From the snow-capped peaks of Norway to the dramatic urban metro in Portugal, readers share their most memorable European rail journeys, each offering a unique perspective on the continent's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Mountains and Fjords in Norway
Daniel recounts his journey on the spectacular Bergensbanen railway, running between Oslo and Bergen. This unforgettable train ride crosses the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, passing lakes, forests, and snow-covered peaks before descending toward the fjords of western Norway. At Myrdal, he transferred onto the steep Flåmsbana, which drops dramatically to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, with waterfalls and sheer-sided valleys at every turn.
Charmed by the Vienna to Zagreb Train
Matt describes the journey from Vienna to Zagreb as mountainous central Europe relaxing into Balkan charm. Stunning Alpine scenery melted into forest, settling into rolling hills as they passed through Graz and reached the Slovene border. They enjoyed afternoon beers at the tiny Zidani Most station, gazing over lush Slovenian countryside. The connection to Zagreb boasted dramatic lake scenery that gave way to farmland, golden in evening light, as they passed into Croatia. The trip was booked through Omio for a reasonable £41.
Vintage Locomotives in Tuscany
Nigel Gould took the Treno Natura from Siena last May for a whole day out in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It is a real steam engine with classic coaches, mostly filled with friendly locals. A band came aboard to entertain, and an optional walk through vineyards was available. Fabulous value at only €42 each.
Historic Gem in Brandenburg, Germany
Rachael took the RB26 train from Berlin-Lichtenberg to Müncheberg and changed for the Buckower Kleinbahn historic narrow-gauge train, which runs from April to October. Opened in 1930 as an early electric railway, it is now run by volunteers. The line takes you through the rolling hills of the Märkische Schweiz in Brandenburg to the pretty spa town of Buckow, where she visited the residence of Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel on the peaceful reedy shores of Lake Schermützel, then relaxed on the beach after a hike through woodlands.
Alpine Beauty on the Montreux to Interlaken Line
Christian Vassie took the MOB railway from Montreux to Interlaken. The route weaves up through vineyards with Lac Léman shimmering below, then enters pine forests with glimpses of jagged mountain crests. Bridges straddle rushing white water, and after a long tunnel, the train bursts into alpine pastures peppered with chalets. Le Pays d'Enhaut offers valleys filled with crisp air, summer cowbells, flowers, and crickets, perfect for long walks, or winter-snow-muffled land with skis and fondues. Arriving in Château-d'Œx feels like discovering a new world.
Slow Travel at Its Best: Belgrade to Bar
Peter describes the train trip from Belgrade to Bar as one of the slowest in Europe, taking 11 hours to cover 296 miles. At €23, it was incredible value. The journey took him through deep gorges, canyons, and mountain peaks, crossing more than 400 bridges and stopping at every village. Highlights included the Mala Rijeka viaduct, spectacular dams, ancient monasteries, and stone houses where old black-clad women waved. At one point, passengers got out to feed a herd of goats, and they were overtaken by a mountain cowboy on a galloping horse. The final part offers views of swimmers and sunbathers on Adriatic beaches.
Through Italy's Apennines to Rome from the Adriatic
Stephen recommends the cross-country train from Pescara on the Adriatic to Rome. It traverses the spine of Italy, single track all the way across the Apennines, stopping at towns such as Sulmona and Avezzano. The scenery changes as the route traverses mountain passes and ridiculous gradients before descending to plains over 3 to 4 hours.
The Watchmakers' Railway in France and Switzerland
Martin describes a little-known French railway line from Besançon that drifts through the beautiful Jura foothills to Le Locle, a town at the centre of the Swiss watchmaking industry, terminating at La-Chaux-de-Fonds. No one got on or off at L'Hôpital-du-Grosbois, a byway station named after a leprosy hospital. At Morteau, the French border station, customs officials seemingly left long ago. A line that Dr Beeching would have closed still delivers you into Switzerland 'on time'.
Best Way to See the Pyrenees? On a Little Yellow Train
Joe Brownen recommends Le Train Jaune, which runs between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol in France. Le Canari, as it is known locally, climbs to 1,595 metres at Bolquère-Eyne during its spectacular 40-mile route. Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and valley-crossing suspension bridges can be experienced from the bright yellow open-air wagons or the cosy carriages. He and his wife went for their honeymoon and fell in love with the little yellow train.
Winning Tip: Urban Drama on the Porto Metro
Amy nominates Porto's metro D line heading south, which emerges dramatically from the underground to skim rooftops and rattle across the fantastic Eiffel-inspired Dom Luís I bridge, completed in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, a former partner of Gustave Eiffel. Choosing to walk back across the metal deck is a completely different experience.
