Switzerland Now Joins Germany, UK, France and Others in Driving a New Golden Age of Scenic Rail Travel as Historic Furka Steam Railway Celebrates 100 Years Spark a Powerful Heritage Train Revival Across Europe, What You Need to Know About the Incredible Comeback Story Changing the Future of Sustainable Tourism

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Swagata Dey

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July 18, 2026 2:52 AM

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Switzerland’s Furka Steam Railway celebrates 100 years as historic locomotives revive Europe’s passion for scenic rail journeys. From Alpine routes to mountain valleys, heritage trains across Germany, UK, Austria and France are creating a powerful sustainable tourism revival.

Switzerland now joins Germany, UK, France and others in driving a new golden age of scenic rail travel as Historic Furka Steam Railway celebrates 100 years, sparking a powerful heritage train revival across Europe. The centenary celebration of the Swiss mountain railway highlights a growing global interest in historic trains, slow travel and sustainable tourism experiences. From the Alpine landscapes of Switzerland to the Harz Mountains of Germany, Snowdonia in Wales, Scotland’s Highlands, Austria’s Tyrol region and France’s Somme Bay, heritage railways are attracting travellers seeking authentic journeys. The comeback story reveals how century-old railway routes are becoming modern tourism icons.

The Furka Steam Railway’s 100-year celebration highlights Europe’s heritage rail revival, with historic steam routes in Switzerland, Germany, UK, Austria and France driving sustainable scenic tourism growth.

Why is Switzerland’s Furka Steam Railway celebrating a historic 100-year milestone?

Switzerland’s Furka Steam Railway has reached a remarkable milestone as one of Europe’s most iconic heritage railways celebrates a century of operation. The historic mountain railway first entered service in 1926, creating an important connection between the Swiss regions of Uri and Valais.

Today, the railway operates as a living heritage attraction, allowing visitors to travel through dramatic Alpine landscapes aboard restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages.

The centenary celebrations brought together railway enthusiasts from around the world, highlighting the continuing global fascination with traditional steam travel. The event demonstrated how historic transport systems are becoming increasingly important parts of modern tourism.

According to Swiss Federal Statistical Office Tourism Data, Switzerland continues to benefit from strong international tourism demand, with mountain destinations remaining among the country’s most attractive visitor experiences.

The Furka Steam Railway represents more than a historic journey. It reflects decades of preservation work, volunteer commitment and the growing demand for authentic travel experiences.

What makes the Furka Steam Railway one of Europe’s most legendary scenic journeys?

The Furka Steam Railway offers one of Europe’s most dramatic heritage rail experiences because it combines historic engineering with some of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

The railway crosses the famous Furka Pass, reaching an altitude of 2,431 metres and taking passengers through one of the highest Alpine railway landscapes in Europe.

The 18-kilometre route connects Realp and Oberwald, passing through breathtaking scenery including Alpine meadows, mountain rivers and views of the Rhône and Mutt glaciers.

Unlike modern high-speed rail journeys designed for efficiency, the Furka route focuses on experience. Passengers travel slowly through the landscape, allowing them to appreciate the natural environment and historic railway technology.

The railway also gained international recognition after appearing near a famous chase scene in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, starring Sean Connery.

Today, the steam railway operates during the summer season as a tourism attraction, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Switzerland’s railway heritage while exploring the Alps.

Its popularity reflects a wider shift towards slow tourism, where travellers increasingly value meaningful experiences over simply reaching destinations quickly.

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How did volunteers save the Furka Steam Railway from disappearing forever?

The survival story of the Furka Steam Railway is one of Europe’s most impressive examples of railway preservation.

During the early 1980s, the opening of a new base tunnel through the Alps redirected railway traffic away from the historic mountain route. The original line was closed, creating the possibility that the historic railway could disappear permanently.

However, railway enthusiasts refused to allow the route to be forgotten. Hundreds of volunteers, known as the railway’s “pioneers”, dedicated years of work to restoring tracks, repairing infrastructure and maintaining historic steam locomotives.

The first section of the heritage railway reopened in 1992. After years of restoration, the complete route between Realp and Oberwald became operational again in 2010.

The restoration project showed how community involvement can preserve important cultural assets.

Today, the railway operates almost exactly as it did a century ago, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to experience traditional steam travel.

The Furka Steam Railway’s success has inspired heritage railway movements across Europe, proving that historic transport can become a powerful tourism attraction.

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Why is Wernigerode, Germany becoming a global destination for steam railway tourism?

Wernigerode in Germany has become one of Europe’s leading destinations for heritage railway enthusiasts through the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen – HSB).

The railway operates the longest connected narrow-gauge network in Europe, using historic steam locomotives to transport passengers through the Harz Mountains.

The famous Brockenbahn route climbs towards Brocken Mountain, the highest peak in the Harz region, offering travellers spectacular views of forests, valleys and mountain landscapes.

The railway combines historic engineering with nature tourism, making it one of Germany’s most distinctive travel experiences.

According to German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), Germany’s tourism sector has continued recovering, supporting increased interest in domestic and regional travel experiences.

The Brockenbahn remains the centrepiece of the HSB network and attracts visitors throughout the year.

For Wernigerode, the railway is not only a tourist attraction but also an important economic driver, supporting hotels, restaurants and local businesses.

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How is Harz Narrow Gauge Railways creating a new tourism economy in Germany?

The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways demonstrate how historic infrastructure can become a modern tourism success story.

Visitors travel to Wernigerode not only to ride a steam train but also to explore the surrounding Harz region, including hiking routes, historic towns and natural attractions.

The Brockenbahn has become a symbol of Germany’s railway heritage, attracting both domestic visitors and international tourists.

The success of the railway reflects a broader European travel trend where visitors are searching for authentic experiences connected with local history and landscapes.

Heritage railways provide a combination of transport, sightseeing and cultural storytelling that modern travel often cannot replicate.

By maintaining steam operations and historic routes, the HSB supports rural tourism development while preserving traditional engineering skills.

The railway’s popularity highlights the economic potential of heritage tourism, particularly for smaller communities outside major cities.

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Why is Porthmadog’s Ffestiniog Railway attracting travellers to Wales?

The Ffestiniog Railway in Porthmadog, Wales, is one of the world’s most famous heritage railways and a major tourism attraction in Snowdonia.

Founded in the 19th century, it is recognised as the world’s oldest independent railway company still operating.

The narrow-gauge steam railway travels approximately 13.5 miles from Porthmadog into the heart of Snowdonia National Park, passing through forests, mountains and scenic Welsh countryside.

The railway offers visitors a unique way to experience Wales while travelling aboard historic steam locomotives.

The attraction has become an important part of tourism in Gwynedd, encouraging visitors to explore rural areas and supporting local hospitality businesses.

According to Transport for Wales Official Website, rail travel demand in Wales has continued recovering, supporting increased interest in sustainable journeys.

The Ffestiniog Railway represents how heritage transport can support modern tourism goals by combining environmental responsibility with cultural preservation.

How is the Ffestiniog Railway supporting sustainable tourism in Wales?

The Ffestiniog Railway has become a leading example of how historic railways can contribute to sustainable tourism.

Modern travellers are increasingly interested in reducing their environmental impact while experiencing destinations in meaningful ways.

Heritage railways provide an alternative to car-based tourism by allowing visitors to explore rural landscapes through existing transport routes.

The Ffestiniog Railway also supports local communities by bringing visitors to smaller destinations that may otherwise receive fewer tourists.

Its popularity demonstrates the growing demand for slow travel, where the journey itself becomes an important part of the holiday experience.

The railway’s combination of history, scenery and sustainability has helped position it as one of Wales’ most important tourism attractions.

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Why has Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train become a global heritage rail icon?

The Jacobite Steam Train, operating between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland, has become one of Europe’s most recognisable heritage railway experiences, attracting travellers from across the world with its dramatic Highland scenery and historic steam locomotives.

The route is famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the 21-arch railway bridge that gained international recognition through the Harry Potter films. Often called the real-life “Hogwarts Express”, the journey combines cinematic landscapes with Scotland’s railway heritage.

The train travels through the Scottish Highlands, passing mountains, lochs and remote landscapes before reaching the coastal town of Mallaig.

The popularity of the Jacobite Steam Train demonstrates the growing demand for experiential travel, where visitors seek memorable journeys rather than simply reaching destinations.

The railway has become a major tourism attraction for Fort William and surrounding Highland communities, supporting hotels, restaurants and local businesses.

Strong demand has encouraged operators to increase seasonal services, with additional departures introduced to accommodate growing visitor interest.

The Jacobite represents how heritage railways can transform historic transport routes into internationally recognised tourism experiences.

How is the Jacobite Steam Train boosting Highland tourism and local economies?

The Jacobite Steam Train has become an important economic driver for Scotland’s Highlands by attracting visitors who want to experience traditional rail travel combined with spectacular scenery.

The route encourages travellers to spend more time in Highland communities, benefiting accommodation providers, restaurants, tour operators and local attractions.

Fort William has strengthened its position as a gateway for visitors exploring western Scotland, with the steam railway becoming one of the region’s signature experiences.

The railway also supports sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to use rail instead of relying entirely on private vehicles to explore remote landscapes.

The popularity of scenic rail journeys reflects a wider European trend towards slower, more meaningful travel experiences.

Travellers increasingly value heritage, nature and cultural connections, making historic railways attractive alternatives to conventional sightseeing.

The Jacobite’s success shows that preserved railway routes can contribute significantly to regional tourism growth while protecting important cultural heritage.

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Why is Austria’s Achenseebahn Railway attracting a new generation of slow travellers?

The Achenseebahn Railway in Jenbach, Austria, represents one of Europe’s most unique Alpine heritage railway experiences.

Located in Tyrol, the railway is recognised as one of Europe’s oldest steam-powered cog railways, using historic locomotives to climb steep mountain gradients towards Lake Achensee.

The journey combines traditional railway engineering with spectacular Alpine scenery, offering passengers views of forests, mountains and one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes.

The railway has benefited from the growing popularity of slow travel, a tourism movement focused on authentic experiences, sustainability and deeper connections with destinations.

Unlike fast transport options, the Achenseebahn transforms the journey itself into the attraction.

Visitors do not simply travel to Lake Achensee; they experience the history, landscapes and engineering heritage of the route.

Austria’s Alpine tourism sector continues attracting international visitors seeking outdoor experiences, and heritage railways fit naturally into this demand.

The Achenseebahn demonstrates how historic transport can remain relevant by adapting to modern sustainable tourism trends.

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How does Achenseebahn support sustainable Alpine tourism in Austria?

The Achenseebahn has become an example of how heritage transport can support environmentally conscious tourism.

Modern travellers are increasingly looking for alternatives to road-based sightseeing, especially in sensitive mountain environments where reducing vehicle dependence is important.

The railway allows visitors to explore the Tyrolean landscape while preserving historic railway traditions.

Its steam locomotives, traditional technology and mountain route create a distinctive tourism experience that cannot easily be replaced by modern transport.

The railway also contributes to regional economic activity by connecting visitors with local attractions, accommodation providers and businesses around Lake Achensee.

The success of Achenseebahn reflects a wider European movement towards sustainable travel experiences.

Historic railways are no longer viewed only as preserved transport systems. They are becoming important tourism products that combine history, environmental awareness and regional development.

Why is France’s Somme Bay Railway becoming a coastal heritage tourism attraction?

The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, or Somme Bay Railway, offers a different style of heritage rail experience by combining historic steam travel with coastal landscapes.

Located in northern France, the railway connects the towns of Le Crotoy, Noyelles-sur-Mer and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.

Unlike Alpine routes focused on mountains, the Somme Bay Railway takes passengers through salt marshes, wetlands and coastal scenery.

The journey provides visitors with a slower way to explore one of France’s most distinctive natural regions.

The railway has become closely connected with eco-tourism, walking routes and local cultural experiences.

Its popularity reflects growing demand for nature-based travel, where visitors want to explore landscapes while supporting sustainable tourism.

The railway also benefits from integration with France’s wider transport network, allowing visitors to combine modern regional trains with historic steam journeys.

The Somme Bay Railway demonstrates how heritage transport can support coastal tourism while preserving local history.

How are European heritage railways driving a sustainable tourism revolution?

The revival of heritage railways across Europe reflects a major change in traveller behaviour.

Visitors are increasingly searching for experiences that offer history, scenery and emotional connections rather than only speed and convenience.

From Switzerland’s Furka Steam Railway to Germany’s Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, Wales’ Ffestiniog Railway, Scotland’s Jacobite, Austria’s Achenseebahn and France’s Somme Bay Railway, historic trains are becoming major tourism attractions.

These railways support regional economies by attracting visitors to smaller towns and rural destinations.

They also encourage sustainable travel by using existing rail infrastructure and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

The growth of scenic rail tourism demonstrates that historic transport can play a role in the future of tourism.

While modern rail networks focus on efficiency, heritage routes focus on experience.

Together, they show that rail travel can offer both practical connectivity and unforgettable journeys.

What does the heritage train revival mean for the future of European tourism?

The growing popularity of historic railways suggests that Europe’s tourism industry is entering a new era of experience-based travel.

The Furka Steam Railway centenary highlights how preserved rail routes can attract international attention and create new tourism opportunities.

Across Germany, the UK, Austria and France, heritage trains are becoming destinations themselves.

Travellers are increasingly choosing scenic journeys that allow them to connect with landscapes, communities and history.

This trend supports rural tourism development by bringing visitors to areas beyond major cities.

It also aligns with the wider shift towards sustainable tourism, where travellers seek lower-impact experiences.

The future of European rail tourism is likely to combine modern transport networks with historic experiences.

Heritage railways demonstrate that old technology can still inspire new generations of travellers.

Key Tourism Insights Linked to Heritage Rail Growth

Most Important Heritage Rail Tourism Growth Markets

1. Switzerland – Furka Steam Railway
   • Strong international tourism recovery.
   • Alpine scenery remains a major global attraction.
2. Scotland – Jacobite Steam Train
   • International visitor demand remains strong.
   • Scotland recorded 4.4 million international trips in 2024.
3. Austria – Achenseebahn
   • Alpine tourism continues expanding.
   • Tyrol recorded strong 2026 early-season growth.
4. Spain – Scenic and Heritage Rail Market
   • Spain’s record tourism numbers support wider rail tourism demand.
5. Germany – Harz Steam Railway
   • Strong domestic and international tourism supports heritage rail demand.

Note on 2026 Data Availability

Most European national tourism authorities publish final annual arrival statistics several months after the end of the year. Therefore, complete 2026 tourist arrival figures are not yet available for many destinations. The 2026 figures above use only officially released year-to-date data where available and avoid unofficial projections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Europe’s Heritage Railway Revival

When did the Furka Steam Railway begin operating?

The Furka Steam Railway entered service in 1926 and later reopened as a heritage railway after major restoration efforts.

Why is the Furka Steam Railway famous?

It is famous for crossing the Swiss Alps, passing glacier landscapes and appearing near the James Bond film Goldfinger.

Which heritage railway is known as the real Hogwarts Express?

Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train is widely recognised by visitors as the real-world Hogwarts Express because of its appearance near Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Where does the Ffestiniog Railway operate?

The Ffestiniog Railway operates from Porthmadog through Snowdonia National Park in Wales.

What makes the Achenseebahn special?

The Achenseebahn is one of Europe’s oldest steam-powered cog railways, climbing steep Alpine gradients towards Lake Achensee.

Where is the Somme Bay Railway located?

The Somme Bay Railway operates in northern France, connecting coastal towns around Somme Bay.

Why are heritage railways becoming popular?

Travellers are increasingly choosing scenic, sustainable and experience-focused journeys that combine nature, culture and history.

Conclusion: Why are Europe’s historic steam railways entering a new golden age?

Switzerland’s Furka Steam Railway centenary represents a wider European heritage rail revival driven by changing traveller preferences, sustainable tourism demand and renewed interest in historic journeys.

The reason behind this comeback is simple: modern travellers increasingly want experiences that create lasting memories. Historic trains provide more than transportation; they offer scenery, storytelling and cultural connections.

The answer is visible across Germany, the UK, Austria and France, where heritage railways are attracting visitors and supporting regional economies.

From Alpine passes to coastal landscapes, these railways prove that historic infrastructure can have a powerful future.

The golden age of scenic rail travel is returning, not as a replacement for modern transport, but as a unique tourism experience that connects the past with the future.