The Best European Rail Routes This Fall

Sit tight, because you and I are about to fall into a trip together (get it?!).

After all, it is *that *time of the year, when orange becomes the new black, pumpkins are all around, everyone starts prepping for halloween (any good costume ideas anyone?) and you’re looking for the best Autumn destinations to visit.

Well, I might not be of much help when it comes to spooky costumes, but I can definitely list some Autumn interrail routes worth falling for (okay, that was the last fall pun, I promise).

Don’t fall for hidden fees!

Transylvania, Romania

Romania

There is only one place acceptable for this interrail trip to begin: Transylvania.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you spent a good chunk of your life thinking this place was fictional. But not only is Transylvania the place where Dracula lives (dim your lights and use a spooky voice to say this), but it’s also a very real place.

When Bram Stoker set his famous novel in the Romanian region, I doubt he thought of the tourist domino effect he would create.

In fact if you visit Transylvania this Autumn, you’re in for some very real castle visits. Plus there are plenty of beautiful Romanian landscapes to explore, perfect for Autumn season devotees.

Take the train from Cluj-Napoca, in Transylvania, to Baia Mare, a city in the Maramureș region, and embark on the Autumn rail trip of your dreams, painted in yellows and oranges, with a hint of the spooky and macabre.

Interrail Romania Pass: Prices range from £78 - £160 pp, according to the Interrail Website.

Currency: Romanian Leu

National Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria

If you’re less about the spooky and more of an “Autumn leaves are beautiful” type, then Bulgaria might be more suitable for you.

Bulgaria is perfect for nature loving travellers who want to marvel at the world’s wonders, travel the country by train and maybe hike along the way.

Starting your route in Sofia, take the train to Vidin. While the train ride might be smooth, the landscape promises to be rocky! From the Belogradchik Rocks, to the Magura Cave, marvel at stalactites, stalagmites and ancient rock formations.

Looking for a bit of a hike? (couldn’t be me, but to each their own!). Use Sofia as your starting point once more, take the train to Septemvri and from there to Dobrinishte, where you can stop for views and hike routes on the way!

Interrail Bulgaria Pass: Prices range from £50 - £111 pp, according to the Interrail Website.

Currency: Bulgarian Lev

Don’t let different currencies spook you

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Germany

Ah, Germany in Autumn! (takes in a deep, satisfied breath). Between Oktoberfest and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, what’s not to love?

Bet you didn’t know about that last one, did you?

Well, Oktoberfest in Munich might be the event of the month - other than Halloween of course - and between beers, parades, and costumes, it might seem like it’s the only place to be in Germany this Autumn. Wrong!

See, Germany also has some spooky tricks up her sleeve.

In Bavaria you can travel beyond the beer-soaked streets of Munich, and visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, or as I like to refer to it, the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

And if walking along narrow streets in the dark while visiting a foreign country sounds like your glass of beer, then taking a night walk in Füssen could be the perfect activity for you!

Interrail German Rail Pass: Prices range from £138 - £363 pp, according to the Interrail Website.

Currency: Euro

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland

And of course, one can not mention Autumn, landscapes, spookiness, and leave out Scotland!

Between Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and visiting Loch Ness, the Scots find the perfect balance between the scary and serene.

There’s plenty to do. You can explore the misty highlands and bask in the red and orange hues of the landscape. For fans of Harry Potter, you can take the Jacobite express and live out your wizarding fantasies. Or, for our ghost hunters out there, delve into Scotland’s haunted past by visiting the Blair Street Underground in Edinburgh.

Scotland is everyone’s cup of tea and serves Autumn like no other, with its myths, legends and Gothic architecture.

Interrail Great Britain Pass: Prices range between £162 - £ 250 pp, according to the Interrail Website.

Currency: British Pound

Spice up your wallet with more currencies

Whether it’s leaves changing colours, halloween destinations, spooky locations, or beer festivals you’re looking for, Autumn is one of the greatest and most beautiful seasons to travel.

So why not lap it up by travelling by train? It’s my favourite mode of transport if I do say so myself. It gives main character energy and serves dark academia vibes.

Written by Eleni Socratous

Disclaimer:

The prices of Interrail Passes indicated above are categorised as “Interrail One Country Passes” and are valid only within the country indicated on the pass. You cannot use a “one country pass” to travel to other countries. Prices are accurate as of 02 October 2024 19:13 BST.