Spectacular train journeys in Europe to put on your bucket list in 2022

With a rail community that spans lots of of hundreds of kilometres, Europe is likely one of the world’s most various and accessible practice journey locations.

From five-star luxurious sleepers in Spain to 100-year-old rail routes in Slovenia, we decide the continent’s most spectacular practice journeys to your subsequent European rail journey.

For five-star luxurious: El Transcantábrico, Spain

The ultra-luxurious Transcantabrico sleeper practice takes visitors on an 8-day journey from Spain’s historic Santiago de Compostela to the Romanesque metropolis of Leon.

Travelling by way of the nation’s northern coastal cities of Santander and Bilbao, the 643 km route presents views of the Cantabrian Sea and the inexperienced peaks of Asturias, in addition to the chance to discover the Picos de Europa Nationwide Park and the seashores of Ribadeo.

Naturally, the route additionally celebrates Northern Spain’s world-class meals and wine, stopping off at among the area’s greatest seafood eating places and serving Michelin-worthy a-la-carte menus onboard. Contained in the practice, 1923 Pullman coaches redesigned with luxurious suites, jacuzzi ensuite bogs, and classic eating automobiles await.

For extra info and easy methods to e book, go to Renfe.com

El Transcantabrico crosses the bridge over the River Ebro at Arija, Burgos@LuxuryTrainClub

For fjords and heights: Bergen Railway, Norway

Crossing the Hardangervidda Nationwide Park at 1,237 metres, the Bergen Railway is northern Europe’s highest mainline railway line. The 371 km route begins in Oslo, travelling by way of inexperienced lowlands and indigo-coloured lakes after which climbing previous glass-like fjords, forested rivers, and snow-capped mountain passes.

The journey from Oslo to Bergen, which burrows by way of 180 tunnels and stops at 22 stations, takes round seven hours, however many guests mix the route with a trip on Bergen Railway’s department line, Flåm, Europe’s steepest standard-gauge railway.

For extra info and inspiration on different Norwegian rail journeys, see Go to Norway

Bergen Railway is the very best mainline railway in northern EuropeMariusLtu/Getty Photographs/iStockphoto

For historical past and epic engineering: Bohinj Railway, Slovenia and Italy

The three-hour journey from Jesenice in Slovenia to Trieste in Italy climbs by way of the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps, taking in each the world’s largest stone arch bridge (the principle arch alone spans 85 metres) and Slovenia’s longest railway tunnel (6,327 metres). The 100-year-old line was initially constructed to attach Western Austria and Southern Germany with the then Austro-Hungarian port of Trieste.

Immediately, nevertheless, the Bohinj Railway serves cyclists and hikers accessing the area’s stunning trails and wine fans exploring Nova Gorica’s wineries. From Might to November, a steam practice pulls the carriages and workers put on the identical uniforms worn throughout the 1900-1906 Austro-Hungarian Empire.

For extra info, go to Bohinj.si

The Bohinj Railway takes in Slovenia’s Julian AlpsRemedios/fesus robert "kavita" (fesus robert "kavita" (Photographer) - [None]

For alpine views: Glacier Specific, Switzerland

Switzerland’s most iconic rail journey chugs by way of a winter wonderland of towering snow-capped peaks, dense alpine forest, and 61 metre-high stone viaducts that rise from deep valley gorges.

Reaching common speeds of 38km/hour, it takes seven and a half hours for the Glacier Specific to journey from Zermatt to St.Mortiz, giving passengers ample time to absorb the Swiss Alp views as they sip on champagne or feast on smoked trout and beef tartare.

Whereas many guests full the journey in a day, taking it sluggish means sufficient time for cross-country snowboarding in Oberwald or summiting Gornergrat on Europe’s highest cog railway for show-stopping views of the Matterhorn.

For extra info, go to Glacierexpress.ch

Switzerland’s most iconic rail journey connects the ski resorts of Zermatt and St.Moritz.Markus Thoenen/Getty Photographs/iStockphoto

For a bit of magic: West Highland Line, Scotland

All aboard the Hogwarts Specific. On the West Highland Line in Scotland, you'll be able to retrace the journey of the world’s most well-known wizard as you glide within the Jacobite steam practice over Glenfinnan, the 21-arch viaduct made well-known by the Harry Potter movies.

The five-hour journey winds passengers from the lowland metropolis of Glasgow to the highland port of Mallaig, taking within the 267km of glassy lochs and heather moorland that make up Loch Lomond, Trossachs Nationwide Park, and Rannoch Moor.

The practice passes by way of among the wildest elements of the UK, that means you’re way more prone to spot deer or the occasional hovering eagle than you're one other human being.

For extra info, go to ScotRail

Scotland’s West Highland Line was made well-known by the Harry Potter moviesRixipix/(C) Jane Rix ((C) Jane Rix (Photographer) - [None]

For rainforests and historical lakes: Montenegro Specific, Montenegro and Serbia

Opened in 1976, the Montenegro Specific is one in all Europe’s youthful long-distance rail routes. However whereas it might not compete with older rail journeys relating to historical past, the mountain surroundings actually makes up for it.

The 12-hour journey begins from Montenegro’s seaport city of Bar and continues by way of 254 tunnels and 435 bridges by way of the Dinaric Alps to achieve the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

In simply 475 km, the Montenegro Specific takes within the Biogradska Gora Nationwide Park (one in all Europe’s few remaining rainforests), Lake Skadar (southern Europe’s largest lake), and even dips into elements of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For one of the best views, be sure to sit on the left aspect of the practice when travelling from Bar to Belgrade.

The Montenegro Specific is a 475 km journey that passes by way of Biogradska Gora Nationwide Park.Kateryna Kolesnyk/Getty Photographs/iStockphoto

For extra info, go to Interrail.eu