The 7 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Europe
Europe is one of the few places in the world where the journey itself can rival the destination. By train, landscapes unfold slowly and spectacularly, from snow-capped peaks and deep river valleys to coastal cliffs and rolling vineyards. These are not just transfers between cities. They are experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.
What makes scenic train travel even better is how effortless it can be. With expert planning, reserved seating, and seamless connections, Railbookers turns Europe’s most beautiful rail routes into stress-free highlights of your holiday.
Here are seven of the most scenic train journeys in Europe and why they deserve a place on your rail holiday.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Often called the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express is one of Europe’s most iconic rail journeys. It connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing nearly 300 bridges and passing through dramatic Alpine scenery that feels almost unreal.
Panoramic windows reveal snow-covered peaks, deep gorges, pristine valleys, and charming mountain villages. This is scenery that demands your attention from start to finish.
Railbookers incorporates the Glacier Express into carefully paced Swiss itineraries, handling seat reservations and timing so the journey feels relaxed rather than rushed. It is scenic rail travel at its finest.
The West Highland Line, Scotland
The West Highland Line is one of Europe’s most atmospheric rail journeys. Running from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig, it passes remote lochs, rugged mountains, and wide-open moorlands.
This is a journey defined by wild beauty. You cross sweeping viaducts, glide along misty lakes, and experience a sense of remoteness rarely found elsewhere in Europe.
Railbookers includes the West Highland Line in Scotland rail holidays that balance scenic travel with comfortable stays, allowing you to experience the Highlands without navigating narrow roads or unpredictable weather.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
The Bernina Express offers one of the most dramatic scenery shifts in Europe. Starting in Switzerland and ending in northern Italy, this route climbs past glaciers and high mountain lakes before descending into palm-lined valleys.
The train crosses the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the Bernina Pass, offering constant views of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged Alpine terrain. Few journeys showcase such contrast in such a short time.
With Railbookers, this iconic route becomes a seamless international experience, removing any concern about border crossings or connections while letting you focus entirely on the views.
The Flåm Railway, Norway
The Flåm Railway may be short, but it is one of the steepest and most scenic train journeys in the world. In just under an hour, it descends from mountain heights to a fjordside village, passing waterfalls, deep valleys, and dramatic cliffs.
Every moment feels cinematic. The train even pauses at a waterfall so passengers can step out and take in the view.
Railbookers often pairs the Flåm Railway with Norway’s fjords and coastal rail routes, creating a journey where nature takes centre stage and logistics stay simple.
The GoldenPass Line, Switzerland
The GoldenPass Line connects Lucerne with the Lake Geneva region, weaving together lakes, vineyards, and mountain scenery in one continuous journey.
You pass shimmering lakes, rolling hills, alpine meadows, and traditional chalets, all from the comfort of the train. The scenery feels intimate and varied, making it one of Switzerland’s most rewarding rail routes.
Railbookers often pairs the GoldenPass Line with stays in lakeside towns or Alpine resorts, ensuring the scenery continues long after the train ride ends.
The Rhine Valley Line, Germany
The Rhine Valley route between Koblenz and Bingen is one of Europe’s most romantic train journeys. As the train follows the Rhine River, castles rise from hilltops, vineyards line the slopes, and medieval towns appear around each bend.
This stretch of river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the train provides a front-row seat to centuries of history and culture. It is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when vineyards are lush or ablaze with colour.
Railbookers designs Rhine Valley journeys that combine scenic rail with charming overnight stays, creating a relaxed rhythm that lets you fully absorb the region.
The Cinque Terre coastal line, Italy
The train journey through Italy’s Cinque Terre may be brief, but it is unforgettable. As the train hugs the Ligurian coast, colourful villages cling to cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea.
This route connects the five famous villages, making it easy to explore the region without a car. Tunnels open suddenly to sweeping sea views, creating moments of surprise and beauty.
Railbookers designs Italian rail holidays that incorporate the Cinque Terre in a way that feels effortless, combining coastal scenery with classic cities like Florence and Rome.
Why scenic rail travel works best with expert planning
Europe’s most scenic train journeys are popular for a reason, and that popularity can bring complexity if not planned properly. Seat availability, timing, and connections matter, especially on iconic routes.
Railbookers removes that complexity. Routes are chosen intentionally. Seats are reserved where required. Hotels are selected for convenience. Connections are planned with realistic timing.
This expertise allows scenic rail travel to feel relaxing rather than overwhelming, even when crossing borders or travelling through remote regions.
When the journey is the destination
Scenic train journeys redefine what travel days can be. Instead of rushing through airports or focusing on the road ahead, you sit back and watch Europe unfold.
From Alpine passes to river valleys and coastal cliffs, these seven journeys showcase why rail travel is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Europe. With Railbookers handling the details, the experience becomes effortless, immersive, and unforgettable.
