Best European Train Voyages

One of the best things about traveling in Europe is the prevalence of impressive train voyages.  From epic cross-country train rides to shorter, scenic railway journeys, here are the best European train voyages. 

The Glacier Express
View the Swiss Alps from aboard the Glacier Express, which travels from St. Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland.  This eight-hour train voyage has added a new Excellence Class– providing travelers with a luxurious experience including a seven-course meal, champagne, and concierge service, all while you have panoramic views of the pristine mountain lakes, meadows, and scenic villages of the Swiss Alps.  Highlights include the impressive Landwasser Viaduct and Oberalp Pass, which is the highest point of the train journey at an altitude of 6,706 feet.  The Glacier Express operates year-round, but the best time to take this train journey is during the winter months when the scenery is truly magical.

The Douro Line
Touring Portugal’s picture-perfect Douro Valley by train must be included on any list of the best European train voyages.  The Douro Line departs from the São Bento station in Porto and travels along the Douro River with stops in Regua, Pinhão and Tua, before the end of the line at Pocinho.  The train journey lasts about 3.5 hours and travels through the heart of Port wine country with amazing views of the hillside vineyards and charming small towns with stone cottages that the Douro Valley is known for.

Golden Eagle Danube Express 
This epic, 2-week luxury train voyage through Central Europe and Transylvania covers over 2,000 miles and eight countries.  The Golden Eagle Danube Express departs from Istanbul, Turkey and travels through the Carpathian Mountains into Transylvania, complete with views of Bran Castle, the inspiration for Dracula’s Castle.  Taking you through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the Golden Eagle Danube Express then travels through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, and ending in Prague, Czech Republic.

West Highland Line
The West Highland Line, traveling from Glasgow to Mallaig, is regularly voted as one the best railway journeys in the world.  Traveling north along Scotland’s western coast, the West Highland Line passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.  Highlights of the five-hour train journey include views of the remote Rannoch Moor and the tallest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis.  However, the most famous part of the West Highland Line is the Glenfinnan Viaduct which is featured in the Harry Potter movies. 

The Flåm Railway
A marvel of modern engineering, the Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s biggest attractions and considered one of the best European train voyages.  One of the steepest rail routes in Europe, the one-hour train ride begins at sea level in the small village of Flån and climbs nearly 3,000 feet to the mountaintop station of Myrdal, with breathtaking views along the way.  In the winter, the voyage becomes a winter wonderland as the ravines, waterfalls, and mountains are blanketed in fresh snow.

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