CATALYST PLANET - 8 of the World’s Most Stunning Train Journeys

From Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express to Australia’s Ghan, here is a list of the most picturesque landscapes by train.

Glacier Express. Peter Thoeny. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

All aboard! From rolling hills and lush valleys to towering mountains and sparkling lakes, train travel can offer some of the most breathtaking views in the world. While modern transportation has evolved to include faster modes such as air travel, there are still compelling reasons to slow down and opt for a train journey. Rail travel offers a more leisurely and scenic experience; whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice traveler, there is something magical about seeing the world through a train window. In this list, we will take you on a journey to some of the most scenic train routes from around the globe. From the picturesque countryside of Europe to the rugged coastlines of Australia, these train rides offer an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and cultural wonder. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through some of the most stunning train routes the world has to offer.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Scotland

The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland offers a unique opportunity to ride a train through the magical world of Harry Potter, even if you're a Muggle. Operated by West Coast Railways, “The Jacobite” steam engine and carriages were used in the making of the iconic “Hogwarts Express”, making it a bucket list for Harry Potter fans around the world. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, the train chugs along an 84-mile track through the heart of Scotland's rugged highlands.

As passengers journey through Highland Perthshire, the Cairngorms National Park, and the Western Highlands, they will enjoy sweeping green hills, roaming red deer, and eagles soaring amid dramatic mountain peaks. Passengers will also take in the sights of Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic crossing that was also featured in the Harry Potter movies, before arriving at the charming fishing town of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland. Upon arriving at Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe, passengers can experience the magic of Scotland.

Rocky Mountaineer

Canada

With its towering snow-capped peaks and imposing natural landscapes, the Rocky Mountains offer a picturesque backdrop for a train adventure. Rocky Mountaineer, a Vancouver-based luxury rail tour company, takes passengers on a journey through British Columbia, Alberta, Colorado, and Utah, offering various avenues to adventure. The most sought-after route is the Vancouver to Banff journey, which takes passengers through the untamed wilderness of the Fraser Valley, where tranquil waters lap against verdant shores and thick foliage. The heart of the valley is Hell’s Gate, a narrow passage that sees 750 million liters of water rush through every minute. Located on the Gold Rush Trail, Hell’s Gate boasts one of North America’s few descending gondolas. Banff, the final destination, is Canada’s first national park and offers a range of activities for adventurous travelers. Highlights include the iconic Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, which draw millions of visitors each year, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge that extends nearly 300 meters above the valley floor.

The Ghan

Australia

The Ghan is Australia’s longest passenger train, covering a total distance of 2,979 km in three or four days. The line traverses the Australian landscape between Darwin and Adelaide. Passengers are treated to a spectacular vista of nature from the verdant greens of the tropical Top End to the rusty Red Centre and the pastoral colors of the South Australian hills and plains. The train lets off soft murmurs as it glides past some of Australia’s most picturesque countryside-wine country, sweeping desert, and rich scrublands. One famous stop on the route, the town of Alice Spring, is nestled deep in the heart of the ancient Australian desert. It is a land steeped in the traditions and culture of the aboriginal people, where guests can explore scenic bushwalking trails, marvel at historic buildings, or dive into cool, crystal-clear freshwater swimming holes. The train’s itinerary also includes a stop at the town of Coober Pedy, where precious opals are mined in abundance. Here a subterranean mining community thrives, which offers a glimpse into a unique way of life in the country’s cultural landscape.

The Glacier Express

Switzerland

Glacier Express in Urseren. Kabelleger. CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Glacier Express of Switzerland takes travelers on a journey through the charming alpine towns that epitomize the natural beauty of that country. As one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, it winds its way between two major mountain resorts, Zermatt at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, and St Moritz in the Engadin skiing area. Despite being dubbed as an “express” train, the Glacier Express is, in fact, the slowest “express” around the world. Covering a distance of just over 290 km (180 miles), the journey lasts approximately seven hours, allowing passengers to closely examine the country’s pastoral mountain villages, winding rivers, and intricate bridges. The most exhilarating part of the journey is the section from Andermatt to Chur, where the famous Oberalp Pass begins. Here, the train climbs to a height of 6000 feet, the highest point of the journey. As the train chugs down from the mountains, it goes through the Domleschg valley, where ancient castle ruins dot the landscape. The Landwasser viaduct, a 142-meter-long and 65-meter-high bridge carries the train in a tight curve over the wild Landwasser valley and straight into a tunnel. Another spectacular view along the way is the Rhine gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.” The journey concludes in Chur, the lowest point of the journey.

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

India

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, named for its playful, unsophisticated look, vibrant colors, and small size, spans some 60 miles. Originally founded in 1903 and then known as the “British Jewel of the Orient,” the train offers a unique window into the hill station’s colonial history, passing by fine-dining restaurants, bars, and shops along the Mall Road and the Ridge. In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to its World Heritage list, for its “exceptional technical achievement in the development of the Himalayan mountains,” alongside two other iconic train routes, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The 96.54 km track takes passengers through 103 tunnels, across 800 bridges and viaducts, and up and down 919 stunning curves, allowing them to soak in the route’s impressive railway stations and Gothic-style bridges.

Kurobe Gorge Railway

Japan

The Kurobe Gorge Railway in Japan is a sightseeing train that was originally constructed to aid in building the Kurobe Dam, the country’s tallest dam at 186 meters, which supplies electricity to the Kansai Region. The train operates seasonally from late April through November and is most popular in the autumn season when the forested slopes along the railway line turn brilliant shades of orange and red. Departing from the colorful resort town of Unazuki, the train heads towards Keyakidaira Station, which marks the end of the line. Upon arriving at Kanetsuri Station, the train pulls onto a sidetrack to allow trains coming in the opposite direction to pass before reversing direction and continuing up the narrow valley. This “switchback” maneuver is a rare sight in Japan and a must-see for railway enthusiasts. Unazuki Onsen, the train’s starting point, is a hot spring town which boasts several hotels and ryokan. The route features several highlights, including the Atobiki prospect, which marks the highest point of elevation on the journey and offers passengers splendid views, and Sarutobi Gorge, which is located near the confluence of the Kurobe and Babadani rivers. The stretch between Kuronagi Station and Kanetsuri Station is home to sheer cliffs and mystical rock formations.

The Flam Line

Norway

Flam Railway Line. AI Case. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The Flam Line in Norway is a 20.2-kilometer (12.6 mi) railway line that travels between Myrdal and Flåm in Aurland Municipality, located in Vestland county. It is known for its descent of 860m from the mountain-top Myrdal to the mouth of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the most revered fjords in Norway’s northwest region near Bergen. cConstruction on the railway started in 1923 and was completed in 1940. The Flam Line has a steep 5.5% gradient for 80% of the journey, and the train passes through 20 tunnels, 18 of which were built by hand. One of the tunnels takes a 180-degree turn inside the mountain, showing off Norway’s engineering prowess. During the one-hour journey, passengers can appreciate the views of steep mountains and waterfalls that surround the Flam valley. The Kjosfossen waterfall is one of the highlights of the journey, and the train stops here for five minutes, allowing visitors to capture its magnificence with their cameras. The only way to visit the colossal waterfall is by this very train. If passengers are fortunate enough to travel in summer, they might even catch a glimpse of “huldra”, a succubus-esque wood nymph said to reside near the waterfall.

Colombo to Badulla railway

Sri Lanka

You may have seen Instagram photos of adventurous travelers dangling their legs from this train as it snakes through the breathtaking South Asian countryside. These shots are likely from the section of the rail journey from Colombo to Badulla in Sri Lanka. On this line passengers traverse 291 kilometers of rugged terrain, featuring deep gorges, craggy cliffs, cascading falls, and meandering rivers as the train makes its way from the west coast into Sri Lanka’s mountainous interior. These landscapes unfurl before viewer’s eyes as the train twists and turns through 46 tunnels, revealing a palette of colors from bright red rhododendrons to unfathomably green wild ferns, set against the backdrop of a high montane canopy. Passengers can hop off at Nanu Oya station to explore the tea country hills of Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England.” With its chilly and damp climate and a history of being a colonial retreat for British elites seeking relaxation back when the island was still called Ceylon, Nuwara Eliya is a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Sri Lanka, being a train-friendly country, offers a host of other stunning routes such as Colombo to Kandy, Kandy to Badulla, and Colombo to Galle. With options including the best coastal rail trip on the Indian Ocean and swirling, curling plantations, visitors are spoilt for choice.

Even in this fast-paced modern world, slowing down for a train ride is worthwhile. From the rugged highlands of Scotland to the majestic Rockies in Canada, the vast Australian landscape, and the Swiss Alps, each destination offers natural beauty and cultural wonder.