Europe is made for rail travel, but some routes deserve to become destinations in their own right.

These journeys cross mountains, lakes, forests and remote valleys while linking places that are worth exploring before and after the ride.

1. Centovalli Express

Route: Locarno, Switzerland → Domodossola, Italy

Journey: around 2 hours

The line crosses dozens of bridges and tunnels between Lake Maggiore and the Italian Alps, passing waterfalls, vineyards and forested valleys.

Autumn is particularly beautiful: the official 2026 foliage season runs from October 10 to November 15. Second-class tourist tickets during that period cost approximately €36–42.

Tip: stay overnight in Locarno and combine the train with a Lake Maggiore trip.

2. Heart of Wales Line

Route: Swansea → Shrewsbury

Journey: around 4 hours

This wonderfully slow railway crosses rural Wales through farmland, wooded hills and tiny request-stop stations before reaching medieval Shrewsbury.

A one-day Heart of Wales Ranger costs roughly €62 at the current exchange rate and allows more flexibility for exploring the route.

Tip: break the trip at Llandrindod Wells if you have a full day.

3. Bohinj Railway

Route: Nova Gorica → Jesenice

Journey: about 2 hours

One of Slovenia’s most underrated rail journeys follows the Soča Valley and passes Alpine scenery close to Bohinj and Bled.

Regional tickets can be bought through Slovenian Railways, and the operator recommends checking the timetable before departure because engineering works can occasionally affect services.

Tip: stay near Lake Bohinj rather than rushing directly to Ljubljana.

4. Le Petit Train Jaune

Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent → Latour-de-Carol

Journey: around 3 hours

France’s famous yellow mountain train slowly climbs through the Pyrenees, crossing dramatic bridges and high valleys. SNCF lists regional TER fares from around €9, though the exact price depends on your chosen section.

In good weather, look for the open carriage.

Best time: June to September for warmer mountain conditions.

5. Settle–Carlisle Railway

Route: Settle → Carlisle

Journey: around 1 hour 40 minutes

The highlight is Ribblehead Viaduct, surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales. Regular trains use the route, so you do not need an expensive heritage excursion.

Book through National Rail and reserve earlier for popular weekends.

Tip: Settle makes a good overnight base if you want to add countryside walks.

6. Belgrade–Bar Railway

Route: Belgrade → Bar

Journey: approximately 12 hours

Few European railways feel as adventurous. The route passes through Serbia and Montenegro, crosses deep Balkan valleys and eventually reaches Lake Skadar before descending towards the Adriatic.

Current schedules should be checked with Serbian Railways before departure.

Tip: choose a daytime departure when available — the landscape is the entire reason to take this train.

7. Brenner Railway

Route: Munich → Venice

Journey: around 6 hours

This route crosses Germany, Austria and Italy through the Brenner Pass before descending towards northern Italy.

ÖBB sells discounted Sparschiene tickets and allows many international journeys to be booked up to six months ahead. Promotional European fares can begin around €9.90, although Munich–Venice prices depend heavily on the date.

Tip: Innsbruck is an excellent overnight stop.

8. Bergen Railway

Route: Oslo → Bergen

Journey: 6–7 hours

Norway’s great cross-country railway climbs across the Hardangervidda plateau, passing lakes, mountains and the high-altitude station at Finse.

Vy currently lists fares from €102, with six or seven departures on many days.

Tip: travel during daylight — winter darkness can hide much of the scenery.

9. Kyle of Lochalsh Line

Route: Inverness → Kyle of Lochalsh

Journey: around 2 hours 40 minutes

This remote Scottish line crosses Highland glens and lochs before reaching the coast opposite the Isle of Skye.

Advance tickets start at roughly €20–21 after conversion, with about four trains daily.

Tip: continue by bus to Skye instead of immediately returning to Inverness.

10. Bernina Express

Route: Chur → Tirano

Journey: around 4 hours

The Bernina route is the grand finale: glaciers, turquoise Lago Bianco, viaducts and Alpine passes connect Switzerland with northern Italy.

A 2026 last-minute second-class offer including reservation can start from €84.

Tip: reserve early in summer and choose the right side travelling south for some of the strongest views.

For a first railway-focused European holiday, Switzerland and Norway offer the biggest landscapes, while Slovenia and Wales are better choices for quieter, less obvious routes. Whichever you choose, leave enough time to stop along the way — these trains are at their best when the journey becomes part of the holiday rather than simply transportation.