We should know these night train routes now
Travel comfortably from Austria to a big city
17 December 2020
When you travel by train, you save yourself a lot of time and nerves that a flight or a car ride sometimes entails. Sit back and marvel at the brilliant view that is offered to you when you look out of the window. The monotonous rocking of the train will have you falling asleep in no time and you'll be at the desired Resort arrived. Due to the high level of comfort that trains now offer, they have become one of the most popular means of travel. The own train compartments provide sufficient privacy and the sleeping and hygiene facilities leave nothing to be desired.
Here are five amazing night train routes starting from Austria that you definitely shouldn't miss.
Rome
As an old proverb already confirms: All roads lead to Rome. Convince yourself and take a night train directly to the Eternal City. In about 14 hours - starting from Vienna - you will cross the most beautiful cities of Italy and pass Bologna, Florence and Orvieto before making a final stop in Rome. Visit the imposing Vatican City including St. Peter's Basilica and walk in the footsteps of the Pope. After seeing the Pantheon, one of the oldest buildings in the world, you can also visit the famous Roman Forum and the picturesque Trastevere district. Watch the hustle and bustle of Piazza di Spagna as you take a seat on the Spanish Steps and then marvel at the Trevi Fountain.
Hamburg
If you take the night train from Vienna to Hamburg, it won't take you 13 hours to breathe the fresh sea air of the German port city. As you slumber away, you'll pass Regensburg, Nuremberg, Göttingen and Hanover. The last stop is Hamburg-Altona and takes you directly to the idyllic city on the North Sea. On Sundays, the world-famous fish market takes place in Hamburg, which you should not miss. However, you should be up early to immerse yourself in the flair of the local market hustle and bustle. Also a small harbor tour, in which you can admire the picturesque houses directly on the water, should not be missing on your trip. Also highly recommended is the Speicherstadt with its historic clinker brick facades, which exudes a special charm. Railway fans also get their money's worth in the German city: because in the middle of Hamburg, the Miniaturwunderland with the world's largest model railway attracts visitors.
Amsterdam
Less than 14 hours and you have already travelled from Vienna to the Dutch metropolis of Amsterdam. Passing the German cities of Frankfurt, Mainz and Düsseldorf, the route continues to Utrecht until the final stop in Amsterdam. The cosmopolitan city welcomes you with open arms and will enchant your senses. This is ensured not only by the numerous small canals but also by the delightful buildings and picturesque alleys. If you want to feel the real Amsterdam feeling, the best way to explore the city is by bike - just like the locals do. But every now and then you can give your calves a breather, for example by taking a canal tour by boat. Art lovers will also be happy in Amsterdam. Because some of the most famous treasures can be found in the magnificent museums. Such as works by Rembrandt, Vermeer or Van Gogh.
Brussels
The multicultural trinity can be experienced at first hand in Brussels. Let yourself be inspired by a mix of French, Dutch and German influences. From Vienna you can reach the capital of Belgium in just over 15 hours. What at first sounds like a never-ending drive can also be very exciting. On the way you will pass some German cities like Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Cologne, until you finally cross the Belgian city of Liège-Guillemins and stop in Brussels. If you are interested in politics, you might want to visit the world-famous European Quarter with its modern shops and impressive museums. And even those who are not particularly interested in politics should take a look at the seat of the European Union and the Parlamentarium. Try Belgian specialities such as French fries, waffles and the finest chocolates. And don't miss sights like the guild houses on the Grand Place, the Atomium, the Manneken Pis and the Broodhous.
Paris
A special highlight for all train lovers awaits in the new year: From December 2021, there will be a night train route from Vienna to Paris. This leads via Munich and Strasbourg to the romantic metropolis of millions. Discover the playful alleys of the French capital, take a shopping day in the world-famous Champs-Élysées and enjoy a boat trip directly into the sunset on the Seine. Marvel at the imposing Eiffel Tower from all angles - you won't want to miss the impressive views the landmark offers over the city. The sight of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre is also worth a visit - as is a climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. When visiting Paris, you should also stop at the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was badly damaged by fire a few years ago.
Picture Credit: David Mark / Pixabay, Julius Silver / Unsplash, Karsten Bergmann / Pixabay, Azhar J / Unsplash, Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay, Phil Riley / Pixabay
