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Winter holidays typically have us longing for warmer weather, but there’s something to be said for opting out of a beach vacation for one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
There’s something magical about boarding a train and knowing that the journey will be just as great, if not better than the destination itself.
During the winter months, many train routes are transformed into picturesque winter wonderlands. Providing breathtaking views of snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers, and white-capped mountains all from the comfort of a cozy train car.
From Semmering Railway, Austria, to the Cascade Canyon Winter Train, Colorado, there are many train rides around the world that are better in winter. So, scroll down to discover the top 8 train rides that will take you on a mesmerizing and gratifying slow travel journey:
Apart from the spectacular journey that the Semmering Railway takes us on, it is special in its own way. Built between 1848 and 1854, it is the world’s first railway line that has been awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a breathtaking winter train ride that winds its way through the majestic mountains, offering stunning views of the Austrian Alps. The train ride begins at Gloggnitz station and ends at the Mürzzuschlag station, passing through the scenic Semmering Pass and through the Hohe Tauern National Park. It takes about two hours to make its way through sixteen viaducts, fifteen tunnels, and 100 bridges on the 40km journey.
The Glacier Express in Switzerland is a 290km winter train ride starting in Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, and ending in iconic winter destination, St.Moritz, in the Engadin skiing area.
It passes through the Mattertal valley and Oberalp Pass, crossing 290 bridges and 91 tunnels. The train route takes around seven hours, during which you can admire the beautiful scenery of the Swiss Alps, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes.
Get ready to be mesmerized by the majestic Canadian Rockies as you move through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, passing by famous landmarks such as the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass. This trip is 7 days long, and starts in Vancouver, passing through UNESCO-ranked sites such as Jasper, Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, and ending in Calgary. If you’re lucky, might get to see the Northern Lights or the Ice Magic Festival if the time is right. If you are a wildlife lover, you will appreciate this trip even more with wildlife sightings from the viewing cars.
The Aurora Winter Tour takes you through the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska. Running from September to May, the train provides passengers with the opportunity to experience Alaska’s natural beauty, including the chance to see the Northern Lights. The trip starts in Anchorage and ends in Fairbanks, passing through the Denali National Park, and the Tordrillo and Talkeetna Mountains. The trip takes around 10 to 12 hours and offers stops in the towns of Wasilla and Talkeetna. The tour is also known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of moose, caribou, and lynx.
The Flåm Railway in Norway is constantly being listed as one of the top train journeys in Europe— but what they don’t always tell you is that it’s a train ride that’s even better in the winter.
This beautiful train trip of 20km starts in the mountain village of Myrdal and ends in the village of Flåm, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The trip takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, allowing you to take in the beautiful agricultural landscapes, the old Flåm village centre and the old church. On this train journey, you also get to disembark as the train takes a photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.
The Trans-Siberian Express is a legendary winter train ride that takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Russia.
This train route stretches over 9,000km, from Moscow to Vladivostok. It makes stops in several cities along the way, including Yekaterinburg, Mongolia, and Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic.
Although this trip is a 15-day journey, it is worth every second as you get to experience the frosty views of Siberia while we cherish our beautiful journey sitting on the cozy seats inside the plush train car.
The JR Tadami Line in Japan is one of the most panoramic railways in Tohoku. This train journey begins at the Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Fukushima Prefecture and ends at Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture, making it a 135km train route.
It passes through the Tadami River and the Tadami hot spring area and enables you to stop at any of the 36 stations to enjoy local gourmet foods. The trip takes around 4.5 hours, during which you can admire the beautiful winter scenery, and traditional Japanese houses or even visit a local sake brewery.
Traveling by Cascade Canyon Winter Train in Colorado is an ideal way of enjoying this magical weather while looking at the stunning and snow-clad Rocky Mountains.
The trip starts in Durango and ends in Silverton, passing through the San Juan National Forest, the Animas River Canyon, and the Cascade Canyon. The train makes stops in the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, providing passengers with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Cascade Canyon.
The round trip takes around 5.25 hours for the 41km route. The train offers comfortable seating and large windows for optimal viewing, making it a popular winter train ride for those who want to experience the Rocky Mountains in all their winter glory.
From the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps and the frozen forests of Siberia to the picturesque valleys of Japan, winter train rides offer a unique way to see the world. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a longer journey, these train rides are not only a way of transportation but also a great opportunity to acknowledge that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination. So, what are you waiting for? Book the train ride that strikes a chord in your heart right away and relish the countless wonders of the world.
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