The Most Scenic Railway Rides in the World: A Journey of Magnificent Landscapes and Glorious Views

The world is full of breathtaking railway rides that offer passengers stunning views and exceptional journeys. From the Swiss Alps to the Canadian Rockies and beyond, these railways showcase nature's beauty in a symphony of landscapes, vistas, and experiences. Each route boasts unique features and attractions that make them stand out as some of the world's most scenic railway rides.

The Top Scenic Railway Journeys in the World

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland - Traversing the Swiss Alps, this train offers picturesque views of beautiful villages, deep gorges, and awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Explore the Glacier Express.

2. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada - Journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies, featuring sparkling lakes, vast forests, and towering mountains. Experience the Rocky Mountaineer.

3. The West Highland Line, Scotland - This route takes you through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, including lochs, mountains, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Discover the West Highland Line.

4. Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy - Connecting Chur and Tirano, this route traverses stunning Swiss Alps landscapes, featuring dramatic scenery, glaciers, and picturesque villages. Journey on the Bernina Express.

5. The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland - Often referred to as "Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express," this historic steam train journey through the Scottish Highlands is a must for train enthusiasts. Discover the Jacobite Steam Train.

6. The Ghan, Australia - This iconic journey travels from Adelaide to Darwin, passing through diverse landscapes, including the rugged Outback and lush tropical regions. Experience the Ghan.

7. Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia - While not strictly scenic in the same way, this route offers a unique perspective on Russia's varied landscapes. Explore the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The Nomination: Bernina Line

Without fear or favour, I nominate the Rttische Bahn's Bernina line as the world's most scenic railway ride. This journey is not only visually stunning but also deeply rewarding, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and engineering marvels.

As I recall my journey in July 2019, I was particularly impressed by the views from the spiral Brusio viaduct, where the train had just ascended from the lower left of the picture. The ambition to travel on the Bernina line was fulfilled after a carefully planned railway tour of central Europe, showcasing the line's charm and allure.

Traversing the Bernina metre gauge line, which connects Tirano in Italy with St Moritz in Switzerland, the route is the highest crossing of the Alps among the world's longest and steepest adhesion routes. With features including a spiral viaduct, frequent 180-degree curves, and astonishing gradients, this railway line is a testament to both engineering and natural beauty.

The Bernina line was opened in stages from 1908 to 1910 and was fully electrified from the outset. Trains run hourly with a two-hour journey time, during which passengers can enjoy views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains, as well as the unique experience of crossing the Alpine watershed.

Upon arrival at St Moritz, I was treated to a cigar at the town's cigar shop, where I enjoyed a complimentary Romeo y Julieta wide Cuban cigar. The view from the summit of the Bernina line train was truly remarkable, with passengers being afforded stunning views of the Poschiavo Valley, which the train had previously traveled along.

Access and Exploration

The Bernina line's Tirano station can be reached by train from Milan. St Moritz station is well connected to the rest of the RhB rail network, allowing passengers to explore other Swiss scenic routes, as I did during my journey.

For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of the Bernina line, I highly recommend planning a comprehensive railway tour of central Europe. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the region's natural and cultural wonders, making the Bernina line journey even more memorable.

Whether you're a rail enthusiast or simply seeking to experience the world's most beautiful landscapes from the comfort of a train, the Bernina line stands as a pinnacle of scenic rail travel. With its unique blend of engineering, natural beauty, and rich history, it is a journey that should not be missed.

Key Takeaways:

The Bernina line's spiral Brusio viaduct and steep gradients make for stunning views. Trains on the Bernina line run hourly, offering plenty of time to admire the scenery. The line's electrification and hourly service ensure a smooth and comfortable journey experience.

Explore the Bernina line today and uncover the world's most scenic railway ride for yourself!