Bucket List: 10 Enchanting Winter Train Journeys

During winter, the world transforms into a magical wonderland, and there is no better way to bask in its magic than to travel by train! Picture snow-covered landscapes, quaint alpine communities and frost-kissed trees scrolling past your window while sipping a cup of hot cocoa. From romantic escapes to adventure-filled excursions or cozy winter hideaways, these 10 almost ethereal winter train journeys are bucket list worthy.

The Glacier Express: Switzerland

One of the world’s most iconic winter train journeys: The Glacier Express This stunning journey stretches between Zermatt and St. Moritz, snaking through the heart of the Swiss Alps. The panorama windows offer 360-degree views of snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes and picturesque Swiss villages. You’ll enjoy one of the continent’s most scenic experiences while crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.

Highlights:

• Gorgeous views of the Swiss Alps

• It’s a sumptuous, slow, to go on the beauty

• Gourmet onboard mew with local delicacies from Switzerland

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

From November to April, the Canadian Rockies transform into a winter wonderland, and the best way to take in their splendor is aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. This plush train trip winds through snow-dotted forests, past frozen waterfalls and next to dramatic mountain peaks. The glass-domed coaches are perfectly designed for experiencing the incredible landscapes.

Highlights:

• View of the Canadian Rockies that will take your breath away

• Fine dining on board with gourmet meals

• Wildlife, including possible elk and moose.

Backpacking Trans-Siberian Railway Russia

For those in need of a grand adventure, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the ultimate winter train trip. The longest railway in the world stretches 9,289 kilometers from Moscow (Москва) to Vladivostok (Владивосток). Widely bringing the Russian wilderness, this route as well takes a boat road across the country but is frozen and different during winter.

Highlights:

• Seeing the grand and distant magnificence of Siberia

• 371 Afrikaners set the heads to roll in Tanzania.

• Cultural stops in cities, including Irkutsk and Yekaterinburg

Switzerland to Italy: The Bernina Express

If you’re looking to cross a postcard-worthy winter landscape, the Bernina Express fits the bill. This UNESCO World Heritage train traverses the Engadin Alps between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. The train reaches a height of 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass, and treats the rider to breathtaking views of glaciers, frozen lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Highlights:

• Crossing the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct

• The biggest range in Europe from the top railway pass in the Alps

• Concluding the trip with Italian hospitality in Tirano

USA/Canada: White Pass & Yukon Route

Originally constructed during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route is a thrill ride through the remote wilds of Alaska and Canada, especially in winter time. This narrow-gauge railroad ascends close to 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, with spectacular views of snowy peaks, deep gorges and frozen waterfalls.

Highlights:

• The historic train route with spectacular views

• Dramatic ascents and sharp curves into the mountains

• Interesting history of the Gold Rush era

JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN, SCOTLAND.

The Jacobite Steam Train (a.k.a. the “Harry Potter Train”) is one of the most enchanting winter train rides out there. From Fort William to Mallaig, in the Scottish Highlands, this route provides breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, misty lochs and rolling moors. The highlight is crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter films.

Highlights:

• The iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct

• Cozy steam train ambiance

• Stunning winter Scotland Highlands scenery

The Nordland Railway, Norway

If you want the ultimate Arctic experience, hop aboard the Nordland Railway in Norway, which whisks you above the Arctic Circle, and into the territory of the Northern Lights. This 729-kilometer trip from Trondheim to Bodø showcases vistas of frozen fjords, snow-laden forests and tundra-kissed peaks. If you’re really lucky, you may even see the aurora borealis dancing across the sky.

Highlights:

• Train journey under the stars: Crossing the Arctic Circle

• Amazing winter scenes in Norway

• An opportunity to see the Northern Lights

Vietnam, The Reunification Express

If you prefer a milder winter experience, how about taking the Reunification Express in Vietnam? This rail service, which runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, takes you through beautiful coastal scenery, mountain ranges shrouded in mist and vast fields of rice paddies. Although heavy snowfalls are rare, winter months in Vietnam are cooler and less humid, so it’s a good time to visit.

Highlights:

• Following Vietnam’s beautiful coastline

• Comfortable sleeper cabins

• Coastal cities like Hue and Da Nang are cultural stops

Scotland: The West Highland Line

Another Scottish marvel, the West Highland Line, is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The journey from Glasgow to Mallaig guides you through deep highlands, rugged coastlines and dramatic moors. In the winter, a blanket of snow covers the land, making it a spectacular experience.

Highlights:

• Remote and rugged Scottish landscapes

• Opportunity to view deer and other wildlife

• Train in the snow: Cozy ride through the snowy landscape

India’s Kalka-Shimla Railway

One of The Most Scenic Kalka Shimla Toy Train Journey In Winters In India, Now A UNESCO World Heritage Site Wending its way through the foothills of the Himalayas, this narrow-gauge railway links Kalka to the delightful hill station of Shimla. The snow outside your window transforms the landscape, creating a stunningly beautiful sight when the snow creeps outside.

Highlights:

• Historic railway journey with more than 100 tunnels and 900 bridges

• Breathtaking views of pine forests and mountain valleys laden with snow

• The beauty of snowfall on Shimla’s colonial-era architecture

Conclusion

Train journeys in winter provide a magical and snug approach to seeing a few of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. From snowy peaks in Switzerland to the wild Scottish Highlands and the frozen wilderness of Canada, every train ride here offers its own unforgettable experience. So, throw in your warmest gear, snatch your camera and hit the road to a winter wonderland!

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