See Europe how it was meant to be seen. From mountain climbs to luxury sleepers, we pick the greatest train adventures to get you under the skin of the continent…
1 Glacier Express, Switzerland
Best for… Seeing Switzerland in the slow lane
The journey: Zermatt to St Moritz (290km; 7.5 hours)
We say… Don’t be fooled by its name: the Glacier Express (glacierexpress.ch) averages 38kph, but who wants to rush when the scenery is this spectacular? Linking two of Switzerland’s best-loved ski resorts, the route is an opus of snowcapped peaks, rugged valleys, 291 bridges and wild tangles of alpine forest. The view will keep you glued to the train’s panoramic windows – though the traverse of the towering Land wasser viaduct (pictured right) might have you reaching for a second glass of Valais wine.
Top tip: In Zermatt you can extend your trip by taking Europe’s highest cog railway (gornergratbahn.ch) to the summit of Gornergrat (3,089m). The view of the Matterhorn is worth it.
2 Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece
Best for… Peaks and valleys
The journey: Diakopto to Kalavrita (22.5km; 1 hour)
We say… Making delightfully slow work of a wild Peloponnese gorge, this heritage railway (odontotos.com) – built in 1895 – is one of southern Greece’s final remaining narrow gauge lines. It starts in the seaside town of Diakopto and weaves up to the mountain town of Kalavrita through hand-carved tunnels and plane-tree forests. En route, you’ll cross 49 bridges in total, as the Vouraikos River roils far below.
Top tip: To visit nearby Olympia’s ancient temples and stadium, take the small train from Katacolon – yet another narrow-gauge survivor.
3 Rhine Valley Line, Germany
Best for… A riverside ramble
The journey: Cologne to Mainz (152km; 2.5 hours)
Denne historien er fra September 2019-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra September 2019-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
