Five train routes highlighting the beauty of Europe

European railways are rarely as excited as they have in recent years. Train companies wanting to capitalize on this new enthusiasm are competing to add new destinations, revive the old ones, or simply offer more seating on popular routes. Others have gone to a gorgeous charter that aims to recreate the richness of past train travel.

As travelers are spoiled, the choices below focus on some constants. With easy-to-access matches and tested routes, it offers beautiful scenery that has been a source of joy for decades or even a century. Most of them run every day and don't cost extravagantly, but there are still special details that make your journey comfortable, landscaped and memorable.

Austria

Transalpin, from Zurich to Glaz, Austria, is one of only a handful of the first-class panoramic trains on the Swiss Federal Railway. Its high curved windows rise above the seats, revealing a wide view of the Alps. In good weather, you can spend most of your nine and a half hour journey staring at the gentle scenery of mountains, meadows, clear lakes and peaceful villages (running only during the day).

Beyond almost everything in Austria, the trains stop at the popular mountain resort. This adds to traditional winter sports, including hiking, mountain biking, water sports, and farm stays, and adds to a variety of activities throughout the year.

The dining car serves Schnitzel, Knodel and other local dishes in Austrian wine, delivering meals to first class seats. There are fluffy Kaiser rolls starting from 6.60 euros (approx. $7.15), mains for 11.40 euros, breakfast options with seasonal menus with vegan and vegetarian options.

Glaz, Austria's second largest city, has won a comfortable historic quarter on the banks of the river, and is a good starting point for Central European adventures thanks to its good ties to Vienna, Prague, Budapest and more.

Tickets from the Austrian Federal Railway start at 40 euros for the second class and the first 60 euros. Find train number EC163 or 164. You can purchase a reservation for 3 euros and choose both first class and panoramic car options to reserve a seat in the view.

One of Switzerland's main alpine entrances to Italy, the Gottard Railway combines dramatic scenery with spectacular engineering feats. To make the most of the view, ride the Trenogottard, a direct service from Basel and Zurich to Locarno. The train travels over 3,000 feet from 1882 through the original Gotthard tunnel. Spend about 10 minutes in the tunnel, allowing travelers to spend plenty of time looking out at the views on either side. You might want to stop and explore the Italian-speaking Ticino canton at the southern tip of the route.

South of Lake Lucerne, the train climbs a series of bridges and a spiral tunnel to reach the snowy summit before descending to Locarno, the coastline lined with palm trees on Lake Maggiore. The lake is adjacent to steep slopes, spanning Switzerland and Italy, with its small island with elegant palazzos and lush gardens.

Tickets for Locarno start with a ride departing from Basel or 32 Swiss Francs ($37), departing from Zurich for 24 francs. You can make a reservation on the Südostbahn website.

Italy

A trip from Milan or Rome to Sicily is one of the longest direct train routes that can embark on Europe. Perhaps a small distance is too big for daily travel, but it can be a comfortable length for a night train.

The two trains that once operated this route, Freaksia del Sud, or Southern Arrow, Treno del Sole, or Sunshine Train, played a role in the massive migration of Italians from the south of the countryside to industrial north after World War II.

Today's travelers can order dinner, sleep immediately after boarding, and enjoy views of the sun and coastal views of the south. The highlight is the time for breakfast when train cars are loaded onto Europe's last passenger train ferry (with trucks) to sail across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. The final step in the journey is to ride the scenic coast to Palermo or Syracuse.

Tickets from Trenitalia to either Milan or Rome start at just under 50 euros for a basic four-person compartment Couchette. Three sleepers and single cabins with en-suite bathrooms are more expensive. All fares include breakfast.

Scotland

Shortly after leaving Glasgow, the line turns north, travels between the sparkling lakes, heading into the untouched wilderness of the Highlands. Three hours later, the train arrives at a Coalle Station located in the vast Moorlands, accessible only by corridors and railways. Corrour has a cafe and many walking routes. The station is famous for its scene from the 1996 film “Trainspotting.” In this scene, Ewan McGregor's character is surrounded by mountains and there is a rumour about how unbearable it is to be Scots.

Additionally, Fort William explores the ideal stop for hiking in Bennevis, Scotland's tallest mountain, or the ferry castle and dramatic coastline to Isle of Skye. And before arriving at Malaig, the train crossed the Victorian-era Glenfinnan viaduct, popular with filmmakers, and most recently watched it on Netflix's “The Crown.”

Local airline Scotrail operates several trains every day. One-way tickets start at around £20 ($26). Scotrail will offer you a travel pass at a set price if you plan to stop along your journey.

France

Named after the blue waters of the Mediterranean, this train trip from Marseille to Miramas takes less than two hours. This route mandates its popularity to the first section (Martig, the fishing town). This skirts directly along the white cliffs along the ocean. Recently, we have undergone important work to ensure safety and prevent closures.

The best approach to this day trip, starting from the heart of Marseille, is to go in and out of coastal trains to enjoy local attractions. From the L'Estaque Station, you can embark on a walking tour of sites that influenced painters such as Paul Cézanne and Georges Braque. The seaside trail from Nioron to Capmeheen takes you with a series of Kalankes, a sturdy limestone entrances similar to miniature fjords. The Cote Blue Calanc is not as untouched as the national park south of Marseille. But like a medjang, the small harbors and impressive railway viaducts towering above the blue sea add to their own character.

The port of Sauset-le-Pins is a short walk from the station and features several spots for dining on the water. And in Martig, a bus can take you to the centre of town. There, canals lined up in pastel-colored houses.

Tickets for the French National Railway Company SNCF start at 13.20 euros. With a one-day pass to Bouches-Du-Rhône Département, including Marseille, you can fly as many times as you like for 20 euros.

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