Europe’s Most Photogenic Train Rides to Take in 2025

Nicol Gažiová
Sep 8
4 min read

Europe, with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, is best explored at a leisurely pace. And what better way to do so than by train? Beyond simply getting from one city to another, Europe’s iconic train journeys offer rolling panoramas of snow-capped mountains, glittering lakes, and storybook villages. For 2025, these train rides promise not just transport, but unforgettable photo opportunities that capture the very soul of the continent.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, a casual traveler, or someone who simply loves to watch the world glide by, these scenic train rides will leave you spellbound.

Let’s embark on a journey through Europe’s most photogenic train adventures.

Discover with us:

🚞 The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Alpine Wonder

🌊 The West Highland Line: Scotland’s Wild Beauty

🏔️ Bernina Express: From Glaciers to Palm Trees

🌿 Cinque Terre Train: Italy’s Coastal Gem

❄️ The Bergen Line: Norway’s Arctic Magic

The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Alpine Wonder

Nicknamed the “slowest express train in the world”, the Glacier Express is anything but ordinary. Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, this 8-hour journey unfolds like a moving postcard. Panoramic windows frame the Matterhorn, deep valleys, and 291 bridges that seem to defy gravity.

For photographers, every turn is a masterpiece — from the Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” to the sparkling glaciers of the Oberalp Pass. Winter 2025 promises particularly spectacular views, with fresh snowfall contrasting the vivid blue skies. Sip a glass of Swiss wine onboard and let the landscapes do the rest.

Train with red and white design crosses a stone viaduct in a forested area under a clear blue sky. — The Glacier Express

The West Highland Line: Scotland’s Wild Beauty

Scotland’s West Highland Line is one of the most iconic rail journeys in the world. Starting in Glasgow and winding its way toward Mallaig, this route is a cinematic dream — quite literally, as it features the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films.

The journey takes you past lochs shrouded in mist, moors dotted with deer, and rugged coastlines where land meets sea in dramatic fashion. Springs and summers are especially lush, with wildflowers carpeting the highlands. For photographers, golden-hour shots across Rannoch Moor are simply unbeatable.

Red train crossing a stone viaduct in lush green hills, releasing steam. Overcast sky adds a moody atmosphere. — The West Highland Line

Bernina Express: From Glaciers to Palm Trees

Few train rides pack in as much contrast as the Bernina Express. Running from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, this UNESCO World Heritage route takes you from snow-clad Alpine peaks to sun-drenched Italian villages — all in just four hours.

Highlights include the spiraling Brusio Viaduct, the sparkling Lago Bianco, and sweeping views of the Morteratsch Glacier. By the time you roll into Tirano, palm trees sway against a Mediterranean backdrop, offering a photographer’s dream of seasonal contrasts in one seamless journey.

Red train crossing a snowy, arched stone bridge in a forested mountain landscape. Brown trees with snow create a serene winter scene. — Bernina Express

Cinque Terre Train: Italy’s Coastal Gem

The Cinque Terre Train may not be as long as the Alpine giants, but it’s certainly one of the most colorful. Linking the five fishing villages perched along the Ligurian coast, this route offers dazzling views of pastel-hued houses clinging to cliffs above the sparkling Mediterranean.

Hop on and off to capture Riomaggiore’s dramatic harbor, Vernazza’s hidden piazzas, and Monterosso’s golden beaches. Sunset rides in summer will be especially photogenic, with fiery skies reflecting over the sea. Pair the ride with local focaccia and a glass of white wine for a taste of Ligurian life.

Coastal town with colorful buildings on a hillside, train emerging from a tunnel, sea and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. — Cinque Terre Train

The Bergen Line: Norway’s Arctic Magic

For those who dream of Nordic landscapes, Norway’s Bergen Line delivers pure enchantment. Stretching from Oslo to Bergen, this ride takes you across Europe’s highest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, offering endless vistas of snowy wilderness and icy lakes.

In winter, the route feels like traveling through a frozen fairytale. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the fjords in surreal golden light. Photographers will find no shortage of inspiration, from tiny red cottages dotting the landscape to sweeping views of Norway’s dramatic coastline.

Train travels through snowy mountains under clear blue sky, surrounded by rocky slopes and leafless trees, evoking a serene winter scene. — The Bergen Line

Capturing Europe by Rail

Europe’s photogenic train rides offer more than just a means of getting from one destination to another — they are experiences that etch themselves into memory and camera rolls alike. Each journey invites travelers to slow down, watch the scenery unfold, and appreciate landscapes that feel almost cinematic in their beauty. From the snowy peaks and pristine valleys of Switzerland to the colorful coasts of Italy and the windswept moors of Scotland, these train rides tell visual stories that are as diverse as the continent itself. The gentle rhythm of the rails becomes part of the adventure, making the voyage as unforgettable as the destination. For anyone seeking both relaxation and inspiration in 2025, few travel experiences rival the magic of exploring Europe by train.

Train on a stone viaduct in lush green hills, emitting steam. Red carriages and vibrant landscape create a scenic, picturesque view. — The West Highland Line

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