From vineyard-covered landscapes in France to breathtaking mountain railways in the Balkans, autumn is the perfect season to experience some of Europe’s most beautiful train rides.
While summer is a wonderful time to travel by rail along the French Riviera or through southern Italy, autumn offers an even more enjoyable experience. As the leaves change colour and the countryside comes alive with rich seasonal tones, train journeys become quieter, cooler, and far more relaxing.
Unlike the busy summer months, when popular rail routes are often crowded with tourists, autumn brings fewer passengers and a more comfortable way to explore Europe’s most famous destinations. It’s an ideal season for taking in the scenery without the hustle and bustle.
Europe is filled with incredible routes that wind through vineyards, mountains, forests, and historic towns.
The following are 5 of our favourite train lines; whether you’re looking for dramatic landscapes or charming places to explore along the way, these scenic train journeys are perfect inspiration for your next European adventure.
ITALY
Train line: Vigezzina Centovalli Railway
Italy is home to one of Europe’s finest rail networks, making it an excellent country to explore by train. Even local regional services offer stunning views of rolling countryside, lakes, and dramatic coastlines, but some routes are especially unforgettable.
One of the most scenic is the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, a two-hour journey linking Domodossola in northern Italy with Locarno in Switzerland. The train winds through the picturesque Vigezzo Valley and the spectacular Centovalli, or “Hundred Valleys,” passing forests, mountains, waterfalls, and charming villages.
Autumn is the most magical time to travel, when the route transforms into the famous Foliage Train, showcasing vibrant autumn colours across the valleys. Travellers can also stop to explore beautiful places such as Santa Maria Maggiore or visit the historic Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue in Re. Keep in mind that the special foliage ticket includes one intermediate stop on either the outbound or return journey, so it’s worth planning your stop in advance.
SWITZERLAND
Train line: GoldenPass Belle Époque (from Montreux to Zweisimmen)
Switzerland is famous for its spectacular train journeys, and it’s easy to see why it is often considered one of Europe’s best destinations for rail travel. While the Bernina Express is one of the country’s most iconic routes, autumn is an ideal season to experience the GoldenPass Belle Époque instead.
This beautiful journey travels from Montreux to Zweisimmen in around two hours, passing through the picturesque Gruyère region and the Pays-d’Enhaut. Travelling in elegant vintage-style carriages inspired by the 1930s adds to the experience, while large panoramic windows provide incredible views of colourful autumn forests, sparkling lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
FRANCE
Train line: Strasbourg to Sélestat via Molsheim, Obernai and Barr (following the Route des Vins d’Alsace)
Autumn in Europe is synonymous with grape harvest season, and one of the best places to experience it is along France’s famous Alsace Wine Route. This scenic railway journey through eastern France offers a fantastic way to discover the region’s vineyards, picturesque villages, and celebrated wine culture.
A great place to begin is Strasbourg, before taking the train towards Sélestat through the heart of the Alsace vineyards. Along the route, you can stop in charming wine towns such as Molsheim, Obernai, and Barr, each with its own unique character and local wineries.
Between early August and mid-October, the villages of Alsace come alive with wine harvest festivals, markets, and celebrations. Planning your trip around one of these events is a wonderful way to experience the region’s traditions, local food, and world-renowned wines.
NORWAY
Train line: Flåm Railway
This is one of Europe’s most spectacular train journeys in any season, and Norway makes it easy for visitors to experience the region at their own pace. You can simply book a ticket for the train ride or choose a travel package that includes accommodation and guided excursions for a more complete adventure.
The journey covers around 20 kilometres and takes about one hour each way, passing dramatic mountain peaks, deep valleys, rushing waterfalls, and scenic rivers. There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the train itself, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming, and even ziplining, making it a destination that’s perfect for anything from a day trip to a week-long getaway.
GERMANY
Train line: West Rhine Railway
If you’re looking for a scenic rail journey surrounded by nature, but want something different from the famous Alpine routes, Germany’s West Rhine Railway is a fantastic choice.
The route runs for around 185 kilometres from Cologne to Mainz, passing through Bonn, Koblenz, and Bingen along the way. Before setting off, take some time to explore Cologne’s impressive Gothic cathedral and vibrant riverside district.
The journey takes about two hours and offers beautiful views throughout, but the standout section is the Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape is filled with castles, vineyards, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Rhine River, making it one of Germany’s most memorable train rides.