Europe is full of stunning scenery. Whether it is the Scottish highlands, the mountains of Norway, or just about any single stretch of countryside, there is so much to see.
Obviously, it would be impossible to walk across all of these beautiful landscapes in your lifetime, so how can you see as much as possible? Well, by train of course!
We've done the hard part of finding the best train journeys in Europe, the ones that will blow your mind with beautiful scenery as you sit back and enjoy a calming train journey.
1. Settle-Carlsile Line, England
Saved from closure in the 1980s, the Settle-Carlisle line glides through a glorious slice of northern England. You’ll pass the Yorkshire Three Peaks – Ingleborough, Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent – and cross the mighty Ribblehead Viaduct before a final push through a largely untamed Cumbrian landscape. To prolong the joy, stay the night at Dent, the highest mainline station in England, which doubles as a holiday cottage (dentstation.co.uk).
2. West Highland Line, Scotland
There’s a poetry to the station names on the 205-mile West Highland Line – Ardlui, Bridge of Orchy, Falls of Cruachan – and Highland scenery likely to inspire outbursts of lyricism. You can head to Oban or, better still, push further north across desolate Rannoch Moor to reach the fishing village of Mallaig. Sit on the left on the latter branch for a view of the Glenfinnan Monument and a bonus glimpse of the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
3. Cambrian coast line, Wales
From the university town of Aberystwyth, the Cambrian Coast Line snakes along the narrow corridor between Cardigan Bay and the mountains of Eryri National Park. After crossing the half-mile Barmouth Bridge – the longest timber viaduct in Wales – travellers are treated to a stunning view of hill-top Harlech Castle and the Italianate fantasy of Portmeirion rising above the sands. There’s a final fling along the Llŷn Peninsula to Pwllheli.
4. Derby to Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Starting alongside the River Foyle, the UK’s westernmost railway line skirts the resplendent Benone Strand and slides beneath the cliffs of Downhill. Rail operator Translink has launched an upgraded audio commentary and large picture windows on this line to make the experience even more memorable. To take in all the sea views, sit on the left when heading from Derry to Coleraine.
5. The Bergen Line, Norway
This seven-hour odyssey between Oslo and Norway’s second city takes passengers through Hardangervidda National Park, home to the largest high mountain plateau in Europe. On its journey to the west coast, the line climbs to 1,237m and forges its way through country so wild that several stations en route are inaccessible by road. Let yourself be lulled into a blissful trance by a seemingly endless succession of mountains, rivers and waterfalls.
6. Belgrade to Bar, Serbia and Montenegro
With 254 tunnels and 435 bridges, it’s little wonder this 296-mile stretch of railway took 26 years to build. Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2026, it runs from the Serbian capital to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, before pushing on to the port of Bar. It negotiates three mountain ranges, crosses one of the world’s highest viaducts and skims over Lake Skadar, the Balkans’ largest lake.
7. Bernina Express, Switzerland
Pulling out of Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, the Bernina Express starts on an extremely leisurely 4.5-hour journey to Tirano, a town just inside Italy. The scenery it trundles through in between is so special, the narrow-gauge line has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through the train’s panoramic windows you’ll see mountains, glaciers, gorges and the spa resort of St Moritz before journey’s end in an alpine valley in Lombardy.
