Readers have shared their favourite scenic train journeys from across Europe, highlighting unique routes that combine striking landscapes with cultural and historical significance.

One notable recommendation describes Porto’s metro D line in Portugal. The route begins underground but then unexpectedly rises to glide over rooftops before crossing the architecturally notable Dom Luís I Bridge, a steel structure inspired by Gustave Eiffel. The contributor emphasized the contrasting experience of walking back across the bridge’s metal deck, offering a fresh perspective on the urban environment.

Another celebrated trip is Norway’s Bergensbanen railway, which runs between Oslo and Bergen. This line traverses the Hardangervidda plateau and showcases vast lakes, forests, and snow-covered mountain peaks. At Myrdal station, passengers can transfer to the Flåmsbana line, a steep and dramatic descent to the village of Flåm located on the Aurlandsfjord. The route is noted for its multitude of cascading waterfalls visible along the way.

A journey in Germany was also recommended, involving a historic narrow-gauge railway known as the Buckower Kleinbahn. Beginning from Berlin-Lichtenberg and changing trains in Müncheberg, this line was originally opened in 1930 as an early electric railway before regular services ceased in the late 1990s. Today, volunteer operators run the service through the gently rolling hills of the Märkische Schweiz region in Brandenburg, ending in the spa town of Buckow. The town holds cultural significance as the former residence of dramatist Bertolt Brecht and actress Helene Weigel, situated near the tranquil shores of Lake Schermützel.

Lastly, a lesser-known route connects France and Switzerland through the Jura foothills, linking Besançon in France to Le Locle, a town famous for its watchmaking heritage. This line includes a rarely used station at L’Hôpital-du-Grosbois, named after a nearby former leprosy hospital. Despite its modest popularity, the railway continues to provide reliable cross-border service, underscoring the enduring value of regional train lines.

These diverse journeys underscore the appeal of rail travel as a way to explore natural beauty and cultural landmarks, from urban infrastructure to alpine plateaus and historic towns.