Five scenic European train trips to take in 2018

Which one will you take?

Travelling by train is one of the most relaxing ways to see Europe. Sit back and watch wild landscapes change scene-by-scene like it’s a panoramic movie. Here are our favourite scenic routes in Europe. Which one will you take?

Bernina Express

Image by Thomas (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Train route: Chur to Tirano

Countries: Switzerland and Italy

Distance and time: 123 km (four hours)

The Bernina Express is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland. As the train goes past sparkling blue lakes and across incredible viaducts, green fields transform into picturesque mountains right before your eyes.

Cutting through the Alps from Switzerland to Italy is equally beautiful in summer and winter. The mountain landscape completely changes from a winter wonderland to flowery meadows.

The Belgrade-Bar Railway

Train route: Belgrade to Bar

Countries: Serbia and Montenegro

Distance and Time: 725 km (12 hours)

Surrounded by mountain river valleys you will pass over 435 bridges and go through 254 tunnels on this Balkan rail journey. Travelling south towards Bar in Montenegro you will ride over Europe's tallest railway viaduct in Serbia.

Cinque Terre

Image by Jason OX4 (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Train route: La Spezia to Levanto

Countries: Italy

Distance and Time: 17 km (25 minutes)

It's not the longest train journey in Europe, but this short journey is definitely one of the prettiest. Travelling along the Ligurian coastline, you will go past five seaside villages and each one is picture perfect.

Exceptionally beautiful during spring and summer, this fairytale train ride takes in Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and La Spezia.

The Bergen Railway

Image by canterbury (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Train route: Oslo and Bergen

Countries: Norway

Distance and Time: 550 km (9 hours)

Travel through mountains and marvel over fjords and glaciers as you cross over Europe’s highest plateau towards Norway’s highest railway station, Finse (1222m).

West Highland Line

Train route: Fort William and Mallaig

Countries: Scotland

Distance and Time: 67 km (11.5 hours)

If you want to experience the magic of the Harry Potter bridge (otherwise known as Glenfinnan Viaduct), then the West Highland Line is the one for you. Take your seat and marvel over epic lochs, barren moorlands and stags in this beautiful stretch of north-west Scotland.