A curated selection of rail routes that offer breathtaking alpine vistas and direct access to remote hiking destinations, combining the comfort of train travel with the adventure of mountain trekking.
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Known as the slowest express train in the world, this route traverses 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges through the Swiss Alps. It provides stunning views of the Matterhorn and Rhone Glacier, serving as a gateway to several high-altitude hiking trails.
This historic narrow-gauge railway climbs steep grades through lush forests to the summit at White Pass. The journey offers dramatic scenery and connects to trailheads in the Alaska Range, ideal for hiking enthusiasts seeking remote wilderness experiences.
The world's first mountain-clugging railway ascends Mount Washington to the summit at 6,288 feet. It provides access to alpine tundra trails with panoramic views of the White Mountains, serving as a unique starting point for high-elevation hikes.
This narrow-gauge heritage railway runs from the coastal village of Ravenglass to Dalegarth in the Lake District. It offers access to the rugged fells and moorlands, with several well-marked hiking trails starting directly from the station area.
Operating without a locomotive change, this train crosses the Bernina Pass and features the iconic Brusio Spiral. The route descends into the Engadine valley, providing access to remote hiking areas in both the Swiss and Italian Alps.
This steam-powered rack railway ascends Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, from Llanberis to the summit. It offers easy access to mountain hiking loops and provides a scenic alternative for those wanting to experience high-altitude trails without a full climb.
Often called the 'Top of Europe,' this railway reaches the highest railway station in the continent at 3,454 meters. It provides direct access to the Aletsch Glacier hiking trails, offering unparalleled views of the Bernese Oberland and extensive alpine terrain.
This luxury rail journey travels through the Canadian Rockies, offering glass-domed coaches for optimal sightseeing. While not ending at a trailhead, it connects to gateway towns like Banff and Jasper, which are hubs for accessing thousands of miles of mountain trails.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, this restored line offers scenic rides through dramatic glens and lochs. It serves as a starting point for hikes in the Knoydart Peninsula and surrounding remote highland areas, accessible only by foot or boat in many cases.
This vintage cogwheel train ascends to the Rothorn Kulm station, offering 360-degree views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding peaks. It provides access to high-altitude hiking paths in the Bernese Oberland, ideal for exploring alpine meadows and rocky ridges.
While not a mountain railway itself, this line provides access to the Northern Japanese Alps and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. The region offers extensive hiking networks in volcanic landscapes, with the train serving as a key transport link for remote trailheads in Gunma Prefecture.
This historic narrow-gauge railway travels through the mountains of Snowdonia, connecting Porthmadog to Blannaup. It provides access to the rugged landscape of the Berwyn Mountains and offers numerous hiking opportunities through ancient woodlands and open moorland.
This line connects Zermatt to other Swiss regions without diesel locomotives, preserving the air quality of the car-free village. Zermatt serves as a major hub for hiking the Matterhorn Trail and other high-alpine routes in the Pennine Alps.
Though less mountainous, this scenic route offers a different perspective on European heritage. It provides access to the Central Bohemian Uplands, where hiking trails wind through rolling hills and historical sites, offering a gentler alternative to high-altitude treks.
While technically an aerial cableway rather than a traditional rail, it is a key transport link for mountain access. It connects Luzern to Stoos, providing immediate access to the Swiss Alps' steepest hiking trails and panoramic views of the Gotthard Region.
This cogwheel railway ascends the Dachstein mountain, offering access to glacier caves and high-alpine hiking trails. The region provides extensive trekking opportunities in the Salzkammergut lake district, with the railway serving as a practical starting point for remote paths.
This historic steam cogwheel railway offers a nostalgic journey up the Brienzer Rothorn mountain. It provides access to hiking trails with views over Lake Brienz and the Simmental Valley, ideal for exploring the sub-alpine forests and high meadows.
Part of the Rhaetian Railway network, this line features dramatic spiral tunnels and viaducts through the Albula Alps. It connects to remote villages like Preda and Filisur, which serve as trailheads for challenging hikes in the Swiss National Park and surrounding areas.
This narrow-gauge railway travels through the Appenzell Alps, offering scenic views of Lake Voralp and the surrounding peaks. It provides access to hiking trails in the Appenzell region, known for its alpine pastures and traditional mountain culture.
This round-trip railway experience allows hikers to ascend and descend Snowdon by rail, leaving energy for exploring the summit plateau. It provides access to various trail networks around the mountain, including the Llanberis Path and Miners' Track for post-train exploration.