There is something so very special about train travel that the experience is intense in ways no other transportation is even remotely able to match. To sit back and stroll through the windows, looking out at the changing landscapes is as if there is a living, breathing canvas outside the window, moving frame by breathtaking frame.
It takes the difficult wanderings across snow-capped mountains to coast-cliff glidings with extremity leisurely paces with an appreciation of every moment. Little is considered on how to reach the destination, much on how to spend the moments in the journey. It becomes an adventure or comfort for the traveler, and a sublime interlude with nature.
A Glacier Express Journey Through the Swiss Alps
The Glacier Express is no small boast to give “the slowest express train in the world,” but promises an experience in a lifetime: traversing the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Glacier Express connects two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts, Zermatt and St. Moritz. Eight hours of excellent traveling cover 291 kilometres of some of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful alpine vistas.
It is a travel postcard rather than a journey, as Glacier Express carries you from deep inside the heart of Swiss countryside to the villages, down in the valleys, and to the mountain peaks.
Among the magnificent views on this tour are those over Oberalp Pass and in the superb Rhine Gorge, which is called the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” Thanks to large window panes along the Glacier Express and comfortable seating, one is never without a seat to watch the show of nature up close.
Personal Experience. Taking a ride on the West Highland Line Through the Scottish Highlands
This experience remained locked in my mind while traveling. It was during this trip that I was fortunate enough to travel by the West Highland Line in Scotland-an experience that was going to be engraved in my mind. It is indeed the journey of a train from Glasgow to Mallaig, cutting through some of the most distant remote and breathtakingly beautiful countryside of Scotland.
But then, the most spectacular view was crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct-an engineering wonder wrought, if nothing else, by the Harry Potter films. As we curved along it, I couldn’t help but marvel at the view around me. Stretched below lay a breathtaking view of Loch Shiel surrounded by mountains.
Even though beautiful views that may have made this journey memorable are not the reasons for being part and parcel of the landscape, winding trains cut through dense forests; pass sparkling lochs and beside rugged coastlines.
It was not a journey toward something for me; it was itself-a stream of life having its beauty with every forward step. It becomes impossible not to feel the atmosphere surrounding serenity and homeliness with nature while visiting this region.
It Was a Pleasure to Be There – Great Southern Rail of Australia: Gem of the Coast
The most spectacular round-trip experience has to be the ride on the Great Southern Rail in Australia, commencing from Adelaide to Brisbane. With more than 2,979 kilometers over three days and two nights, this journey contains some of the country’s most varied landscapes, including rugged rainforests and golden beaches.
Perhaps the greatest scenic feat of the journey aboard the Great Southern Rail-if not the most spectacular-was when it crossed over the Blue Mountains: steep cliffs, thick eucalyptus forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic background.
Explore the picturesque coastline of Coffs Harbour, and then feast your eyes on the horizons of the expansive Pacific Ocean. Of course, this trip is for adventure lovers with a perfect mix of luxury due to gourmet dining and comfortable sleeper cabins.
Canadian Rockies: On Board the Rocky Mountaineer
The most beautiful train route of North America, the Rocky Mountaineer, savors an unforgettable journey through Canadian Rockies because it takes the travelers from Vancouver to Banff over the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
By circumventing by going through mountains, what one can be seen are towering peaks, emerald green lakes, and vast forests which one gets views of nowhere else.
Some part of your journey passes through the Spiral Tunnels. Engineering art works, these are designs which enable the train to move up steep inclines on mountains. Glass-domed coaches so you won’t miss one minute of the scenery-which, without a doubt, is breathtaking.
Norway’s Fjords: The Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway in Norway must be one of the most beautiful rides on a train anywhere in the world. The 20 kilometers lead from the high-altitude station of Myrdal down to the little village of Flåm, nestling in the Aurlandsfjord.
The journey is very short and only a few kilometers long, but it abounds in wonderful views: deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains decorate this unique landscape.
Probably the most impressive view along the Flåm Railway during the ride to the top is that of the cascading Kjosfossen waterfall, which the train brakes for passengers to watch and listen to, for its booming crashing sound.
Through its journey, the train passes through several tunnels in which scenes of lumpy landscape are caught every turn.
Indias Mountain Majesty: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
In fact, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is more famously known as the “Toy Train.” This train journey happens to be one of the most picturesque in India, since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This journey takes you through lush tea plantations, dense forests, and foothills of the Himalayas, along 88 kilometers of this narrow-gauge railway connecting New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
It is no ordinary train journey but a journey through time. A vintage steam locomotive comes with quaint stations and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga-a mountain that stands third highest in the world. It is indeed an experience unrivalled, for the train moves so slowly you can absorb everything you see and hear from this region.
It takes pride of place among South African trains: The Blue Train
Undoubtedly, it is one of the most luxurious train travels in the world: The Blue Train takes passengers on a 1,600-kilometer journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. This blue icon has been carrying travelers through South Africa for more than 70 years since it runs with panache, bringing up-to-date adventure, luxury, and glorious scenery.
Some of the most stunning South Africa scenery will await your arrival, including the arid expanse of Karoo desert and the breathtaking Table Mountain. With luxurious cabins, gourmet dining, and great service, the Blue Train is perfect for seeing South Africa in style.
New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific is the other coastal destination.
New Zealand also has some of the best scenic train rides in the Southern Hemisphere: one is the Coastal Pacific to Christchurch from Picton, running over 348 kilometers along the rugged South Island coastline and showing some of New Zealand’s finest views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura mountain range.
The Coastal Pacific should be one of the trip’s highlights since it may look on a possible opportunity for the passage of marine life-the seals, dolphins and whales-migrating and swimming along the train route as it travels on through the Kaikoura area. It crosses hundreds of rivers and travels under countless bridges; there’s no doubt that there will be plenty of opportunity for some great photographs.
Andes Explorer: Overland across Peru’s Sacred Valley
This is arguably one of the most magnificent train experiences, as Andes Explorer travels through Peru’s Sacred Valley, taking its passengers through breathtaking landscapes in the heart of the Andes, the ancient city of Cusco, majesty Lake Titicaca, and on to the train station at La Camella.
It sports the best views along the route: snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and traditional Andean villages. Onboard fine dining caters to foodies with haute Peruvian cuisine, making the journey as much of a palate experience as it is an experience for the eyes.
The Trans-Siberian Railway: The Legendary Route Along Russia
It is 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok and is one of the longest and most famous routes on a train, the Trans-Siberian Railway. This journey does transport passengers over vast landscapes in Russia and through the rolling hills of the Ural Mountains into what can only be described as an endless expanse of steppes of Siberia.
Along the route, the Trans-Siberian Railway passengers would be treated to some distinct local cultures, be it in cities in European Russia or some distant Siberian villages. The Trans-Siberian Railway is not merely a train journey: it is an educational journey across the heart of Russia where you learn so much about its history and cultures and diverse landscapes.
Scenic Route: Japan’s Hokkaido Railway
Hokkaido Railway is one of the most scenic ways Mother Nature can indulge a nature lover, since it carries passengers across Japan’s northernmost island in forests, along sheer coastal cliffs, even volcanoes.
One of the attractions of Hokkaido Railway is their tour of the magnificent, scenic Shiretoko Peninsula-governed route. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, beauty seems to stare back at you in such perfect glory in the midst of wildlife. You will enjoy superb panoramic views of Mount Hakodate with the pretty town of Hakodate and bay.
Reunification Express: Historic Journey Through Vietnam
Travel through all of Vietnam’s diversely wonderful landscapes on the Reunification Express or North-South Railway .
This historic train route runs north to south along the length of Vietnam-from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City-over a distance of over 1,700 kilometers. Travelers get to see some of the best views of Vietnam’s lush green countryside-from rice paddies and tropical forests to coastal plains.
It also takes in some of the country’s most significant cities, like the old capital Hue and the energetic Da Nang. Not only will it be a visual delight tour but the Reunification Express will discover how to get into the rich culture and history standing great in Vietnam.
Arctic Wonderland: The Nordland Line, Norway
This one is unique for any train journey in the whole world, taking passengers on a breathtaking trip through the Arctic Circle from Trondheim to Bodø, where 729 kilometres of the most fantastic Norwegian landscapes traverse through some of the remotest ranges.
The Arctic Circle: It passes through the Arctic Circle, and on it, all the passengers get a glimpse of what beauty tundra in the Arctic has to offer. Nordland Line is also extremely beautiful during winters when snow-white landscapes perfectly outline mystery. In this journey, one can even catch a glimpse of Northern Lights and this becomes the perfect wonderland experience.
The Rovos Rail: Africa’s most luxurious train journey
This journey with Rovos Rail offers one of the most luxurious train journeys across Africa to the wonders of South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Known as “The Pride of Africa,” this chain marries romance with a bygone era and luxurious comfort in a travel experience like no other.
From rolling hills in the Cape Winelands to vast Namibian deserts, it takes passengers through all that. Passengers aboard are given a luxurious spread of gourmet meals, fine wines, and great cabins; thus, this journey is one of luxury as much as one of scenery.
Spain’s Mediterranean Marvel: The Train Al Andalus
The Train Al Andalus crosses this heartland of Spain’s Andalusia and offers classy travels, depicting many of the nation’s most historic as well as visually beautiful landscapes. Charming in itself, this train is the master of vintage charm, built from beautifully restored carriages made in the 1920s.
It crosses rolling hills of Andalusia, created by olive groves and vineyards as well as old castles. Historic places are made along the route at the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba, and Granada where passengers may love Spain’s deep cultural cultural heritage. Deeply historic, luxurious, and scintillating journey, this is one of Europe’s most romantic journeys aboard Train Al Andalus.
How Our Team Came Up with These Ideas
We are a travel-loving team, and we all have experienced some of the world’s most spectacular train rides. The ideas in this article have been generated from countless hours spent on trains watching the world go by through the comfort of a window seat. From the solo travel across the Highlands of Scotland to family travel on the Glacier Express, up to luxury on the Blue Train, every journey has made its mark in our hearts. We wanted to find words for this experience, so other people could wake up and see in order to travel the world’s most beautiful landscapes by train.
Conclusion:
Scenic train journeys have always been a unique way of traveling through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes for train travel enthusiasts, especially for those who are admirers of scenic views and are offered such a treat during such travel. Whether it is winding through the Swiss Alps, crossing through the Scottish Highlands, or gliding along the coast of New Zealand, each such journey indeed lets people connect with nature in such a way that allows a simple repose coupled with awe. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to embark on an adventure you will not forget.
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