European train routes with stops in small towns, markets and coastal villages
You’re standing on platform 9 in Chur just before departure, coffee from the kiosk by the entrance, watching people check carriage numbers without much urgency. Some already have seats booked on the Bernina Express, others are just getting on the regular train behind it. It doesn’t feel like the start of something major. Trains come and go, people move around, and then yours leaves without much buildup.
A few days earlier, you might have stepped off in Vernazza around midday, followed the short tunnel out of the station onto Via Roma, and realised within seconds that the timing was off. Too many people in the same narrow street, nowhere to stop without blocking the way. Come back at 09:00, and it’s the same walk but completely different. Same place, same train, just a different hour.
That’s usually when these routes start to make sense. Not when you look at a map, but when you see how small details change the day. Where you sit, when you get on, where you decide to get off without planning it too much.
On something like the Glacier Express, you can stay on for hours and let the landscape shift slowly. On the Cinque Terre Express, you’re stepping on and off every few minutes, moving between villages like Monterosso al Mare and Manarola without really thinking about it. And on longer routes like the Oslo to Bergen line, you’re just watching how the terrain changes over time rather than looking for specific stops.
This guide is built around those moments. Not just which train to take, but how they actually work once you’re there. Where it’s worth staying on, where it makes more sense to get off, and how small timing decisions end up shaping the whole experience.
Glacier Express, Switzerland: the Swiss Alps by train
You board the Glacier Express in Zermatt just after 08:30, step into the carriage with the large windows, and within a few minutes the train starts moving without much announcement. Before that, you’ve probably walked down Bahnhofstrasse past bakeries already open, picked up something simple, and joined a small line of people doing the same thing. It doesn’t feel like a big departure moment, which is part of why it works.
The first stretch out of Zermatt is slower and quieter than people expect. The train drops down towards Visp, following the valley with houses spaced out along the slope rather than clustered together. You’re not looking for a single view here. It’s more about watching how the landscape shifts as you move through it.
By the time you reach Brig, more people get on, and the train starts to feel fuller. If you haven’t reserved a seat, this is where it becomes noticeable. The windows are wide, but depending on where you sit, reflections can get in the way, especially when the sun is higher. Sitting on the left side when leaving Zermatt usually gives you more open views early on.
The section after Brig is where the journey starts to change. The valley narrows, the track curves more often, and you move into higher ground without really noticing the transition. Around the Oberalp Pass, the train slows slightly, and you’ll see more exposed terrain compared to the lower sections. If you’re travelling outside peak summer, this is also where the temperature shift becomes more obvious when the doors open at stops.
One thing people don’t always realise is that you don’t need to stay on the train the entire way. Breaking the journey makes it easier to enjoy! Chur is one of the more practical places to stop. It’s small enough to walk through without planning, and you can stay overnight before continuing or switching to a different route. The old town is just a short walk from the station, with narrow streets and a few places to eat that aren’t built around quick stops.
On board, there’s food service, but it’s not essential. Many people bring something with them from Zermatt or Brig, especially for the morning part of the journey. It’s easier than waiting for service, and you’re not tied to a set meal time.
Arrival into St. Moritz feels like a shift back into a more structured place. Wider streets, more hotels, and a different pace compared to where you started. If that’s not what you’re looking for, it’s worth ending earlier along the route and staying somewhere smaller instead.
The Glacier Express works better when you don’t treat it as something to “complete.” Take one section, get off, stay somewhere along the line, and continue later!
If you’re leaning toward Switzerland for this kind of trip, this Swiss train routes gives a clearer overview of which lines are actually worth building a route around.
When to Go:
Summer (late June and July) is the sweet spot. The weather is just right - warm enough to enjoy the views without the chill of winter, and the wildflowers are in full bloom, making the landscapes even more vibrant. And the best part? It’s still before the true peak of the tourist season, so you get the beauty of the Alps with a little more space to breathe.
If you’re comparing landscapes before deciding where to go, this Saxon Switzerland guide helps you picture a more rugged version of this kind of trip.
Cinque Terre Express, Italy: moving between the villages by train
You step off the train in Monterosso al Mare and walk straight through the short tunnel at the station, past the small bakery on the corner, and you’re already on the seafront at Fegina Beach. The platform sits so close to the water that you don’t need to think about directions. Within a few minutes, you’re either walking along Via Fegina or heading through the old tunnel that connects to Monterosso’s historic centre.
That’s how the Cinque Terre Express works across all five villages. The stations aren’t separate from the towns. In Vernazza, you step off, walk through a short passage, and you’re directly on Via Roma, which leads you straight down to the harbour. In Manarola, the exit path curves slightly before opening up towards the viewpoint along Via Renato Birolli. In Riomaggiore, you leave the station through the tunnel and immediately face the split between the upper street (Via Colombo) and the lower path leading towards the marina.
The distances between each stop are so short that you barely settle into your seat before the next station is announced. Monterosso to Vernazza takes around 3 minutes, Vernazza to Corniglia about 4, and then another few minutes to Manarola and Riomaggiore. Because of that, it’s easier to think in terms of where to get off rather than how long you’ll be on the train.
Timing makes a noticeable difference, especially in places like Vernazza. If you arrive around 12:00–14:00, Piazza Marconi fills quickly, and the narrow stretch along Via Roma slows down with people stopping to look at menus or take photos. If you arrive before 10:00, the same route is clear, and you can walk straight to the harbour without stopping. By late afternoon, around 16:30–18:00, it starts to ease again, especially once some day visitors begin to leave.
Corniglia is the only village where the station doesn’t sit at the same level. When you get off, you’ll see signs for the Lardarina staircase, which starts just outside the station area. It’s a long, steady climb, with around 350 steps, and there are a couple of landings where people stop halfway up. The alternative is the small shuttle bus that runs back and forth to the village centre. It leaves from just outside the station and takes a few minutes, but it’s worth checking the timing rather than assuming it’s waiting.
On the train itself, there’s no seating plan, and during the middle of the day, it’s common to stand, especially between Vernazza and Manarola. Doors open frequently, and people move in and out quickly, so it never feels like you’re stuck for long. If a train feels too crowded, waiting 15–20 minutes for the next one is usually the easier option.
Tickets are checked regularly, especially between the more popular stops. The Cinque Terre Card covers unlimited travel between the villages and is usually the simplest option if you’re moving more than once or twice during the day. Machines are available at each station, but queues build quickly late in the morning, particularly in Monterosso and Vernazza.
What changes the experience most is not trying to do everything in one go. The train makes it possible to stop in all five villages in a single day, but that usually turns into short stops without seeing much beyond the main street. It works better to step off in one place, walk through properly, maybe take the path down to the water or sit somewhere briefly, and then move on when you’re ready rather than following a fixed plan.
If you’re arriving with luggage, Monterosso and Riomaggiore are the easiest. In Monterosso, you’re flat and close to both the beach and the old town. In Riomaggiore, you can choose between staying near the station or further down towards the marina, but both are reachable without long climbs.
The Cinque Terre Express ends up being something you use without thinking about it. You get on, get off, change your plan slightly, and keep moving.
Italy works a bit differently when you’re relying fully on trains, and this Italy by train makes it easier to see what’s realistic between regions.
Where to Spend Time Before and After:
If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to enjoy before or after hopping on the train, I recommend Levanto. It’s a peaceful spot with a nice beach and a relaxed vibe, plus it’s just a short train ride away from Cinque Terre. Spend a couple of nights here to enjoy some slower-paced coastal life.
After you’ve soaked in the Cinque Terre magic, make your way to Portovenere - it’s less touristy but equally stunning, with its colorful houses and calm waters. It’s the kind of place that lets you unwind and take in the simpler things.
The RhB Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy: crossing the Alps without changing trains
You board the Bernina Express in Chur just after 08:00, and for the first part it doesn’t feel like a “scenic train” at all. You’re moving through normal streets, past apartment blocks, local shops, and then gradually out of town without any clear transition. If you weren’t paying attention, you’d miss the moment where it starts becoming something else.
The line is part of the regular Rhaetian Railway network, which means you can use it in sections rather than committing to the full route. That’s what makes it more useful than it first appears. The full journey runs from Chur to Tirano, but breaking it up gives you more control over the day.
One of the first stretches people notice is the climb out of Chur towards Thusis, where the track begins to curve more tightly and you start to see the height gain. After that, the train moves into narrower valleys and over bridges that feel much closer to the landscape than most mainline trains.
The section around Landwasser Viaduct is one of the few moments where people actually stop talking and look up at the same time. The train curves across the stone bridge and straight into a tunnel cut into the rock. It happens quickly, but you’ll notice everyone shifting slightly in their seats to catch it.
Further along, around Pontresina, the terrain starts to open up again before the climb towards the higher sections. From here, the route heads towards the Bernina Pass, and the change in landscape becomes more obvious. Fewer trees, more exposed rock, and patches of snow still visible outside peak summer.
Near Ospizio Bernina, the train reaches its highest point at over 2,200 metres. This is one of the sections where you’ll notice the air change slightly when doors open at the station. The lakes here sit close to the track, and depending on the time of year, the water can still look partially frozen even when it’s warm further down.
The descent towards Italy is where the pace of the journey shifts again. As you move towards Poschiavo and then down towards Tirano, the track begins to wind more tightly through villages and open land. One of the most noticeable sections is the spiral viaduct at Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the train loops around itself to lose height before continuing down.
By the time you arrive in Tirano, you’re back at street level, crossing roads and moving through the town in a way that feels completely different from the alpine sections earlier in the journey. The station sits just a short walk from the centre, and you can step off and be in Italy without any transition beyond the change in language and layout.
On board, you can reserve seats in the panoramic carriages, but it’s not essential. The same route runs with regular regional trains, which are often less crowded and easier to use if you want flexibility. Sitting on the right side when travelling from Chur gives better views on some sections, but you’ll find yourself moving slightly anyway as the landscape changes.
Food is available, but most people bring something with them, especially if they’re starting early. Stops along the route are short, so there’s no real chance to pick anything up once you’re on board.
Some routes are better if you plan a proper stop in between, and this Swiss Alps weekend shows what that looks like when you step off the train for a few days.
Sils Maria is another beautiful town that’s worth exploring before hopping on the Bernina Express. Tucked away in the Swiss Alps, it offers a sense of solitude and timeless beauty. You can stay in small, locally-run hotels and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After your train journey, spend some time in Tirano, which often gets overlooked by tourists but is absolutely stunning. You can visit Castel Grumello, a little-known medieval castle with incredible views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains.
The Oslo to Bergen Railway: crossing Norway at ground level
You board the train at Oslo Central Station just after 08:00, find your seat, and for the first 30–40 minutes it feels like any other regional departure. Apartment blocks, suburban stops, people getting on with coffee in hand. Then the buildings thin out, the tracks start to curve more, and without any real marker, you’re in open landscape.
The line to Bergen runs for just under seven hours, but it doesn’t feel like a single stretch if you pay attention to where you are. The terrain shifts in clear sections. Forest first, then wider valleys, then higher ground as you move inland. Around Geilo, you start to notice the altitude more. The air looks sharper, the vegetation lower, and the distance between buildings increases.
The section across the Hardangervidda is where the journey opens up. This is the highest part of the route, and it feels different from the earlier sections. Long, flat stretches, fewer trees, and a horizon that stays low and wide. In late autumn and winter, this part can be completely snow-covered, while in summer it’s more muted, with patches of water and low vegetation.
At Finse, the train reaches its highest station at 1,222 metres. You’ll see people getting off here with backpacks or skis depending on the season. There’s no road access, which changes the feeling of the stop. The station sits on its own, with a hotel nearby and not much else around it.
After Finse, the line begins to descend gradually towards the west. The landscape shifts again as you move closer to the fjord region. More water, steeper sides to the valleys, and a different kind of light, especially on clear days. The approach into Bergen is slower, with more tunnels and shorter sections between them.
If you’re not planning to do the full route in one go, Geilo works as a practical stop. It’s about halfway, easy to access from the station, and gives you a chance to break the journey without needing to plan too much. Finse is another option, but it’s more limited and works better if you already know what you’re going there for.
On board, there’s usually a café carriage, but it’s basic. Coffee, simple meals, snacks. Many people bring something with them from Oslo, especially for the first part of the journey. The seats are comfortable enough for the full ride, but if you want more flexibility, it helps to get up and move around occasionally rather than staying in the same position the entire time.
Seat choice matters slightly. Sitting on the left side when leaving Oslo gives you better views across some of the wider valleys, but you’ll notice that people tend to shift or stand near windows at certain points anyway, especially when the train moves into more open terrain.
If you’re thinking about heading further north, this Scandinavia guide gives you a sense of how the pace and distances change.
Before you board the train, make sure to spend a day or two in Flåm, a small village nestled at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord. It’s a true Norwegian gem, often overlooked by tourists who are focused on larger cities. You can take a boat ride on the fjord or hike up to the Stegastein viewpoint for one of the most iconic views in the region. The train ride from Oslo to Bergen, while scenic, is just the beginning…
The Al Andalus Train, Spain: a slower way through southern Spain
You don’t really “catch” the Al Andalus Train. In Seville, you show up near Santa Justa with a small group of people who all seem to be doing the same thing, standing just outside the station rather than on the platform. There’s a check-in desk set up temporarily, luggage is taken from you straight away, and then there’s a bit of waiting. No one explains much, and nothing feels rushed. When they finally walk you onto the platform, the train is already there, set slightly apart from the regular departures.
Stepping inside feels more like entering an older hotel than a train. The corridor is narrow enough that you turn sideways when someone passes, and the cabins are compact in a way that makes you immediately think about what you actually need to keep with you. You open the door, see your bag already placed inside, and within a few minutes you’re back out again because there’s nowhere to properly sit except in the shared carriages.
The lounge carriage is where the day settles without anyone deciding it should. In the morning, it’s quiet, a few people with coffee, looking out without speaking much. By late afternoon, the same space fills again, but not in a busy way, more like everyone has drifted back to the same place after being off the train. You start noticing small routines. Someone always sitting near the window on the right-hand side. Another person who comes in at the same time each day and orders the same drink.
When the train leaves Seville, you don’t really feel it. The platform disappears, and then it’s just long stretches of flat land, rows of olive trees, and occasional farm buildings set back from the tracks. You stop paying attention for a while, then look up again and realise you’ve been moving through it the whole time without marking the distance.
The stops are structured, and you follow them rather than shape them yourself. In Córdoba, you’re taken off the train and into the old town, usually entering near the streets that lead towards the Mezquita. You walk through narrow lanes like Calleja de las Flores, but you don’t wander far from the set route. In Ronda, you arrive closer to the main viewpoints, cross near Puente Nuevo, and follow a path that’s already been decided. You see what most people come to see, but you don’t step away from it.
In Jerez de la Frontera, the visit often centres around a bodega, with transport arranged so you don’t think about how to get there. You arrive, walk through the cellars, taste something, and then return to the train. It’s all smooth, but it also means you don’t experience the in-between parts of the town unless you extend your stay separately.
Back on the train, the shift is immediate. Shoes off, people sitting back in the same seats, conversations picking up where they left off earlier. There’s no sense of needing to move on to the next thing because the next thing is already decided for you.
Meals follow a fixed structure, but they don’t feel rushed. Breakfast is early, usually before leaving the train for the day’s stop. Dinner happens once everyone is back on board or at a planned location. People sit longer than they normally would, not because they’re trying to make an occasion of it, but because there’s nowhere else to go straight after.
What you start to notice after a day or two is the time in between everything else. The hours where the train is moving and nothing specific is happening. You’re not looking for a landmark or waiting for a moment. You’re just sitting there, watching the same landscape shift slightly, with no need to track where you are.
There are small practical details that only become obvious once you’re on board. Keeping a smaller bag with what you need during the day makes the cabin easier to manage. The train feels more settled when it’s moving than when it’s stopped in a station. And the quietest moment on board is usually late afternoon, when most people are resting before dinner rather than moving around.
By the time you reach places like Cádiz, the transition back to normal travel feels more noticeable than the journey itself. You step off, collect your luggage, and suddenly you’re back in a place where you have to decide what to do next.
The Al Andalus doesn’t really build towards a final moment. It just carries on at the same pace until you leave it. That’s what makes it different from other train routes.
Spain is often overlooked for train-based trips like this, but these Spanish villages show where it actually works well.
While the Al Andalus train is all about luxury, it’s also about getting to know the local culture. Spend an extra day in Ronda, a town perched dramatically on a gorge. It’s a quieter alternative to the bigger cities of Seville and Granada, and you’ll get to experience its rich history, winding cobblestone streets, and stunning views. Don’t miss the historic Puente Nuevo bridge, which offers some of the best views of the town.
Before you choose a train route in Europe
One thing that only becomes obvious once you’ve actually used a few of these routes is how differently they handle the small, practical parts of travel. Not the views, but everything around them. On the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, you’re still inside the regular Swiss rail system, which means platforms run on time, connections are tight but reliable, and you can step off in places like Brig or Pontresina without needing to rethink your whole route. If you miss something, there’s usually another train.
That’s very different from something like the Al Andalus Train, where you’re effectively stepping out of the transport system entirely for a few days. You don’t have access to alternative timings or spontaneous changes. Once you’re on, the route runs as it’s set, and everything else is arranged around that.
In places like Cinque Terre, the practical details are smaller but matter just as much. Platforms in Vernazza and Manarola are short and often crowded, and trains don’t always stop for long. If you’re travelling with a bag, it helps to be near the doors before the train arrives rather than moving through the carriage at the last second. It’s a small thing, but it changes how easy it is to get on and off throughout the day.
Another detail people rarely think about is direction of travel. On mountain routes, light hits one side of the train differently depending on the time of day. Early departures from places like Chur or Zermatt give clearer views before reflections build on the glass. Later in the day, you’ll often see people shifting seats slightly or standing near windows to avoid glare rather than staying in one place.
Luggage is another dividing line between these routes. On the Swiss trains, overhead racks and open storage areas are easy to access, so you can keep everything with you. On the Cinque Terre Express, space is more limited, and you’ll notice quickly how much easier it is to move around with a smaller bag. On the Al Andalus, luggage disappears as soon as you arrive and only returns at the end, which changes how you pack entirely.
It’s also worth thinking about how flexible you want your days to be once you’re there. On routes like the Bernina line, you can get off somewhere unexpected, stay the night, and adjust the rest of your trip without much impact. In Cinque Terre, you can decide to skip a village entirely and it doesn’t affect anything. On the Al Andalus, there’s no version of that. You follow the route exactly as it’s planned.
Seasonality plays out differently across these journeys too. In Switzerland, higher sections like Ospizio Bernina or the areas near the Oberalp Pass can still feel cold even in summer, while lower sections remain warm. In Cinque Terre, the difference is less about temperature and more about crowd patterns throughout the day. In Andalusia, the heat becomes part of the structure, with excursions and train movements planned around it rather than adjusted on the spot.
If you’re choosing between routes, it helps to think beyond the idea of “scenic.” Some are better for sitting and watching the landscape shift over several hours. Others work best when you’re stepping off frequently and building the day as you go. And some remove that choice completely and give you a set structure to follow.
And if you’re still unsure how flexible you want the trip to be, this breakdown of Eurail options helps you figure out what makes sense before you book anything.
FAQ: scenic train routes in Europe
What is the most scenic train route in Europe?
The most talked about routes are the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express in Switzerland, but they feel very different in practice. The Glacier Express is a long, continuous journey, while the Bernina route works better in shorter sections, especially between Pontresina and Tirano.
Is the Glacier Express or Bernina Express better?
They suit different types of trips. The Glacier Express is more structured and usually requires seat reservations, while the Bernina line (using regional trains) gives you more flexibility to stop along the way in places like Pontresina or smaller stations along the route.
Can you get off the Bernina Express and get back on later?
Not with the panoramic train itself, but you can use the regular Rhaetian Railway trains on the same route. This lets you stop in places like Poschiavo and continue later without booking a full journey.
Do you need to reserve seats on scenic trains in Europe?
Yes for some routes. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express panoramic trains require reservations. The Cinque Terre Express does not, but trains can get crowded, especially between Vernazza and Manarola in the middle of the day.
Is the Cinque Terre train worth it or should you walk?
The train is the easiest way to move between villages. Walking is possible between some sections, but the Cinque Terre Express saves time and makes it easier to avoid the busiest hours by moving earlier or later in the day.
How long is the Oslo to Bergen train ride and is it worth it?
The journey takes around 6.5 to 7 hours between Oslo and Bergen. It’s worth doing for the contrast in landscapes, especially across the Hardangervidda and around Finse, where the terrain changes noticeably.
What is the best time of year for scenic train travel in Europe?
Late spring and early autumn are usually the easiest times to travel. In Switzerland, higher sections like Ospizio Bernina can still feel cold even in summer. In coastal areas like Cinque Terre, the time of day matters more than the season.
Can you bring luggage on scenic trains in Europe?
Yes, but it’s easier with smaller bags. Swiss trains have open storage areas, while trains like the Cinque Terre Express can feel tight during busy periods. On the Al Andalus Train, luggage is handled separately and stored for you.
Are scenic trains in Europe crowded?
They can be. The Cinque Terre Express is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon. Swiss panoramic trains are less crowded due to reservations but still fill up in summer. Early departures are usually quieter.
Are European train journeys safe and comfortable for solo travelers?
Yes. Most scenic train routes in Europe are very solo-friendly. They're safe, well-connected, and give you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Whether you're riding through the Alps or exploring the Italian coast, these journeys offer a peaceful and rewarding experience for solo travelers.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance for popular European routes?
For popular scenic routes like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Al Andalus luxury train, it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance - especially if you're traveling in summer. Regional or local trains like the Cinque Terre Express often allow more flexibility, but seats can still fill up quickly during peak travel times.
When is the best time to take a scenic train trip in Europe?
The best time to travel by train in Europe is late spring through early summer - particularly May and June. The weather is warm but not too hot, the scenery is at its best, and the major tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet. For fall colors and a quieter pace, September is also an excellent choice.
Which train journeys are best for avoiding crowded tourist cities?
If you're trying to avoid places like Venice or Paris in peak season, look for routes that focus on smaller towns and scenic landscapes. The GoldenPass Line in Switzerland, Oslo to Bergen in Norway, and the Bernina Express (especially if you stop in Pontresina or Tirano) are perfect for peaceful travel and charming, lesser-known stops.
Can I bring luggage or store bags easily on scenic trains in Europe?
Most long-distance and scenic trains in Europe have dedicated luggage storage areas either above the seats or at the end of the carriage. There’s usually no strict weight or size limit, but pack light if you’re planning to hop on and off or explore villages between stops.
Are scenic trains in Europe expensive? What’s the budget-friendly option?
Some routes like the Glacier Express or luxury trains like Al Andalus can be pricey, but others (like the Oslo to Bergen line or Cinque Terre Express) are very affordable. Booking early, choosing 2nd class seats, and traveling in shoulder season (May or September) can help you save money while still enjoying an amazing experience.
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