10 train journeys in Europe you need to take
Experience the romance of train travel by hopping on one of these unique services - and take in some of the finest scenery in Europe.
Glacier Express, Switzerland: 85 euros one-way
For this epic 290km route, make sure you get a seat by the window: vast panoramic panes through which to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Swiss Alps. The eight hour trip includes 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, and rises to more than 2,000m. Cheaper but less plush trains are available too - but you'll have to change several times.
glacierexpress.ch
Kalavryta railway, Greece: 9.50 euros return
Built in 1895, this 22km, 750mm-gauge railway track starts in the rather mundane surroundings of the Gulf of Corinth at Diakofto, but soon ups its game as it enters a mighty gorge en route to the lofty town of Kalavryta. The pretty 4th-century monastery of Mega Spilaio is on the way, so pencil in time to stop off. This is one of the few Peloponnese narrow gauge lines that avoided the swingeing cuts of the Greek financial crisis.
trainose.gr
Wolsztyn to Leszno, Poland: 15 euros return
All aboard for a grand steam engine journey from Wolsztyn and Leszno (81km), and optionally Wolsztyn and Poznań. Funding cuts and ageing train crews threaten the ongoing existence of these wonderful old machines - which is why it's so important to experience them now, before they're gone forever.
thewolsztynexperience.org
‘Children's railway', Hungary: equivalent of £2.20 one-way
Staffed by children aged 10 to 14 (under adult supervision) the Children's railway runs for 11.7km and gives youngsters the chance to operate points and make platform announcements. Dogs, bikes, sledges and skis can all be taken on board, while there are public transport connections at both ends if you're planning a one-way trip.
gyermekvasut.hu
La Rhune, France: 19 euros return
This cog-railway runs 4.2km from Saint-Jean-de-Luz up to the highest peak in the western Pyrenees. Enjoy views of the Basque coast and rolling hinterland as you rise. Despite the French origin, you can enjoy tapas in the Spanish bars at the top. Choose to return on foot (2 hours) or get the train back.
rhune.com
El Transcantábrico, Spain
Reach the French-Spanish border town of Irún by train from London, then hop on a series of local services that take in the stunning Bay of Biscay. Alongside urban gems San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Santander, you can stop off at prehistoric painted caves, pre-Roman Asturian churches and the wonderful Picos De Europa. There is a flashier train service that does the route in one go, but we recommend cattle class for maximum freedom.
thetrainline.com
Mariazell Railway, Austria: 18 euros return
Among the many rewarding rail routes in Austria, St Pölten to Mariazell ranks among the best. It takes in 78km of the lovely Pielach valley and can be completed on fast, modern trains; or slower steam trains. For true romantics, we recommend the latter!
mariazellerbahn.at
The Brocken, Germany: 45 euros
25 steam locos form the backbone of this 140km rail network in the former East Germany. There is a themed route based on Goethe's Faust, but the most popular run is from Wernigerode up to Brocken mountain. Rising up 1,125m, the 34km route takes in evocative, medieval-looking forests, and takes just shy of two hours.
hsb-wr.de
Flåm Line, Norway: from the equivalent of £44 return
Looking for the most glorious of Scandinavian vistas? Board the Bergen-bound train at Oslo, alight at Myrdal and hop on the branch route to Flåm. It's not for faint hearts: the line is on a giddying 1-in-18 gradient. However, the stunning scenery is worth every missed heartbeat. There's time to enjoy lunch in Flåm before boarding the return service.
visitflam.com
Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy: equivalent of £24 one-way
The observation cars of the Bernina Express offer views across the majestic Bernina Pass into Italy, eventually rising to 2,253m. After this epic stretch the train descends into Tirano, gliding through the streets like a municipal tram.
rhb.ch
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