Travelling by plane, of course, is fast and convenient, but it is always better to view the country from the train window, slowly creeping among the mountains, forests and hills. The field discovery of the country is something to be experienced for the better understanding of the culture of that country. And if you suffer from aerophobia, then train is almost the only way to travel for you.
Glacier Express
It will take you around eight hours to get from Zermatt to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express. Many call it the slowest “express” in the world due to the timing, although it really makes a few stops along the way. However, you would hardly endorse more high-speed travelling while paying for a trip more than 100 euros. The main charm of the route lies in the possibility to admire the splendor of the surrounding mountain scenery as the train route is traced in such a way as to show the best of the.
On their way cabins with large panoramic windows and almost transparent roof overcome nearly three hundred bridges, and nearly one hundred tunnels. For those who want to save a little time and money, it is possible to buy tickets for individual segments of the path, and then move to other types of transports on the half way. By the way, even the ordinary trains, which go from Visp to Zermatt, may be called panoramic, while the price of the trip in this train is incomparably lower. So the choice between options seems to be an article of overall decision.
Harzer Schmalspurbahnen
Harzer Schmalspurbahnen is a network of narrow gauge railways in the Harz Mountains of central Germany. Perhaps, only here you can see a mixture of different types of rolling stocks. First, on the narrow gauge railway still exploit the locomotives produced in the first half of last century.
In the heart of the largest city in the region, Nordhausen, you can see trams with a hybrid diesel engine, since the road is not electrified. In addition, you can come across quite exotic rail buses, imported here in the late 90-ies of the last century. The longest route with the length of 60 km connects Nordhausen and Wernigerode (where, by the way, “The Very Munchausen” was filmed), passes through the scenic trail, makes it possible to admire the stunning mountain scenery.
But it will be better to transfer to another branch at the station Bahnhof Drei Annen Hohne and go to the famous Mount Brocken. As the local residents believe, it is here that annually, on the night of April 30 to May 1 the Sabbath of witches and other evil spirits takes place. But even if we do not take into account the sorcery history of the mountain to climb on it is at least worth with its unique microclimate. Despite the low height, only 1,141 meters, natural phenomena are observed. For example, a curious optical effect, when on a foggy day around a man suddenly appears iridescent halo. Moreover, the camera easily captures this “miracle” and then you can bring this to friends to prove your “holiness”!
Eurostar
It is quite possible that those, who like fast driving and do not suffer from claustrophobia, will enjoy travelling at a speed of 300 km/h through the tunnel under the Channel connecting England and France. People have not yet invented a quicker way to get land from London to Paris or Brussels. In just two hours and a minimum of 59 pounds the train will help its passengers to get to major cities in Belgium and France. This is not something that offers you a panoramic views but instead this is something rather interesting if you’re not scared of getting into the dark. Well the thing that comes to mind is that while being in a tunnel you might make a wish which will come true in case you close your eyes until the end of the trip. Worth a try?
The Orient Express
There are many legends and stories about this train, initially shuttled between Istanbul and Paris. Of course, the most famous work is the book by Agatha Christie “Murder on the Orient Express”. And precisely due to the film, based on a detective, the unique train has survived, and now became a worldwide known brand, a logo of which can be found throughout Europe. It was in 1977 after the movie was shown in the theaters that the popularity of the trains had already disbanded and his two surviving cars were bought in Monte Carlo at British entrepreneur Sotheby’s auction. He sought throughout the world and restored 35 more cars, and in 1982 launched the first train from London to Venice.
Here schooled waiters in costumes will serve breakfast to travelers directly into the compartment, and in the dining car you can taste the haute cuisine. Finishing in style of Art Deco has luxury fragrance, and honorable people go for a dinner in evening dresses here. A trip on the train is not cheap: prices start from $1000 per person for a short trip, but often the cost of travel does not fall below $2000.
The West Highland Railway
The already well-known British Railway, on which up to now go locomotives became even more famous after the film shots about Harry Potter. In fact, the train does not even go from the train station in London, and connects the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow with communities of Fort William and Malleyg. Travelers can admire the picturesque hills of Scotland, and in addition, the road passes by the very large viaduct of the XIX century called Grenfinnan. This year’s travel publication of Wanderlust has named the West Highland Railway the best historical road in the world.
