Perfect Destinations for Train Travel in Europe

Traveling through Europe by train offers a unique and captivating experience. With an extensive rail network, the continent provides travelers with a wide range of choices, from cultural hubs in the North to sun-soaked cities in the South.

Explore the Old Town in Bern

The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is a stunning destination situated on the banks of the picturesque Aare River, surrounded by majestic snow-covered Alps. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, filled with lively bars, cafes, and artisan shops. For the best view of the medieval Altstadt, climb the 344 steps to the top of the Bern Cathedral. It is the tallest church tower in Switzerland, standing at 101 meters.

Trains run directly to Bern from Paris and Frankfurt, taking approximately 4.5 hours. From Brussels and London, the journey takes around 7.5 hours with one transfer.

Indulge in Culinary Delights in Florence

It’s challenging to explore all of Europe’s cuisine in one destination, but Florence, Italy, is a standout. The city is known for its local organic food, with popular dishes from the Tuscan region such as “schiacciata” flatbread and Florentine-style steak. Take the time to savor “tagliatelle” made with locally sourced mushrooms, or enjoy “pappardelle” pasta paired with wild boar meat, followed by gelato, which is particularly delightful in Florence.

You can reach Florence by overnight trains, taking about 10 hours from Munich or 6.5 hours from Geneva.

Immerse Yourself in Culture in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a city of art, with renowned artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. It is a cultural hub of Europe, preserving Dutch masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum and showcasing contemporary works in the Stedelijk Museum. Explore outdoor sculptures and small galleries waiting to be discovered.

You can catch a direct train from Frankfurt to Amsterdam in 4 hours, just over 3.5 hours from London, or 3 hours from Paris.

Bask in the Sun-Drenched Seville

Seville, Spain, tucked away from popular tourist routes, is a vibrant and rewarding city for those seeking new destinations. It boasts a rich history and impressive architectural wonders such as the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the Royal Alcázar Palace. The sun-drenched landscapes, winding streets, tantalizing tapas, and lively Flamenco dance are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Seville is a 2.5-hour train ride from Madrid. A train journey from Paris to Seville takes about 12-13 hours.

Unique Architecture in Cologne

Cologne, Germany, showcases a unique blend of ancient Roman architecture and medieval cathedrals. The twin spires of Cologne Cathedral dominate the city’s skyline and provide panoramic views after climbing over 500 steps. The cathedral is home to one of the world’s largest bells, weighing 24 tons.

You can travel to Cologne from London in 4.5 hours with a transfer in Brussels. From Paris, a direct train to Cologne takes about 3 hours.

Discover Fresh Vineyards in Bordeaux

Considered the wine capital of France, Bordeaux enchants visitors with its charming and well-tended vineyards. There are hundreds of wine-producing estates and châteaux where visitors can learn about the wine-making process and sample exquisite wines. The Cite du Vin museum offers impressive exhibitions on various types of wine.

Bordeaux is a 2-hour train ride from Paris. You can reach Bordeaux from London or Amsterdam in approximately 5.5 hours with a transfer, or in 4.5 hours from Brussels.

The City of Heritage -Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned as the “City of Music” due to its rich heritage of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss. Don’t miss the world-famous Musikverein concert hall, where the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs, or explore interactive exhibitions at the House of Music museum. Additionally, visitors can discover the royal heritage left by the Habsburg Dynasty at the Hofburg Palace, dating back to the 13th century and being one of the world’s largest palace complexes.

You can travel to Vienna from Paris in approximately 10 hours by train, or from Brussels in 11 hours. A direct train from Frankfurt to Vienna takes about 6.5 hours.

These captivating destinations in Europe offer unforgettable experiences for travelers exploring the continent by train.