Europe is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys - routes that wind through fjords, mountains, vineyards, charming villages, and along coastlines. These routes aren’t just ways to get to your destination. They are experiences in themselves.
This guide highlights some of the most beautiful routes across Europe, along with practical tips for booking, and enjoying your journey.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Scenic routes don’t need to be expensive - many regional trains take the same route with lower prices
Mid-day departures can offer the best light for photography
Not all routes require seat reservations
These routes fit beautifully with slow-travel itineraries
1. 🇳🇴 OSLO to BERGEN (NORWAY)
Why it is special: Often called Europe’s most beautiful train journey, this route crosses Hardangervidda plateau, passes frozen lakes, and descends through dramatic fjord landscapes.
Best time to travel: Year-round - winter for snow, summer for endless green and sunlight.
Typical fare: €35-€60 (book early for best price)
💡 Booking tip: Choose seats on the left side when traveling westbound for the best views.
2. BERNINA EXPRESS: 🇨🇭 CHUR to 🇮🇹 TIRANO
Why it is special: A UNESCO World Heritage route featuring glaciers, spiralling viaducts, and sweeping alpine panoramas.
Best time to travel: Late spring to early autumn for clear skies.
Typical fare: €30-€60 (regional trains on the same route are cheaper)
💡 Booking tip: You don’t need the panoramic train - the regular trains follow the same tracks and cost far less. But keep in mind the regional trains don’t have panoramic windows.
3. 🏴 WEST HIGHLAND LINE: GLASGOW to MALLAIG (SCOTLAND)
Why it is special: Moors, lochs, mountains, and the iconic Glennfinnan Viaduct (from Harry Potter).
Best time to travel: Summer for long daylight hours
Typical fare: €25-€40
💡 Booking tip: Sit on the left side leaving Glasgow for the best view of the viaduct.
4. 🇮🇹 CINQUE TERRE LOCAL LINE: LA SPEZIA to LEVANTO (ITALY)
Why it is special: Short hops between cliffside villages, turquoise water, and terraced vineyards.
Best time to travel: April to June and September to October.
Typical fare: €10-€15 per segment
💡 Booking tip: This is a regional line - no need to book ahead.
5. 🇨🇭 GLACIER EXPRESS: ZERMATT TO ST. MORITZ (SWITZERLAND)
Why it is special: One of the world’s most famous panoramic trains, with views of the Matterhorn, deep valleys, and the Landwasser Viaduct.
Best time to travel: Winter for snow-covered landscapes.
Typical fare: €160-€270 plus seat reservations
💡 Booking tip: If you want the views without the price, take the regional trains along the same route.
6. 🇩🇪 RHINE VALLEY LINE: KOBLENZ TO MAINZ (GERMANY)
Why it is special: Castles, vineyards, and riverside villages - all from a slow, scenic regional train.
Best time to travel: Autumn for golden vineyards.
Typical fare: €10-€20
💡 Booking tip: Sit on the left side southbound for the best river views.
7. 🇪🇸 BARCELONA TO VALENCIA (SPAIN)
Why it is special: A coastal journey with Mediterranean views, beaches, and bright blue water.
Best time to travel: Spring and early autumn
Typical fare: €15-€35
💡 Booking tip: Check multiple operators for best pricing.
8. 🇦🇹 VIENNA TO SALZBURG (AUSTRIA)
Why it is special: Rolling hills, alpine lakes, and Sound-of-Music landscapes.
Best time to travel: Year-round
Typical fare: €20-€30
💡 Booking tip: Westbahn often has lower prices than ÖBB - compare both.
How to Book These Scenic Routes
Operator | When to Use |
|---|---|
TRAINLINE | Quick price comparison Mobile tickets |
RAIL EUROPE | Cross-border routes Night trains |
OMIO | mixing train, bus and flight |
NATIONAL OPERATORS | Sometimes offer exclusive discounts |
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
❌ Booking panoramic trains when regional trains offer the same view
❌ sitting on the wrong side of the train
❌ Traveling at night - you miss the scenery
❌ Booking too late on high-speed scenic routes
❌ Assuming all scenic routes are expensive
7. 💡 FINAL TIPS
✅ Travel mid-day for the best light
✅ Bring snacks - many scenic routes don’t have dining cars
✅ Download offline maps for remote areas
✅ Keep your camera ready - the views change fast
Want More Scenic Routes?
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Thank you for reading. Until next time.
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