Three European destinations with scenic routes to visit by sleeper train this winter

A flight-free travel content creator has highlighted the best train routes, featuring overlooked destinations, to explore this winter.

Sarah B.M., who goes by the username sarahbmarks on TikTok, shared three unmissable itineraries starting with a Eurostar journey to Amsterdam, which is typically priced between £80 to £120 when booked a couple of months in advance.

Following the Eurostar leg, travellers then switch to a sleeper train for more time efficiency.

The first destination shown in the video was Innsbruck in Austria with the journey featuring stunning views of the mountains.

“You can cosy up in your cabin, and enjoy traditional Viennese rolls for breakfast as you pass alongside snow-covered mountains,” Sarah said.

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Once in Innsbruck, travellers can explore the charming 12th-century town or take part in seasonal activities like skiing or tobogganing in the surrounding mountains.

A bunk on the 14-hour train journey costs approximately £70 each way. However, for budget-conscious travellers willing to rest in an upright position, a seat in a six-person cabin can be more affordable at £25.

In contrast, a round-trip flight from London to Innsbruck ranges between £50 and £70. Adding two additional nights at a budget hotel, compensating for the train travel duration, totals around £40 each night. The sleeper train option ends up approximately £70 more expensive.

Sarah's second recommendation involves taking two standard trains from Amsterdam to Hamburg after an overnight stay, priced at just under £30 each way and then taking a sleeper from Hamburg to Stockholm as the next leg of the journey.

Depending on the booking timing, the sleeper can be as affordable as £50 for a bunk, or there is also a more luxurious cabin with two double beds and an en-suite bathroom.

Selecting the most economical options, along with the connecting trains, results in a return flight from London to Stockholm being nearly £100 cheaper. However, some may find the additional expense worthwhile for the various sightseeing opportunities and reduced emissions along the way.

Stockholm offers a classic Christmas market from November to December, and even outside of the festive period, visitors can enjoy the charm of the old town and go ice-skating.

The last and most budget-friendly recommendation once again travels towards Austria, with a stop in Zurich, Switzerland.

The sleeper train from Amsterdam to Zurich can be as cheap as £45, and scheduling allows for a same-day departure from the Netherlands after arriving from London.

Activities to enjoy in Zurich include an invigorating icy swim in the lake or a journey aboard one of their remarkable local trains, providing access to the scenic Swiss mountains.