They’re normally the holy grail of a winter holiday, but last night people living in more southern parts of Europe were left awestruck as the Northern Lights visited them at home.
20.10.2023 - 01:27 / lonelyplanet.com
A few years ago, competition from low-cost airlines and high-speed railways looked like they would spell the end for sleeper trains, which were increasingly starting to look like relics.
But an increased interest in slow travel and concern about the environmental impact of flying (driven partly by the Swedish concept of flygskam, or “flight shame,” movement) have boosted demand for sleeper trains. In a remarkable reversal of fortunes, operators across Europe – including several new entrants – are bringing routes back, in some cases for the first time in generations, and establishing new services, often across borders.
Overnight trains do more than save on a night’s accommodation. They’re an adventure in themselves, recreating the romance of a bygone era as they transport travelers, families and business people across the continent under the cloak of darkness.
Most services offer a mixture of sleeper compartments with room for two or four passengers; six-person, dormitory-style couchettes; and cars with standard seats. On some trains, however, private compartments equipped with showers and innovative capsule-style berths are becoming available on trains with new or refurbished carriages. This enhances the sense that the next generation of night trains has arrived.
Frequency: daily except Saturday
Approximate duration: 11 hours
Nightjet’s Munich–to–La Spezia service is one of many night routes that offer the only direct connection between their start and finish points. Passengers can board an early-evening train south from Bavarian city’s vast Hauptbanhof station aiming for Austria, northeast Italy and onward, via Genoa (another great stop-off option), to the Ligurian coast. If everything’s on time – which, it should be noted, is not a given on night services, especially those crossing borders and picking up carriages from other services – then you could beat the crowds to the Cinque Terre’s walking trails (accessed by a local train from La Spezia). Or you could just settle in to this underrated city for a late breakfast and marvel at the city’s art-nouveau architecture, best explored by strolling the stairways that rise uphill from the waterfront.
Frequency: nightly
Approximate duration: 14 hours
This Swedish Railways (SJ)–operated service, one of the darlings of the new European night scene, has grown in popularity and scope since its launch.
During the summer of 2023, the SJ Euronight to and from Stockholm extended to start and finish in Berlin – a change now being made permanent. Still, travelers should not miss the chance to explore the lively maritime city of Hamburg – plus, starting the journey here makes more sense if you’re connecting from points further south and west. From Hamburg, the night
They’re normally the holy grail of a winter holiday, but last night people living in more southern parts of Europe were left awestruck as the Northern Lights visited them at home.
Whether it’s in pursuit of a new community, better weather, or a new adventure, there are many reasons people pack up their lives and become expats. And it seems like the idea of moving to a new country is more appealing than ever—and gone are the days when it was reserved for retired people. With remote work becoming a more viable option for people of all ages experiencing wanderlust in their hearts, the possibility of the expat lifestyle is now more within reach than ever.
Austria’s cultured and charismatic capital Vienna is anything but one-dimensional; the city changes with the seasons.
San Juan, the rainbow-hued capital of Puerto Rico, is a vibrant hub for music, food, and culture, and the best way to explore is to roam its fascinating, fun-filled neighborhoods.
For those seeking an enchanting holiday experience, exploring the festive Christmas Markets in European cities like Germany, Austria and Switzerland, is a must for a complete winter wonderland experience. These markets offer delightful treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and an array of handcrafted gifts, making your holiday season truly magical. Here are three of the best Christmas Market tours this season.
Over the past couple of years, Puglia has become one of Italy's trending destinations—but there is more to the region than just photo-worthy locations. Puglia is home to numerous folkloric traditions, ancient histories and diverse landscapes, from the dramatic coastline along the Parco Nazionale del Gargano to the scattered trulli in the Valle d’Itria and the crystalline beaches of Salento. It’s truly difficult to narrow down the best things to do in Puglia, but the following 11 are the most spectacular experiences you need to consider on your next trip.
There’s been a rockslide somewhere in the Maurienne Valley, deep in the French Alps. By the time I’m due to set off on an intricately planned, early autumn European rail trip from London to Athens, nearly a week has passed since the incident. My intended path through France, Italy and then on to Greece via sea had relied on a connection from Lyon to Milan passing directly through this region. Now the route is out of action and it could be months before the railway tracks are dug out from the rubble. Initially, I’m irate. En route to the Eurostar terminal at London’s St Pancras at 6.30am, however, I encourage myself to think differently.
Lonely Planet, a leader in the travel industry best known for its blue-spined guidebooks, just released its annual Best in Travel report.
The rules for most people entering Europe who don't have an EU passport are changing and after several delays, the EU has confirmed when and how they will roll out the two new border controls that will impact travelers arriving into the Schengen area from 2024 onwards.
Low-cost Icelandic airline Play wants travelers to jet off to Europe for just $99 with a Halloween flash sale.
Three small European cities you may never have heard of will soon come under the cultural spotlight as Europe’s latest Capitals of Culture.
An island that lures with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Bali is a destination that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. Known for its rice terraces, lush jungle, sandy beaches and Hindu temples, it offers a plethora of experiences and appeals to a range of travelers — from surfers and yogis to honeymooners, families and spiritual seekers.