Embark on a journey of unparalleled beauty and adventure as you traverse some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes by rail. From winding through majestic Alpine peaks to crossing vast Siberian plains, these train journeys offer more than just transportation – they provide a window to breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time explorer, prepare to be mesmerised by the stunning vistas that unfold before your eyes as you sit back and relax in the comfort of a train carriage.
Iconic alpine routes: the bernina express and glacier express
The Swiss Alps are home to two of the most renowned scenic train journeys in the world: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express. These routes showcase the best of Alpine beauty, combining stunning mountain scenery with remarkable feats of engineering.
Engineering marvel of the landwasser viaduct
One of the most photographed spots along these routes is the Landwasser Viaduct. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering prowess. As you cross this 65-metre high, six-arched limestone bridge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Landwasser River valley below. The viaduct’s curved design allows passengers to witness the train’s progress as it navigates this impressive structure, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Panoramic views from the oberalp pass
The journey reaches its literal high point at the Oberalp Pass, sitting at an elevation of 2,033 metres. Here, panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The stark beauty of the Alpine landscape is on full display, with snow-capped mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s not uncommon for passengers to spot local wildlife, including ibex and marmots, adding to the sense of immersion in this pristine mountain environment.
UNESCO world heritage albula line
The Albula Line, a UNESCO World Heritage site , is a masterpiece of railway engineering. This section of the journey features numerous spiral tunnels and viaducts, allowing the train to gain altitude quickly while providing ever-changing perspectives of the landscape. The ingenuity of the line’s design is particularly evident as the train spirals inside mountains, emerging to cross valleys on elegant viaducts, all while offering continuous scenic delights.
Culinary experience: regional specialties onboard
The journey isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a culinary adventure as well. Onboard dining cars serve up regional specialties that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of the areas you’re passing through. From hearty Swiss cheese fondue to delicate pastries, the menu is carefully curated to enhance your travel experience. Enjoying these local delicacies while gazing out at the stunning Alpine scenery creates a multi-sensory journey that truly captures the essence of Swiss culture and landscape.
The Swiss Alps train journeys are not merely modes of transport, but moving vistas that showcase the raw beauty of nature alongside human ingenuity.
Trans-siberian railway: moscow to vladivostok
Stretching across the vast expanse of Russia, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest continuous rail line in the world. This epic journey covers 9,288 kilometres, traversing eight time zones and offering a unique glimpse into the heart of Russia’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
Lake baikal: world’s deepest freshwater lake
A highlight of the Trans-Siberian journey is the section that skirts the shores of Lake Baikal. Known as the “Pearl of Siberia,” Baikal is the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake. The train hugs the lakeshore for several hours, providing passengers with spectacular views of its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. In winter, the lake freezes over, creating a mesmerising landscape of ice formations and snow-covered taiga forests.
Architectural splendor of kazan’s kremlin
As the train makes its way across Russia, it stops at several historic cities, including Kazan. Here, passengers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kazan Kremlin, a stunning example of Russia’s diverse architectural heritage. The Qolşärif Mosque , with its vibrant blue domes, stands in beautiful contrast to the white walls of the kremlin, symbolising the harmonious coexistence of Islamic and Orthodox Christian cultures in this region.
Traversing the ural mountains: Europe-Asia border
One of the most significant moments of the journey occurs as the train crosses the Ural Mountains, marking the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia. A monument near the city of Yekaterinburg commemorates this geographic divide. Passengers can literally stand with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, a unique experience that emphasises the vast scale of this transcontinental journey.
Golden eagle luxury train: ultimate Trans-Siberian experience
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Golden Eagle train offers a premium version of the Trans-Siberian journey. This opulent train features lavishly appointed cabins, gourmet dining cars, and a bar lounge for socialising. The Golden Eagle also includes guided excursions at key stops along the route, allowing passengers to delve deeper into the history and culture of the regions they’re passing through.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is more than just a train ride; it’s a journey through the heart of Russia’s diverse landscapes, from the onion domes of Moscow to the wild forests of Siberia and the Pacific coast of Vladivostok. It offers a unique perspective on the world’s largest country, connecting travellers with its rich history, varied cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Rocky mountaineer: canadian wilderness by rail
The Rocky Mountaineer offers one of North America’s most spectacular train journeys, winding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This luxury train service provides passengers with unparalleled views of pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife, all while enjoying world-class comfort and service.
Fraser canyon and hell’s gate air tram
As the train snakes through the Fraser Canyon, passengers are treated to dramatic views of steep rock faces and churning rapids. A highlight of this section is Hell’s Gate, where the mighty Fraser River narrows to just 35 metres wide, creating a spectacle of rushing water. The train slows down here, allowing guests to spot the Hell’s Gate Air Tram, a gondola that crosses high above the turbulent waters below.
Spiral tunnels in kicking horse pass
One of the most impressive engineering feats along the route is the Spiral Tunnels in Kicking Horse Pass. These tunnels, carved through solid rock, allow the train to gain elevation in a relatively short distance. As the train emerges from one tunnel, passengers can often see the rear of their own train entering the next tunnel below, creating a fascinating visual experience that showcases the ingenuity of early railway engineers.
Wildlife spotting: grizzly bears and bighorn sheep
The Rocky Mountaineer journey offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears foraging near the tracks, bighorn sheep perched on rocky outcrops, and majestic elk grazing in alpine meadows. The train’s custom-designed coaches with oversized windows ensure that you won’t miss a moment of the action, whether it’s a soaring eagle or a grazing moose.
Goldleaf service: dome car panoramic views
For the ultimate Rocky Mountaineer experience, the GoldLeaf Service offers travel in bi-level dome cars. The upper level features full-dome windows that extend over the roof, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. The lower level houses an elegant dining area where guests can savour gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs, featuring local ingredients and regional specialties.
The Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t just transport you through the Canadian Rockies; it immerses you in a world of natural wonders and luxurious comfort, creating memories that last a lifetime.
The ghan: australia’s red centre adventure
Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed Australia’s vast interior, The Ghan offers a unique journey through the heart of the continent. This iconic train travels 2,979 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin, cutting through the Red Centre and showcasing Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the fertile south to the tropical north.
Alice springs: gateway to Uluru-Kata tjuta national park
A key stop on The Ghan’s route is Alice Springs, the unofficial capital of the Australian Outback. From here, passengers can take excursions to the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The sight of Uluru, the massive red monolith rising from the desert plain, is truly awe-inspiring. The ever-changing colours of the rock face at sunrise and sunset create a natural light show that captivates visitors from around the world.
Katherine gorge: ancient nitmiluk sandstone country
As The Ghan continues north, it stops at Katherine, where passengers can explore the stunning Nitmiluk National Park. The ancient sandstone country features a series of gorges carved by the Katherine River. Optional excursions include scenic flights over the gorges, guided walks to view Aboriginal rock art, or leisurely boat cruises along the tranquil waters, offering different perspectives of this magnificent landscape.
Marla: outback sunrise experience
One of the most memorable experiences on The Ghan is the Outback sunrise stop at Marla, a remote town in South Australia. Passengers disembark in the pre-dawn hours to witness the sun rising over the vast desert landscape. The golden light slowly illuminating the red earth and sparse vegetation creates a magical atmosphere, perfectly capturing the essence of the Australian Outback.
The Ghan is more than just a train journey; it’s a voyage through Australia’s heart and soul. From the comfort of your cabin or the stylish lounge cars, you’ll witness the dramatic transition from the ochre-hued deserts of the centre to the lush tropics of the north. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to engage with Aboriginal culture, explore ancient landscapes, and experience the legendary hospitality of the Outback.
Flåm railway: norway’s fjord marvel
The Flåm Railway, or Flåmsbana in Norwegian, is often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. This 20-kilometre long branch of the Bergen Railway connects the mountain station of Myrdal with the fjord village of Flåm, offering passengers a breathtaking descent through some of Norway’s most spectacular fjord scenery.
Myrdal to flåm: 20 tunnels in 20 kilometres
The engineering feat of the Flåm Railway is truly remarkable. In its short 20-kilometre stretch, the train passes through 20 tunnels, many of which were hand-carved. The line descends from 866 metres above sea level at Myrdal to sea level at Flåm, with an average gradient of 1:18. This makes it one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, offering passengers a thrilling ride with constantly changing views of mountains, waterfalls, and deep ravines.
Kjosfossen waterfall: mythical huldra performance
A highlight of the journey is a stop at the thundering Kjosfossen waterfall. Here, passengers can disembark to view the 93-metre high cascade up close. During the summer months, visitors are treated to a special performance. Amidst the mist of the waterfall, the mythical Huldra – a seductive forest creature from Norwegian folklore – appears, dancing and singing to enchant onlookers. This unique blend of natural wonder and cultural performance adds an extra layer of magic to the journey.
Flåmsdalen valley: glimpses of vibrant nordic flora
As the train winds its way down the Flåmsdalen valley, passengers are treated to ever-changing vistas of the surrounding landscape. In spring and summer, the steep mountainsides burst into colour with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery. Keep an eye out for the traditional Norwegian farms clinging to the valley sides, their red-painted wooden buildings providing a picturesque contrast to the natural scenery.
The Flåm Railway journey culminates in the charming village of Flåm, nestled at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the vast Sognefjord. Here, travellers can extend their Norwegian adventure by taking a fjord cruise, exploring local hiking trails, or simply relaxing and soaking in the serene beauty of the fjords.
The Flåm Railway doesn’t just transport you through the Norwegian landscape; it offers a front-row seat to some of nature’s most spectacular shows, from thundering waterfalls to tranquil fjords.
Durango & silverton narrow gauge railroad: colorado’s historic journey
Step back in time and experience the Old West on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic train line, constructed in 1882, offers a 45-mile journey through the rugged San Juan Mountains of Colorado, connecting the towns of Durango and Silverton.
Animas river canyon: towering cliffs and crystal waters
The train follows the course of the Animas River, winding through the dramatic Animas River Canyon. Passengers are treated to spectacular views of towering cliffs, some rising over 1,000 feet from the canyon floor. The crystal-clear waters of the river, visible from the train’s open-air gondola cars , add to the scenic beauty. At certain points, the tracks cling precariously to the canyon walls, offering thrilling vistas and photo opportunities.
San juan national forest: aspen and spruce vistas
As the train climbs into the San Juan National Forest, the landscape transforms. Dense forests of aspen and spruce trees cover the mountainsides, creating a tapestry of colours that changes with the seasons. In autumn, the aspen groves turn a brilliant gold, contrasting beautifully with the deep green of the spruce and the blue Colorado sky. Wildlife sightings are common, with passengers often spotting deer, elk, and even the occasional black bear.
1880s steam locomotives: living railway history
One of the unique aspects of the Durango & Silverton line is its use of authentic 1880s steam locomotives. These beautifully maintained engines are more than just modes of transport; they’re living pieces of history. The sight, sound, and smell of these coal-fired, steam-operated locomotives add an immersive element to the journey, transporting passengers back to the heyday of American railroading.
The journey culminates in the historic mining town of Silverton, nestled high in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 9,305 feet. Here, passengers can explore the well-preserved downtown area, visit local museums, or enjoy a meal in one of the town’s Old West-style saloons before making the return trip to Durango.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers more than just stunning views; it provides a tangible connection to America’s railway heritage. As you travel along the same tracks that once carried gold and silver ore from the high country mines, you’re not just a passenger – you’re a participant in a living history experience.
Whether you’re marvelling at the engineering feats of the Swiss Alps, immersing yourself in the vastness of Siberia, or reliving the days of the Old West in Colorado, these train journeys offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Each route tells a unique story, blending natural beauty with human ingenuity and cultural heritage. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider stepping aboard one of these remarkable trains – you might just find that the journey becomes the destination.