Europe is home to some of the most glamorous train rides in the world, and there’s no better time to experience them than over the summer.
The best train rides in Europe connect both cosmopolitan capitals and peaceful small villages, but even though the destinations are certainly exciting, it’s the journey itself that’s the main attraction. Each of these graceful trains cater to passengers’ every comfort, with cozy dining cars and plush cabins, no matter if the journey is for a few hours or several days.
But the real draw unfurls outside the cabin, with impeccable scenery flashing past the windows. Whether gliding through an impossibly verdant Alpine valley, navigating the heather-laden hills of the Scottish highlands, or rolling along Italy’s southern coastline, summer European train rides immerse travelers in the continent’s most magnificent landscapes. Here’s a look at six of the best.
Traverse the Swiss Alps with Glacier Express
This eight-hour ride through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz passes through two UNESCO World Heritage areas and over nearly 300 bridges. When the snow melts in the summer, the scenery becomes even more majestic, with dramatic valleys and green Alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers. The journey begins at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn in the town of Zermatt and winds its way through natural wonders like snow-capped glaciers and pristine lakes. But the most spectacular views arrive as the cherry-red train glides directly through the Rhine Gorge, which is nicknamed the Swiss Grand Canyon. Sheer cliffs of white rock slope dramatically toward a snaking aquamarine river, which the train hugs, gliding along its banks amid lush evergreens. A dining car serves up a menu of entrees and snacks, including a selection of Alpine cheeses and Swiss wines. For an even more luxe experience, book into Excellence Class, which offers more comfortable seats that offer guaranteed access to the massive panoramic windows, and a welcome glass of Champagne.
