These are officially Europe's most beautiful train journeys
There's truly nothing quite so magical as a train journey through a scenic landscape. As a passenger, all you have to do is sit back, relax and gaze longingly out of the window, admiring the endless tableaux of striking scenery that slide pass the gleaming glass.
Luckily for us, many of the world's most beautiful train journeys wind their way through Europe. They wind their way elegantly through the wilds of the UK, climb up to the heights of the Swiss Alps or whizz through the timeless glamour of cities like Paris and Venice.
Merely thinking about it is enough to encourage you to make 2025 the year you relive the golden age of rail travel, immersing yourself in all the romance and nostalgia on some elegantly restored carriage.
And to help you decide which to hop aboard first, travel company Rustic Pathways has released a list of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe. By analysing Tripadvisor reviews containing words including 'beautiful' and 'spectacular', they've come up with a list of 20 of the most unforgettable routes.
It will come as little surprise that topping the list is the one and only Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. This legend on wheels has been famous for its opulent style and no-luxury-spared service since the 1920s, having transported rockstars and royalty in its now painstakingly restored carriages – including the just-unveiled L’Observatoire, a special sleeper carriage designed by artist JR.
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Another highlight of this exceptional list is the Bernina Express, another legendary rail route that deserves a spot on any bucket list. This panoramic masterpiece operates between Switzerland and Italy, travelling through the mighty Swiss Alps and reaching a peak altitude of 7,391 feet at the Ospizio Bernina station.
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A final – but equally unmissable – route to appear on the list is the Glacier Express, which also passes through breathtaking mountain scenery. It connects Zermatt with the chic resort of St. Moritz via Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps.
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The most beautiful train journeys in Europe
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
2. Vale of Rheidol Railway
3. Kyle Line
4. The Flam Railway
5. Bernina Express
6. Settle-Carlisle Railway
7. Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
8. Gotthard Panorama Express
9. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
10. Brecon Mountain Railway
11. Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
12. Llangollen Railway
13. Bala Lake Railway
14. Jacobite Steam Train
15. The Bergen Railway
16. South Devon Railway
17. Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway
18. West Somerset Railway
19. Glacier Express
20. Le Train Jaune
Browse more rail journeys you can book with Country Living Holidays.
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