8 European Train Journeys That Are Worth the Journey

There are some journeys where the destination is only half the reason to go. Across Europe, there are railway lines that look like they’re straight out of a film – winding through mountain passes, along coastlines and across dramatic landscapes. Some routes are short enough to fit into a day, while others can form the backbone of an entire holiday.

For travellers who enjoy seeing a destination along the way, these eight European train journeys make the journey itself part of the experience. Once you arrive at your chosen location, make the most of your destination by discovering local activities, concerts and sporting events on Book It Please to add to your itinerary.

 

1. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy

Best for: Alpine scenery
Route: Chur to Tirano
Journey time: Around 4 hours

Starting in Chur in Switzerland and ending in Tirano in northern Italy, this iconic red train provides panoramic views of the Alps and to create unforgettable memories from start to finish. The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed route that constantly tops the lists of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

Across the route, the train passes glacier-capped mountains, mountain lakes, spruce forests and steep valleys before descending towards the Italian border, making it a true ‘window to the Alps’.  The railway itself includes over 50 tunnels and almost 200 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct.

 

2. Bergen Railway, Norway

Best for: Mountain and Wilderness scenery
Route: Oslo to Bergen
Journey time: Around 7 hours

The Bergen Railway crosses Norway from Oslo to Bergen, travelling through breathtaking forests and valley landscapes before reaching the west coast.

With almost 500km of railway, this train journey has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful train trips. With highlights of Norwegian nature such as forested valleys, stunning fjords, and Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda.

This journeys’ attractions is dependent on what season the train journey is booked. Visiting during winter allows guests to see the magical Northern Lights, or visiting in summer allows visitors to witness the Midnight Sun.

 

3. Glacier Express, Switzerland

Best for: Swiss Alps views

Route: Zermatt to St Moritz

Journey time: Around 8 hours

Crossing Switzerland from the storybook village of Zermatt to the resort town of St Moritz, the Glacier Express is a beloved rail journey due to its beautiful landscape of the Swiss Alps.

This route takes around 8 hours, allowing passengers to watch the scenery of the Alpine valleys and high mountain landscapes. This route also looks over the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’, the Rhine Gorge and due to the panoramic windows, passengers have a breathtaking view of the scenery.

 

4.  West Highland Line, Scotland

 

Best for: Dramatic Landscapes
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Journey time: Around 5 hours

The West Highland Line is considered the most beautiful railway journey in Scotland, known for its diverse scenery and historical significance. Passengers can travel from Glasgow to three different destinations: Oban, Fort William and Mallaig.  

Along the journey, passengers find themselves passing through parts of the country where no roads have even been built. Travelling through remote wilderness and dramatic landscapes of mountains, steep-sided lochs and heather moors, passengers can watch out for red deer out in the wilderness.

If you're continuing to Fort William or Mallaig, check what is happening locally during your visit. Book It Please can help you find activities and events to add to your Highland itinerary, giving you more to do once the train reaches the coast.

 

5. Cinque Terre, Italy

 

Best for: Coastal Scenery
Route: Levanto to La Spezia
Journey time: Varies depending on stops

The route is under 19km long and despite the short distance, the train line goes past some memorable views. The railway runs along Italy’s Liguria coast passing through five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. These five villages sit between steep hills and the sea, creating coastal views for passengers.

Despite the short distance, the journey is worth turning into a day of exploration, getting off at each individual village. Walk through the narrow streets and take in the views on foot before continuing by rail to the next stop.

 

6.  Semmering Railway, Austria

 

Best for: Historic landmarks
Route: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag
Journey time: Around 1 hour

Stretching over 41km, the railway passes jagged cliff faces and goes through thick forests and deep valleys. It is also often called the world’s first true mountain railway due to its challenging terrain and elevation.

The route includes 16 viaducts, 14 tunnels and bridges as it crosses the Semmering Pass. Built in the 1850s the railway is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its pioneering engineering and the surrounding landscape.

The relatively short journey makes it easy to incorporate into a wider Austrian trip, particularly for those travelling between Vienna and southern Austria.

 

7. Rauma Railway, Norway

Best for: A short but memorable Norwegian adventure
Route: Dombås to Åndalsnes
Journey time: 1 hour 40 minutes

For travellers who don’t want to spend an entire day or multiple days on a train, the Rauma Railway offers a shorter but dramatic alternative.

Rauma has been named Europe’s most beautiful railway line, and it is clear to see why. The train takes you from the wild mountains surrounding Dombås to the beautiful fjord in Åndalsnes. One of the highlights of the trips is the Kylling Bridge, which offers views of the Vermafossen waterfall. The bridge has been featured in many popular films including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as well as Mission: Impossible.

Arriving in Åndalsnes provides some of Norway’s most beautiful mountain scenery, making this journey memorable despite the journey time.

 

8. Belgrade to Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro

Best for: Exploring Balkans

Route: Belgrade to Bar
Journey time: Around 11 hours

The railway between Belgrade in Serbia and Bar on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast passes through Balkans’ dramatic landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged mountains, crossing over 400 bridges and 200 dark tunnels

Rather than treating it simply as a way of reaching the Adriatic, the journey offers a chance to see a part of the Balkans that can easily be missed when travelling between major cities. It is particularly suited to travellers who prefer slower journeys and want to make the route part of the adventure. With the railway connecting Belgrade and Montenegro's Adriatic coast, there is plenty of scope to extend the journey into a longer trip.

 

Planning a European train journey

Before booking a train journey, it is important to check the current timetable as services and schedules can vary by season. For those making a trip out of the train ride, booking accommodation at either end means there is no need to rush through the scenery, and enjoy the ride stress free. Browse accommodation on Book It Please to find somewhere to stay before or after your chosen rail journey and make the journey itself part of the adventure.

Looking for more travel guides? Check out our complete guides to things to do throughout the year, plus insider tips on the best neighbourhoods to stay in, top restaurants, and discover areas only locals know about.