10 Great Journeys
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| Austria - Arlberg Line (Bludenz - Innsbruck) |
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You can be sure that the ArlbergLine is one of the most spectacular railway lines in Austria. Since 1884 this railway connects Tyrol with Vorarlberg. Before these days Vorarlberg could only be reached via Bavarian territory. Numerous bridges, viaducts and tunnels mark this wildromantic railway line. The spectacularly line stretches from the Tyrolian town of Landeck, via Langen am Arlberg (1217m / 3993 feet a.s.) to Bludenz in Vorarlberg. |
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| Austria - Semmeringbahn (Wiener Neustadt - Semmering) |
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The Semmeringbahn, the first major mountain railroad in Europe, was built between 1848-54 by Karl von Ghega (1802-60). It passes through 15 tunnels and crosses 16 deep gorges on viaducts (some of them of several levels). The maximum gradient is 1 in 40; the summit tunnel (with a parallel tunnel opened in 1952) is 1,430m/1,564yds long and reaches a height of 897m/2,943ft. |
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| Belgium - The Ardennes |
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The Ardennes region of southern Belgium is one of forests, hills, cliffs and winding roads, with small and isolated villages peppering the valleys. The main line from Brussels south to Luxembourg travels through this area, with the railway line following the river along secluded forest valleys, unexpected stretches of open countryside and even the odd vineyard. Luxembourg is approximately two hours from Brussels, and as well as the journey being offered as a “Things to See & Do” excursion from Brussels, you can travel this way en route from Brussels to Strasbourg and onward to Switzerland. |
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| Croatia - (Split - Ogulin) |
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The town of Ogulin is interesting, set on the River Dobra and under Mount Klek, part of the Velika Kapela massif. Klek has, on account of its shape, always been a source of inspiration to popular imagination. There are many tales and legends revolving around it. One of these tells of the Klek witches. Legend has it that at midnight on stormy nights witches and elves from around the world gather on Klek. The sounds of their dance and cries are heard as far as in Ogulin. |
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| France - Champagne And Alsace |
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Epitomising the feel of classic French countryside, the main line “Corail” trains from Paris to Strasbourg travel along the scenic valley of the river Marne, passing through Meaux, famous for its Brie, and the Champagne vineyards between Château-Thierry and Epernay. Continuing through the Champagne region, the railway leaves the Marne at Vitry-le-François and continues across the famous Meuse and Moselle rivers to enter Lorraine and then Alsace. Before arriving in Strasbourg, a final treat is in store, as between Sarrebourg and Mommenheim, the railway dives into a region of thick forests and hills before emerging into the broad Rhine valley. |
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| Germany - Rhine Valley Line (Mainz - Koblenz) |
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The city of Mainz is blessed with a location next to the immense Rhein. Even this far inland the river is over half a kilometer wide; by comparison the River Thames at London Bridge is roughly half as far across. The Rhein offers pleasant walks along its promenades, but also boat trips north to the famous Rhein Gorge region and beyond to Koblenz. These boat journeys kick off from the little harbour just past the bridge (take a left at the bridge when approaching from the old town). |
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| Germany - Hoellental Line (Freiburg Brsg - Seebrugg) |
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The Hell Valley Railway is a railway line in the Höllental (Hell Valley) region of the Black Forest, Germany. The line connects Freiburg with Donaueschingen, a distance of 25.4 kilometers (15.8 miles). Over its entire course the line rises from an altitude of 278 metres (912 feet) in Freiburg to 885 metres (0.54 miles) in Hinterzarten. The second half of the route has a 5.5% upward gradient, making the Hell Valley line one of the steepest railway lines in Germany. |
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| Germany - Rhine Gorge (Mainz - Cologne) |
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The great river Rhine flows north from Switzerland, forming the border between France and Germany for part of its length. Between Mainz and Cologne is the most scenic part of the river’s course, and the main line hugs the banks all the way. The river winds between steep hills, many topped with castles and most covered in vineyards. The famous Loreley rock is probably the most imposing sight on the journey – a medieval legend told of sirens who waited on the rocks to lure sailors to their deaths. |
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| Germany - Elbe Valley - (Dresden - Prague) |
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The railway along the Elbe valley from Dresden to Prague is one of the more scenic journeys in Central Europe. The stretch of river between Dresden and the border is known locally as “Saxon Switzerland” – a slight exaggeration perhaps, but a forgivable one as the railway line hugs the banks of the river, twisting through rocky outcrops and narrow gorges. |
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| Switzerland - The Brunig Pass |
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Connecting the lakeside resorts of Lucerne and Interlaken, the metre-gauge Brünig Line encompasses both serene lakeside scenery and mountain climbs and descents so steep that a rack & pinion system is required. Leaving Lucerne, the train skirts the base of Mount Pilatus towering above the city, then climbs rapidly to the lake at Sarnen. Descending from Brünig-Hasliberg, the train reverses at Meiringen – famous for both its connections with Conan Doyle and as the birthplace of the Meringue – before running alongside Lake Brienz, the line newly restored after the floods of August 2005, and arriving in Interlaken. |
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