You probably know already that Britain and Europe have extensive and (mostly) excellent rail networks, plus some great rail passes on offer. What you might not know is that there are special trains you won’t want to miss – really, you won’t. Here are just a few – there are many, many more.
Scotland - The (Hogwarts) Jacobite Express: Follow the “road to the isles” from Fort William to Mallaig, through stunning highland landscapes associated with the doomed Bonnie Prince Charlie. And if you don’t know who he is, don’t worry: you’ll certainly find out when you’re in this area. However, it has to be said that Charlie's claim on this train is in danger of being eclipsed by Harry Potter’s. Yes, this is the genuine Hogwarts Express, and part of its route – the fabulous Glenfinnan Viaduct – will be familiar to those who’ve seen the films. This is a fantastic day in the highlands, and it takes in some of Scotland’s best scenery. Highlights include Glenfinnan (pictured) and Loch Sheil, the beautiful coast around Arisaig, the amazing white sands of Morar and a great deal more. Leaves Fort William 10.20, returns 4pm. Or…(my choice, for sure) buy a one-way ticket and travel on from Mallaig by ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye – where you must, really must, spend some time. Head north for the best scenery. For more information go to West Coast Railways. You might also want to check out the Jacobite’s “sister” trains, The Cambrian and Scarborough Spa Express.
Photo by ifyr
Norway - The Bergen and Flåm Railways: You can do these separately, but if you’re travelling from Myrdal on the Flåm line, you'll need take the Bergen line to get there. The Bergen is the highest railway in the north of Europe and a brilliant way of travelling between Bergen and Oslo. It's been voted one of the top 20 train trips in the world – and that’s some accolade. The distance is 493 km, time around six and a half hours, if you do it non-stop. But you’ll want to break your journey in the mountain village of Myrdal to connect with the Flåm railway, which is one of Norway’s top attractions. The track is very steep (it's the steepest normal-gauge railway in the world) and very, very scenic. Try to avoid the height of the tourist season. That's the Flåm valley pictured on the right.
Photo by photojenni
Switzerland - The Chocolate Train: Sheer indulgence: first class travel, complimentary coffee, chocolate and croissants; from Montreux on Lake Geneva to Gruyere. Not cheap, and not far either, but a delicious day out with some fine scenery. There’s a choice of carriages: modern with panoramic viewing, or gorgeous Belle Époque. You’ll visit a Gruyere cheese factory and indulge in some chocolate sampling at the Nestle factory; plus there’s time to explore historic Gruyere Castle and town. Touristy, but fun.
France -The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): France’s super-dooper-high-speed trains – use them to hurtle between Paris and Marseille in just three hours. Or to Brittany, or Lille, or Tours in the splendid Loire Valley. Forget about the scenery en route, you won’t have time to look at it, but this train is an experience in itself, and the destinations aren’t bad either! Here are two of many options:
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TGV Méditerranée: Paris to the south and south-east of France via Lyon, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence to Marseille. Easing up when it hits the Med coast, the TGV then cruises on to Toulon, Cannes and Nice.
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TGV Atlantique: Paris to Britanny via Le Mans, Tours, Nantes, Rennes, Qimper and Brest.
Photo by markeff66
Germany - The Rhine Valley Line: Many, many trains travel through the scenic Rhine Valley every day. You can hop on in Cologne or the capital, Bonn and travel south, or travel north from Mainz. The section between Koblenz and Mainz (around 100km) is the most scenic - it's dotted with castles, vineyards, picturesque villages and historic riverside towns, and there are constant views of the Rhine itself. To best appreciate this legendary area, take one of the slower services and stop off along the way.
Switzerland - Jungfraujoch: Chug your way to Europe’s highest station, (more than 3350 metres above sea level) in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with (in the right weather) views as far as France and Germany. There are two routes on offer: Interlaken via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, or Interlaken to Grindelwald, approaching Kleine Scheidegg from the other side. Whichever you take, you’ll change at Kleine Scheidegg for the dramatic cogwheel climb to Jungfraujoch. The two routes can be combined for a round trip. There are some serious heights involved in this trip, so don't go if you harbour an aversion to them; or if you're not a fan of snow-capped mountains. Also be aware that even if it’s sweltering in Interlaken, it is almost always mighty cold at “the top of Europe”. Take something warm to wear. I didn't, and regretted it (bitterly, I suppose you could say). The photo on the right was taken from the train ... though not by me.
Photo by jess & peter
These are just six of the many memorable UK and Europe rail journeys. If you have a personal favourite, why not share it with the rest of us? There's nothing better than word-of-mouth when it comes to travel tips.