Top 10 Most Beautiful European Countries To Travel By Train
 Top 10 Most Beautiful Train Journeys To Travel Around the World |
 Top 10 Oldest & Beautiful Train Stations in The World |
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| Top 10 Countries To Travel By Train In Europe. Photo KnowInsiders |
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While there are amazing train trips in almost every country in Europe, we have selected a few that offer a compelling blend of a well-connected European rail network, quick city-to-city connections, breathtaking scenic trains, and the opportunity to see the top attractions by rail. These are our top picks for the best European countries to visit by train, so keep reading if you're planning a rail trip of a lifetime or just looking for a weekend getaway!
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How to travel around Europe by train with little budget
The Eurail Pass, as it is commonly called, provides unrestricted travel to 33 European nations, including both EU and non-EU members like Serbia and Turkey. To sum up, it gives its holders the freedom to board any train for a predetermined number of days (e.g., 7 days within 1 month).
For longer-term backpackers visiting Europe, this is a pretty good deal because it lets them explore the continent with a single pass instead of purchasing separate tickets for each leg of their journey. There's more: regardless of the pass's duration, young travelers between the ages of 12 and 27 receive a 25% fare discount.
This implies that for just $188, you could have at least four days of unrestricted travel within Europe.
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Best international train routes in Europe:London to Paris 2h30m London to Brussels 2h Paris to Brussels 1h20m Paris to Barcelona 6h30 Frankfurt to Paris 3h50m Hamburg to Copenhagen 3h55m Frankfurt to Zurich 4h |
Top 10 Best Countries To Travel By Train In Europe
1. Switzerland
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One of the world's most efficient and scenic rail networks is hidden within the small but incredibly beautiful country of Switzerland. The idyllic landscape, dotted with wooden chalets, snowy peaks, dramatic waterfalls, and mountain-fringed lakes, is entirely accessible by train, and at times spectacularly so. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, which crosses dozens of dramatic viaducts overlooking lush valleys. The Golden Pass scenic train from Lucerne to Montreux will take you through vibrant fields of wildflowers. Alternatively, slowly ascend to the 'top of Europe' at the continent's highest train station near the summit of Jungfrau Mountain, marveling at the winter wonderland that surrounds you. Any season in Switzerland offers scenic delights - it all depends on your interests.
On this exciting rail vacation through Switzerland's Lakes and Mountains, take the scenic trip of a lifetime. Beginning with overnight stays in Geneva and Montreux, travel along the Golden Pass Line to Interlaken. Travel to the highest railway station at the top of Jungfrau Mountain before taking the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps to Chur. Finish this incredible journey with a day trip to Tirano on the Bernina Express, which travels across spectacular viaducts and past impressive glaciers.
What is the best train route in Switzerland?The Glacier Express is one of the world's most recognizable railway lines. It is also Europe's slowest high-speed train, taking 7 hours to travel from Zermatt to Davos. This allows you to appreciate the breathtaking scenery. |
2. Germany
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Germany pioneered the high-speed train movement in Europe, but the roll-out stalled for several years, resulting in the absence of key routes (such as Berlin to Munich). (You can still take the train from Berlin to Munich, but it's not really any quicker than the bus.
The Rhine Valley Line provides a relaxing cruise through Germany's summer country. Visit the charming towns of Koblenz and Mainz along the way, and take in the relaxing views of the riverside vineyards.
The Rhine River, which flows through Germany's Rhine Valley, is one of Europe's most elegant arteries.
The Rhineland region of Germany offers boat cruise romance to all. This artery pumps a lot of heart, whether you get your hiking excitement by walking the iconic Rheinsteig trail, taking a stroll along the Rhine cycle trail, bathing in an ancient thermal bath, visiting one of the many fabulous castles, or enjoying the riverfront views with a glass of good local wine.
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| High-speed trains in Germany are called ICE. Berlin to Hamburg 1h55m Frankfurt to Cologne 1h20m Frankfurt to Munich 3h10m |
3. France
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If you're planning a trip to France and want to get a true sense of the country, taking the train is the way to go. Traveling by train between France's iconic towns and cities is comfortable, scenic, romantic, and quick! The country's world-famous TGV travels from city center to city center at up to 199 mph in quiet, relaxed comfort. Most of the country's most popular cities can be reached in under three hours from Paris, including Lyon in just under two hours, Bordeaux in just over two hours, and Lille in just an hour!
Enjoy this romantic vacation to three beautiful French cities by booking our Grand Paris, Avignon, and Nice trip. First, there are the iconic sights and sounds of Paris, as well as the beautiful gardens of Giverny and the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Avignon, famous for the stunning Palace of the Popes, is a city brimming with culture and delicious gastronomy. Spend three days exploring the city's sights before taking the train from Avignon along the beautiful French Riviera to Nice. Spend three relaxing days exploring Nice, strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, which runs elegantly along the Mediterranean coast, visiting the charming markets, and dining on delicious seafood.
| There aren't many high-speed rail lines in France, but the network is expected to expand in the coming years, eventually connecting Paris to Bordeaux. 1h55 from Paris to Lyon 31h15 from Paris to Marseille 1h45 from Paris to Strasbourg 1 hour from Paris to Lille |
4. Scotland
Scotland is an incredible destination at any time of year, thanks to its wild, vibrant, and majestic scenery, as well as its rich history and tradition. Traveling by train allows you to enjoy breathtaking scenery right from your seat. There is no better way to experience this part of the world than by train, from overnight train adventures to luxury sleeper experiences, and from cities to wide-open spaces.
On our Grand Tour of Scotland, you'll see Scotland in all its glory, visiting its most iconic landscapes and attractions over the course of ten days. This breathtaking itinerary includes unforgettable stops in Inverness, the Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Fort William, and Edinburgh. Explore Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, the magical Isle of Skye, and Eilean Donan Castle, as well as the West Highland line between Fort William and Mallaig. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you travel from city to city by visiting Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Edinburgh Castle.
5. Italy
The Cinque Terre fishing villages are the most iconic points of the Italian Riviera, though the rugged coastline and romantic towns and villages are also present.
The Cinque Terre villages were formed by their deep isolation, nestled in a mostly mountainous impasse on the eastern edge of the Italian Riviera.
Regional trains also stop in the Cinque Terre villages.
These beautiful, colorful cities, nestled among some of the world's most dramatic coastal landscapes, can rejuvenate even the most tired souls. Twisted paths traverse the sides of seemingly impenetrable cliffs and a 19th-century railway line, which traverses a series of coastal tunnels.
| The Italian high-speed rail network consists of a single long line that connects Naples to Turin via Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Milan. From Rome to Florence 1h20m From Rome to Milan 2h55m From Rome to Bologna 1h55m 1h45m from Rome to Naples 4h05m from Rome to Turin From Milan to Bologna Milan to Turin 45 minutes |
6. Norway
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Fantastic ride on the beautiful Rauma line, a train ride that takes you through the Romsdalen Valley, which is home to some of Norway's most spectacular mountain formations.
The Rauma Railway operates year-round train service between ndalsnes and Dombs. The train travels through the remote desert area of Reinheimen National Park, passing popular attractions such as the Kylling Bridge and the Trollveggen wall.
One of the highlights of this trip that every tourist should experience is crossing the Kylling High Bridge.
Travelling this route will make you experience the sensational views of the high peaks, steep slopes, and mountain slopes that lead to the windy plateaus while tracing the Rauma River aboard the Rauma line in Norway.
| Top 10 Oldest & Beautiful Train Stations in The World |
7. Austria
The Semmering Railway, built between 1848 and 1854 over 41 km of high mountains, traverses a spectacular mountain landscape with many beautiful buildings designed for leisure activities.
It is one of the most notable civil engineering accomplishments of this pioneering period of railway construction. The high quality of the tunnels, viaducts, and other works has ensured that the line is still in use today.
The Semmering railway traverses the Semmering Pass via 15 tunnels, 16 viaducts, numerous crossings, and arched bridges through a forested mountain range.
8. Sweden
Stockholm is a hyper-connected city with beautiful metro stations ranked among the most beautiful metro stations in Europe. You can easily discover Stockholm and its surroundings by train. It is a gentle and eco-friendly way to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. Book the best activities in Stockholm and your hotel at the best prices in the capital of Sweden.
5 Reasons Why You Should Take the Train in Europe1. Trains make it simple to travel between cities and European capitals. Most train stations are located near tourist attractions and hotels. 2. There is no need to be concerned about parking. 3. With an unrestricted Eurail Pass, you can board and exit whenever you want, often without having to deal with ticketing agents. You can take the train on a rainy day just to see the scenery without worrying about the unexpected cost. 4. You can sleep on a night train, saving time and money on travel and lodging. 5. You can focus entirely on the scenery in front of you. |
9. Greece
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For train enthusiasts, Greece's rugged landscape with ancient train routes and spectacular nature would be a captivating option. Greece is well-known for its train routes, which provide access to numerous tourist destinations and attractions such as hiking trails, beaches, and so on.
Due to the region's small size, there are only a few iconic train routes open to tourists, and each one is a complete vacation in and of itself.
Best Train Journeys Of GreeceThe Rack Railway Katakolon Train Little Train of Pelion |
10. Spain
Spain has the continent's longest rail network of high-speed railways, so if you're looking for scenic routes for a serene train journey to relax and rejuvenate, tour experts recommend train routes covering Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, and other regional routes.
The colorful local routes would introduce you to the land's culture, architecture, and exclusive heritage. If you enjoy photography, choose hidden destinations to capture the essence of the land in a spectacular Spanish setting.
Best Train Journeys Of SpainAndalucian Explorer La Coruna – Lisbon Ultimate Barcelona Barcelona – Montserrat Madrid – Seville |
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