Trains! Everybody feels confident with them. What do these “iron horses” mean to us though? For many people trains are only a type of transport and traveling by railway represents a boring daily routine. For others it means only delays, queues and stress they avoid as much as they can. Yet for others, trains are a romantic and intriguing way how to spend holiday. Matador Trips announced its list of the most spectacular train journeys and Tourism-Review.com cannot wait to present them. Let’s go for a ride.
Top 10 Trains Arriving at Platform No. 1
William Law
- May 4, 2009
Glacier Express
Switzerland
Glacier express is considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The train links two mountain resorts in the Swiss Alps – St. Moritz and Zermatt. The journey covers 291 bridges and 91 tunnels and at its highest point it is 2.033 m in altitude at the Oberalp Pass. During the whole journey you can look out of the window and enjoy the nature of the Alps – the alpine meadows, snowed peaks, glaciers and lakes. What is the greatest advantage? Glacier Express is not quite express. Actually according to some it is the slowest express in the world, so you can enjoy the nature pretty loooooooong!
Harzer Schmalspurbahnen
Germany
This route connects the cities of Wernigerode, Nordhausen and Quedlinburg situated in central Germany in the Harz Mountains. The route is 140 km (87 miles) long, the track is very steep, and passes through the beautiful forests of the Harz. Harze Schmalspurbahnen is renowned for being the longest narrow gauge track in Germany. It is definitely a paradise for people who admire steam locomotives, for steam locomotives are still in use on this route! So hop on the train and see the beauties of central Germany and Harz!
Eurostar
UK, France
Only 2 hours 15 minutes from London to Paris by train? This is Eurostar! The line currently operates three English terminals (London, Ashford, and Ebbsfleet) and connects them with Northern France, Central Paris, Disneyland Paris, Brussels, and ‘Snow Train’ routes to southern France. The top speed of the train is 300 KmH (186 mph) In Britain there is no faster way how to reach France, except going by plane. So do not hesitate and check it out!
The Orient Express
France, Austria
Many mysterious novels and films are set here. The combination of the words “the Orient Express” invokes the image of luxury and romance of the old times. The two cities most intimately associated with this line are Paris and Istanbul, the original endpoints of Orient Express. Nowadays, Orient Express operates the overnight route from Strasbourg to Vienna. So take “the Great Train Journey” and start dreaming of the bygone times!
The West Highland Railway
UK
The West Highland Line going from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig is one of the most famous train journeys on the British Isles. It takes the traveler back to the times of steam locomotives. The route runs through Rannoch Moor through the hills of Scotland. The most interesting part of this journey is passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is one of the largest concrete engineering feasts of the 19th century. It also appeared in Harry Potter films.
The Trans Siberian Railway
Russia, Mongolia, China
It is the longest train journey in the world. It has three routes. The first one leads from Moscow to Vladivostok (9000 km, 6000 miles), and the other two from Moscow to Beijing: one through Mongolia (8000 km, 5000 miles) taking six days, and the other through Manchuria taking almost a week. If you choose the wrong part of the year (winter), it is also definitely the coldest train route in the world.
Jungfraubahn
Switzerland
This route is only 9 km (5,5 miles) long and is connecting Kleine Scheidegg with the highest train station in Europe – Jungfraujoch (3,454 m, 11,332 ft. Do not expect nice view out of the window hence the whole route goes through a tunnel. It stops twice in the tunnel to allow the passengers to get off and enjoy a nice view of the Alps through windows built into the mountainside. However although the tour is very short, it is also very expensive.
The Flam Railway
Norway
This railway goes from Myrdal down to the fjords of Flam. The journey is 20 km long and goes at 865 metres (2838feet) above see level. It is one of the steepest non cog rails in the world and it is definitely one of the most famous tourist attractions in Norway.
Views of the longest fjord in the world – Sognefjord, deep river valleys and peaks – that is what it makes an unforgettable journey!
The Danube Express
Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria
Danube Express, also called the hotel on wheels, runs from Dracula’s Transylvania, Budapest and Prague to Krakow and Sofia. Danube Express offers also six journeys to former Soviet Union. You will enjoy the scenery during the whole journey. For those who like classic train journeys it is the choice number one!
The Stendhal
France, Italy
Stendhal, named after the famous 19th century French writer, is an overnight train from Paris to Milan and Venice operated by TGV Artésia. Get on in Paris, wake up in Venice! Sleep and travel plus enjoy the wonderful scenery – this is the best way how to get to Italy! There is a range of sleepers available and the tickets are not expensive ($ 60 one way ticket). So go for it!
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