Top 5 European Countries To Explore By Train This Summer
1. Switzerland: The Alpine Wonderland
Switzerland, with its snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, is a train enthusiast’s dream. Hop aboard the Glacier Express, often dubbed the “slowest express train in the world” (and for good reason—it’s all about savoring the views). Wind your way through the Swiss Alps, passing charming villages, viaducts, and tunnels. Don’t miss the iconic Jungfraujoch Railway, which takes you to the “Top of Europe” at 3,454 meters above sea level.
2. Italy: Art, History, and Dolce Vita
Italy. Cinque Terre. Train at station Manarola
Ah, Italy—the land of pasta, gelato, and romance. Start your Italian rail adventure in Rome, where the high-speed Frecciarossa trains whisk you to Florence. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David, sip espresso in Piazza della Signoria, and then continue to Venice on the sleek Italo trains. Picture yourself gliding along the Grand Canal, past palazzos and gondolas. Bellissimo!
3. Austria: Mozart, Schnitzel, and Sound of Music Vibes
Vienna, the city of classical music, awaits. Take the ÖBB Railjet from Vienna to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. The journey itself is a symphony—rolling hills, vineyards, and glimpses of the Alps. In Salzburg, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress and hum a few bars of “Do-Re-Mi” as you explore Mirabell Gardens. Pro tip: Opt for a window seat and let the melodies of the landscape serenade you.
4. Spain: Flamenco, Tapas, and Sun-Drenched Coasts
All aboard the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) for a Spanish escapade! Start in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s whimsical architecture meets the Mediterranean. Then, zip down to Seville on the AVE, passing olive groves and orange orchards. In Seville, lose yourself in the Alcázar and dance to the rhythm of flamenco. And don’t forget the tapas—each bite tells a story.
5. France: From Paris to Provence
Paris—the City of Light—is your gateway. Hop on the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) and speed south to Avignon. The lavender fields of Provence beckon. Imagine sipping rosé under the shade of ancient Roman aqueducts. The French countryside unfolds outside your window—a patchwork of vineyards, châteaux, and sunflowers. C’est magnifique!
Remember, these train journeys aren’t just about getting from point A to B; they’re about the magic in between—the fleeting glimpses of life outside the train window, the camaraderie with fellow travelers, and the anticipation of what lies around the next bend. So pack light, bring a good book, and let the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks carry you toward unforgettable memories.
