic engineering achievement
- Views of the Semmering Pass
Best Time: Year-round Cost: Included in standard Austrian rail tickets Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to the historic Semmering ski resort!
13. Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Bus Connection)
Note: Not a train, but accessible via train to Zell am See + bus
๐ฉ๐ช GERMANY: Romantic Valleys
14. Rhine Valley Railway (Mittelrhein)
UNESCO World Heritage – “The Romantic Rhine”
Route: Koblenz โ Bingen/Rรผdesheim Duration: 1-1.5 hours Highlights: 40 castles along the river
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Follows the Rhine River through a UNESCO World Heritage gorge
- Passes over 40 medieval castles and fortresses
- Terraced vineyards on steep hillsides
- Charming wine villages (Rรผdesheim, Bacharach, St. Goar)
- Lorelei Rock – legendary siren’s perch
Best Time: April to October (river cruise combo ideal in summer) Cost: From โฌ20 (regional trains); Rhine River cruises from โฌ30 Pro Tip: Sit on the right side from Koblenz for the best castle views!
15. Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn)
“Engineering Marvel in the Forest”
Route: Offenburg โ Singen (via Triberg) Duration: 2.5 hours Highlights: 39 tunnels, dramatic elevation changes
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the Black Forest mountains
- Passes Triberg (home to Germany’s highest waterfalls)
- Traditional cuckoo clock villages
- Dense forests and dramatic viaducts
Best Time: Year-round (autumn for fall colors) Cost: From โฌ25
๐ต๐น PORTUGAL: Douro Valley
16. Douro Valley Line
“Europe’s Oldest Wine Region by Rail”
Route: Porto (Sรฃo Bento) โ Pocinho Duration: 3 hours to Pinhรฃo Highlights: Terraced vineyards along the river
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Follows the Douro River through UNESCO terraced vineyards
- Port wine quintas (estates) visible from the train
- Dramatic river gorge scenery
- Traditional Portuguese villages
Best Time: September-October (harvest season) Cost: From โฌ25 Pro Tip: Take the historic Linha do Douro train for a slower, more scenic experience!
๐ซ๐ท FRANCE: Alpine & Coastal Beauty
17. Train des Pignes (Nice-Digne)
“The Pine Cone Train”
Route: Nice โ Digne-les-Bains Duration: 3.5 hours Highlights: Provenรงal mountains and gorges
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Climbs from Mediterranean coast to Alpine foothills
- Passes through Gorges de la Colle Saint-Michel
- Lavender fields (June-July)
- Traditional Provenรงal villages
Best Time: June-July (lavender in bloom) Cost: From โฌ20
18. Cevennes Line
“The Viaduct Railway”
Route: Clermont-Ferrand โ Nรฎmes Duration: 4 hours Highlights: Spectacular stone viaducts
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the Garabit Viaduct (designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company)
- Dramatic gorges and valleys
- Views of the Cรฉvennes mountains
Best Time: Spring and autumn Cost: From โฌ30
๐ช๐ธ SPAIN: Mountain Passes
19. Transcantรกbrico (Luxury Train)
Note: Luxury tourist train, not regular service
20. Ronda Line (Andalusia)
“The Gorge Railway”
Route: Algeciras โ Granada (via Ronda) Duration: Varies Highlights: Dramatic gorge crossing
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Crosses the El Tajo gorge at Ronda
- Views of the famous Puente Nuevo bridge
- White villages (pueblos blancos) of Andalusia
- Mountain scenery
Best Time: Spring (April-June) or autumn Cost: From โฌ20
๐ช SWEDEN: Arctic Adventures
21. Inlandsbanan (Inland Railway)
“The Wilderness Railway”
Route: Kristinehamn โ Gรคllivare Duration: 13 hours (full route) Highlights: Swedish wilderness
Why It’s Spectacular:
- Travels through vast forests and lakes
- Midnight sun in summer (June-July)
- Northern Lights in winter
- Sami culture and reindeer herding areas
Best Time:
- Summer: Midnight sun, hiking
- Winter: Northern Lights, snow scenery
Cost: From SEK 400
22. Flรฅm Railway Connection (Oslo-Bergen)
(Already covered under Bergen Railway)
๐ฎ๐ธ ICELAND: Not Yet Connected by Rail
Note: Iceland currently has no passenger rail network
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SCENIC TRAIN TRAVEL
Best Time to Travel
Spring (April-June): โ Blooming flowers, fewer crowds โ Mild weather, longer days Unpredictable mountain weather
Summer (July-August): โ Best weather, all routes operational โ Longest daylight hours Peak crowds, higher prices โ Book 3-4 months ahead
Autumn (September-October): โ Stunning fall colors โ Harvest season (wine regions) โ Fewer tourists โ Shorter days, some routes reduce service
Winter (November-March): โ Snow-covered landscapes โ Northern Lights (Scandinavia) โ Lowest prices โ Short days, possible delays โ Some routes close
Booking Tips
- Reserve Early: Scenic trains (Glacier Express, Jacobite) sell out months ahead
- Seat Selection: Research which side offers best views (usually noted in guides)
- Rail Passes: Many scenic routes covered by Interrail/Eurail (reservation fees apply)
- Weather Flexibility: Mountain routes can close due to weather – have backup plans
- Photography:
- Clean your window before departure
- Sit away from reflections (avoid sitting directly against glass)
- Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) offers best light
Essential Gear
- Camera with extra batteries
- Binoculars for distant views
- Layers (mountain weather changes quickly)
- Snacks & water (some scenic routes have limited catering)
- Portable charger for devices
- Offline maps (signal can be spotty in mountains)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the most scenic train ride in Europe? A: The Glacier Express (Switzerland) and Bergen Railway (Norway) are consistently ranked as Europe’s most spectacular routes, offering dramatic Alpine and fjord landscapes.
Q: Are scenic trains covered by Interrail/Eurail passes? A: Yes, most scenic routes are covered, but mandatory reservation fees apply for panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and some night trains.
Q: How far in advance should I book scenic trains? A: For popular routes (Glacier Express, Jacobite Steam Train, Bernina Express), book 3-4 months ahead for summer travel. Less famous routes can be booked 2-4 weeks ahead.
Q: What’s the best scenic train for families? A: The West Highland Line (Scotland), Cinque Terre route (Italy), and Flรฅm Railway (Norway) are family favorites with shorter durations and engaging scenery.
Q: Can I hop on and off scenic trains? A: With regular regional trains (Rhine Valley, Cinque Terre), yes. With panoramic tourist trains (Glacier Express), you typically cannot break your journey – it’s a continuous ride.
Q: Are scenic trains wheelchair accessible? A: Many modern panoramic trains are accessible, but historic routes (like some mountain railways) may have limitations. Check with operators when booking.
READY TO EXPLORE EUROPE’S SCENIC ROUTES?
From the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the dramatic fjords of Norway, Europe’s scenic train routes offer unforgettable journeys through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Whether you have a full day for the Glacier Express or just an hour for the Flรฅm Railway, these routes promise memories that will last a lifetime.
Your Next Steps:
- Choose your dream route based on season and interests
- Check reservation requirements and book early
- Consider a rail pass if visiting multiple routes
- Pack your camera and sense of adventure!
Which scenic route will you take first? Share your European rail adventures with us at MyEuroTrain.com!
