12 train journeys in Europe to dream about

Do you dream of travelling by train in Europe with breathtaking views of mountains and waterfalls? Trains are not only an environmentally friendly way of travelling, but also often offer beautiful scenery and wonderful encounters. As much as we love travelling by motorhome, we also love travelling by train. Here are 12 train journeys in Europe to dream about.

Train journeys in Europe

Travelling by train is often both comfortable and relaxing. The seats are reasonably spacious and you can read, listen to music or admire the view in peace and quiet. If you want, you can walk to the dining car, and if you're in the mood, you might find fellow passengers to chat away for an hour.

We haven't done a lot of train travel in Europe, but we have travelled by train in Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Today we've collected some more train journeys in Europe to dream about!

1. Train through Switzerland

The most beautiful train journeys in Europe we have made have been through Switzerland. We travelled by train from Zurich to Zion and from Sion to Zermatt. Both journeys were beautiful, and the latter was extraordinary with dramatic views from the large high glass windows.

2. Glacier Express in Switzerland

One of the most talked about train journeys you can take in Switzerland is the one called the Glacier Express, which runs between Zermatt and St Moritz. This is a slightly more luxurious option and is considered stunningly beautiful by those in the know.

3. The Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy

The Bernina Express runs from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Valtellina in northern Italy. According to those who have travelled this route, it is supposed to be something very special. The railway runs at an altitude of over 2250 metres, making it the highest railway line in Europe. Just like that!

4. Train journey Vienna-Venice

We know that the Alps can be dramatically beautiful, and travelling by train through that landscape must be fascinating. There are several different train journeys you can take here, and one of the more spectacular is the Vienna-Venice route. The railway constantly winds upwards, passing through 14 tunnels and over 100 bridges.

5. The Flåm railway in Norway

Norway is known for its natural beauty, and the landscape is no less beautiful when travelling through it by train. The route that inspires us most is the one between Myrdal and Flåm. This particular stretch only takes an hour, but it seems to be magically beautiful.

The height difference between the fjord in Flåm and the mountains in Myrdal is 864 metres, which of course adds to the experience. There's probably also a reason why Lonely Planet named this route 'the world's most amazing train journey'.

6. Inlandsbanan in Sweden

Why not experience Sweden from the train? With Inlandsbanan you get access to a third of the country, especially the Swedish wilderness. A beautiful and genuine adventure awaits you. You can book package holidays in advance or buy a train travel card.

7. Harry Potter trip in Scotland

The 1.5 hour train journey between Mallaig and Fort William in Scotland is said to be one of the most magically beautiful train journeys in Europe. If you're a Harry Potter fan, there's even more reason to make this journey. This is the very place where Harry Potter travelled with his friends in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Plus, you get to make the journey in a real steam locomotive!

8. Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth /Pwllheli, Wales

Some say the train that takes you from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli in Wales offers the most beautiful train journey in Britain. The journey, called the Cambrian Coast Line, takes you past beautiful sandy beaches and ancient castles. At the terminus, you can feast on seafood of all kinds ...

9. The Yellow Train in the French Pyrenees

'Le train jaune', the yellow train, was already built in 1910 in France. The tour starts in Villefranche-de-Conflent and ends three hours later in Latour-de-Carol. During this journey you will travel 1200 metres of drop, both over bridges and through tunnels - no less than 19 in fact - before reaching the final destination, near the border with Spain.

10. Train from Milan to the Italian coast

Many believe that the train from Milan to the coast offers one of the most unmissable train journeys in Europe. This journey takes you past mountains and picturesque villages before arriving at Cinque Terre on the Italian coast.

11. Train journey Oviedo - Vigo in Spain

The journey from Oviedo to Vigo takes just over ten hours, passing through magnificent limestone mountains on the way. Once there, you can enjoy the Spanish west coast, with the dramatic Atlantic Ocean just outside.

12th Orient Express Paris - Istanbul

The Orient Express has a magical and historical flavour. The journey originally known as the Orient Express ran between Paris and London. Istanbul between 1883 and 1977. Today, there are various chartered luxury trains that organise journeys reminiscent of the former glamour of the Orient Express, but you have to pay a lot of money. If you want to experience the same itinerary as the original train, you can buy an Interrail pass and travel the classic route.

Have you experienced any beautiful train journeys in Europe, or do you dream of one? Tell us about it!

All photos in the post, except the top two, are borrowed from Pixabay.