25 Best European Rail Journeys

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)