From the Hogwarts Express to alpine adventures: Europe’s best steam train journeys

Futuristic high-speed trains are usually the focus of Europe’s rail revival. But to really experience the romance of slow and sleepy travel, you need to venture back in time.

Across Europe, rail enthusiasts are keeping historic steam trains on the tracks, offering nostalgic journeys into the past.

Trace train travel’s heritage on these leisurely steam train journeys in Europe.

Riding Bluebell Railway’s vintage steam train is like travelling back in time.

Accompanied by railway staff in period clothing, you’ll chug through 18 kilometres of beautiful Sussex countryside - plan your trip in May to catch the eponymous bluebells.

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You’ll stop at four stations - Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes, Kingscote and East Grinstead - preserved in different periods in history, including Victorian, 1930s and 1950s.

Look out for special events like murder mystery trips throughout the year. Dining trains are also in operation on certain dates offering everything from afternoon tea to silver service dinners and real ale evenings.

Standard all-day tickets start at £25 (€28).

Harry Potter fans flock to the Jacobite Steam Train, which was used for the Hogwarts Express - but its history stretches back much further than the film.

Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, the train takes an 135 km round trip between Fort William and Mallaig.

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Journey through the Scottish Highlands, passing lochs, sleepy villages, coastline and the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct along the way.

The train runs between April and October, with standard day returns starting at £57 (€65).

Named ‘Britain's most luxurious train’, the Northern Belle is steeped in royal history.

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