Top Train Journeys for Nature Lovers

 

Some voyages are not about the destination at all—they’re about the landscapes you roll through, the wildlife that catches your gaze, and the unspoken connection between you and the wild, untouched earth. For those who hear the call of chirping birds over city buzz and find solace in panoramic greens rather than digital screens, nature lover train routes offer the perfect escape.

These rail rides thread through valleys, mountains, forests, and coastlines with the rhythm of a heartbeat, allowing travelers to engage deeply with nature’s finest offerings—all without stepping off the train.

1. The Flåm Railway, Norway – Nordic Majesty in Motion

A marvel of engineering and a celebration of untamed Nordic terrain, the Flåm Railway is one of Europe’s most dramatic short-distance train rides. Starting from the high-altitude town of Myrdal and descending to the fjord-side village of Flåm, the train navigates dizzying gradients, cascading waterfalls, and emerald valleys.

It's not unusual to spot goats balancing on rocky outcrops or the spray of the Kjosfossen waterfall catching rainbows in the morning light. This compact journey showcases how nature lover train routes can deliver intense visual splendor in a matter of minutes.

2. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia – Tropical Rainforest by Rail

Snaking through Queensland’s lush Daintree Rainforest, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is a rainforest symphony made real. Board the heritage carriages in Cairns and ascend through a landscape soaked in tropical humidity, vibrant flora, and hidden waterfalls.

Bridges curve around cliffs. Ferns frame every window. The Barron Gorge, in particular, evokes sheer awe as mist rises from its thunderous depths. This journey celebrates biodiversity, making it a crown jewel among nature lover train routes.

3. The Denali Star, Alaska – Wild and Unfiltered

Alaska isn’t for the faint-hearted, and neither is its flagship railway journey. The Denali Star runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks, slicing through some of the most pristine wilderness in North America. Towering spruce forests, crystalline rivers, and the looming presence of Mount Denali dominate the experience.

Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed—moose, bald eagles, and even grizzly bears make cameo appearances. Onboard dome cars and open viewing decks provide unobstructed views, elevating this route to elite status among nature lover train routes.

4. The Glacier Express, Switzerland – Alpine Drama with Elegance

Despite its name, the Glacier Express is not a high-speed thrill ride—it’s a slow-paced, luxurious glide through the Swiss Alps. Connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, this train carves a path through narrow valleys, across deep gorges, and beside glacial lakes.

The Oberalp Pass and Landwasser Viaduct are architectural marvels that feel as organic to the landscape as the snowy peaks surrounding them. Whether winter's frost or summer’s bloom, the ever-changing alpine scenery makes this one of the most visually indulgent nature lover train routes.

5. The West Highland Line, Scotland – Highlands of Myth and Majesty

The West Highland Line begins in the urban bustle of Glasgow but quickly trades concrete for rugged solitude. Winding past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Ben Nevis, the train seems to drift into another era—where deer dart across heather fields and brooding skies crown distant mountains.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalized in film, adds a touch of cinematic wonder. It’s a route for romantics and wilderness worshippers alike, undeniably one of the UK’s most memorable nature lover train routes.

6. The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy – Glaciers to Palms

In just four hours, the Bernina Express transports travelers from snow-covered Alps to sun-soaked Italian towns. Departing from Chur, Switzerland, and arriving in Tirano, Italy, the train glides across the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina lines.

What makes this journey remarkable is its biodiversity. Ice-capped mountains slowly transition to lush vineyards and palm trees. Each window tells a seasonal tale. For lovers of contrast and ecological diversity, few nature lover train routes rival the Bernina Express.

7. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand – Island of Imagination

From the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea, the TranzAlpine journey stretches across New Zealand’s South Island like a stitched tapestry of contrasting biomes. Beginning in Christchurch and ending in Greymouth, the route includes the Canterbury Plains, Arthur’s Pass, and the verdant West Coast rainforests.

The Southern Alps offer a majestic backdrop while the Waimakariri River snakes beneath trestle bridges. It’s a voyage of both elevation and emotion—pure, serene, and unforgettable. This is the epitome of nature lover train routes in the Southern Hemisphere.

8. The Coast Starlight, USA – Pacific Grandeur on Rails

Running from Seattle to Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight traces the western seaboard with flair. Redwood forests, coastal cliffs, and sprawling farmlands drift by at a gentle pace. One moment you’re gazing at Mount Shasta’s snowy peak, the next you’re cruising along California’s sun-drenched shoreline.

Observation lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows invite moments of quiet reverence. For those who want to experience the Pacific Coast’s full majesty without touching the steering wheel, this is one of the most iconic nature lover train routes in America.

9. The Rovos Rail Safari, South Africa – Luxury Meets the Wild

Where opulence meets the savannah, the Rovos Rail redefines train travel. Covering various routes through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the train combines Edwardian luxury with panoramic wilderness.

Antelope herds, giraffes, and even elephants roam freely beside the tracks. Sip a drink in the observation car as acacia trees silhouette against an amber sky. With its unique blend of safari and sophistication, it’s a standout in the world of nature lover train routes.

10. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru – Through the Sacred Valley

No list of nature-infused train journeys is complete without the route to Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, though a short ride, is an evocative one. As the train follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, travelers are enveloped in Andean majesty.

Cloud forests, terraced hillsides, and ancient ruins whisper the secrets of a lost civilization. Every turn offers something wild, something sacred. This isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s a spiritual passage. A dazzling finale to our top nature lover train routes.

There’s something sacred about train travel through the wild. The gentle rhythm. The large windows. The fact that you’re not just passing nature—you’re absorbing it.

These nature lover train routes aren’t simply about scenery. They’re about pausing time, immersing yourself in ecosystems, and feeling small—in the most wondrous way possible. Whether you're craving icy peaks, golden plains, or humid jungles, these journeys promise an unparalleled communion with the natural world, one mile at a time.