Scenic Autumn Train Routes
From Austria to Russia
Picture yourself soaking up some of the finest autumnal train rides between Austria and Russia. These journeys deliver a visual smorgasbord that changes dramatically with the season. Whether you’re gazing at Austria’s stunning lakes or Russia’s golden forests, each trip brims with unforgettable sights and adventures.
Austria: Salzkammergut Railway
Hop aboard the Salzkammergut Railway in Austria, whisking you through the magical Austrian Lake District. You’ll be treated to dramatic cliffs, quaint little villages, and shimmering lakes. In autumn, the vibrant season’s palette mirrors off the tranquil lakes, making for a journey to remember.
Austria: Schafbergbahn Cog Railway
Craving a touch of nostalgia? Climb onto the Schafbergbahn Cog Railway. Your adventure begins in St. Wolfgang near Lake Wolfgangsee, climbing up to Schafberg Mountain in roughly 35 minutes. Chugging along in a vintage steam engine from 1892, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lake and its mountainous backdrop.
| Start | Destination | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Wolfgang | Schafberg Mountain | ~35 mins | Scenic vistas, vintage steam engine |
For a deeper dive into this scenic route, check out our guide on top autumn sights in Russia for Austrian adventurers.
Russia: Arktika Express
Venturing into Russia? The Arktika Express is your ticket to a magical ride from St. Petersburg to Murmansk. In autumn, the Kola Peninsula becomes a golden wonderland with its taiga forests. Onboard, there are Arctic escapades to enjoy, like husky sledding. Add polar nights and the summer midnight sun to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind experience.
| Start | Destination | Scenic Highlights | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | Murmansk | Golden forests, Arctic views | Husky sledding, nature adventures |
For more travel inspiration, browse our articles on planning an autumn road trip from Austria to Russia and must-see landscapes in Russia during autumn.
So, get ready to pack your camera and hit the tracks for some of the most jaw-dropping train travels from Austria to Russia. For all you shutterbugs out there, be sure to check our feature on prime photography spots in Russia for autumn-loving Austrians.
Unforgettable Train Journeys
Taking a train ride through stunning autumn scenes can create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are two train trips you can’t miss when choosing to travel between Austria and Russia.
Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure
The Trans-Siberian Railway is not just a ride; it’s a legendary adventure that stretches across Russia, offering the chance to feast your eyes on this country’s incredible views. This marvellous journey is set to be fully accessible by 2024/2025 (Discovery Russia).
Key Things to Know:
- Classes: There are three types of train classes, featuring different comfort levels for every traveller’s taste.
- Meals: Enjoy meals aboard, where you can savour local dishes while gazing at the view.
- Stops: The train stops in diverse regions, giving you the chance to explore along the way.
| Class | Features |
|---|---|
| First Class | Private compartments, comfy bedding, fancy meals |
| Second Class | Shared compartments, standard essentials, meals included |
| Third Class | Open sleeping spaces, basic needs covered, budget-friendly |
For snap-happy travellers, be sure to capture the beauty at Lake Baikal and immerse yourself in the rich history at Irkutsk and Vladivostok. Check out our guide for the best photo opportunities in Russia during autumn.
Schafbergbahn: A Nostalgic Journey
In Austria, hop aboard the Schafbergbahn for a trip down memory lane with this scenic railway escapade. Shunting off from St. Wolfgang at Lake Wolfgangsee, this charming red cog railway scales the heights to reach the Schafberg Mountain summit. It has been chugging along since 1892, marking its spot as one of the oldest cog railways in Europe (Tracy’s Travels in Time).
What to Expect:
- Trip Time: Around 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Sights: Take in breathtaking views of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding peaks.
- History: The classic steam engine brings a piece of the past to life.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 35 minutes |
| Views | Lake Wolfgang, nearby mountains |
| Locomotive | Steam engine from 1892 |
This ride is a brilliant chance to capture Austria’s rich autumn palette. Get more ideas for your autumn adventures and take a peek at our article on planning an autumn road trip from Austria to Russia.
By jumping on these iconic train journeys, you’re in for a treat, witnessing some of the most breathtaking autumn sceneries in Europe and Russia. Don’t skip our guide on the top spots for autumn foliage in Russia for Austrian explorers to ensure a brilliant trip.
Amazing Autumn Adventures
Feeling the magic of autumn is even better when your view’s from a train window, showcasing breathtaking sights you won’t soon forget. Two stand-out places for a memorable fall trip are Vermont in the U.S. and Tuscany in Italy.
Vermont’s Cozy Charm
Vermont, USA, is famous for its cozy, autumn vibe. Think rolling hills painted in fiery reds, blazing oranges, and luminous gold. Quaint villages with those iconic covered bridges pop up here and there, setting the stage perfectly for a fall foliage fiesta.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Attractions | Quaint villages, iconic covered bridges, rolling hills |
| Colours | Fiery red, orange, and gold leaves |
| Key Locations | Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester |
Want more info on must-see views? Check out our guide on Russia’s autumn scenery.
Tuscany’s Enchanting Colours
Come autumn, Tuscany, Italy turns into a storybook scene. Rolling meadows and hills mix with medieval architecture, all donning a vibrant mix of soothing oranges, rusty reds, and earthy browns. The colours only make the cathedrals and old buildings even more stunning—it’s practically art.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Attractions | Medieval architecture, cathedrals, rolling meadows and hills |
| Colours | Oranges, rust, and brown hues |
| Key Locations | Florence, Siena, Val d’Orcia |
With these hues, Tuscany becomes the autumn spot. For tips on autumn travel spots in Russia for Austrian tourists, check out more here.
Taking a train through these autumn wonders just amps up the season’s beauty. Thinking about a road trip? Check out tips on road tripping from Austria to Russia and see where to snap the best shots of your journey here.
Journey Through Europe
Get ready for an amazing ride through Europe on those fantastic rail trips, especially when autumn’s colours light up the scenery. Whether you’re heading from Austria to Russia or cruising through Europe’s core, each route offers an exciting adventure.
The Enchanting Belgrade-Bar Railway
Chug along on the Belgrade-Bar railway, where the views are nothing short of magical. This route takes you from the lively streets of Belgrade in Serbia to the sunlit Adriatic coast of Montenegro. Stretching out over 476 kilometres, you’ll gaze at towering mountains, deep canyons, and winding rivers.
| Key Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Route Distance | 476 km |
| Travel Time | 11 hours |
| Must-See Sights | Dinaric Alps, Skadar Lake, Moraca River Canyon |
This journey highlights wonders like the Dinaric Alps and Moraca River Canyon — perfect settings for your camera, especially with those autumn shades. If you’re lining up your trip, check out our handy tips on planning an autumn road trip from Austria to Russia.
Breathtaking Bergen Line Adventure
The Bergen Line in Norway deserves a spot on your bucket list if you love scenic trains. Spanning 308 miles from Oslo to Bergen, it’s a 7-hour ride through Norway’s jaw-dropping landscapes. You’ll cross the Hardangervidda plateau, see quaint fjord villages, and soak in lush autumn colours (Tracy’s Travels in Time).
| Key Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Route Distance | 308 miles |
| Travel Time | 7 hours |
| Must-See Sights | Hardangervidda Plateau, Fjord Villages |
Make sure to travel when the sun’s up to enjoy the views to the fullest. From charming green villages to eye-catching fjord scenes, this trip is a feast for the senses. If you’re keen on more eye candy, our list of must-see scenic landscapes in Russia during autumn can guide your eastern journey.
So whether it’s the peaceful lanes of Norway or the fascinating tracks through the Balkans, autumn rail rides in Europe promise a unique cocktail of culture and nature’s finest. For shutterbugs, here are some best photography spots in Russia for autumn travellers from Austria — pack that memory card with vibrant pictures.