Bordered by miles of rugged coastline and unspoiled beaches, northwest Wales is a land of wild, poetic beauty. From ancient fortresses and Celtic shrines to mountain trails brimming with tales of legendary kings, the region feels worlds apart from the rest of Britain despite being just a short train ride away. To discover this distinctly Celtic corner of Europe, we hop on board the scenic Cambrian Coast Line which links charming fishing villages along the shores of Cardigan Bay with the breathtaking national parks nearby.

Snow-covered forests, medieval castles, and fairytale myths and legends about witches. The Harz, the northernmost mountain range in Germany, is a paradise for romantics and outdoor enthusiasts. And in winter, the white hills and crisp mountain air draw many visitors to the rugged, barren peak of the Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany, complete with its own train station.

The train guard pointed to his watch and said ‘We will arrive in Munich in just over 3-hours”, a relatively short journey from Frankfurt’s grand terminus. Yet, between these two points, I had the chance to hop into Franconia’s wine country, skip between the medieval charms of Nuremberg and jump straight into the cosmopolitan flair and Bavarian traditions of Munich, swapping a crisp glass of white wine with a ‘Die Maß’ litre glass of beer at Oktoberfest, along the way.

From the unexpectedly beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Gdańsk to the towering peaks of the Tatra Mountains, this train journey across Poland offers an impressive variety of both natural and urban beauty. Everywhere you look, traces of Poland’s important—and often tragic—role in European history are also visible.

We’re proud and honoured to announce that Railtripping has won the Columbus Travel Award 2023 in the ‘Travel Journalist’ category. At the festive award ceremony on 22 November 2023 in Amsterdam, we received the Egg of Columbus: an award that symbolises how a seemingly difficult issue like sustainability can be tackled with practical, workable solutions and initiatives.

There’s something infinitely exciting about falling asleep in one place and waking up in another—rolling through the night, not knowing exactly where you are, drifting off to the gentle rocking of the train.

Trams, trains, buses, undergrounds, ferries, Schwebebahn (suspension railways), even a rowboat with a ‘private rower’—the options are endless. Since May 2023, the ultimate slow travel ticket, the Deutschland-Ticket, priced at €49 a month, has granted unlimited access to all regional public transport in Germany. You can even extend your journey to Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, or Poland by train. Yet, the real appeal lies in the many adventurous routes that follow rivers, cross mountains, and wind past vineyards, castles, and remote towns and villages.

Experience the freedom of exploring 33 European countries with just one ticket on your phone. From the picturesque canals of Amsterdam to the bustling streets of Istanbul, or the historic landmarks of Berlin to the sunny coast of Lisbon, Interrail lets you travel as much as you want, wherever you want. Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, Interrail still today opens up a world of possibilities. Find insider tips and answers to common questions to make the most of your journey.

Often described as Europe’s last wilderness, Sweden’s remote and sparsely populated far north is a land of striking beauty – and in summer it’s easy to visit without a car or plane. The slow trains of the Inlandsbanan, or Inland Line, take you through a landscape of forests, heathland, lakes and rivers. On the way, reindeer and elk cross the tracks. Ahead of you, over a thousand miles of wild nature and endlessness. Welcome to life in the slow lane.

You want to experience your first backpacking adventure in Europe – but are unsure what to expect? Then this book will address your uncertainties and answer all your questions. Starting with planning your travel route, a required budget, and the optimal packing list, you will find everything you need to know for a successful journey by train.

Europe offers everything you need for an adventure. Breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity and backpackers from all over the world. By train, you can travel from the biggest metropolis to the most remote place. With this book, you will be well prepared to start your first backpacking adventure. From my experience, I can tell you that traveling by train is the most beautiful way to discover Europe. Let’s go, your adventure awaits!

Find cheap tickets
Find out whether an Interrail Pass makes sense for you or whether tickets booked separately might be cheaper. You’ll also find more tips on how to save money on your train journey.

Planning your itinerary
In addition to popular travel routes, there are tips on route planning and recommended countries. You can also find out how to optimise your route and experience as much as possible on your journey.

Budget planning
It is easy to calculate the costs you will incur and the budget you should plan for. You can also find out how to find cheap accommodation.

Adventure awaits
Whether it’s after graduating from high school, during the semester break or as a short break from work, now is the best time to explore Europe. So let’s go, the adventure awaits!

Adventure awaits!

There are countless European countries you can explore by train.
All you have to do is be brave and go on an adventure.