Traveling through a region or country by train is a fantastic way to explore landscapes and discover some truly remarkable and sometimes mythical tourist trains. Besides being more environmentally friendly and responsible than other means of transportation, train travel allows you to take your time and enjoy the journey. We've selected just for you the 10 most beautiful trains in Europe.
Le Train des Pignes
A hundred years ago, four railway lines made up the Train des Pignes in southern France. Today, the only survivor is this 150 km line connecting Nice, on the Mediterranean coast, to the spa town of Digne-les-Bains, capital of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. In addition to regular stations, there are dozens of small stops where passengers can hop on or off. Ride peacefully along the Var and discover medieval villages before arriving, three hours later, in Digne-les-Bains at the foot of the Alps.
Levanto to La Spezia
The trip along the Italian Riviera, from Levanto to La Spezia, takes only 35 minutes but covers the most beautiful stretch of the Ligurian coast. It runs through the Cinque Terre. These pastel-colored villages have been perched on the cliffs for a thousand years, with olive groves and vineyards forming a stunning landscape. To enjoy it fully, take the regional train rather than the express—it stops in all five Cinque Terre villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Get off, hike between villages, and hop back on
Glacier Express
Yes, Switzerland boasts stunning panoramic trains, and picking just one was hard. Ultimately, the legendary Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt made our top 10. It crosses the Swiss Alps from the Matterhorn to Piz Bernina. This engineering marvel includes 291 bridges and 91 tunnels and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It would be a shame to rush through such a landscape, which is why this "express" service takes nearly eight hours to travel under 300 km—giving passengers ample time to soak in the majestic scenery through panoramic windows.
Semmering Railway – Austria
PNearly 200 years after its opening in 1854, the Semmering railway remains one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be traveled between Vienna and Venice, making for an original way to travel between two of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Over 40 km through the Austrian Alps between Gloggnitz and Semmering, the train winds through mountains, crosses 16 tunnels, 15 viaducts, over 100 bridges, and a mountain pass at nearly 895 meters. Built as Europe’s first mountain railway to link Vienna to Trieste, it remains one of the greatest feats. Don’t miss the 57 chalets built for railway workers dotted along the line.
Along the Rhine (Mainz – Koblenz)
A must for lovers of German wine and fairy-tale castles. This route along the Rhine passes vineyards climbing the riverbanks. The train winds through hills and past flamboyant castles and the famed Loreley cliff, where sirens once bewitched sailors. Though express trains make the trip in 50 minutes, the more leisurely Mittelrheinbahn RB26 takes about 90 minutes along the river’s left bank. That gives you plenty of time to admire the quaint towns and sip on a glass of Riesling or local Gewürztraminer.
Splendor of the North
The Norrlandståget night train takes you from Stockholm to Narvik, one of Europe’s northernmost stations. Travel in summer when the night barely falls and you can watch forests and lakes pass by from a cozy bunk. In winter, you might catch the northern lights. The train takes about 19 hours to travel 1,000 km through eastern Sweden, over the Arctic Circle, into Lapland, weaving past mountains and Lake Torneträsk before reaching Norway.
Montenegro Express
254 tunnels and 435 bridges link Bar to Belgrade, giving you an idea of the spectacular scenery the Montenegro Express passes through. Opened in 1976, it starts from the Adriatic, skirts Lake Skadar (the largest in southern Europe), and enters Biogradska Gora National Park. It briefly crosses Bosnia-Herzegovina, then winds through Serbian hills to Belgrade’s Topčider station 12 hours and 475 km later. Look left near the end to spot Tito’s luxury private train.
La Flåmsbana
This Norwegian line was named the world’s most incredible train ride by Lonely Planet. The 20 km route descends 865 meters with a 5.5% average grade. It runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord (a Sognefjord branch) to the high-mountain station of Myrdal. You’ll be impressed by rivers, forests, and waterfalls—all from your seat.
Orient Express
Saving the best for last, the legendary Orient Express runs from London to Istanbul via Venice. A true symbol of glamour, it’s one of the most iconic trains in the world and is back on the rails. Board luxurious cabins evoking the golden age of travel. Ready for a journey through time in ultimate elegance?
West Highland Line
Departing from Glasgow, this line takes you west across Scotland’s stunning landscapes of mountains and lochs. Watch for deer hidden in the heather. You’ll pass some of the smallest, most remote stations on the network—often with just a few buildings around and nothing for miles. You’ll be glad to have come by train, crossing places no roads reach. Bonus: Potterheads will recognize this line from the Harry Potter films en route to Hogwarts.
Conclusion
Europe is full of stunning trains offering exceptional travel experiences. From the panoramic Alpine views aboard the Glacier Express to Norway’s enchanting Flåmsbana, there’s something for every taste. These trains aren’t just convenient—they’re masterpieces of engineering and design, blending luxury, history, and natural beauty into unforgettable journeys.
Travelise
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