In these days of climate change and global warming, many travelers have returned to the “old-fashioned” ways of exploring the world. In fact, rail travel is becoming the new mode of travel. Even better, train travel can be more than just traveling from A to B, it can be a vacation all in itself. Meanwhile, Europe offers some of the best, often underrated, scenic railways in 2023. Here we look at three.

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Scenic Scotland features some of Europe’s finest rail journeys. In fact, the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig has often been declared the world’s best trip. However, further north is another scenic rail journey. Meanwhile, rail tracks head in three different directions from Inverness. However, the line from the Scottish Highlands city of Inverness, heading west to the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh, a gateway to the rugged island of Skye really stands out.

The ScotRail train heads over wild moorland, with vistas of the Torridon Peaks further north. The rail then descends to the shores of Loch Carron. Here, travelers can take a stopover in the beautiful loch-side village of Plockton. This famous spot has been seen in the 1973 movie, The Wicker Man, as well as the BBC drama series, Hamish Macbeth. Even better, with the warming winds of the Gulf Stream, Plockton offers a comfortably mild climate.

Nordlands Railway, Norway

Norway’s Nordlands Railway is one of few that can boast of a visit to Hell, along with a crossing of the Arctic Circle. In fact, Norway’s longest and most isolated railway takes travelers for a 452-mile journey from Trondheim to Bodø. Meanwhile, the train heads through high mountain plateaus, deep valleys, passing beautiful fjords and lakes on a 10-day journey north.

In fact, two trains a day make this full journey, with the daytime train offering the best views. However, the comfortable sleeper train takes travelers to and from Oslo. These days the trains are operated by SJ Nord, a division of Swedish State Railways.

Zürich to Innsbruck, Switzerland and Austria

A number of different train types run between Switzerland and Austria and all are really comfortable. However, the once-daily EuroCity Transalpin train from Zürich to Graz is the best. In fact, this train features a Swiss panorama car for First Class passengers. Meanwhile, the best on the journey is from Zürich to Innsbruck.

The train winds west to east on a 3.5-hour journey and follows one of Europe’s oldest trade routes, the Arlberg Pass. Unlike many other Alpine railways, the Arlberg line remains largely unmodernized which is one of its charms. Meanwhile, the journey takes travelers through some sharp curves and many tunnels, hacked out of the Alpine rock. Moreover, it climbs steeply from both directions to the summit tunnel at 4,300 feet, which makes this one of the highest railways in Europe.

Meanwhile, a highlight of the trail journey is Austria’s Trisanna Bridge, soaring 390 feet across a deep gorge near Landeck. Moreover, it is overlooked by the fairytale Weisberg Castle. Along the way, enjoy views of the snow-capped Alps from the shores of Walensee and Lake Zürich.

Experience one of Europe’s wonderful scenic railways in 2023 and make the journey part of the vacation itself.