Europe is a continent that offers a variety of landscapes, cultures, and experiences for travelers. One of the best ways to explore its beauty and diversity is by train, which allows you to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your seat, without the hassle of driving, parking, or flying. Whether you are looking for a short trip or a long adventure, there are many scenic rail journeys in Europe that will take your breath away. Here are five of them that you should not miss:

1. Bernina Express: Switzerland to Italy

The Bernina Express is a four-hour journey that connects Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, with Tirano, a charming town in northern Italy. The train crosses the Alps on a narrow-gauge track that includes 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, offering spectacular views of glaciers, lakes, forests, and villages. The highlight of the trip is the Bernina Pass, where the train reaches an altitude of 2,253 meters and passes by the Morteratsch Glacier and the Lago Bianco. The train has panoramic windows and comfortable seats, making it a relaxing and enjoyable ride. You can also stop at Poschiavo, a medieval town with a Mediterranean flair, where you can visit the weekly market, hike around the lake, or dine at a local restaurant. A single ticket from Chur to Tirano starts from £73¹.

2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Italy to England

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury train that offers a classic itinerary from Venice to London, passing through Austria, Switzerland, France, and Belgium. The train consists of vintage carriages that date back to the 1920s and 1930s, decorated with art deco details and elegant furnishings. The train also has three dining cars, a bar car, and a boutique. The journey starts in Venice, where you can admire the lagoon and the canals from the train window. Then, the train climbs into the Dolomites, a mountain range with distinctive peaks and valleys. You can enjoy a gourmet lunch in the L’Oriental dining car while watching the scenery change. In the evening, you can dress up for dinner in the Etoile du Nord dining car and sip champagne in the bar car while listening to live piano music. The next day, you can have breakfast in your cabin and marvel at the French countryside before arriving in Paris. After a short stop, you can board another train that will take you to London via Brussels. The journey ends at Victoria Station, where you can continue your exploration of the British capital. A one-way ticket from Venice to London starts from £2,573².

3. Train des Pignes: France

The Train des Pignes (Train of the Pine Cones) is a three-hour journey that connects Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, with Digne-les-Bains, a spa town in Provence. The train runs on a narrow-gauge track that was built in 1891 and follows the course of three rivers: the Var, the Verdon, and the Bléone. Along the way, you can see picturesque villages, olive groves, lavender fields, and pine forests. The train also passes by some impressive bridges, viaducts, and tunnels, such as the Pont de la Mescla, the Viaduc de la Colle Saint-Michel, and the Tunnel de la Colle. The train has open-air carriages that allow you to enjoy the fresh air and the panoramic views. You can also hop off at any of the 25 stations along the route and explore the local attractions, such as the medieval castle of Entrevaux, the citadel of Sisteron, or the geological reserve of Haute-Provence. A single ticket from Nice to Digne-les-Bains costs €16³.

4. Zurich to Innsbruck: Switzerland to Austria

The Zurich to Innsbruck route is a two-and-a-half-hour journey that crosses two countries and two mountain ranges: the Swiss Alps and the Austrian Alps. The train is operated by Railjet, a high-speed service that offers comfortable and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and entertainment screens. The train departs from Zurich, a cosmopolitan city with a beautiful lake and a charming old town. Then, it enters the Alps and passes by stunning scenery such as Lake Walenstadt, Lake Zurichsee, and Lake Constance. The train also crosses the Arlberg Pass, where you can see snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. The journey ends in Innsbruck, a historic city surrounded by majestic mountains and famous for its winter sports and cultural events. A single ticket from Zurich to Innsbruck costs €29⁴.

5. GoldenPass Express: Switzerland

The GoldenPass Express is a five-hour journey that connects Montreux, a resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva, with Lucerne, a medieval city on the banks of Lake Lucerne. The train consists of three sections that each offer a different experience and scenery. The first section runs from Montreux to Zweisimmen and passes by vineyards, chalets, and pastures. The train has panoramic windows and classic interiors that evoke the Belle Epoque era. The second section runs from Zweisimmen to Interlaken and passes by forests, waterfalls, and mountains. The train has modern interiors and large windows that provide a 360-degree view. The third section runs from Interlaken to Lucerne and passes by lakes, bridges, and tunnels. The train has futuristic interiors and glass domes that create a spacious and airy atmosphere. The journey offers a diverse and spectacular view of Switzerland’s natural and cultural beauty. A single ticket from Montreux to Lucerne costs €90⁵.