European Winter Rail Journeys, A Luxurious Gateway to Snowy Landscapes, Festive Magic, and Slow Travel Adventures

Winter transforms Europe into a world of glistening landscapes, glowing villages and festive traditions. The season brings shorter days, crackling fires, Christmas markets and shared moments with loved ones. For travellers seeking a memorable way to welcome the holidays, Europe’s winter trains offer an enchanting blend of nostalgia, comfort and adventure. From snow-covered plateaus to Northern Lights skies, these rail journeys showcase the continent at its most magical.

Below is a fresh collection of Europe’s most captivating winter and Christmas train experiences, each providing its own festive charm.

Santa Claus Express – Into Lapland’s Winter Wonderland

Few journeys capture the holiday spirit as completely as the Santa Claus Express. This iconic Finnish sleeper train carries passengers from Helsinki to the Arctic Circle, gliding through landscapes brushed with frost, frozen lakes and silent forests. As the train heads north toward Rovaniemi, travellers may even witness the shimmering Northern Lights—currently more visible thanks to increased solar activity.

By morning, the train arrives deep in Lapland, home of Santa Claus himself. Stops such as Kolari and Kemijärvi provide access to beloved attractions including Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle Post Office, where visitors can stamp their passports with a special Arctic Circle mark.

On board, the experience is warm and comfortable, with standard and deluxe sleeper cabins, private bathroom options, and a dining car offering meals and snacks. Soft bedding, adjustable heating and peaceful overnight travel make this an unforgettable way to reach Finland’s wintry north.

Espresso Monaco – A Festive Night Train from Rome to Munich

For night train enthusiasts, the Espresso Monaco delivers a nostalgic celebration of Europe’s Christmas season. Operating between Rome and Munich during December weekends, this festive route combines themed décor, holiday dining and live entertainment with convenient access to some of Germany’s most celebrated Christmas markets.

Passengers can wander markets filled with handmade crafts, warm pastries, roasted nuts and steaming cups of mulled wine—without the stress of airport crowds.

The route includes stops in Verona, Trento, Bolzano, Bressanone, Fortezza, Vipiteno, and Colle Isarco before crossing through Brenner Pass into Austria. From Innsbruck and Kufstein, the train makes its final push to Munich.

Accommodation spans budget-friendly seated options to private sleepers in single, double or triple configurations. With a bar car and cosy dining spaces, the Espresso Monaco embraces the joy and charm of European holiday travel.

Bergen Railway – Norway’s Snow-Draped Mountain Masterpiece

The Bergen Railway is a pinnacle of winter rail travel. Stretching roughly 500 kilometres between Oslo and Bergen, this route climbs high into the Norwegian mountains, passing through nearly 200 tunnels and several of Europe’s loftiest sections of track.

Winter transforms the landscape into a breathtaking corridor of snowfields, ice formations, rugged peaks and quaint wooden villages. Travellers may even catch glimpses of Arctic wildlife, from reindeer roaming open plateaus to the occasional Arctic fox.

Key highlights include the Hardangervidda plateau, one of Europe’s largest high-mountain expanses, and Finse, a station known for its glacier views. From Myrdal, passengers can connect to the famous Flåm Railway for a dramatic descent into fjord country.

With multiple daily departures, a sleeper option, family-friendly carriages, Wi-Fi, café services and comfortable seating, the Bergen Railway is both practical and poetic—an ideal winter escape.

Golden Eagle Danube Express – European Christmas Luxury

Travellers seeking indulgence will find it aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a train renowned for its refined interiors and immersive cultural itineraries. During winter, it becomes a moving celebration of Europe’s holiday traditions, especially through its Christmas Markets of Central Europe program.

Running between Budapest and Munich, the route includes Vienna, the Austrian Alps and Salzburg. Guests enjoy guided tours, festive meals, champagne receptions and Christmas market explorations. Experiences such as carriage rides in Vienna, regional folk music concerts and gingerbread tastings create rich holiday memories.

Another seasonal highlight is the Grand Alpine Express, travelling through Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and northern Italy. Stops include Innsbruck, Zurich, Lake Como, Trieste, Lake Bled and Venice, offering a blend of icy mountain panoramas, historic towns and shimmering lakes.

Aboard the train, passengers experience luxury reminiscent of a five-star hotel, with en-suite cabins, marble bathrooms, panoramic windows, turndown service, elegant dining and cultural entertainment in the bar car. Deluxe and Superior Deluxe cabins provide spacious comfort, premium toiletries and climate control—perfect for winter nights in the Alps.

Glacier Express – Switzerland’s Iconic Snow Journey

The Glacier Express, linking Zermatt and St. Moritz, is famous for being the “slowest express train in the world”—a charming detail that allows passengers to fully appreciate its extraordinary scenery. Over eight hours, the train traverses deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes and engineering marvels including 91 tunnels and 291 bridges.

Notable highlights include the Oberalp Pass, the Rhine Gorge—often compared to a Swiss Grand Canyon—and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travellers can choose from second, first or the premium Excellence class. The train features panoramic windows, onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment systems and comfortable seating. Excellence class enhances the journey with a gourmet five-course menu, freshly prepared on board, featuring local Swiss flavours and seasonal ingredients.

A Holiday Season Best Spent on the Rails

Whether travelling for the scenery, the festive ambience or the simple joy of slow, immersive movement, Europe’s winter trains embody the magic of the season. Each journey offers a unique window into snowy landscapes, centuries-old traditions and the warmth of holiday celebrations. From Arctic adventures to Alpine luxury, these trains invite travellers to start the holidays with wonder, comfort and unforgettable views.

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