Would you like to sit by a large window, feeling the rhythmic hum of the train beneath you as you watch the world unfold like a living painting?
A train journey offers something planes and cars often can't, a slow, immersive experience where the journey becomes as memorable as the destination. Some train routes around the world take this concept to the extreme, offering breathtaking views of landscapes that are often inaccessible by any other means. Whether you're traversing snow-capped mountains, winding through lush forests, or skimming the edge of a coastline, these train journeys stand out as some of the most beautiful in the world.
Switzerland is renowned for its spectacular scenery, and there is perhaps no better way to experience it than aboard the Glacier Express. Connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, this journey is often referred to as the "slowest express train in the world," but the leisurely pace is precisely the point. Over the course of eight hours, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, passing through 91 tunnels and crossing 291 bridges. The Glacier Express offers a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe, including the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters above sea level and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon." As the train glides through this winter wonderland, you can sip on Swiss wine and savour a gourmet meal, making it an experience that is as luxurious as it is scenic.
In the heart of Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer provides one of the most breathtaking train journeys in North America. This luxurious train route takes passengers from Vancouver to the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies, offering two-day journeys that pass through the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta. As the train winds through verdant forests, past turquoise lakes, and beneath towering mountain peaks, passengers are often left speechless by the sheer grandeur of the scenery. The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the section through the Spiral Tunnels, a marvel of engineering that allows the train to ascend steep grades by looping through the mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears, elk, and eagles often spotted from the train's large windows. The Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes, but all promise a luxurious and unforgettable experience in the heart of Canada's wilderness.
New Zealand’s South Island is famed for its rugged natural beauty, and the TranzAlpine train offers one of the best ways to take it all in. This journey begins in Christchurch and ends in Greymouth, crossing the island from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea in just under five hours. The route takes you through the Canterbury Plains, where vast fields stretch out towards the horizon, before ascending into the Southern Alps. One of the most stunning sections of the journey is the passage through the Arthur’s Pass National Park, where steep valleys and towering peaks dominate the landscape. As the train descends towards the west coast, the scenery shifts dramatically, with lush rainforests and the striking blue of the Waimakariri River coming into view. For those looking to experience New Zealand’s diverse landscapes in a single day, the TranzAlpine is an unmissable adventure.
For those who seek a journey steeped in history and romance, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the ultimate choice. This legendary train, immortalized in literature and film, offers a luxurious journey from London to Venice, passing through some of Europe’s most iconic cities. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is as much about the journey as it is about the destinations. Onboard, the Art Deco carriages, elegant dining cars, and impeccable service transport passengers back to the golden age of train travel. As the train makes its way through the scenic landscapes of France, Switzerland, and Italy, the changing views outside your window are as captivating as the opulent interiors. From the rolling hills of the French countryside to the dramatic Swiss Alps and the serene canals of Venice, this journey offers a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Train journeys are more than just a means of transportation; they are a passage through time and nature, offering a unique perspective on the world. These journeys invite you to slow down and savour the beauty that surrounds you, so what are you waiting for?
