6 Lesser-Known Train Routes in Europe for Relaxed, Scenic Travel
Looking for a quiet escape this summer? These train rides might be exactly what you need. If you prefer peaceful places, small towns, cozy cafés, and uncrowded stops, these routes will feel like a breath of fresh air.
You won’t find mass tourism here. These are slower journeys where you can sit back, enjoy the view, and maybe hop off for a coffee, a walk through a quiet village, or a visit to a small local shop.
If that sounds like your kind of travel, keep reading—these six lesser-known train routes across Europe are perfect for travelers who want something simple, calm, and authentic this year.
Vigezzina–Centovalli Railway (Italy–Switzerland)
The Vigezzina–Centovalli Railway is a beautiful scenic train ride connecting Domodossola in northern Italy with Locarno in Switzerland. This quiet train route is perfect if you’re looking for a slower, peaceful journey far from tourist crowds.
The ride itself is simple and charming—narrow-gauge tracks weaving through chestnut forests, crossing stone bridges, and passing small villages that seem frozen in time. The scenery changes quickly: rolling hills, waterfalls, vineyards, and wide mountain valleys, all best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
You won’t find packed carriages or busy stations here. Even in summer, it feels calm and welcoming, ideal for travelers who prefer to relax, look out the window, and maybe stop off along the way.
One lovely stop is Re, a small village with hardly any visitors. Right near the station, Café Serafina offers a peaceful spot under a chestnut tree where you can enjoy hazelnut cake and a coffee. It’s quiet enough to hear birdsong and the occasional soft conversation from locals passing by.
If you want to linger, there’s a viewpoint just a short walk from the café where you can sit on a stone wall and take in a full view of the valley below—a perfect peaceful pause before continuing your journey.
This route is one of the best ways to experience a scenic train journey between Italy and Switzerland if you prefer slow travel, beautiful landscapes, and quiet places that still feel local and authentic.
Septemvri–Dobrinishte Narrow-Gauge Railway (Bulgaria)
The Septemvri–Dobrinishte line is Bulgaria’s last narrow-gauge railway and a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a peaceful train journey through Bulgaria’s mountains. This scenic train ride winds slowly through the Rhodope, Rila, and Pirin mountain ranges, giving travelers a relaxing way to experience some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Unlike busy, high-speed routes, this is true slow travel. The train takes about five hours from start to finish, with the scenery constantly changing—from thick pine forests and meadows to small villages where life still feels traditional and unhurried.
What makes this train ride especially appealing for travelers who prefer quiet places is its atmosphere. It’s mostly used by locals, so there’s no rush, no noise, and very few tourists. The pace lets you really take in the details: shepherds tending their flocks, small vegetable gardens next to the tracks, and distant mountain peaks.
A favorite stop along this journey is Yakoruda. Right next to the station is a small kiosk where an older woman serves strong espresso from a tiny counter. There’s a bench nearby where you can sit quietly and enjoy your coffee while listening to birds and feeling the mountain air—a simple, perfect break.
If you’re interested in exploring more, the alpine town of Bansko is close to Dobrinishte and makes a great extension to the trip. Its cobbled streets, relaxed cafés, and mountain views fit perfectly with the calm rhythm of this train ride.
This lesser-known train journey is ideal for travelers who want a peaceful, scenic experience in Bulgaria—perfect for anyone looking to avoid crowds and spend time enjoying natural beauty at a slower pace.
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Mocăniță on the Vaser Valley (Romania)
The Mocăniță steam train on the Vaser Valley is one of Romania’s most peaceful and scenic train rides, perfect for travelers looking for a quiet, authentic experience in the Maramureș region. This heritage railway follows the winding Vaser River deep into the forests and mountains, offering slow travel at its best.
The train itself is small, charming, and unhurried. As it chugs gently along narrow-gauge tracks, the scenery unfolds at a perfect pace: spruce forests, grassy meadows, wooden villages, and grazing animals along the riverbanks. This peaceful train journey in Romania is a great way to see landscapes that still feel wild, local, and untouched by mass tourism.
One particularly memorable stop is Comanu. Just behind the station, you’ll find a tiny wooden chapel with its door usually left open, inviting visitors to step inside for a few quiet moments. The simple benches and peaceful atmosphere make it a lovely place to pause.
Further along the route, the train stops at Paltin where travelers often spread out picnic blankets in a grassy clearing beside the river. It’s an easy, relaxed way to spend time outdoors—perfect if you want to bring some local bread, cheese, and fruit for a simple lunch.
The Mocăniță train is ideal for anyone who wants a slower, quieter way to experience Romania’s countryside. Traveling solo? With a friend? Or just looking for a peaceful escape? This scenic train ride through Maramureș is a calm, beautiful journey that feels far from the usual tourist routes.
Bieszczady Forest Railway (Poland)
The Bieszczady Forest Railway is a quiet, scenic train ride through the beautiful Bieszczady Mountains in southeastern Poland. If you’re looking for a peaceful train journey in Poland, far from tourist crowds, this narrow-gauge heritage railway is a perfect choice.
Originally built for transporting timber, the railway now offers a slow, relaxed way to experience some of Poland’s most untouched natural landscapes. The train gently chugs through forests, across wooden bridges, and alongside meadows filled with wildflowers and tall grasses. Even during summer weekends when it operates most often, it remains uncrowded and feels authentic and local.
At Majdan station, a simple café serves homemade pierogi stuffed with forest mushrooms—a perfect stop to sit outdoors, eat slowly, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere while the train takes a break.
Another highlight is Polana Przysłup, a small stop where you’ll find a little craft shop selling handmade wool blankets and carved wooden goods. It’s a lovely place to browse quietly and soak up the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey.
This train ride is all about slow travel: no rush, no crowds, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery. If you want to explore a quieter side of Poland, the Bieszczady Forest Railway is a hidden gem that still feels genuine, simple, and welcoming.
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Gulbene–Alūksne Railway (Latvia)
The Gulbene–Alūksne Railway is a small, scenic train ride in Latvia that connects two quiet towns through peaceful countryside and forests. For travelers looking for a relaxing, uncrowded way to explore northern Latvia, this short heritage railway is a perfect fit.
The journey itself is simple and calming. The train slowly passes birch forests, wooden houses, and quiet rural villages where life moves at a gentle pace. It feels far removed from busy tourist routes and offers a refreshing way to experience slow travel in Latvia.
On certain days in summer, a steam locomotive operates this route, adding even more atmosphere—but even when running with regular engines, the experience remains peaceful and authentic.
When you arrive in Alūksne, it’s worth spending a little time exploring. Just a short walk from the station is a cozy independent bookshop located in a historic wooden manor. The owner often offers tea while you browse vintage postcards and old poetry books, creating a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
There’s also a park near the lake where you can sit quietly on a bench, sip a takeaway coffee from the bookshop, and enjoy the calm surroundings. It’s the perfect place to pause, relax, and take in the setting before continuing your journey.
The Gulbene–Alūksne Railway is ideal if you’re seeking a peaceful train journey in Latvia—simple, uncrowded, and full of small moments that feel personal and local.
Šargan Eight (Serbia)
The Šargan Eight railway is one of Serbia’s most scenic train rides and a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful journey through beautiful mountain landscapes. This restored heritage railway loops through the Tara Mountains in a unique figure-eight pattern, creating fantastic views at every turn.
The pace of the train is slow and comfortable, perfect for travelers who prefer relaxed, uncrowded experiences. Along the way, you’ll pass pine forests, green hillsides, small wooden stations, and rustic mountain villages that feel far from busy tourist spots.
One of the highlights is Mokra Gora, the departure point for most journeys. Before you board, it’s worth taking some time here—there’s a small café near the station where you can sit outside with a raspberry sorbet and enjoy views over Drvengrad, a wooden village built as a film set but now home to quiet cafés and art studios.
As the train climbs the mountain, it crosses its own path several times, offering changing perspectives on the surrounding landscape. The wooden carriages feel authentic and simple, and the atmosphere throughout the journey is calm and welcoming.
If you’re interested in slow travel in Serbia, the Šargan Eight railway is ideal. It’s an uncrowded, scenic way to experience the country’s natural beauty while enjoying a peaceful and unhurried day out.
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Maybe this is the year you go on a slow train adventure?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by packed trains or busy routes between big cities, these journeys offer a completely different experience. They don’t rush you from one famous landmark to the next—they pass through peaceful countryside, forests, and small towns that still feel quiet and local.
The stations are small and friendly, the carriages aren’t crowded, and you can hop off along the way for a coffee or a walk through a village that isn’t full of tourists.
These routes are perfect if you’re looking for a slower way to travel and want to enjoy the journey itself. It’s about simple moments: sitting back, watching the scenery roll by, stopping when something catches your eye, and enjoying places that haven’t lost their charm.
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FAQ
Most peaceful train journeys in Europe?
Routes like the Vigezzina–Centovalli Railway, the Mocăniță in Romania, and the Gulbene–Alūksne Railway are ideal for peaceful travel—small trains, quiet stations, uncrowded scenery, and gentle landscapes.
Scenic European train rides with forests and small towns?
The Bieszczady Forest Railway in Poland and the Mocăniță in Romania both pass through peaceful forests, remote villages, and mountain valleys that feel far from tourist routes.
Best train journeys in Europe for slow summer travel?
These six routes are perfect for a slower pace of travel: scenic landscapes, small towns, local cafés, and quiet stations where you can pause and explore.
Train routes in Europe with cozy cafés nearby?
Look for Café Serafina near Re on the Vigezzina–Centovalli route, the cozy bookshop serving tea in Alūksne, and the little coffee kiosk at Yakoruda in Bulgaria—all perfect for a relaxing break along the way.
Hidden train journeys in Eastern Europe?
The Šargan Eight in Serbia, the Gulbene–Alūksne line in Latvia, and the Septemvri–Dobrinishte route in Bulgaria are peaceful, lesser-known train rides perfect for travelers looking to avoid crowds.
Quiet train trips for introverts in Europe?
Each of these routes is perfect for introverts or anyone craving space and quiet: uncrowded carriages, peaceful landscapes, small local stations, and easy opportunities to sit, read, and enjoy the journey without pressure.
Best way to explore Europe by train?
There’s something wonderful about traveling by train when the pace is slow and the scenery invites you to relax. These six peaceful train journeys offer exactly that—a chance to experience Europe in a calm, authentic way, stopping in small towns, sipping coffee at quiet cafés, and letting your mind wander.
If this kind of slower, quieter travel resonates with you, there’s so much more waiting at Trippers Terminal. We’re all about uncovering peaceful, lesser-known corners of Europe—whether it’s charming market towns, cozy villages perfect for a weekend escape, or scenic routes where you can truly disconnect.
You might love exploring our curated Uzès guide next—a gentle introduction to one of France’s most beautiful, uncrowded market towns, complete with thoughtful recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and how to soak up its peaceful atmosphere.
And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, take a peek at the rest of our travel guides—they’re designed to help thoughtful travelers like you discover places that feel welcoming, unhurried, and special. From quiet cafés to hidden viewpoints, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you plan your next peaceful escape.
