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Travel InformationRailway holidays
There’s something magical about train travel. A Lakes & Mountains holiday lets you see a new side of Europe while ticking off some unforgettable railway rides.
Why choose a TUI Lakes & Mountains holiday for railways?
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Outstanding scenery
Ride through scenes you’ll hardly believe are real, past serene lakes and vast mountains.
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Local stays
Choose from hand-picked hotels and family-run guesthouses with must-do rail rides close by.
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Authentic experiences
In between train-hopping, explore colourful towns and try local specialities.
Top places for railway holidays in Europe
St Moritz, Switzerland
Tap into the charm and glamour of St Moritz by catching the Bernina Express, one of the world’s most scenic railway routes. Sit back and take in soaring summits, gleaming glaciers and even a few palm trees as you wind your way towards Tirano in Italy. You’ll see it all again on the way back too.
Mayrhofen, Austria
Soak up the sights, scents and sounds of steam train travel as you chug between forest-blanketed mountains on the Zillettal Railway. The 90-minute journey from Mayrhofen ends in Jenbach, where you can hop on Europe’s oldest steam-powered cog railway to reach Achensee Lake.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken packs a punch when it comes to Swiss railway holidays. Take the Jungfrau to the peak known as the ‘Top of Europe’ at 3,454mm, cross alpine pastures on the Schynige Platte train, built in 1894, or look out over lakes Thun and Brienz from the top of the Harderbahn funicular.
Bohinj, Slovenia
Soak in at Slovenia’s must-see scenery from the wide windows of the Bohinj Railway, which stops close to Lake Bohinj. Glide between tree-carpeted hills, past villages that appear stuck in time and alongside turquoise waters. You’ll also cross the world’s longest stone-arch rail bridge.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt puts an eco-friendly spin on rail rides with its full-electric cog railway, the Gornergrat. You’ll want your camera to hand – the Matterhorn’s in view almost all the way up. And once you get to the top, feast your eyes on more mighty peaks stretching far into the distance.
Discover and get inspired with TUI Lakes & Mountains
Swiss trains and cable cars you won't want to miss
Switzerland’s famous for its trains, as well as views you can’t look away from. Here are some of the best Swiss rail rides – which tops your wish list?
Railway holiday FAQs
Where are the most scenic railway rides in Europe?
Switzerland tops the list for railway holidays in Europe, with loads of mountain railways and steam train routes sprinkled across the country. But scenic railway travel can be enjoyed in plenty of other Lakes & Mountains destinations, from France and Italy to Austria and Slovenia.
Summer cards can help you make the most of your holiday - they're up for grabs in resorts across Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and Slovenia, and unlock things like rides on summer lifts and cable cars, plus discounts on public transport and other things to do during your holiday.
If you're heading to Austria and plan on using summer lifts, speak to your rep about buying a lift pass.
What’s a funicular railway?
A funicular is a type of railway designed to run up and down very steep slopes – like mountains – and you’ll find several funicular railways in Lakes & Mountains destinations. It’ll have two carriages, connected by a cable, that counterbalance each other as they go up and down the track.
What’s the highest mountain railway station in Europe?
The Jungfraujoch in Switzerland is known as the ‘Top of Europe’ because it’s the highest-altitude railway station in Europe, sitting at 3,454m with pinch-me views as far as France, Italy and Germany. You can get there on the Jungfrau railway from Interlaken, Wengen or Grindelwald.
