Scenic Train Rides in Europe: A Visual Feast!
Recently, I went on an amazing train journey through the European Alps, spending 5 glorious days traveling through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Let me share with you 3 scenic train routes that I found truly unforgettable:
1) The GoldenPass Line, Switzerland: Montreux - Zweisimmen - Interlaken - Lucerne
This famous railway truly lives up to its name! The train cars aren't just equipped with extra-large windows; they also have glass roofs, making it super easy to enjoy panoramic views. The journey takes you past crystal-clear lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains, and peaceful countryside villages – it's so beautiful you'll want to stay on the train forever. The train itself is an attraction!
The most breathtaking stretch is definitely the climb up the mountainside near Montreux. From here, you can get a stunning view of Montreux city, Lake Geneva, and the snow-covered mountains in the distance.
Another gorgeous spot is near the town of Spiez, where you'll see a small church by the lake and charming old houses that look straight out of a fairy tale.
The section from Montbovon to Zweisimmen is also memorable, passing through quintessential Swiss meadows, villages, pine forests, lakes, and snow-capped mountains – like traveling through a painting.
During my trip, the section from Interlaken to Lucerne involved switching to a bus for part of the journey due to maintenance, so I didn't get to experience it fully. I heard it's also very beautiful, so please share if you have any insights!
Along the railway, there are many places worth exploring further. For example, Montreux has the famous Chillon Castle, and nearby are Lausanne, Geneva, and the French border, making it easy to visit Zermatt.
Interlaken is a transit point to Jungfrau and Grindelwald – some of the most renowned spots in the Swiss mountains.
Lucerne is close to Mount Rigi and the city of Zurich – both must-visit destinations.
2) Innsbruck - Woergl - Zell am See - Salzburg, Austria
Innsbruck and Salzburg are two prominent tourist cities in Austria. If you're in a hurry, you can take the express train, which only takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. However, you'll miss out on a lot of beautiful scenery.
I recommend breaking up the journey: Innsbruck – Woergl, then Woergl – Zell am See – Salzburg. The total time is about 3.5 to 4 hours, with just one train change at Woergl.
The special thing about this route is that it doesn't follow the typical fast train route suggested on apps. Instead, it's the RE1523 line – a slower train that passes through picturesque regions like Kitzbühel, St. Johann in Tirol, Zell am See, Kuchl... You might even get a glimpse of the Watzmann mountain – the second-highest mountain in Germany!
3) Innsbruck - Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
If you're traveling from Innsbruck to Munich, most express trains go through the valley to the east. But if you choose the mountain railway route heading north, via Garmisch-Partenkirchen – this is a truly worthwhile scenic route.
As soon as you enter Germany, the landscape opens up with the Zugspitze mountain range – the highest peak in Germany – and the imposing cliffs of the Alps looming in the distance. Closer by, there are small villages, lush green meadows, forests, and lakes – all blending together to create a stunning picture that will leave you in awe.
These are the three most beautiful scenic train routes I've recently experienced. Due to time, weather, and some technical reasons, I didn't have the chance to try other classic routes like the Glacier Express in Switzerland or the mountain routes in France and Italy this time.
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