Travel
- 24 Hours In Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is one of the prettiest cities in Belgium, and we were really happy for the chance to visit it again as part of the #ParkinnExpress challenge. We arrived at Antwerp Central Station, one of the most beautiful train stations in the world if not...
- 10 Best Family Activity Holiday Destinations
Family activity holidays are the perfect way to get some fresh air, get a little time away and, perhaps most importantly, tire the kids out so much that you get long evenings to yourselves. Activity holidays can cover anything from a seaside escape in...
- Top 10 Attractions In Scotland
The beauty and culture of Scotland has made it a firm favourite with families on caravan holidays in the UK – plus you don’t even have to change your currency! Here are ten great reasons to enjoy a holiday in Scotland this year. Isle of Skye An unmissable...
- From Oslo To Bergen & Some Nice Surprises Awaiting Us Upon Arrival
It was the 17th day of our Interrail trip... We left Oslo for Bergen in the morning... The train rushed by lakes, lonely wooden houses, streams, waterfalls, enchanted forests, snow covered mountains and through never-ending tunnels, for 7 beautiful...
- 2 Months On The Road With Sygic App Gps Navigation
For our latest two month trip through Europe we decided to install on our mobile the GPS navigation app Sygic. We are pretty good with maps, but we figured that a bit of extra help could not be bad. Google Maps app is quite good, but using it off line...
Travel
Top 3 Winter Holidays That Everyone Should Take By Train
Winter holidays have soared in popularity as travellers look for interesting alternatives to summer fun in the sun – but where should you go? Offering an even more unique experience, winter rail holidays are an ideal choice and here are three examples that are definitely worth a visit.
The Northern Lights
The majestic natural fireworks that make up the Northern Lights are truly spectacular and one of the best places to view this vision of beauty is a train trip to Norway and Lapland. This is one of the most unpolluted places on the planet which means the lights are at their clearest.
The train journey through Norway, including a journey on the Dovre Railway, serves as a wonderful introduction to the fjords and winter landscape of the country. Once you reach Boda and see the Northern Lights for yourself, you’ll then return with plenty of memories and a stunning experience crossed off your to-do list.
The Harz Mountains
One of the lesser-visited tourist destinations in Germany is the Harz Mountains. Great Rail offers a stunning tour of the region that starts in London before taking you from Brussels to Cologne and then on to the mountains.
The route is filled with ancient cities, wintry landscapes and wonderful inns and hotels. The easiest way to ascend any mountain is by narrow gauge railway and the Brocken Railway, which ascends to the highest peaks, is a perfect example of this.
Brocken itself is the highest peak in this mountain range and has only been open to civilians since the collapse of the Cold War. Wernigerode, a town located at the base of the mountains, is described as colourful and was used as a base for German Emperors, who were keen huntsmen.
Another mountain railway you should use is the Selke Valley Railway, located in the Harz Mountains’ lower regions. This charming old line gives you a beautiful view of the area and has only recently been reopened for use. Think of the fairy tales of Grimm and you’ll have an idea of the air of mystery and romance that envelops this line – especially when you consider the train’s terminus is in the beautifully preserved town of Quedlinburg, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Trans-Siberian Express
This enormously long train journey will take you right across Russian Europe and the Sayan Mountains before passing through Siberia and finally reaching Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean.
For many years, alighting outside of a strictly controlled state itinerary was forbidden. Thankfully, times have changed and a visit to the cities of Irkutsk and Novosibirsk should be included in your travel plans for an unforgettable experience.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
- 24 Hours In Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is one of the prettiest cities in Belgium, and we were really happy for the chance to visit it again as part of the #ParkinnExpress challenge. We arrived at Antwerp Central Station, one of the most beautiful train stations in the world if not...
- 10 Best Family Activity Holiday Destinations
Family activity holidays are the perfect way to get some fresh air, get a little time away and, perhaps most importantly, tire the kids out so much that you get long evenings to yourselves. Activity holidays can cover anything from a seaside escape in...
- Top 10 Attractions In Scotland
The beauty and culture of Scotland has made it a firm favourite with families on caravan holidays in the UK – plus you don’t even have to change your currency! Here are ten great reasons to enjoy a holiday in Scotland this year. Isle of Skye An unmissable...
- From Oslo To Bergen & Some Nice Surprises Awaiting Us Upon Arrival
It was the 17th day of our Interrail trip... We left Oslo for Bergen in the morning... The train rushed by lakes, lonely wooden houses, streams, waterfalls, enchanted forests, snow covered mountains and through never-ending tunnels, for 7 beautiful...
- 2 Months On The Road With Sygic App Gps Navigation
For our latest two month trip through Europe we decided to install on our mobile the GPS navigation app Sygic. We are pretty good with maps, but we figured that a bit of extra help could not be bad. Google Maps app is quite good, but using it off line...