The most spectacular winter train journeys in Europe
If spring, summer and autumn are for enjoying calming steam train rides in Britain and great rail journeys abroad, like the Rocky Mountaineer, you'll want to browse our brilliant ideas for winter train journeys in Europe that celebrate the most magical season of the year.
If you ask us, it's never too early to get excited about winter. The crisp woodland walks, festivities with family and friends, getting snuggly by a warm fire after a long day - we can't wait to wrap up warm and experience the cosiest time of year.
One of the best ways to travel in winter is by heading to Europe’s stunning mountains and fjords, when they're at their most icily beautiful, and you can glide past on a long, winding winter train journey as you sit back, relax and soak up the wonderful scenery.
For a classic Christmas experience, head to Switzerland in December, when its pretty mountain villages are coated in bright white snow, and winter trains like the Bernina Railway or Glacier Express will take you high up into the iconic Alps.
Here are six of the most spectacular winter train journeys to take in 2025, which we’ve included in our exclusive selection of holidays for Country Living readers.
Bernina Railway
The Swiss Alps have always been one of Europe’s top winter destinations, with sweeping views of sparkling white snow, cute wooden chalets serving homemade stews and soups, and beautiful lakes nestled in the foothills.
A lovely way to take in the alps is on-board the Bernina Railway. This world-famous alpine train takes passengers from Tirana in Italy to chic St Moritz in Switzerland, on one of Europe’s most scenic routes. Plus, the spacious, panoramic carriages mean you’ll be able to admire the views from every angle – without a long hike!
Stay by Lake Como and ride the Bernina Railway with Country Living in December 2024. You'll ride through the mountains to elegant St Moritz, enjoying views of Switzerland's pristine lakes and stunning mountain tops through the train's windows.
Glacier Express
Another fabulous way to soak up the romance of the Alps is on the slow-moving Glacier Express. Gliding along at a relaxed pace, you’ll have all the time in the world to drink in fantastical views on either side, as you inch your way through snow-coated woodland and up into the mighty Oberalp Pass, standing 2,033 metres above sea level.
Known as the world's slowest express train, it's an eight-hour experience that takes you over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, surrounded by picture-postcard pine forests and majestic white peaks. Plus, you’ll see the jaw-dropping arches of the Landwasser Viaduct and the jagged Rhine Gorge.
Explore the Swiss Alps and ride the Glacier Express with Country Living in January 2025. At this time of year the Alps will be carpeted in thick snow. You'll stay in Chur, the oldest city in
Switzerland, which looks like something out of a fairytale in the winter months.
Bergen Line
Linking Oslo and Bergen, this is Northern Europe’s highest railway, climbing to 1,237m above sea level as it crosses the idyllic Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The pretty Alpine scenery up here is truly special, and very popular for hiking and fishing during summer, but during the freezing winter months the best way to experience its meadows, streams and lakes is definitely on a scenic railway journey.
You’ll also pass through Finse, which is known as ‘mini-Antarctica’, because its extreme conditions led polar explorers Nansen, Amundsen and Shackleton to use it as a training ground. And keep an eye out for wildlife too, you might spot arctic foxes, snow owls and wild reindeer as your train winds its way across the dramatic rocky route.
Arctic Circle Train
Experience the timeless winter landscape of Lapland on board the Arctic Circle train. Travelling from the Norwegian coast, the route takes you over the mountains into Sweden, through the beautiful birch forests that drape the fells of Abisko National Park.
Lasting around three hours and stopping at 12 points along the way, the Arctic Cicle train is popular with adrenaline-junkies, including skiers keen to experience the thrills of Björkliden ski resort and adventurers exploring the dramatic Riksgränsen mountain range on snowmobiles and helicopters. For a more leisurely experience, simply ride the length of the railway from Narvik to Kiruna and then travel by road to Jukkasjärvi, home to Sweden’s unique Icehotel.
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