When it comes. railway adventuresIt’s exciting to wake up in a new city after falling asleep in a previous one, and then open the blinds. It doesn’t matter if you see the golden haze or the moonlight still hanging on. This moment is magical.
In the last three-years, I have been travelling around Europe to document the revival of sleeper trains. As passengers drifted back to their homes, it was fascinating. romance of the railwaysAvoid budget flights and speedy bullet trains in favor of cosy couchettes. Here are the seven best European night trains for scenery, comfort, or camaraderie.
The Good Night Train: Brussels to Berlin
Crowdfunded and launched in Belgium by a Belgian/Dutch collective, named European Sleeper, The Good Night Train The inaugural flight of the Eurostar from Brussels to Berlin Since May 2023, the route has been extended to Dresden. PragueWith a Winter Service to Venice. Set up by two night-train enthusiasts, European Sleeper offers a no-frills service whose hodgepodge of carriages date back to the 1950s—but no one on board is bothered, and raucous groups uncork wine and spread out slabs of pâté and cheese in what feels like a house party on wheels. Three times a month, this train leaves Brussels with a mixture sleeper and couchette cabins. Stopping at AmsterdamThe train is smooth and jerky-free, as the canals are reflected in the darkness. This allows passengers to rest well before their arrival at Berlin dawn.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond train: Paris, France to Portofino, Italy
Its iconic blue carriages are decorated with gold trimming. Belmond’s legendary train This route, known to those who love luxury travel, is the most scenic. Only running once a season in the summer, the VSOE leaves Paris Austerlitz, at 3 p.m. and takes passengers to the pastel town of Portofino. The train rattles and clanks as it thumps south of the French capitalWarm air is blown through the windows as you speed through vineyards and villages. Over a black-tie meal, guests are serenaded, then move to the piano side for a sing-along all night. The bar will only close when the last guest has left. Belmond is wise to ensure that the train stops at Avignon at midnight, giving passengers uninterrupted sleep for five hours in damask sheets until the train departs. You can enjoy warm croissants while watching the sun rise on the Mediterranean. Paddle boarders are out on the water and purple bougainvillea is blooming along the track. You will only see sparkling oceans, beaches, and palm trees on the remainder of your trip. The journey ends with two nights spent at the newly renovated Hotel Splendido Portofino overlooks the bay.
Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Finland
The regular passenger train runs all year round. Santa Claus Express It is a good idea to use a bilingual translator Finland‘s flagship service transports riders from Helsinki, to Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle. This green and white double decker is best ridden during winter. It departs at 7.30 pm and winds north for 12 hours through forests of fir that are sagging from the weight of the snow. This train, which is crowded with families and tourists eager to meet Santa Claus, has some of Europe’s best compartments. They have underfloor heating and toilets that can be folded down into showers. Pro tip: Grab your bags and run to the tinseled-covered area. dining car Before it gets crowded with people who will not leave until dawn, grab a bowl of meatballs mash and smoked reindeer soup. Passengers can enjoy the view as they watch nativity scenes twinkle in the woods and foxes dash through car parks. Finland’s freshwater lake gleams like black ink.
