subject: Top European Train Journeys [print this page] Europe boasts some of the world's most impressive scenery. Train journeys through Europe provide travellers with the opportunity to witness this beauty from the comfort of a luxury carriage, eliminating the stresses associated with holiday planning. Take advantage of the variety of offers available and book a top European rail journey today. Here are the top 5 European Rail Journeys.
1. Glacier Express, Switzerland
On the Glacier Express you travel on the famous Swiss mountain railways from St.Moritz to Zermatt - a 7-hour railway journey across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and across the Oberalp. This is essentially a panoramic trip through the Alps into the heart of Switzerland.
The Glacier Express takes a stunning route between the sights of the Graubunden holiday region, the sunny Valais region with its glacier landscape, and the beautiful regions of the South. Travel in comfort through the unspoilt natural beauty of a landscape rich in fragrant forests, peaceful Alpine meadows, rushing mountain streams, soaked in tradition and centuries of culture.
2. Semmering Railroad, Austria
The Semmering Railroad, running between Gloggnitz and the winter resort town of Semmering, passes through some extraordinary Austrian mountain scenery. Built between 1848 and 1854, the Semmering is considered to be one of the greatest feats of civil engineering, and was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1998.
The Semmering railway line is part of the Sudbahn railway that runs between Vienna and Graz, continuing on to Maribor, Ljubljana and eventually to Trieste. Built by Carl Ritter von Ghega between 1848 and 1854, the scenic Semmering route was quite daring for its time; it had a maximum gradient five times that of previous railways.
The Semmering Scenic Route features 16 viaducts supported by several arches, 15 tunnels and a main tunnel.
3. Myrdal to Flam, Norway
Discover the Flam Railway - an incredible train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway, down to Flam station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flam Railway one of Norway's most spectacular tourist attractions.
The journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20 km-long train ride you can witness rivers cutting through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes.
The Flam Railway is one of the world's steepest railway lines. At the foot of the mountains you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Flam Valley and admire the majestic Aurlandfjord, a branch of the world's longest fjord, the Sognefjord.
4. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a truly magical place. This Italian island offers spectacular scenery, ancient roots, friendly locals and amazing railways. A mountainous place about the size of Wales, Sardinia has a beguiling coastline and, inland, narrow gauge railways run for more than 450 miles through beautiful countryside. This tour uses privately chartered trains, with steam locomotives available wherever possible. Coaches used date back to the early 1900s; carriages with polished teak bodies, open balconies and stunning views.
5. Transylvania, Central Europe
This is an incredible sweep of a rail journey aboard the Danube Express train from Europe's eastern edge to its centre. The journey begins in exotic Istanbul, and traverses seven countries in Eastern and Central Europe. Journey through Transylvania, in Romania, with its mountain forests, castle, and villages - the land of Count Dracula. Then passengers visit Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany - the very best of Eastern Europe, all in one easy journey.
