Europe has some of the best scenery and landscapes in the world, from dramatic mountains, rolling meadows, lush forests and golden beaches.
And train journeys are one of the best ways to discover what the continent has to offer. But how do you choose which rail journey is best for you, when there are so many on offer?
Euronews Travel rounds up some of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe to choose from on your next trip.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient is one of Europe’s most classic and beautiful rail journeys.
The train offers many routes, with the most popular one being Paris to Venice which takes two days, with one night spent on board.
Another route takes passengers from London to Venice. Travellers embark on a short journey from London to Folkestone on the Belmond British Pullman train, before then connecting to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the overnight trip to Venice.
With historic, restored cabins from the 1920s and 1930s featuring unique Art Deco details, passengers can travel in luxury and style. Services include personal stewards for every carriage, gourmet dining with menus prepared by French chefs, private breakfasts and live music with cocktails.
On the London to Venice route, travellers pass through other iconic cities like Florence and Paris along the way, with panoramic views of the Italian Dolomites and Alps. For the ultimate taste of luxury, choose the Grand Suites, which offer exclusive facilities such as private marbled bathrooms and endless champagne.
Vale of Rheidol Railway, Wales
Wales’ Vale of Rheidol Railway, going from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, is another option with stunning views.
The narrow-gauge heritage railway, once used to transport timber and lead ore, goes on a picturesque 19-kilometre journey through the Rheidol Valley, offering nature lovers plenty of opportunities to see birds of prey such as buzzards and red kites.
Travel through ancient woodlands, vast fields and rugged mountain landscapes along the almost 200 metre ascent to Devil’s Bridge. Explore the Three Bridges and Mynach Falls, with walking trails allowing visitors a much closer view.
Get a glimpse into the fascinating history of vintage railways and the craft of keeping them running after decades at the Engine Shed Museum at Aberystwyth Station.
Flåm Railway, Norway
For a real taste of Norway’s untamed countryside, pick the Flåm Railway, the world’s steepest standard gauge railway.
It follows a mountainous 20-kilometre route along western Norway’s fjords, from Myrdal to Flåm. It offers panoramic views of snowy peaks and waterfalls while passing through 20 tunnels in a wild one-hour journey.
Some highlights include the Kjosfossen waterfall, where travellers can stop and take pictures, as well as the Rallar Road (Navvies’ Road), once a historic construction road but now a well-known cycling and hiking route.
For a more immersive experience of the Flåm Valley, passengers can choose to cycle or hike part of the journey, alongside riding the train.
Kyle Line, Scotland
Scotland’s Kyle Line, running from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, is another iconic European train journey famed for its beauty.
The railway is one of the most immersive ways to experience the Scottish Highlands, in a 92-kilometre journey taking about two hours and forty minutes. It offers stunning views of mountains, coastlines, forests, rivers, lochs and wildlife, such as deer.
Some key highlights include towns like Dingwall and charming villages like Plockton, along with other stops such as Conon Bridge, Muir of Ord, Garve, Lochluichart, Achnasheen, Attadale and Duncraig, among others.
The Kyle of Lochalsh terminus, at the end of the journey, is also relatively close to the renowned Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye.
Bernina Express, Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for a number of magnificent train routes, but the Bernina Express stands out. As a UNESCO World Heritage route linking Chur with Tirano, it is one of continental Europe’s most beautiful train journeys.
The classic route takes travellers over the Brusio Circular Viaduct, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Landwasser Viaduct, offering unmatched views of the Swiss Alps.
At the highest point of the journey at Ospizio Bernina, which is also the highest railway crossing in Europe, at 2,253 metres above sea level, passengers can take in panoramic views of mountain lakes and glaciers. These include the Morteratsch Glacier, Lej Nair lake and Lago Bianco lake.
Settle-Carlisle Railway, England
For panoramic views of peaceful English countryside, pick Northern England’s Settle-Carlisle Railway.
The rail journey travels along a 117-kilometre route from Settle, North Yorkshire, to Carlisle, Cumbria, passing through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines along the way, as well as many historic stations like Appleby.
Cross the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and visit England’s highest mainland station in Dent, going through 14 tunnels featuring Victorian engineering and dramatic landscapes. Out of the window, you’ll see rugged terrains, high-altitude moorland, rolling hills and the lush Eden Valley.
One of the most unique parts of this journey is the “long drag”, which is an intense 25.7 kilometre climb from Settle to Aisgill summit, which is the highest point of the route.
Italy’s Cinque Terre Express
Italy’s Cinque Terre Express is an absolute must-try for train enthusiasts who want an easily accessible way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with stunning coastline and mountain views.
The train goes from La Spezia in the south to Levanto in the north, stopping at all five colourful Cinque Terre villages, which include Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola and Monterosso al Mare.
Enjoy sweeping views of terraced vineyards, dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and the sparkling Mediterranean, or hop off to hike the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro).
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