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The Secret World of Train Travel: Hidden Gems, Nature, and a Greener Future

The Secret World of Train Travel: Hidden Gems, Nature, and a Greener Future
photo: Richard Szwejkowski / Flickr/Train in Scotland; illustrative photo
18 / 01 / 2025

Trains don’t just connect cities—they connect people, cultures, and economies. In a world searching for greener travel, railways quietly reshape how we move and experience the journey.

Railways can take you almost anywhere. But it’s not just about reaching the destination—it’s about the journey itself. Traveling by train creates memories from the ride itself and reveals hidden treasures in lesser-known regions.

Rail Travel: The Key to Eco-Friendly Exploration

In recent years, rail transport has become a focal point for sustainable travel. As climate change intensifies, the world seeks ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, reliance on cars and planes continues to grow, working against these efforts.

Trains offer a solution. As one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation, they go beyond sustainability, offering travelersunique way to connect with the world around them, as Balanced Tourism notes.

More Than Just a Ride

Trains aren’t just transportation—they’re windows into the soul of a landscape. For those seeking adventure, they offer a new way of seeing the world. As the train glides along the tracks, passengers are immersed in the beauty of the countryside and cities alike.

Imagine a journey to Zurich, where Switzerland’s untouched nature unfolds before your eyes. With modern, comfortable carriages, even long trips feel like a luxurious retreat.

Boosting Local Economies

Railways do more than carry passengers—they breathe life into local economies. Train routes connecting major cities with smaller towns bring visitors to places that might otherwise remain overlooked. Travelers spend on local accommodation, restaurants, and experiences, fueling growth.

A perfect example is the small Austrian town of Semmering, home to just 600 residents. The construction of the famed Semmering Railway transformed this quiet village into a thriving tourist hub, which RAILTARGET has recently reported about.

Not Just Tracks, But History

Railways preserve history in ways few other modes of transport can. From scenic train rides to railway museums and historic locomotives, they create connections to the past.

In Slovakia, the Čierny Balog narrow-gauge railway stands out. As the country’s last forest railway, it has drawn over three million visitors. Its most famous section passes between a football field and a grandstand, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Few railways let passengers step directly into the heart of nature, but Norway’s Flåm Railway does just that, as previously reported by RAILTARGET. Running alongside Aurlandsfjord, it ends in the town of Myrdal, stopping at ten stations along the way. The highlight is Kjosfossen Waterfall, where the train pauses, allowing passengers to disembark, take photos, and marvel at the stunning cascade.

Interrail: Unlock Europe with One Ticket

Europe’s intricate railway network connects everything from capitals to remote villages. With trains, travelers can seamlessly move between bustling cities and serene countryside, all while supporting local economies. The Interrail Pass offers unrestricted access to Europe’s rail network, enabling travelers to experience everything a country has to offer. Whether it’s iconic landmarks or hidden gems, the choice is yours.

Source: RAILTARGET; Interrail.eu; balancedtourism.com; zemesveta.cz

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