Trains were invented in the 19th century and used to be one of the major ways of getting from A to B in Europe before the advent of air flight. While trains are still used for commuting and traveling, certain train journeys can be a vacation in themselves. They travel from city to city, while passengers relax and gaze at the passing landscapes. Let’s take a brief look at some of the most beautiful train journeys, available in Europe right now.

1. Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain by funicular railway

Spain’s beautiful Montserrat hosts a Benedictine Monastery tucked into the amazing rock formations of the mountain. While Montserrat is a religious retreat, the peak of the mountain is also a unique place for hikers to enjoy spectacular sunrise views.

The best way to travel from Barcelona to Montserrat is on the Saint Joan Funicular Railway which takes you high up on Montserrat Mountain. Alternatively, there is a narrow-gauge track railway “Cremallera” or a cable car to take you to the monastery level. This gives a choice of train journeys from one beautiful place to another.

2. Bohinj Railway, Slovenia, Central Europe

The Bohinj Railway is the shortage train route from central Europe to the Adriatic Sea. However, it is the longest route in Slovenia itself and the railway was built in 1904. Meanwhile, the Bohinj Railway is part of a World War I Heritage and is among the possible sites to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Every summer, the historical steam train travels through the Triglav National Park, through the Bača and Soča Valleys, and to Nova Gorica. The first stop along the way is Bled Jezero, where several actors on the train are dressed as conductors in the original uniforms of the old empire to add a special touch to the historic journey.

3. Londonderry-Coleraine Railway in Ireland

Northern Ireland is renowned for its beautiful, green scenery and much heritage and history along the way. The Londonderry-Coleraine Railway is the best way to experience the scenery, with excellent shopping options and restaurants at either end of the journey.

Obviously, the video above shows all the scenery along the train’s route at a much faster speed. However, the train track between Londonderry and Coleraine runs close to the Atlantic Ocean and is among the most beautiful journeys in Europe and the world.

4. Semmering Railway, Austria, Europe

The Semmering Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is one of the world’s first true mountain railways in Austria. The track runs for around 40 km (6.5 mi) between Goggnitz and Murzzuschlag. What makes this railway so different is that it was built between 1848 and 1854 and is still in use today.

This railway is one of the best examples of the transition from civil engineering to railway building, with tunnels and viaducts along the way. Meanwhile, a spectacular mountain landscape passes the windows for passengers to enjoy.

5. Sarajevo to Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

The railway between Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina is lined with natural beauty all the way. The line runs through mountains and valleys, passing over high bridges. Meanwhile, passengers also get to see the beautiful Neretva River. With its turquoise waters coming from mountain springs, it is one of the coldest rivers in the world.

Enjoy a journey on one of the most beautiful railways in Europe this year.