Europe’s Must Try Christmas Train Journeys 2025- EXPLORE NOW

Published on December 9, 2025

Europe’s Winter Rail Magic Returns — Snow, Alps and Surprise Stops

As Europe experiences the winter season, rail lovers and travelers now can board trains that climb through snow‑dusted Alps and glide past frozen landscapes. From glittering mountain vistas to cozy old‑world charm and festive Christmas markets — rail journeys across Europe are turning into magical winter adventures.

Board a train this winter in Europe, and you don’t just travel — you step into a scene from a fairy tale.

Why Winter Rail Travel Is Europe’s Best Kept Secret

Travelling by train in Europe is already celebrated. With a single Eurail Pass, you can ride across 33 countries. That means from a snowy alpine village in Switzerland to historic cities in Italy or Austria — all in one seamless journey.

Rail travel also makes sense for the planet. Electric trains, high‑speed network and scenic winter routes mean you trade airport chaos and carbon‑heavy flights for comfort, charm, and sustainability.

Snow‑Kissed Tracks: Top European Winter Trains to Catch

Glacier Express — Snow, Alps, Romance

This legendary Swiss railway links Zermatt and St. Moritz, cutting across the heart of the Alps. The approximately 291 km route runs through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges — a slow but mesmerizing eight‑hour ride that leaves passengers awestruck.

Picture this: majestic snow‑capped peaks, frozen valleys, and landscapes that look painted in white. For travellers longing for tranquillity and a fairy‑tale winter, Glacier Express delivers.

Bernina Express — Panoramic Beauty from Alps to Italy

Crossing from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, Bernina Express journeys through the dramatic alpine terrain, making its way over 196 bridges, through 55 tunnels, and climbing to more than 2,200 meters above sea level at the Bernina Pass. It offers daily service, making it an accessible but spectacular winter option.

For those who want peaks, valleys, snow‑covered villages and a dash of Italian warmth at the end — this train delivers the full winter spectacle.

Expect Slow, Scenic, Soul‑Stirring Rides with GoldenPass & Steam‑Era Charm

Apart from these world‑famous trains, Europe also offers slower, quieter railways cutting through forests, valleys and old‑world villages. Routes such as those featured by travel guides list steam trains through Germany’s pine forests, vintage Alpine routes, and holiday‑friendly winter trips perfect for those who prefer something beyond speed and hustle.

For travellers who want to savour every snowflake, every pine‑framed window, these journeys are pure winter poetry.

Booking, Planning and Choosing the Right Rail Pass

To explore this winter’s rail magic — consider the Eurail Pass or other single‑pass options. With one pass you can travel across many countries, taking off anywhere, hopping on anytime.

Also plan your route: if you start in Switzerland but want to end in Italy or Austria, you can — many trains like Bernina Express or Glacier Express connect well with local transport or onward links.

Finally, don’t forget to pack for snow. Warm clothes, layered outfits and some flexibility — winter trains are magical, but nature is in charge.

Winter Rail Travel: More Than Just Transport — It’s Emotion, Nostalgia, Magic

Rail journeys in Europe during the colder months are not just a means to travel. They awaken emotion. There’s a deep comfort in watching snow drift past a window as a train hums along, in sipping warm drinks while snowflakes swirl outside, in the sense that you are part of something timeless.

For many travellers, nights in alpine towns, mornings with steaming coffee and frosty air, train compartments lit softly as the world outside glows with frost — that’s not just travel, it’s memory.

Rail Travel Is A Responsible, Eco‑Smart Winter Getaway

With Europe encouraging more rail travel, and with high‑speed electric trains covering vast countries efficiently — winter rail holidays are not just scenic, but smarter for the planet too. Emissions per passenger‑kilometre are far lower than flights.

Choosing a winter train trip is choosing slow travel, quiet nights, and a lighter footprint.

Should You Book This Winter? Yes — Because Europe Is Calling Through Snowy Rails

If you dream of snowy peaks, alpine chalets, frosty window views, and quiet cosy train compartments — winter rail journeys in Europe now stand as a beautiful, accessible, and responsible way to travel. Whether you choose the grandeur of Glacier Express, the panoramic sweep of Bernina Express, or a charming slow‑rail route through forested valleys — you will find magic waiting.

Get your pass. Book a seat. And step onto rails that lead to winter wonderlands, unexpected charm, lasting memories.