Train travel provides a singular and immersive experience for world exploration, enabling travelers to unwind in the comfort of their seats while taking in breathtaking scenery. From winding mountain passes to coastal cliffs and rolling countryside, here are some of the most scenic train routes around the globe that promise unforgettable journeys.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express is one of the world’s most iconic train journeys, winding its way through the stunning Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz. This panoramic train offers passengers amazing views of verdant valleys, snow-capped peaks, and charming alpine villages. Highlights of the journey include crossing the famous Landwasser Viaduct and traversing the Oberalp Pass, all while enjoying the comfort of luxurious panoramic carriages.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer offers a spectacular journey through the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, with routes that traverse the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. Passengers aboard this luxury train are treated to sweeping views of towering mountain peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and dense pine forests. Highlights of the trip include admiring the splendor of Banff and Jasper National Parks, traversing the Continental Divide, and driving through the breathtaking Fraser Canyon.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest railway line, spanning over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. This epic journey takes passengers across the vast and diverse landscapes of Russia, from the dense forests of Siberia to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Highlights of the journey include crossing the Ural Mountains, traversing the endless steppes of Mongolia, and passing through remote Siberian villages steeped in history and tradition.
Coastal Pacific, New Zealand
The Coastal Pacific is a scenic train journey that winds its way along the rugged coastline of New Zealand’s South Island, offering passengers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling vineyards, and snow-capped mountains. The route travels between the cities of Picton and Christchurch, passing through the picturesque Marlborough wine region, the charming seaside town of Kaikoura, and the stunning Canterbury Plains.
Flam Railway, Norway
One of the world’s steepest train routes, the Flam Railway connects Norway’s mountain station of Myrdal with the fjord town of Flam. This scenic journey takes passengers through dramatic landscapes of cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and towering mountains. Some of the journey’s highlights are traversing the stunning Flam Valley, crossing the well-known Kjosfossen waterfall, and taking in expansive views of the surrounding fjords.
Embarking on a scenic train journey is a thrilling way to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and iconic destinations. Whether traversing the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express, crossing the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer, or winding through the fjords of Norway on the Flam Railway, these scenic routes promise unforgettable experiences and unparalleled views.