Top 10 Breathtaking Train Journeys Showcasing Engineering Marvels

Trains have always been a fascination for people due to their massive size and speed. But, there are some train journeys that are not only exciting but also showcase the incredible engineering marvels that we as humans have achieved. From soaring mountains to vast deserts, these train journeys take you through some of the most iconic landscapes in the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 breathtaking train journeys showcasing engineering marvels.

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express in Switzerland is a legendary train journey that takes you on a spectacular journey through the Swiss Alps. The train runs from the beautiful town of Zermatt to St. Moritz, and it takes around 8 hours to complete the journey. Along the way, you will see breathtaking scenery, passing through 91 tunnels, over 291 bridges, and up to the highest point of the journey, the Oberalp Pass at an altitude of 2,033 meters.

2. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world, stretching over 9,000 km from Moscow to Vladivostok. The journey takes 6 days to complete, passing through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the world. You will experience the vastness of Siberia, crossing rivers, mountains, and forests, and also have the chance to see Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world.

3. West Highland Line, Scotland

The West Highland Line in Scotland is one of the most dramatic train journeys in the UK, passing through the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The train journey starts from Glasgow and takes you on a scenic ride through the mountains, past lochs, and over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, which has been featured in several Harry Potter films.

4. The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan is one of the world's great train journeys, traveling through the heart of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin. The journey takes you through the vast Outback, passing through some incredible landscapes, including the MacDonnell Ranges, Katherine Gorge, and the vast salt plains of Lake Eyre.

5. The Flam Railway, Norway

The Flam Railway in Norway is a stunning train journey that starts from the small village of Flam and takes you to the high mountains of Myrdal. Along the way, you will experience some of Norway's most beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls, steep mountainsides, and deep fjords. The highlight of the journey is the Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train stops, and you can see a spectacular display of lights and music.

6. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India, also known as the "Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique train journeys in the world. The train journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas, passing through mountains, tea plantations, and over deep valleys. The highlight of the journey is the Ghum railway station, which is the highest railway station in India.

7. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer is a world-famous train journey that takes you through the stunning mountains of Western Canada. The journey starts from Vancouver and takes you through the Rockies, over rivers, and through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, including Banff National Park and Lake Louise.

8. The Bergen Railway, Norway

The Bergen Railway in Norway is one of the highest railway lines in Europe, taking you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The journey starts from Oslo and takes you through the Hardangervidda plateau, passing over deep valleys and high mountains. The highlight of the journey is the Flåm Railway, which takes you through some of Norway's most breathtaking fjords.

9. The Eastern and Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

The Eastern and Oriental Express is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, taking you through the stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia. The journey starts in Singapore and takes you through the Malaysian countryside, passing through mountains, rainforests, and vast plantations. The train is equipped with all the modern amenities, and the journey includes gourmet dining and luxurious accommodation.

10. The Himalayan Queen, India

The Himalayan Queen is a narrow-gauge train that runs from Kalka to Shimla in India. The journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas, passing through deep valleys and over high bridges. The highlight of the journey is the climb up the steep mountainside to Shimla, which was once the summer capital of the British Raj.

FAQs

What is the Glacier Express?

The Glacier Express is a train journey in Switzerland that takes you through the Swiss Alps, passing through mountain passes, deep valleys, and over bridges and tunnels.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway the longest railway in the world?

Yes, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world, stretching over 9,000km from Moscow to Vladivostok.

What is the toy train?

The toy train is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India, a narrow-gauge railway that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas.

What is the highest railway station in India?

The Ghum railway station in West Bengal is the highest railway station in India, located on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

What is the Eastern and Oriental Express?

The Eastern and Oriental Express is a luxurious train journey in Southeast Asia that takes you through Malaysia's countryside, passing through mountains, rainforests, and plantations.