Some European train rides are destinations themselves. Here's the honest sort.
Tier 1 — train rides as trips
- Glacier Express (Switzerland): 8h Zermatt to St. Moritz. Panoramic windows, dramatic alpine pass.
- Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy): Tirano to St. Moritz. UNESCO route through the Alps.
- Bergen Line (Norway): Oslo-Bergen, the highest mainline train in Northern Europe.
- Flåm Railway (Norway): 20km branch from the Bergen Line. Steepest standard-gauge in Europe.
- Cinque Terre Express (Italy): Connects the five villages along the Italian Riviera.
Tier 2 — strong scenic rides
- Caledonian Sleeper (London-Highlands): Overnight to Fort William. Wake at Loch Treig.
- West Highland Line (Glasgow-Mallaig): Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter).
- Belmond Royal Scotsman: Premium Scottish luxury.
- Centovalli (Italy-Switzerland): Locarno to Domodossola. Underrated.
- Albula (Switzerland): Less famous than Bernina; comparable scenery.
Tier 3 — good day-trip rail journeys
- Edinburgh-Inverness: Highland scenery, cheap.
- Mostar-Sarajevo (Bosnia): Dramatic mountain route.
- Belgrade-Bar (Serbia-Montenegro): Among Europe's most-scenic affordable rides.
- Pelion Railway (Greece): Steam-train heritage line.
Night trains worth booking
- Nightjet Vienna-Berlin / Vienna-Amsterdam / Vienna-Brussels: Modern sleepers, return of night trains.
- Snälltåget (Stockholm-Hamburg-Berlin): Nordic operator.
- Caledonian Sleeper (London-Highlands).
Strategy
Book scenic seats (window) 2-3 months ahead. Bernina/Glacier Express specifically require seat reservations. The classic luxury options (Orient Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman) need 6+ months and €5000+ budgets.