Train Journeys That Offer Incredible Views

There’s something undeniably magical about traveling by train. Unlike airplanes, which rush you from point A to point B, or cars, which demand constant attention on the road, trains invite you to sit back, relax, and watch the world unfold outside your window. From snow-capped peaks to rolling vineyards, from coastal cliffs to deep canyons, some train routes turn the journey itself into the destination. Let’s explore a few of the most breathtaking train journeys that promise views you’ll never forget.

The Glacier Express, Switzerland: A Journey Through the Alps

Switzerland is famous for its postcard-perfect scenery, and the Glacier Express delivers it in grand style. Often called the "slowest express train in the world," this legendary journey takes about eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Along the way, passengers are treated to awe-inspiring views of the Swiss Alps, deep gorges, charming villages, and more than 290 bridges spanning turquoise rivers. The highlight? The Oberalp Pass, where the train climbs to an altitude of over 2,000 meters, offering an unforgettable panorama of snow-covered peaks.

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada: Where Mountains Meet the Sky

For those who dream of traversing the rugged landscapes of North America, the Rocky Mountaineer is the perfect choice. This luxury train winds its way through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views of towering mountains, glacial lakes, and dense pine forests. One of its most famous routes, "First Passage to the West," takes travelers from Vancouver to Banff, passing through tunnels carved into cliffs, crossing high trestle bridges, and following the powerful Fraser River. The glass-domed carriages ensure that every passenger gets a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur.

The West Highland Line, Scotland: A Ride Straight Into a Fairy Tale

Scotland is known for its wild, untamed beauty, and the West Highland Line captures it perfectly. Running from Glasgow to Mallaig, this route takes passengers through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in the country. Perhaps its most famous moment comes when the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an elegant stone bridge made world-famous by the Harry Potter films. Mist-covered lochs, rugged mountains, and ancient castles appear outside the window, making this journey feel like a step back in time.

The TranzAlpine, New Zealand: A Spectacular Cross-Island Ride

Few countries can rival New Zealand when it comes to dramatic landscapes, and the TranzAlpine train captures them all in a single journey. Traveling between Christchurch and Greymouth, this train crosses the stunning Southern Alps, offering jaw-dropping views of deep river gorges, vast plains, and snow-capped peaks. As the train snakes through Arthur’s Pass National Park, passengers are treated to scenes that look like they belong in a fantasy film. Whether it's the rolling hills of Canterbury or the lush rainforests of the West Coast, every moment of this trip is pure visual poetry.

The Coastal Pacific, New Zealand: A Journey Along the Edge

Another New Zealand gem, the Coastal Pacific, offers a completely different kind of beauty. Running from Christchurch to Picton, this train hugs the coastline, treating passengers to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the rolling vineyards of Marlborough on the other. Along the way, you might even spot seals basking on the rocks or dolphins playing in the waves. The route also includes dramatic mountain backdrops and winding river valleys, making it a perfect mix of land and sea.

The Flam Railway, Norway: A Short but Spectacular Ride

Norway’s Flam Railway may be one of the shortest scenic train journeys in the world, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in beauty. Covering just 20 kilometers, this steep railway connects the tiny village of Flam with the mountain station of Myrdal, climbing nearly 900 meters in elevation. The journey is filled with jaw-dropping sights: cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush green valleys. The highlight is the Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train makes a brief stop so passengers can step out and take in the misty, thunderous spectacle up close.

A Window to the World

There’s a unique kind of joy that comes with watching a landscape unfold from the comfort of a train. It’s a chance to slow down, to take in the scenery without distraction, and to feel connected to the land in a way that no other form of travel quite allows. Whether it's the snow-covered peaks of Switzerland, the misty lochs of Scotland, or the sunlit vineyards of New Zealand, these train journeys transform travel into an experience of pure wonder. So, which window view will be your next adventure?