There are many ways to explore Europe, from incredible hikes to scenic drives. However, an underrated way to enjoy the continent during the fall months is by train.
With the vibrant colors of fall (cypress, mustard, sepia and more), going on a rail adventure can be the perfect way to enjoy a little leaf-peeping, through a variety of different train routes.
Here are some of the coolest rail journeys to admire the fall foliage and visit autumn destination in Europe.
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Domodossola, Italy, to Locarno, Switzerland, on the Foliage
There’s nothing more appropriate for an autumn rail adventure than a train called the Foliage Train. Operated by the Italian-Swiss Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, the line is 52 kilometers (32 mi) long and travels between Italy and Switzerland.
The route weaves through the forested landscape just north of the Monte Mottac State Reserve, passing hilltop villages and fertile valleys, and crossing over 83 bridges during the two-hour ride. . Start in the medieval town of Domodossola and finish in Locarno, a quaint Swiss town on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
One-way adults ticket starts at 33 euros (about $32) and includes an optional stop at any of the charming villages the train passes through along the way (such as Malesco, Druogno or others). Trains run only in the fall.
Munich to Fussen, Germany, on the Deutsche Bahn
This train journey begins on Munichwhere you can sip a beer or some hot wine before embarking on the two-hour route to Fussen.
The first part of the trek is pretty standard, but as you pass by Buchloe, you’ll roll through deep valleys at the foot of the Bavarian Alps. Once you arrive, take a bus, take a taxi, or walk through the wooded path for about an hour to get to the famous Neuschwanstein Castleadmire the changing leaves along the way.
Trains run by hour, adult afternoon ticket costs around 23 euros (about $22) in second class and 38 euros (about $37) in first class.
Related: How to visit the magical castle that inspired Walt Disney
Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland, on the Highland Route
Known as one of the most beautiful train routes in the world, ScotlandThe West Highland line runs from Glasgow to Mallaig. The five-hour journey is unbelievably beautiful, passing spots like Loch Awe, Loch Long and Loch Etive.
A trip highlight is the 1/2 hour stretch between Fort William and Mallaig, famous for the iconic, curved Glenfinnan Viaduct. You can recognize it from “Harry Potter“Movie. Hogwarts Express passed it.
One-way ticket Prices start from £29 ($32) for the entire journey from Glasgow to Mallaig or just £7.80 (about $9) for the section from Fort William to Mallaig.
Madrid to Aranjuez, Spain, on the Strawberry train
This classic train experience runs from Madrid to the nearby suburb of Aranjuez, famous for two things: lavish, massive palaces and delicious strawberries.
This particular route, the Tren de la Fresa, is run by an antique 1960s train that departs from the tracks in Madrid’s Ferrocarril Museum. The trip takes about an hour. As you get out of the suburbs of Madrid, you’ll pass through the Manzanares Valley and its beautiful strawberry groves. Although it doesn’t have a lot of trees, it’s interesting to see the changing tones of Don Quixote’s landscape as summer turns to autumn.
Trains run once daily on weekends at 10am to Aranjuez, return to Madrid at 6:30pm in September, October, and on select days in November (as well as in spring).
Round trip adults ticket costs 25 euros (about $24) and includes strawberries on your return trip. You can also purchase packages that include admission tickets and tours to the Royal Palace and its gardens.
Related: 10 photos: Wander around Madrid
Dombas to Andalsnes, Norway, on the Rauma . Line
This one hour and 40 minute train ride is one of the most beautiful in Norway. It passes through jagged peaks and Norwegian villages such as Lesja and Bjorli before ending in the Andalsnes fjord.
If you are a fan of the movie “Harry Potter”, one of the only parts of the film shot outside the UK was filmed on this railway. Highlights include crossing the tree-lined Rauma River on Kylling Bridge, where you can catch a glimpse of the Vermafossen waterfall. When you reach the Andalsnes, get off the train and walk to Romsdalen Gondola station to ascend more than 5,000 feet up the fjord.
One-way ticket on the Rauma Line start at around £16 (about $18) each way.
Villefranche-Vernet les Bains to Latour de Carol-Enveitg, France, on the Yellow Train
This bold yellow SNCF train runs through the French Pyrenees on a route of dramatic scenery that stretches from wooded grasslands and small French villages to the Tet valley.
The train passes through several viaducts, bridges, tunnels and railway suspension bridges before reaching Latour de Carol, a town bordering northern Spain. After getting off the train, you can actually walk across the border to Spain or catch another train that will take you to Barcelona.
The route takes less than three hours and prices are available on SNCF. Please note that, due to track construction, there may be limited trains during this season.
Related: What is the best first class high speed rail service between Milan and Paris?
St. Mortiz to Zermatt, Switzerland, on the Glacier Express
While the name Glacier Express may conjure distinctly winter vibes, taking this Swiss route in the fall allows your eyes to bask in the spectrum of colors along the way. Switzerlandtree-covered slopes.
The trip takes about eight hours, although you can also join only part of the journey (some of the best viewpoints are between Andermatt and Disentis). Once you reach Zermatt, you can’t leave without visiting the iconic Matterhorn, one of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps.
This particular train runs through October but takes a break in November before restarting in winter. One-way fare is around £180 (nearly $200) in second class and £200 ($220) in first class, offering a more spacious seating arrangement and upgraded service.
Related: How to plan your first luxury cruise
Take the train this fall
Trains in Europe are a fun and easy way to enjoy the fall foliage, as well as the perfect way to travel to your destination’s autumn festivals and seasonal treats during the fall. this.
Traveling this season is often more affordable than the summer months, offering the opportunity to save money and encounter fewer crowds. Train ideal for all types of travelers (families, couples, and solo travelers), so consider hitting the sweater season with a beautiful rail adventure.
