Blog

Embark on an unforgettable journey via the awe-inspiring landscapes of Europe with these high scenic practice rides. As you sit again and loosen up in your practice seat, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque scenes that unfold outdoors your window. From snow-capped mountains to charming villages, these routes supply probably the most rewarding option to discover the great thing about the continent.

So, which scenic practice trip will you select?

Greatest scenic practice rides in Europe

 

 

 

 

 

The Flam Railway: Myrdal to Flåm, Norway

Expertise one of many steepest practice journeys on the earth as you descend from the mountainous plateau of Myrdal to the picturesque village of Flåm. The journey takes you thru lush valleys, previous waterfalls, and alongside the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord.

The Bernina Railway: Chur to Tirano, Italy

Switzerland and Italy come collectively in a outstanding show of pure magnificence on the Bernina Railway.

This scenic route takes you on a winding journey round vibrant blue lakes and throughout majestic viaducts. Fields remodel into snowy mountains proper earlier than your eyes, leaving you in awe of the gorgeous landscapes.

Whereas panoramic trains supply an expensive expertise, you may as well get pleasure from the identical stunning route on common trains with out the surcharge.

The Glacier Categorical: Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

Traverse the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Categorical, often called the slowest specific practice on the earth. Marvel on the snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and charming alpine villages throughout this leisurely 8-hour journey.

Editor’s tip: Trying to discover Europe effortlessly? Contemplate leveraging Omio, a flexible journey platform providing an intensive vary of journey choices by practice, bus, and flight to each nook and cranny throughout the continent. It not solely facilitates fast and straightforward comparisons of journey selections but additionally ensures affordable reserving prices. Plus, choosing extra eco-friendly modes of transportation, reminiscent of trains, might help scale back your carbon footprint—a aware selection facilitated by Omio!

The Bergen Railway: Oslo to Bergen, Norway

Put together to be enchanted by Norway’s spellbinding landscapes on the Bergen Railway.

This epic 7-hour practice journey takes you thru fjords, glaciers, and Europe’s highest mountainous plateau. As you watch the breathtaking surroundings cross by, you’ll be immersed in the pure wonders that Norway has to supply.

Make a cease in Myrdal and hop on the legendary vacationer practice to Flåm for an unforgettable detour.

The Black Forest Railway: Konstanz to Offenburg, Germany

Step right into a fairytale as you embark on the Black Forest Railway in Germany. This scenic route takes you thru lush forests and villages with conventional timbered homes.

The part between Donaueschingen and Hornberg is especially enchanting, with picturesque views at each flip. Hold an eye fixed out for the native double-decker trains that run alongside this route, and make sure you declare a top-deck seat for the most effective views.

The Salzkammergut Railway: Stainach-Irdning to Attnang-Puchheim, Austria

Immerse your self in the great thing about Austria’s Salzkammergut area on this picturesque practice trip. Marvel on the large cliffs, picturesque villages, and glistening lakes that make this journey actually outstanding.

Positioned inside the gorgeous Austrian Lake District, every station alongside the route beckons you to discover and uncover hidden gems.

Be sure you get off the practice at each station, and don’t miss the chance to go to Hallstatt, some of the stunning cities in all of Austria, by taking a ferry throughout the adjoining lake from the railway station.

The Flamands Line: Brussels to Bruges, Belgium

Discover the charming Belgian countryside on the Flamands Line. This scenic route takes you thru picturesque farmlands, alongside canals, and into the medieval metropolis of Bruges, identified for its cobblestone streets and historic structure.

The Amalfi Coast Line: Salerno to Sorrento, Italy

Witness the breathtaking great thing about the Amalfi Coast from the consolation of a practice. As you journey alongside the shoreline, get pleasure from panoramic views of colourful cliffside villages, crystal-clear waters, and plush Mediterranean landscapes.

The Belgrade-Bar Railway: Belgrade to Bar, Montenegro

For the adventurous at coronary heart, the Belgrade-Bar Railway in Serbia and Montenegro gives an unforgettable Balkan practice trip.

Surrounded by rocky valleys, speeding rivers, and huge lakes, this 12-hour journey showcases the gorgeous great thing about the area. Cross the tallest viaduct in Europe and immerse your self within the breathtaking surroundings alongside the best way.

If you wish to maximize your expertise, go for the day practice and absorb each second of the wonderful landscapes.

The Semmering Railway: Vienna to Semmering, Austria

Uncover the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage website, as you journey via the Austrian Alps. This historic route options viaducts, tunnels, and gorgeous mountain vistas.

The West Highland Extension: Crianlarich to Oban, Scotland, UK

Lengthen your Scottish journey by taking the West Highland Extension to Oban. Benefit from the scenic great thing about Loch Awe, mountains, and glens as you make your option to the charming coastal city of Oban.

Cinque Terre: La Spezia to Levanto, Italy

Italy’s picturesque shoreline involves life on the scenic practice trip via Cinque Terre.

Because the practice hugs the shore, you’ll really feel such as you’re floating throughout the water, passing from one picture-perfect village to a different. Immerse your self within the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage website as you discover the strolling trails between the 5 seaside villages.

Don’t miss the pleasant part between Monterosso and Vernazza, with its gorgeous views and vibrant environment, and browse this text on the right way to preserve your Italy travels on a price range.

The Rhine Valley Line: Mainz to Koblenz, Germany

Wind alongside the Rhine River, passing vineyards, medieval castles, and charming cities. The Rhine Valley Line gives a romantic journey via one among Europe’s most scenic river valleys.

The West Highland Line: Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland, UK

Uncover the untamed great thing about Scotland’s moorlands, lochs, and glens on the West Highland Line.

This practice trip will take your breath away as you traverse the well-known Glenfinnan viaduct, identified for its look within the Harry Potter movies. Benefit from the isolation of the panorama and marvel on the scenic vistas alongside the best way.

Whereas steam trains can be found on this route, you may as well go for the native companies operated by the Scottish rail operator for a extra budget-friendly expertise.

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains: Dresden to Decin, Germany 

Immerse your self within the distinctive rock formations and sandstone landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This picturesque journey alongside the Elbe River gives gorgeous views of the Czech-German border.

The Gotthard Panorama Categorical: Lucerne to Lugano, Switzerland

Mix a scenic boat journey with a practice trip on the Gotthard Panorama Categorical. Journey via the Swiss Alps, cross by pristine lakes, and expertise a seamless transition between rail and water transport.

The West Coast Most important Line: Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland, UK

Get pleasure from breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands as you journey from Glasgow to Mallaig on the West Coast Most important Line. Move via rugged landscapes, cross viaducts, and catch glimpses of iconic castles on this scenic route.

The Douro Line: Porto to Pocinho, Portugal

Embark on a splendid journey alongside the Douro River in Portugal on the Douro Line. Because the practice snakes its approach via the scenic valley, you’ll be handled to views of winery terraces on both facet.

Admire the great thing about the petite, white, and blue-tiled practice stations alongside the route, which add to the allure of the journey.

Take the morning practice to permit ample time to discover the valley, tasting scrumptious wines and immersing your self within the wealthy Porto architectural gems and the general cultural heritage of the area.

The Little Yellow Prepare: Latour-de-Carol to Villefranche-Vernet-les-bains, France

Put together for an exciting trip on the Little Yellow Prepare within the French Pyrenees.

Throughout the summer season, you possibly can even select to trip within the open-top carriage and revel in unobstructed views of the majestic Pyrenees mountains. This scenic route is positioned close to the borders of Andorra and Spain, providing a novel alternative for exploration.

Remember that there could also be occasional line upkeep, so it’s a good suggestion to verify the practice instances upfront.

The West Cork Line: Cork to Killarney, Eire

Discover the scenic great thing about Eire on the West Cork Line. This route takes you thru picturesque landscapes, alongside the coast, and into the charming city of Killarney.

The Montenegro Categorical: Podgorica to Bar, Montenegro

Revel within the rugged great thing about Montenegro on the Montenegro Categorical. Journey via mountainous terrain, tunnels, and bridges as you make your approach from Podgorica to the coastal city of Bar.

Rhodope Slim Gauge: Septemvri – Dobrinishte, Bulgaria

Journey again in time on Bulgaria’s Rhodope Slim Gauge, the nation’s final remaining slender gauge practice. This picturesque route takes you thru mountains, forests, and charming villages with minarets, immersing you in the great thing about the Balkan countryside.

Beginning on the Pirin vary, the practice journey gives breathtaking views and a glimpse into the wealthy historical past and tradition of Bulgaria. Earlier than embarking in your journey, make certain to verify the practice route info on the BDZ web site for the most recent updates.

The Bernese Oberland Railway: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

Ascend to the “Prime of Europe” on the Bernese Oberland Railway. Journey via lush meadows and snowy landscapes to achieve Jungfraujoch, the place you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

The Settle-Carlisle Line: Settle to Carlisle, England, UK

Expertise the scenic splendor of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells on the Settle-Carlisle Line. This historic route takes you thru viaducts, tunnels, and picturesque countryside in northern England.

Tricks to plan an unforgettable European journey by practice

Now that you’ve found these outstanding scenic practice rides, it’s time to plan your good journey.

Bear in mind to think about the timing of your journeys, utilizing an internet dawn and sundown calculator to decide on the most effective practice instances for having fun with the surroundings.
Additionally, don’t miss the chance to discover the stops alongside the route, as they typically maintain hidden treasures and distinctive experiences. Don’t fear about breaking the financial institution, as most of those scenic practice rides are reasonably priced regional companies that locals use each day.
If in case you have an Interrail Move, you possibly can even get pleasure from these practice rides at no further price or with a small reservation payment.
Additionally, don’t neglect to think about the environmental affect of your travels with Omio’s platform, evaluating sustainable choices. Comply with Omio on Instagram for inspiration and discover the brand new Ecosia x Omio inexperienced journey function—combining sustainable journey with tree-planting initiatives!

So, get able to embark on an unforgettable journey via Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes – a dream for hikers! – with these 24 finest scenic practice rides. Sit again, loosen up, and let the great thing about the continent unfold earlier than your eyes.