4 European national parks that can be visited by train

2026-05-02 22:17:00, Lifestyle CNA

Europe is blessed with countless natural wonders, from national parks to UNESCO biosphere reserves.

Given their remoteness, it's common to assume that the only way to reach them is by car. In fact, many of them are served by train stations, meaning you can hop on the train for a relaxing journey, knowing you're also helping the environment.

Furthermore, many protected natural landscapes have introduced measures to manage car access, from traffic restrictions to reservation systems, with the aim of protecting fragile ecosystems and better controlling visitor flows.

4 European national parks that can be visited by train

The streams and cliffs of France's Calanques National Park

The Calanques National Park is located on the southern Mediterranean coast in Bouches-du-Rhone. Combining land and sea, the protected area is famous for its rugged limestone cliffs, rocky streams and crystal-clear waters. It is an ideal place for nature walks, boating and diving.

One of the most visited national parks in France, the Calanques welcome up to three million visitors each year, according to Marseille Tourism authorities.

4 European national parks that can be visited by train

Alpine paradise in Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park

Austria's largest national park encompasses a high alpine landscape with glaciers, waterfalls, wildflower meadows and 3,000-meter-high peaks.

Road infrastructure is intentionally limited and entry points are spread across three federal states. This makes train travel one of the easiest and most direct ways to reach the park.

Three stations located along the main Alpine railway corridors act as natural gateways to this protected environment.

4 European national parks that can be visited by train

Sand landscapes in Germany's Saxon Switzerland National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the Saxon Switzerland National Park attracts over 1.7 million visitors each year. To protect its magnificent sandstone formations and fragile habitats, car access is restricted to certain areas.

Bad Schandau station, referred to as the 'national park station', offers direct rail access to its natural treasures, including several hiking trails that start a short walking distance away.

Trains from here connect to several major cities in Germany, including Hamburg, Berlin and Dresden, as well as across the border to Prague.

4 European national parks that can be visited by train

Bernina Express journey through the Alps

If you want to stay in the comfort of the train and enjoy views of natural wonders from the window, take the Bernina Express that connects Switzerland and Italy.

Traveling along the Rhaetian Railway, which is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site, the journey between St. Moritz and Tirano takes around 2.5 hours, passing through a magnificent alpine landscape with frozen lakes in winter, lush meadows in summer and golden larch forests in autumn.

The train crosses the Bernina Pass at an altitude of 2,253 meters, where passengers can admire magnificent views of Lake Bianco and the surrounding glaciers./Euronews