Best Scenic Train Journeys in Europe: Slow Travel by Rail
Discover Europe’s most scenic train journeys, from Swiss Alps and Norwegian fjords to Scotland and Italy, for a much slower and more memorable rail escape.
Europe is rediscovering the pleasure of travelling by train. Slow travel is bringing attention back to journeys where the landscape, not just the destination, becomes part of the holiday.
From the Swiss Alps to Norwegian fjords and Scotland’s remote Highlands, Europe has rail routes that turn travel time into an experience. The renewed interest is timely too. In 2026, new and revived night train services are expanding in parts of Europe, although the network still faces infrastructure and operational challenges. Rail travel is growing, but availability varies by route and season.
Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most distinctive mountain journeys. The route runs from Chur through the Swiss Alps to Tirano in Italy, crossing the Bernina Pass and passing glaciers, lakes and dramatic valleys. It travels through the UNESCO listed Rhaetian Railway in the Albula and Bernina landscapes, with highlights including the Landwasser Viaduct. Alpine scenery changes noticeably as the train descends towards Tirano, where the landscape becomes distinctly Mediterranean.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
For a longer Alpine experience, the Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz in around eight hours. The journey crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, including the Rhine Gorge and the Oberalp Pass. The route is designed for sightseeing, with large windows that make the surrounding mountains and valleys part of the experience. Panoramic views are the main attraction, making this a journey to savour rather than rush through.
Flåm Railway, Norway
Norway’s Flåm Railway offers a shorter but remarkably dramatic journey. The line connects Myrdal with Flåm, descending from the mountain railway at Myrdal into the Flåm Valley. The journey takes about an hour and passes steep mountains, waterfalls and the Kjosfossen waterfall. It is especially appealing for travellers who want to combine a rail experience with Norway’s wider fjord landscape.
West Highland Line, Scotland
Scotland’s West Highland Line runs from Glasgow towards Oban or Fort William and Mallaig. The route passes Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with the landscape shifting from lochs and forests to open moorland and mountains. The Glasgow to Mallaig journey takes roughly five and a half hours. Wild landscapes are the defining feature, with many sections offering views that feel far removed from major cities.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Not every scenic railway journey needs to take an entire day. Along Italy’s Cinque Terre, regional trains connect Levanto and La Spezia while serving the five coastal villages. The railway makes it possible to combine villages such as Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore without relying entirely on road transport. During the 2026 season, Trenitalia is operating the 5 Terre Express service from March 14 to November.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro Valley offers a different kind of rail scenery, with vineyards, river views and historic settlements shaping the journey. The railway follows the Douro River from Porto towards Pocinho, with regular services providing access to towns and landscapes associated with the region’s wine culture. For travellers who prefer a slower itinerary, the route works well as part of a broader visit to Porto and the Douro Valley. River landscapes replace the dramatic peaks found on Alpine routes.
Why Slow Rail Travel Works
The appeal of scenic rail travel goes beyond photography. Slower journeys create time to watch landscapes change, stop in smaller places and connect several destinations without constantly packing and unpacking. Trains can also bring travellers directly into city centres or regional towns, making rail a practical part of a multi destination European holiday.
However, scenic does not always mean simple. Some routes require seat reservations, while timetables, seasonal services, engineering works and weather can affect journeys. The Glacier Express, Bernina Express and other panoramic services have specific booking arrangements, while ordinary regional trains may offer more flexibility. Checking the operator’s latest timetable before travelling is essential.
Final Thoughts
Scenic train journeys in Europe are not simply about getting from one destination to another. They make the journey itself part of the experience, whether that means watching the Swiss Alps unfold outside the window, following Norway’s fjords or travelling through the rugged landscapes of Scotland. Each route offers a different way to experience Europe at a slower, more memorable pace.
With the right route, season and itinerary, a European rail holiday can turn a simple trip into an experience worth remembering. At ACMA Holidays, we can help you plan your European holiday with the right destinations, stays and experiences, so you can spend less time organising the details and more time enjoying the journey.
