Gazing out the window at the ever-changing landscapes whipping past is one of the great pleasures of train travel.
All seasons have their appeal, but watching autumn’s foliage colour transformation is particularly mesmerising.
Overtourism, scorching temperatures and hefty tourist taxes have also made travelling in the shoulder season even more attractive.
So, if you’re looking to take advantage of the calm that comes with the colder months, why not consider some leaf-peeping aboard a train?
Europe’s best train journeys for autumn
Japanese rail operator JR Pass analysed popular routes from across Europe using online ratings, Instagram hashtags, search insights, and seasonal weather data, to compile five of the best rail journeys in Europe with the “crispiest fall settings”.
The travel experts found a “growing appetite for immersive experiences” during autumn, arguing that travelling by train is the perfect way to witness the seasons change.
GoldenPass Line, Switzerland
Ranking first is Switzerland’s acclaimed GoldenPass Line, which runs on historic railways that date back to the 1890s.
Starting off in Montreux and ending up in Interlaken, this 191km journey showcases iconic Alpine landscapes from Lake Geneva to panoramic views of Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and Eiger.
Highlights include the historic Châteaux de Chillon, a medieval fortress perched on the shores of Lake Geneva, as well as Tsanfleuron Glacier, which is located around 3,000 metres above sea level.
“With the route boasting clear skies for over half the autumn season (52.55%) and around one in four days seeing rain, the climate provides promising autumn viewing conditions,” JR Pass tells Euronews Travel.
A second-class ticket can be bought for around €60, without a seat reservation.
Tren de Sóller, Mallorca
If you’re searching for something a little warmer, Spain’s Tren de Sóller could be the perfect alternative.
Built in 1912, with original wooden carriages still in use, this electric railway stretches from Sóller to Palma, winding through the island’s underrated mountains and citrus groves.
Ranking second thanks to Mallorca**’**s lack of rainfall and clear skies, this train journey is perfect for art lovers. At Sóller train station, you’ll find two permanent exhibitions with original works by Miró and Picasso.
Other highlights include the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria, the World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, and endless scenic views.
Return tickets are priced at €40.
Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s Narrow Gauge Railway is a great way to explore one of Europe’s “most unspoiled landscapes”.
The 125 km route links the Gornotrakiyska Valley with the Rhodope and Pirin mountains, and is considered one of the country’s best engineering feats to date.
“The line is undoubtedly a cherished national treasure, celebrated for its rich history, remarkable technical specifications, and breathtaking landscapes,” the railway’s official website says.
Each station and stop offers tourists a wide choice of hiking trails and scenic views of the mountain ranges, as well as golden beech forests and quaint villages that appear “frozen in time”.
With an average of just five rainy days in autumn, passengers can expect “crisp, pristine conditions”.
Day tour package tickets start from €79, but may be lower depending on your travel date.
Semmering Railway, Austria
Famed for being the world’s first standard gauge line across a high mountain pass, the Semmering Railway is one of the greatest feats of civil engineering still running today.
Departing from Gloggnitz and ending in Mürzzuschlag, travellers will be able to marvel at stone viaducts, carved tunnels, and spectacular mountain landscapes.
JR Pass hails the journey for showing off Austria’s “vibrant tapestry of colours”. This, combined with clear skies for almost half of the autumn season, makes it an ideal journey to embark on during the colder months.
Standard class tickets for the 36-minute journey start from around €10.
Schneeberg Railway, Austria
One of Europe’s last remaining cog railways, this mountain line whisks passengers up to Hochschneeberg station at an elevation of 1,800 metres.
“Baumgartner station is a great place to stop off on the way,” says Schneeberg Railway’s official website.
“This is because you can sample delicious Schneeberg buchteln – sweet rolls filled with jam that are a treat for the taste buds.”
At the top of the trail, tourists can soak up panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Low season rates for adults begin at €33.50 one way.
Further afield: A leaf-peeping rail journey in Japan
Earlier this year, insurance experts InsureandGo turned to eye-tracking technology to analyse the attractiveness of the scenery on some of the world’s most popular rail routes.
Participants were shown multiple images of iconic views from train journeys. The analysts then tracked how long they spent looking at the scenery and how quickly their eyes were drawn to it.
The top spot went to Japan’s Sagano Romantic Train, which passes by the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto.
This is a short 25-minute ride along the Hozu River between Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka, but it packs some of the most eye-catching scenery in Asia, easily admired from the train’s open-sided carriage.
It is particularly mesmerising in autumn when the maples turn fiery shades of red and gold.
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