Sleeper Trains in Europe: A Laidback Alternative to Flight Hopping

In a post-coronavirus world, one may expect a sudden boom in flights, trips and vacations. While modern jet-setting is appreciated for its conveniences, sometimes travelers prefer a relaxing journey instead. Living in an age when technology is king and flights are abundant, sleeper trains provide an opportunity to slow the pace of packed itineraries and immerse riders into a unique experience. They can almost be compared to cruises, as the trains function as both transportation and a place to rest. In Europe, sleeper trains have grown in popularity as the pace of life accelerates. There are several sleeper trains, and Norway’s Dovre Railway, Russia’s Trans-Siberian Railway and the Thello between Paris and Venice, Italy, are worth focusing on. 

Norway’s Dovre Mountains in the winter. Ggranvik. CC BY-NC 2.0.

The Dovre Railway, Norway

The Dovre Railway, stretching from Oslo to Trondheim in Norway, is one of the only sleeper trains in the country. The rail network in Norway was challenging to build due to the country’s stiff mountain peaks and various tunnels, but it is perfectly suited for those who want to experience this mountainous country without physically traversing the terrain. 

A train in Oslo, Norway. Don Ramey Logan. CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Dovre Line specifically winds through the Dovre Mountains, creating stunning views as it travels along the country’s national parks. Nature is close, and musk oxen may even come up to the train when it is stopped.

Musk ox in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. Fakepeterpan. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

In total, the trip takes about seven hours with several stops, but the stunning scenery makes the trip well worth it. 

View from inside a Trans-Siberian Railway train. Wazari. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

Another journey known for its mountain views is Russia’s Trans-Siberian Railway, but the length of the trip is what makes it one of the most famous railways in the world. There are three routes along the railway, and the longest of the three, between Moscow and Vladivostok, covers 5,772 miles and takes seven days to travel. Along the journey, one gets to witness not only the snow-covered Siberian landscape and the Ural Mountains but also cities such as Irkutsk, known as the “Paris of Siberia” for its neoclassical architecture and finely detailed structures.

The Irkutsk Train Station in Russia. Luxury Train Club. CC BY-SA 2.0.

While many opt to stay in hotels along the way, the Golden Eagle train offers travelers amenities such as double beds, a wardrobe, a TV and DVD player, storage space and heated tiles in the shower room. Riding along the Trans-Siberian Railway in this manner confirms why the journey is so famous. 

Thello train in the countryside. Bahn.photos. CC BY-ND 2.0.

The Thello, France and Italy

The Thello, which runs from Paris to Venice, Italy, provides an entirely different atmosphere than the previous trips. Connecting two of Europe’s most famous cities, the Thello train stands as the only overnight route from France to Italy. Riding this train allows one to embrace the French countryside before the route bends through the snowy Swiss Alps and dives back into the Italian countryside.

Thello arriving in Milan, Italy. Bahn.photos. CC BY-ND 2.0.

In addition to romantic views, it is also a comfortable trip according to travelers, with plenty of room to sleep and incredible dining options. Being the only train of its kind to travel from France to Italy, it is not a surprise that this train is frequently taken by both Europeans and international travelers. 

While sleeper trains are not the most common way to travel, what they provide is an incomparable opportunity to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Renee Richardson

is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.

4 Abandoned Railroads that Have Been Brought Back to Life

Abandoned railroad tracks are everywhere. Although many trains are still running, they rarely hold the same mysterious charm as the ones that have been neglected. To many, trains signify a bygone era, an old means of transportation, and an opportunity to see the world without the drama of plane flights. While many enthusiasts have created databases of abandoned railroads, there has also been a wave of people who are remodeling these railroads to give them a new purpose and life. 

The golden point of the Transcontinental Railroad. J. Stephen Conn. CC BY-NC 2.0

Golden Spike National Historical Park

The Golden Spike National Historical Park is home to the “golden spike,” the final spike needed to complete the United States’ Transcontinental Railroad. Located in Promontory, Utah, this park attracts about 60,000 visitors each year. While the site has an abundance of offerings, its main attraction is the “golden spike” itself. The Transcontinental Railroad was built over a period of six years, with the last spike being laid in 1869. It is worth noting that the Transcontinental Railroad was actually built by two separate companies, the eastbound Central Pacific Railroad and the westbound Union Pacific,. Nevertheless, the Transcontinental Railroad was a symbol of western progress at the time and finishing the railroad was cause for major celebration. The park hosts reenactments of the event every year on May 10, with last year being a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion. 

A view from New York City’s High Line. Finchermac. CC BY-ND 2.0

The High Line

Located in New York City, the High Line is a refurbished railroad track that allows visitors to enjoy a picturesque 1.45-mile walk above Manhattan’s West Side. The line became fully operational in 1933 and transported supplies such as meat and produce, but it declined in use in the 1980s as people began to favor trucking for supply delivery. Although the High Line was set for demolition, a new project gained traction in the early 2000s that allowed for its conversion. Today, the High Line has integrated a multitude of sustainable practices, community engagement initiatives and small businesses into the overall experience. The walkway is adorned with over 500 different species of plants and trees and there are regular art installations that are either on the High Line or can be seen from it. 

A shot of the High Trestle Trail Bridge lit up at night. Tony Webster. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

High Trestle Trail

The High Trestle Trail, a multi-use 25-mile trail on the outskirts of Des Moines, Iowa, is a popular biking and outdoor activity destination. The High Trestle Trail is one of many rail-to-trail projects, with this one opening in 2011. There are a multitude of amenities nearby, such as a bike shop, restaurants and visitor centers, but the trail itself contains the top points of interest. One such location is the High Trestle Trail Bridge, which has been dubbed “Iowa’s Stonehenge.” After the railway was decommissioned in 2003, Union Pacific wanted to reuse the steel beams of one of the bridges on the route but had no use for the original support structure. The company left 22 huge, 130-foot-tall concrete pillars which used to hold up the bridge. As interesting a landmark as this was, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation realized that these poles could have a more practical purpose. After an extensive project costing over $1.75 million, the bridge was revamped and now stands as an impressive light-up art installation that is an ode to the area’s mining history.

Nature, art and train tracks. French_Villain. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

La Petite Ceinture

This railroad is quite different from the others. It is located in Paris, France, and contains one of the best access points to the city’s catacombs. Additionally, this abandoned rail line is home to an abundance of graffiti and artwork. In terms of natural life, the area is now home to more than 200 different plant species and more than 70 types of animals. La Petite Ceinture was built intermittently between the years of 1852 and 1869 but has been unused since 1934. While the tunnels themselves can be dark and less than pleasant, the open areas of La Petite Ceinture offer an intriguing destination and a beautiful example of how people might organically reclaim abandoned spaces. 

Phoebe Jacoby

is a Media Studies major and Studio Art minor at Vassar College who believes in the importance of sharing stories with others. Phoebe likes to spend her free time reading, drawing, and writing letters. She hopes to continue developing her skills as a writer and create work that will have a positive outward effect.

In Tokyo, These Trains Jingle All the Way

While most train stations alert passengers with basic dings and dongs, metro riders in Japan are treated to uniquely crafted melodies. Minoru Mukaiya is the mastermind behind these jingles—he’s made around 200 distinct chimes for over 110 stations. For Minoru, there’s no greater joy than bringing a little bit of music to millions across Japan every day.

The Road Story - Vietnam

Georgy Tarasov made a short film starring his own brother, documenting their travel experience through Vietnam. Daniil gets around Vietnam through train, on foot, by bicycle, and by motorbike with many adventures and new friendships along the way.