Interrail: Routes, History and Scenic Landscapes

1. What is Interrail?

Interrail is a train pass allowing unlimited rail travel across multiple European countries.
Available to European residents (Interrail Pass) and non-Europeans use a similar Eurail Pass.

2. History

Launched in 1972 to encourage train travel and cultural exchange among young Europeans.
Initially targeted students and young travelers, it has since expanded to all age groups.
It promotes sustainable, flexible travel across Europe’s extensive rail network.

Interrail does not have fixed routes but offers access to all participating national railways. However, popular routes include:

Northern Europe: London – Paris – Amsterdam – Berlin – Copenhagen – Stockholm
Western Europe: Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam – Zurich – Milan
Southern Europe: Rome – Florence – Venice – Barcelona – Madrid
Eastern Europe: Prague – Budapest – Vienna – Zagreb – Belgrade
Scandinavia: Oslo – Bergen (Norway’s scenic Bergen Line) – Stockholm – Helsinki

The Alps (Switzerland, Italy, Austria)
- Stunning mountain views, especially on routes like the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz) and Bernina Express.
Norwegian Fjords (Norway)
- Routes like the Bergen Line offer dramatic fjord landscapes, steep mountains, and waterfalls.
The Danube River Valley (Central Europe)
- Passes through picturesque cities and lush river valleys in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
Mediterranean Coastlines (Spain, Italy, France)
- Views of the sea, coastal towns, and sunny landscapes on routes like Barcelona to Nice.
Scottish Highlands (UK)
- Routes through rugged hills, lochs, and historic castles, including the West Highland Line.
The Carpathians (Eastern Europe)
- Forested mountains and traditional villages along routes in Romania and Slovakia.
The Loire Valley (France)
- Famous for chateaux, vineyards, and rolling countryside.