The Best Mountain Railways for Scenic Journeys

Few travel experiences rival the sheer romance and adventure of a mountain railway journey. Snaking through rugged terrains, soaring over deep valleys, and tunnelling under towering peaks, these railways reveal landscapes that are as dramatic as they are beautiful. From the Swiss Alps to the Canadian Rockies, these rail routes unveil the world’s most breathtaking vistas in ways that no other travel can.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most remarkable mountain railways around the globe and the spectacular sights they reveal along the way. Ready to ride the rails? We’ve got just the ticket.

Dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express takes passengers on a leisurely journey through the Swiss Alps, connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. Over the course of approximately eight hours, the train winds through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and over the 6,670-foot-high Oberalp Pass, covering a total of just 180 miles. That equates to an average speed of 24 miles per hour. This glacial pace, paired with panoramic windows, offers the optimal way to make the most of the uninterrupted views of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and picturesque villages. Highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the train emerges from a tunnel onto a dramatic curved bridge towering over the valley below.

Another gem in Switzerland’s crown, the Bernina Express links the town of Chur with Tirano in Italy. This route crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps, offering views of glaciers, alpine gardens, and the shimmering turquoise of Lago Bianco. The train reaches an altitude of 7,392 feet at the Bernina Pass, making it one of the highest rail crossings in Europe. The journey includes the iconic Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a circular viaduct designed to help the train navigate steep gradients.

Known as the “Toy Train,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that climbs from New Jalpaiguri up to the hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Covering about 55 miles, the journey ascends over 6,500 feet, offering sweeping views of tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and vibrant local villages. The Batasia Loop is a highlight, a spiral track that allows the train to gain altitude while providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Kanchenjunga.

The Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes through the Canadian Rockies, each showcasing the rugged beauty of western Canada. Luxurious trains with glass-dome coaches allow passengers to gaze upon towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. The journey from Vancouver to Banff is particularly popular, featuring highlights like the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse River, and the Continental Divide. Wildlife such as bears, elk, and bald eagles may be spotted along the way.

One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, the Flåm Railway descends nearly 2,950 feet over a 12.5-mile stretch between Myrdal and Flåm in Norway. The route offers dramatic views of the Norwegian fjords, snow-dusted mountains, and cascading waterfalls. The train makes a stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall where passengers can disembark briefly to admire the thundering falls up close.

Travelling through the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Far North Queensland, the Kuranda Scenic Railway connects Cairns with the mountain village of Kuranda. The journey takes passengers into the highlands of the Atherton Tablelands, passing dense jungles, steep ravines, and spectacular waterfalls along the way. Built over 120 years ago, the railway is an engineering marvel, featuring 15 handmade tunnels and 37 bridges. A stop at Barron Falls Station provides a breathtaking view of the Barron Gorge and its impressive waterfall.

Famous for its appearances in the Harry Potter films, the West Highland Line traverses some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. The route from Glasgow to Mallaig passes through lochs, moors, and, of course, mountains. The highlight is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a 21-arched concrete marvel that curves gracefully through the glen. The train journey offers views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Nestled in the mountains of central Taiwan, the Alishan Forest Railway is a narrow-gauge line originally built for logging. Today, it transports passengers through misty forests of giant cedars and cherry blossoms. The train climbs from an altitude of 98 feet to over 7,200 feet, traversing switchbacks and spirals to navigate the steep terrain. Sunrise at Alishan is legendary, with the sea of clouds and peaks bathed in golden light.

Ascending to the “Top of Europe,” the Jungfrau Railway is an engineering wonder that takes passengers 11,332 feet above sea level to the highest railway station in Europe. Starting from the mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg, the train tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains before reaching Jungfraujoch. The journey offers stunning views of the Eiger North Face and the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. At the summit, visitors can explore the Ice Palace, enjoy panoramic views from the Sphinx Observatory, and even engage in snow activities year-round.

And so, whether it’s the snow-laden Alps, the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling, or the rugged peaks of the Rockies, we’ve seen the unique tapestry of sights and experiences the world’s most scenic train routes have to offer.