Travel portal Euronews Travel, drawing on analysis by Japanese rail operator JR Pass, has selected several of the most picturesque autumn train routes in Europe and further afield. The list includes a number of unexpected destinations.
Most of the routes are set up so that tourists can get off at different stations, stop for a day or two, and then continue their journey, effectively turning the trip into a full tour.
GoldenPass Line, Switzerland
Switzerland is famous around the world for its Alpine scenery, so its inclusion on the list is no surprise. The GoldenPass Line runs along historic railways first built in the 1890s.
The 191-kilometre route begins in Montreux and ends in Interlaken, taking in iconic Alpine views that stretch from Lake Geneva to panoramas of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Eiger.
Highlights along the way include the historic Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress on the shore of Lake Geneva, and the Zanfleuron Glacier, which sits at around 3,000 metres above sea level.
JR Pass representatives told Euronews Travel that clear weather holds on the route for more than half of autumn, 52.55% of the time, with rain falling roughly once every four days, meaning conditions favour autumn travel and sightseeing.
A second-class ticket without a seat reservation costs around 60 euros.
Tren de Sóller, Mallorca
The Spanish island of Mallorca has long had a reputation as a place of eternal summer, making it a less obvious candidate for a list of autumn train journeys.
The Tren de Sóller, an electric railway built in 1912 that still uses its original wooden carriages, connects Sóller and Palma, winding through mountain ranges and citrus groves that are often overlooked by tourists.
The route is well suited to art lovers, since Sóller railway station hosts two permanent exhibitions of authentic works by Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.
Other landmarks along the way include Santa Maria Cathedral and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside endless scenic views.
A return ticket costs 40 euros.
Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway, Bulgaria
Bulgaria's narrow-gauge railway offers a way to explore one of Europe's most untouched corners of nature. The 125-kilometre route connects the Upper Thracian Lowland with the Rhodope and Pirin mountains and is considered one of the country's outstanding engineering achievements.
The railway's official website describes the line as a national treasure, valued for its rich history, unique technical features and breathtaking scenery.
At every station and stop, travellers have a wide choice of walking routes and scenic views over mountain ranges, golden beech forests and quiet villages that appear frozen in time.
Autumn on the line brings an average of just five rainy days, meaning passengers can expect fresh, clear weather.
A one-day tour starts from 79 euros, though the price can be lower depending on the date of travel.
Semmering Railway, Austria
The Semmering Railway, known as the world's first standard-gauge line built across a high mountain pass, remains one of the most remarkable engineering structures still in operation today.
Travelling the route from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag, passengers pass stone viaducts, tunnels cut through rock, and striking mountain scenery.
JR Pass notes that the route reveals what it calls a vivid palette of colours across Austria. Combined with clear weather that holds for nearly half of autumn, this makes it well suited to a trip during the cooler season.
Standard-class tickets for the 36-minute journey start from around 10 euros.
Schneeberg Railway, Austria
This mountain line is one of the last surviving rack railways in Europe, carrying passengers up to Hochschneeberg station, which sits at 1,800 metres.
The railway's official website describes Baumgartner station as a great place to break the journey.
Visitors can sample the railway's famous Schneeberger Buchteln, sweet buns filled with jam, while taking in sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
An adult ticket in the low season starts from 33.50 euros one way.
Sagano Romantic Train, Japan
The Sagano Romantic Train runs past the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto. The 25-minute journey follows the Hozu River between Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka stations, giving passengers a view of some of Asia's most striking scenery from an open-sided carriage.
The route is said to be especially striking in autumn, when the maple trees turn fiery red and gold.
More autumn travel ideas
UNIAN.Tourism previously reported that experienced traveller Tyler Fox named the regions of Europe where the golden autumn season lasts longest, with vivid foliage remaining in some places as late as November.
Separately, UNIAN's editorial team put together a list of seven European resorts worth visiting during the velvet season, for travellers hoping to catch a late beach holiday.
