Idle through Europe’s autumn foliage on 5 leaf-peeping train journeys

Train travel in Europe has been enjoying a booming renaissance in Europe, not least because it is often a slow and stress-free way to get off the beaten track.

Europe witnessed one of its busiest summers this year, with several countries attracting record-breaking levels of visitors.

More than 11 million international visitors flocked to Spain in August, despite swathes of anti-tourist protests erupting across the nation, marking a 2.9 per cent increase on the same month in 2024.

Over in the Italian Dolomites, an acclaimed hiking route on Seceda mountain witnessed around 8,000 tourists in a single day.

The surge resulted in complaints of overtourism across the continent. This, combined with scorching temperatures and hefty tourist taxes, has made travelling in the shoulder season even more appealing.

So, if you’re looking to take advantage of the calm that comes with the colder months, why not consider some leaf-peeping aboard a train?

Europe’s best train journeys for autumn

Japanese rail operator JR Pass has analysed popular routes from across Europe using online ratings, Instagram hashtags, search insights, and seasonal weather data, to compile five of the best rail journeys in Europe with the “crispiest fall settings”.

The travel experts found a “growing appetite for immersive experiences” during autumn, arguing that travelling by train is the perfect way to witness the seasons change.

GoldenPass Line, Switzerland

Ranking first is Switzerland’s acclaimed GoldenPass Line, which runs on historic railways that date back to the 1890s.

Starting off in Montreux and ending up in Interlaken, this 191km journey showcases iconic Alpine landscapes from Lake Geneva to panoramic views of Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and Eiger.

Highlights include the historic Châteaux de Chillon, a medieval fortress perched on the shores of Lake Geneva, as well as Tsanfleuron Glacier, which is located around 3,000 metres above sea level.

“With the route boasting clear skies for over half the autumn season (52.55 per cent) and around one in four days seeing rain, the climate provides promising autumn viewing conditions,” JR Pass tells Euronews Travel.

A second-class ticket can be bought for around €60, without a seat reservation.

Tren de Sóller, Mallorca

If you’re searching for something a little warmer, Spain’s Tren de Sóller could be the perfect alternative.

Built in 1912, with original wooden carriages still in use, this electric railway stretches from Sóller to Palma, winding through the island’s underrated mountains and citrus groves.

Ranking second thanks to Mallorca’s lack of rainfall and clear skies, this train journey is perfect for art lovers. At Sóller train station, you’ll find two permanent exhibitions with original works by Miró and Picasso.

Other highlights include the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria, the World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, and endless scenic views.

Return tickets are priced at €40.

Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway, Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s Narrow Gauge Railway is a great way to explore one of Europe’s “most unspoiled landscapes”.

The 125 km route links the Gornotrakiyska Valley with the Rhodope and Pirin mountains, and is considered one of the country’s best engineering feats to date.

“The line is undoubtedly a cherished national treasure, celebrated for its rich history, remarkable technical specifications, and breathtaking landscapes,” the railway’s official website says.

Each station and stop offers tourists a wide choice of hiking trails and scenic views of the mountain ranges, as well as golden beech forests and quaint villages that appear “frozen in time”.

With an average of just five rainy days in autumn, passengers can expect “crisp, pristine conditions”.

Day tour package tickets start from €79, but may be lower depending on your travel date.

Semmering Railway, Austria

Famed for being the world’s first standard gauge line across a high mountain pass, the Semmering Railway is one of the greatest feats of civil engineering still running today.

Departing from Gloggnitz and ending in Mürzzuschlag, travellers will be able to marvel at stone viaducts, carved tunnels, and spectacular mountain landscapes.

JR Pass hails the journey for showing off Austria’s “vibrant tapestry of colours”. This, combined with clear skies for almost half of the autumn season, makes it an ideal journey to embark on during the colder months.

Standard class tickets for the 36-minute journey start from just €8.90.