Remember that unforgettable DDLJ scene—Raj reaching out as Simran runs toward the train? Two strangers, a European journey, and love quietly finding its rhythm. Bollywood wasn’t just staging romance; it was hinting at something deeper—the quiet magic of Europe’s railways. There’s a reason travellers keep coming back to this continent. Its beauty doesn’t demand attention; it simply exists. And somehow, it’s on trains that this beauty feels most real. As the wheels begin to hum, you settle into the motion, watching farmland stretch and shrink, stone change colour, and landscapes subtly evolve. Somewhere along the way, you understand the obsession with the iconic Paris-to-Switzerland train journey. It isn’t exaggeration. It’s the land flexing, gently.
# The Legendary Link: Paris to SwitzerlandThis route unfolds like a calm story with an unexpected twist. Departing Paris, the suburbs ease you out gently. Soon, open fields take over—neat farmlands, tidy vineyards, and clusters of weathered stone homes. It all feels restrained at first. Then, close to the Swiss border, the Alps enter the scene with effortless authority. The change is more emotional than visual. Without speeding up, the train carries you into sharper colours, deeper contours, and air that feels cooler, cleaner, and almost clinically pure.
Pro Tip: Choose a seat on the right side to catch the mountain views early—no awkward leaning required.
# Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. MoritzOften called the slowest express train in the world, it sounds ironic—until you’re onboard and thankful it takes its time. The Glacier Express refuses to rush perfection. Peaks rise and dip like curated artwork, while viaducts, valleys, and near-vertical ridges pass by with deliberate grace. Then comes the Oberalp Pass—a breathtaking reveal. The space opens wide, the air sharpens, and the horizon stretches beyond logic.
Pro Tip: Panoramic seats are worth every bit of planning. Last-minute bookings rarely win here.
# Bernina Express: Chur to TiranoLess restrained and far more dramatic, the Bernina Express feels like a showcase of extremes. It begins among stern Alpine landscapes, glides past glaciers, crosses stone-built marvels, and then—almost suddenly—arrives in Italy. The light softens, the architecture relaxes, and the atmosphere warms. It’s two worlds stitched together by red carriages. For photographers, it’s both a dream and a dilemma—too many moments, too little time.
Pro Tip: Watch closely for the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. The looping track tilts your perspective—and makes for a memorable video, if your hands stay steady.
# Rhine Valley Line: Cologne to MainzSubtlety isn’t the Rhine’s style. The track follows the river so closely you almost feel its chill. Castles crown hilltops like deliberate punctuation marks, while impossibly steep vineyards make you question gravity itself. Boats drift lazily below, and the entire route feels theatrical, as though curated for travellers who enjoy a dash of medieval drama with their journey.
Pro Tip: Afternoon light gives the castles a soft glow—neither golden nor warm, just quietly radiant.
# Oslo to Bergen: The Nordic EpicNorthern Europe doesn’t soften its edges, and this journey embraces that honesty. Forests give way to vast plateaus as the train climbs higher, landscapes turning stark and otherworldly. In winter, it feels lunar; in summer, delicately washed in muted tones. Lakes reflect the sky with unsettling precision. Hardangervidda is the defining stretch—immense, silent, and almost overwhelming. Then comes the descent into fjord country, where waterfalls spill from cliffs like loose threads.
Pro Tip: Pack layers. Scandinavian weather enjoys catching travellers off guard.
# Vienna to Salzburg: Austria’s Cultural CorridorThis is a softer journey, understated yet deeply satisfying. Meadows glow green, farmhouses appear thoughtfully placed, and rolling hills move in gentle rhythm. Austria’s countryside feels carefully composed—orderly, balanced, and calm. Many board expecting little more than a city-to-city transfer, only to find the landscape quietly reshaping their mood.