Romancing the Rails: 6 Iconic Train Trips in Europe for Starry-Eyed Travelers

Key Takeaways

• Europe's extensive rail network offers many romantic train journeys through spectacular scenery
• Iconic routes include the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Eagle Danube Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman, and Bergen Railway
• Luxury trains feature elegant vintage carriages, gourmet dining, and attentive service for a nostalgic travel experience
• Scenic trains showcase Europe's diverse landscapes, from the Swiss Alps to the Scottish Highlands to the Norwegian fjords
• Multi-day train trips allow you to relax and soak up the ever-changing views with your sweetheart
• Overnight trains offer a unique and memorable way to travel between European cities in the comfort of a sleeper cabin

All Aboard the Love Train

There's something eternally romantic about train travel, isn't there? The rhythmic rocking of the rails, the ever-changing scenery scrolling by, the chance to snuggle up with your sweetheart and watch the world go by. It's no wonder that trains have starred in so many classic love stories, from Brief Encounter to Before Sunrise.

And there's nowhere better to fall in love with train travel than Europe. The continent is crisscrossed by an extensive rail network that can whisk you from city to city or carry you through spectacular landscapes. You can spend a week rolling through the Swiss Alps, a day chugging through the Scottish Highlands, or an afternoon gliding along the glittering Côte d'Azur.

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, going on your honeymoon, or just looking for a romantic escape, these six train trips offer an unforgettable way to explore Europe with your special someone. All aboard the love train!

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Byword for Romance

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the grande dame of luxury trains, an Art Deco icon that has been synonymous with romance and intrigue since its 1920s heyday. Agatha Christie, who immortalized the train in her novel Murder on the Orient Express, was a frequent passenger, as were Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel, and Leopold II, King of Belgium.

Today, the lovingly restored vintage carriages still evoke the golden age of travel, with their polished wood paneling, plush upholstery, Lalique glass panels, and Murano glass sconces. Guests dress to the nines for elaborate four-course dinners in the elegant restaurant cars, then retire to their cozy private cabins, transformed from daytime seating to inviting beds by their personal stewards.

The classic route is the one-night journey from London to Venice (or vice versa), which includes a luxurious afternoon tea on the British Pullman train to the coast, a Channel crossing, and a night and full day aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express through the Alps. Other routes travel to Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Berlin. Whenever you go, it's sure to be the journey of a lifetime.

Glacier Express: The Slowest Express Train in the World

Don't let the name fool you - the Glacier Express is actually the slowest express train in the world, taking a leisurely 8 hours to travel the 180 miles between the chic Swiss ski resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt. But that's all the better to savor the jaw-dropping Alpine scenery rolling by your picture windows.

The route crosses an astonishing 291 bridges and burrows through 91 tunnels as it winds its way through the Swiss Alps, passing by rushing rivers, lush meadows, charming mountain villages, and dramatic peaks like the Matterhorn. The train even rotates as it climbs to give passengers on both sides the best possible views.

You can make the journey in a day, but to really soak up the scenery, consider overnighting along the way in Chur, Andermatt, or Brig. And don't miss the train's excellent dining car, which serves regional specialties like veal sausages and polenta with a side of panoramic views.

Bernina Express: An Alpine Adventure

If the Glacier Express whets your appetite for more scenic Swiss trains, hop aboard the Bernina Express for an unforgettable Alpine adventure. This narrow-gauge railway connects Chur in eastern Switzerland to Tirano in northern Italy, climbing up to the 7,392-foot Bernina Pass along the way.

The four-hour journey is packed with superlatives and photo ops. You'll cross the 213-foot-high Landwasser Viaduct, a six-arched limestone bridge that curves elegantly between two tunnels. You'll skirt the shores of glittering glacial lakes and pass by thundering waterfalls and craggy peaks. And you'll spot historic highlights like the Montebello Curve, a 180-degree spiral that offers a spectacular view of the Bernina massif and the line's most famous glaciers.

For the best views, snag a coveted seat in one of the train's open-air carriages. And consider continuing on to Lugano, a pretty lakeside town in Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, for a romantic post-ride getaway.

Golden Eagle Danube Express: Luxury on the Tracks

For a taste of Old World glamour, book a berth on the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a luxury train that travels through Central and Eastern Europe in vintage-style carriages. The train features two dining cars serving gourmet meals and fine wines, a bar car with live piano music, and comfortable private cabins with en suite bathrooms.

The 7- to 11-day itineraries stop in some of the region's most captivating cities, including Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow, and Transylvania. Along the way, you'll be treated to guided tours, exclusive cultural experiences, and plenty of free time to explore on your own.

Highlights might include a private concert at the Lichtenstein Palace in Vienna, a tour of Krakow's medieval Old Town, or a visit to the opulent Peles Castle in Romania. And of course, there's the simple pleasure of watching the countryside roll by from the comfort of your luxurious carriage.

Belmond Royal Scotsman: A Highland Fling

For a truly royal experience, climb aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury train that winds its way through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. The train features just 36 passengers in elegant Edwardian-style carriages, each named after a Scottish clan and decorated with tartans, tweeds, and marquetry.

The 2- to 7-night journeys depart from Edinburgh and include stops at iconic sites like Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute, and the Glen Ord Distillery. Along the way, you'll be treated to gourmet meals featuring local specialties like Scottish salmon and lamb, as well as entertainment from traditional Scottish musicians and storytellers.

But the real star of the show is the stunning Highland scenery, from the heather-covered moors to the misty lochs to the craggy peaks. Sip a wee dram of whisky as you watch the sun set over the hills, and you'll feel like you've stepped into a romantic Scottish fairy tale.

Bergen Railway: A Fjord-Filled Adventure

For a Scandinavian spin on the scenic train journey, hop aboard the Bergen Railway, which runs between Oslo and Bergen on Norway's west coast. The 7-hour ride is often hailed as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and it's easy to see why.

The route climbs up to 4,000 feet above sea level, crossing the scenic Hardangervidda mountain plateau and skirting the shores of the fjords that slice through Norway's rugged coastline. You'll pass by snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, and pristine glacial lakes, as well as charming mountain villages and historic wooden stave churches.

For an even more immersive experience, combine the Bergen Railway with a ride on the Flåm Railway, a steep branch line that descends from the mountains to the Aurlandsfjord. The 12-mile journey takes about an hour and includes a stop at the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can hop out and feel the spray on your face.

Conclusion

There's no more romantic way to explore Europe than by train. From the vintage luxury of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the jaw-dropping scenery of the Glacier Express, these iconic train journeys offer a chance to slow down, unplug, and savor the journey with your sweetheart by your side.

So why not trade the hassle of airports and the monotony of highways for the romance of the rails? Book a ticket on one of these unforgettable trains, sit back, and let the stunning scenery and old-fashioned charm transport you to another era. It's sure to be a journey you'll remember forever.

All aboard!

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