Don’t Miss These 10 Must-See Destinations With Rail Europe
You’ve always dreamed of exploring Europe. Riding the rails, gazing out train windows at rolling hills and medieval castles, stopping in charming villages and bustling capitals. Well, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning your European rail adventure. With Rail Europe, iconic destinations like Paris, Rome, and Prague are just a quick, scenic train ride away. And beyond the major cities, you can discover hidden gems lesser-known towns, and off-the-beaten-path attractions all accessible by rail. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 must-see destinations in Europe that you can easily reach via train. From the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean coast, you’ll find inspiration for crafting your ideal rail itinerary. So read on and get ready to embark on the European adventure you’ve been waiting for!
The Best of Western Europe by Rail Europe
Paris, France
No trip to Europe is complete without visiting the City of Light. With Rail Europe, you can travel from London to Paris in just over 2 hours. Once there, feast your eyes on the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, and enjoy a café au lait along the Champs-Élysées.
Venice, Italy
There’s something magical about Venice, with its gondola-filled canals, St. Mark’s Square, and Basilica. The good news is Venice is well-connected by rail, with high-speed trains from Rome and Milan arriving in under 3 hours. Do yourself a favor and get lost wandering the narrow streets, then enjoy a prosecco while watching the sunset over the Grand Canal.
Barcelona, Spain
Art lovers and foodies rejoice in Barcelona should be at the top of your list. In under 7 hours from Paris, you’ll find yourself immersed in Catalan culture. Marvel at the Sagrada Família church, Park Güell, and the stunning architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Then fill up on tapas, jamón, and cava at one of the many restaurants along Las Ramblas Boulevard.
With extensive rail networks spanning most of Western Europe, these iconic cities and many hidden gems are well within your reach. All aboard – your European adventure awaits!
Exploring Central & Eastern Europe by Train
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, straddling the Danube River. Take a train from Vienna or Prague to explore the historic Buda Castle, thermal baths, and ruin bars. Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at night to see the Parliament building lit up.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague seems straight out of a fairy tale, with its picturesque Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge. Ride the rails from Berlin or Vienna to wander the cobblestone streets, sample Czech beer, and soak in the charm. Climb the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral for panoramic views of the city.
Transylvania, Romania
Journey into the heart of Dracula’s country from Budapest to explore medieval towns, Gothic churches, and Bran Castle. The stunning Carpathian Mountains provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, while Brașov and Sighișoara delight with their historic squares and clock towers.
Krakow, Poland
Take a train from Berlin or Vienna to discover Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital. Wander the largest medieval town square in Europe, visit Wawel Castle, and venture to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Sample hearty Polish cuisine and vodka in a cozy cellar restaurant. Krakow enchants with its Old World ambiance and tragic history.
Exploring Central and Eastern Europe by rail offers a glimpse into lands once hidden behind the Iron Curtain. From imperial cities to the Transylvanian countryside, these destinations showcase a captivating blend of cultures. Hop aboard adventure awaits!
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems to Discover by Rail Europe
The French Riviera
While the glamorous French Riviera may not exactly be “off the beaten path,” its scenic stretches of coastline, Mediterranean waters, and charming hill towns are best explored by train. Hop aboard the rail in Cannes or Nice and travel east to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a picturesque beach town with colorful buildings and quiet cobblestone streets. Farther east, Monaco offers a taste of luxury with its yacht-filled harbor and extravagant casino. The train also reaches into Italy, allowing you to discover the resort town of San Remo with its Russian Orthodox church and art nouveau architecture.
The Berner Oberland
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Berner Oberland offers stunning scenery without the crowds. Ride the Berner Oberland-Bahn from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, a peaceful valley town in the shadow of towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls. Just up the road, Wengen clings to a mountainside and serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region’s hiking trails. For unparalleled views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, take Europe’s highest railway to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch. This alpine wonderland hides some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
The Dalmatian Coast
Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline features historic walled cities, Mediterranean islands, and pebble beaches along the Adriatic Sea. From Split, the rail line hugs the coast south to Makarska, a beach town backed by the Biokovo mountains. Farther south in Ploče, you can catch a ferry to Korčula, a fortified island known for its vineyards and olive groves. The rail also travels north from Split to Šibenik, stopping at the Krka National Park, and on to Zadar with its sea organs and sun salutations. Exploring the Dalmatian coast by train allows you to uncover Croatia’s natural and cultural gems at your own pace.
