Embarking on a scenic train journey is more than just a mode of transport; it’s an immersive adventure that allows you to witness breathtaking landscapes and engineering marvels from the comfort of your seat. These railway experiences offer a unique perspective on some of the world’s most stunning regions, combining the romance of rail travel with the thrill of exploration. From alpine vistas to coastal splendours, historic elegance to tropical wonders, let’s explore some of the most captivating train journeys that serve as moving sightseeing platforms.
Iconic alpine routes: bernina express and glacier express
The Swiss Alps boast two of the most renowned scenic train journeys in the world: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express. These routes showcase the pinnacle of railway engineering while offering passengers unparalleled views of the majestic Alpine landscape.
Engineering marvel of the bernina pass spiral viaduct
The Bernina Express, connecting Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, is a testament to human ingenuity. As you traverse the Bernina Pass, you’ll encounter the spectacular Brusio Spiral Viaduct. This architectural wonder allows the train to gain altitude quickly by circling around itself, providing passengers with a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley. The viaduct’s design is not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly with the rugged terrain.
UNESCO world heritage status of the rhaetian railway
In 2008, the Rhaetian Railway, which includes the Bernina Express route, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition highlights the railway’s outstanding universal value, combining innovative engineering with the natural beauty of the Alps. The journey takes you through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Panoramic observation cars on the glacier express
The Glacier Express, often dubbed the slowest express train in the world , offers an eight-hour journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The train’s panoramic observation cars are a key feature, with expansive windows that extend into the roof, providing unobstructed views of the passing scenery. These carriages are designed to maximise the visual experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the dramatic landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
Culinary experiences: regional specialties served onboard
Both the Bernina Express and Glacier Express elevate the journey with their onboard dining experiences. You can savour regional specialties while enjoying the spectacular views. The Glacier Express, in particular, offers a full three-course meal prepared fresh in the train’s galley kitchen. Imagine indulging in traditional Swiss dishes like rösti or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes as you pass by snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine meadows.
Coastal splendor: norway’s bergen line and flåm railway
Norway’s rail network offers some of the most scenic routes in Europe, with the Bergen Line and Flåm Railway standing out as true gems. These journeys showcase the country’s diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to deep fjords.
Traversing europe’s highest plateau: hardangervidda
The Bergen Line, connecting Oslo to Bergen, takes you across the Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau. This vast wilderness area is home to Europe’s largest wild reindeer herd and offers a unique arctic-alpine ecosystem. As the train climbs to over 1,200 metres above sea level, you’ll witness the dramatic transition from lush valleys to barren tundra, a landscape that seems otherworldly in its stark beauty.
Technical challenges of the flåm railway’s 55% gradient
Branching off from the Bergen Line at Myrdal station, the Flåm Railway is an engineering marvel that descends 866 metres over just 20 kilometres. With a gradient of up to 55% (1:18), it’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. The journey includes 20 tunnels, 18 of which were excavated by hand. This feat of engineering allows passengers to experience a dramatic descent through the heart of the Norwegian fjords, with each turn revealing new and breathtaking vistas.
Myrdal station: junction of engineering and natural beauty
Myrdal station, where the Flåm Railway connects with the Bergen Line, is a testament to Norway’s commitment to making its most beautiful regions accessible by rail. Perched at 867 metres above sea level, this remote station serves as a gateway to some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. The station itself, with its traditional wooden architecture, offers a charming contrast to the wild surroundings.
Fjord views: sognefjord and aurlandsfjord from the train
As the Flåm Railway descends towards sea level, it offers stunning views of two of Norway’s most beautiful fjords: Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord. The train hugs the mountainside, providing passengers with vertiginous views of the deep, narrow fjords below. The journey culminates in the village of Flåm, nestled at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord, where you can further explore the fjord landscape by boat or on foot.
Historic elegance: orient express and royal scotsman
For those seeking a journey that combines luxury with nostalgia, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman offer unparalleled experiences. These trains harken back to the golden age of rail travel, providing passengers with a taste of early 20th-century opulence.
Art deco restoration of the venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is renowned for its meticulously restored Art Deco carriages. Each carriage has been lovingly brought back to its former glory, featuring polished wood panelling, sumptuous upholstery, and intricate marquetry. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the journey, from the fine china and crystal glassware to the attentive service provided by staff in period uniforms.
Glenfinnan viaduct: harry potter’s hogwarts express route
The Royal Scotsman, while traversing the Scottish Highlands, crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This 21-arch curved viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films as part of the Hogwarts Express route, offers breathtaking views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains. The train slows down as it crosses the viaduct, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the engineering marvel and the stunning scenery.
Luxury amenities: onboard spas and Michelin-Star dining
Both the Orient Express and Royal Scotsman elevate the concept of luxury rail travel with their onboard amenities. The Royal Scotsman features the first spa carriage on a UK train, offering treatments using Scottish products. Meanwhile, the Orient Express prides itself on its gourmet dining experiences, with menus crafted by renowned chefs using fresh, local ingredients sourced along the route. These trains offer a level of comfort and indulgence that rivals the world’s finest hotels.
Travelling on these historic trains is like stepping into a living museum of luxury rail travel, where every detail has been carefully curated to transport you back to a more elegant era.
Breathtaking heights: rocky mountaineer and andean explorer
For those seeking high-altitude adventures, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada and the Andean Explorer in Peru offer journeys through some of the world’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.
Goldleaf service: Bi-Level Glass-Dome coaches
The Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service features custom-designed, bi-level glass-dome coaches that provide unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies. The upper level offers panoramic views through dome windows, while the lower level houses a dining area where guests can enjoy gourmet meals. This unique design allows passengers to remain connected to the passing scenery even during meal times, ensuring no spectacular view is missed.
Fraser canyon and hell’s gate: canadian geological wonders
As the Rocky Mountaineer winds its way through the Fraser Canyon, passengers are treated to views of Hell’s Gate, a narrow gorge where the Fraser River is forced through a 35-metre wide passage. The train slows down at key points, allowing guests to fully appreciate the power of the rushing water and the dramatic rock formations. This section of the journey showcases the raw beauty of Canada’s geological wonders.
Oxygen systems for High-Altitude andean crossings
The Andean Explorer, which traverses the Peruvian Andes, is equipped with oxygen systems to ensure passenger comfort at high altitudes. As the train climbs to elevations exceeding 4,000 metres above sea level, the thin air can cause discomfort for some travellers. The onboard oxygen system is a testament to the train operator’s commitment to passenger well-being, allowing guests to fully enjoy the journey through the breathtaking Andean landscape.
Lake titicaca: highest navigable lake from the train
One of the highlights of the Andean Explorer’s route is the approach to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. As the train skirts the shores of this vast, high-altitude lake, passengers are treated to views of traditional reed boats and distant snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters. The train’s observation car provides the perfect vantage point for capturing photographs of this unique landscape.
Tropical adventures: kuranda scenic railway and eastern & oriental express
For those drawn to lush, tropical landscapes, the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia and the Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia offer journeys through some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.
Barron falls: Hydro-Electric power and rainforest conservation
The Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through the ancient rainforests of Queensland, offers spectacular views of Barron Falls. This massive waterfall is not only a natural wonder but also plays a crucial role in hydro-electric power generation for the region. The train journey provides insights into how modern infrastructure can coexist with and even support rainforest conservation efforts, showcasing a balanced approach to development and environmental protection.
Colonial engineering: 15 Hand-Made tunnels and 37 bridges
The construction of the Kuranda Scenic Railway in the late 19th century was a feat of colonial engineering. The route includes 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges, each a testament to the determination and skill of the workers who carved this path through the dense rainforest. As you travel through these tunnels and over the bridges, you’re experiencing a living piece of Australian engineering history.
Teak-paneled carriages: recreating golden age of travel
The Eastern & Oriental Express, running between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, features luxurious teak-panelled carriages that recreate the golden age of travel. The train’s interior design pays homage to the region’s rich cultural heritage, with intricate wooden carvings, silk furnishings, and local artwork adorning the cabins and public areas. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience that complements the stunning tropical landscapes outside.
River kwai bridge: WWII history from the train window
As the Eastern & Oriental Express crosses the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand, passengers are offered a unique perspective on World War II history. The train slows down to allow guests to appreciate the significance of this site, which was part of the Thailand-Burma Railway built by Allied prisoners of war under Japanese occupation. This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the region’s complex past, adding depth to the journey through Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes.
These tropical train journeys offer more than just scenic views; they provide a window into the rich cultural, historical, and ecological tapestry of their respective regions.
In conclusion, these scenic train journeys offer far more than transportation; they provide immersive experiences that engage all the senses. From the engineering marvels of alpine routes to the luxury of historic trains, from breathtaking mountain crossings to tropical adventures, each journey tells a unique story of the landscapes and cultures it traverses. As you plan your next adventure, consider letting the rails guide you through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, turning the journey itself into the destination.