Europe's most scenic train lines
The continent's rail network offers plenty of picturesque routes past majestic mountains, stunning coastlines and much more. Here's our selection.
Flam Line, Norway
This 20-kilometer (12-mile) route in southern Norway connects Flam with Myrdal mountain railway station, situated 867 meters (2,844 feet) above sea level. Touted to be the country's most beautiful train ride, this journey takes you past an impressive waterfall and through a gorgeous valley. A return ticket will set you back about €60 ($62).
Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
Ever fancied riding the Hogwart's Express? Then head to Scotland and board the Jacobite Steam Train, which served as inspiration for the Harry Potter saga. Running only in summer, the train service links Fort William with Mallaig. On the way, you'll pass Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, and Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured). A return ticket costs some €60.
Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, Germany
Three narrow gauge trains service a 140-kilometer rail network in Germany's Harz mountain range. Most famous among them is the Brocken Railway, named after the region's highest peak. It shuttles tourists up to the summit several times a day. A return ticket costs €51. The ride is especially magical in the winter snow.
Train jaune de Cerdagne, France
Known as "the canary" due to its bright yellow color, this train connects Villefranche-de-Conflent with Latour-de-Carol in the French Pyrenees. It makes the 63-kilometer journey in three hours, passing through breathtaking mountain countrysides, across Sejourne viaduct (pictured) and the Gisclard suspension bridge. The price of a one-way ticket is €22.50.
Linha do Douro, Portugal
This popular railway line links the Portuguese city of Porto with Pocinho in the Douro Valley. The 150-kilometer route runs roughly three hours, and takes travelers through one of the world's oldest wine-growing regions. In fact, this where the world-famous port wine originates, so be sure to sample some along the way. A single ticket can be bought for about €14.
Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, Switzerland and Italy
This 52-kilometer route links two countries, by connecting Locarno in Switzerland with the Italian city of Domodossola. The two-hour rides take you over countless bridges and viaducts, affording stunning views of waterfalls, streams and mountain-scapes. If you have time, treat yourself to a hike along the way. A second-class return ticket will set you back €25.
Cinque Terre Express, Italy
This short, 12-kilometer line runs from the small town of Levanto to La Spezia, passing along the Italian Riviera, through vineyards and olive groves. Trains run every 15 minutes in summer, and every 30 minutes in winter, when fewer tourists visit the region. A single journey costs €5 in the summer months and half that in winter.
Arlberg Railway, Austria
This rail line in western Austria connects Bludenz and Innsbruck, spanning a distance of more than 130 kilometers. Along the way, you will pass the Arlberg massif, Trisanna bridge and nearby Wiesberg Castle (pictured). The spectacular ride will set you back €10.
Bohinj Railway, Slovenia
The Slovenian section of the Bohinj Railway runs through the Julian Alps, from Jesenice to Nova Gorica on the Italian border, taking two hours to complete. The 90-kilometer route takes you through almost 30 tunnels, and past incredible Lake Bled (pictured). A one-way ticket can be bought for €7.
Belgrade–Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro
Another favorite with train-lovers worldwide, this line links the Serbian capital Belgrade with Bar in neighboring Montenegro. The entire route spans 476 kilometers and takes about 11 hours to complete. It, too, passes numerous viaducts that provide fantastic views of the surrounding mountain landscape. A one-way ticket costs about €20.