Scenic rail journeys offer premier autumn foliage views in Europe

Autumn rail travel is seeing increased interest as travelers seek immersive seasonal experiences and avoid peak-season crowds. Several scenic routes across Europe and beyond are highlighted for their autumn foliage views.

In Europe, Switzerland’s GoldenPass Line, which runs from Montreux to Interlaken, is ranked highly due to its Alpine landscapes and favorable weather conditions. The Bernina Express is also noted for its route from the Engadine region to Tirano, passing glaciers and larch forests. Other notable routes include the Vigezzina-Centovalli connecting Piedmont and Switzerland, and the Tren de Sóller in Mallorca, Spain.

Additional scenic options include the Semmering Railway and Schneebergbahn in Austria, the Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway in Bulgaria, and the Sagano Romantic Train in Japan.