In the 19th century and until the middle of the 20th century, the train was the main means of transport for citizens who wanted to make long trips to Europe. And today the train remains the main means of transport. It is an economical and ecological way to travel to Europe either for work or for vacation.
This way you will have the opportunity to get to know a country and its nature, as it is common for the landscape around a railway line not to be compared, as an environment, with that of highways. In this article we will present you just some of the most beautiful but also historical railway routes that you can do if you are in these European countries.
1.Austria: The Semmering Pass
Travel-Route: from Glognitz to Mirchuslang, 41 km.
Travel time: 40 minutes
This railway line was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Its construction was completed in 1854. The passenger can admire the view of the forests and the Austrian Alps, while the train passes through tunnels and bridges. Glognitz, from where the railway line starts, is just one hour away from Vienna.
Best time to travel: all year round.
Tip: Choose hiking along the railway tracks and then relax in one of the local saunas
2. Norway: Oslo-Bergen Railway
Travel-Route: from Oslo to Bergen, 550km.
Travel time: 7 hours
The Hardangervidda plateau is very beautiful. The forests and lakes outside Oslo are beautiful. The mountain passes will fascinate you. Stop at Mirdal. Take the train that follows a 20 km route to Fal, which is considered to be the steepest railway line in the world with impressive winding tunnels. Finse, the most mountainous part of the voyage at 1,222m, was the training ground for Robert Falcon Scott and his team for their 1912 North Pole trip.
Best time to travel: July or from November to January.
Tip: find out more about the route and construction of the railway line at the Flam Rail Museum.
3. Italy – Switzerland: Bernina Express
Travel-Route: from Lanconart to Tirano
Travel time: 5 hours
This route, with its unique view, connects Central with Southern Europe. The Bernina Express passes through two areas on the UNESCO list, Albula and Bernina. From the glaciers of Switzerland it ends up passing through palm trees in Italy. Admire the Brusio Spiral Bridge.
Best time to travel: May
Tip: Stop at Saint Moritz and walk along the lake of the same name.
4. Portugal – The Linha do Douro Railway
Travel-Route: from Porto to Pocino, 160 km
Travel time: 3,5 hours
If you are in the second largest city in Portugal do not prefer the day cruise on the river. Choose the train route that will take you to the heart of Portuguese life. The railway line passes through large volumes of rocks, magnificent vineyards and wineries. Get off at the wine-producing town of Pinhao, which has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. You can complete your hiking trip in the Regua canyon.
Best time to travel: all year round
Tip: spend at least one day to taste the gastronomy of the area.
5. Switzerland – Glacier Express
Travel-Route: from Zermatt to Saint Moritz, 290 km
Travel time: 7,5 hours
The “glacier express” travels, due to the route, at 40 kilometers per hour. This route connects two of the most famous ski destinations in the world. It passes through snow-capped peaks, valleys, 291 bridges, and forests.
Best time to travel: from November to January
Tip: in Zermatt you can extend your journey by taking the most mountainous cog railway in Europe, which will take you to the top of Gornergrat, at an altitude of 3089 meters. The view is fantastic.
6. Scotland (UK)- West Highlands
Travel-Route: from Glasgow to Maleng, 264 km
Travel time: 5,5 hours
This particular railway line became famous from the Harry Potter films to the Hogwards Express. More specifically, the Glenfinan Key Bridge. The route is considered one of the most picturesque in the world with unique nature, lakes surrounded by trees and ruins of medieval castles.
Best time to travel: from July to August
Tip: Try seafood at Maleg. Alternatively you can take the route with the Belmond Royal Scotsman, one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
