1. The Flam Railway, Norway
The 12-mile ride from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of Sognefjord, the largest and deepest fjord in Norway, up to the high mountains of Myrdal station, which is 867 metres above sea level is one of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. The ride lasting from an hour to two hours reveals to travellers the picturesque scenery of the country, unblemished by human touch. The train runs along the Rallar Road, waterfalls, mountains and as many as 20 tunnels.
Watch it here.
2. Geibi Line to Fukuen Line, Japan
The ride from the Geibi line to Fukuen line passes through Chugoku, which is the westernmost region of Honshu, the largest and most populous island of the country. The region of Chugoku is famed for its characteristic rolling hills and plain areas. The region is partitioned into two by mountains running east and west. Brace yourself because you are going to come across a series of never-ending, mysterious tunnels, cutting unmercifully through great mountains.
Watch it here.
3. Wengernalp, Switzerland
The Wengernalp railway runs from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald via Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg. These are some of the most pleasing rides that one can encounter. Wengen is a pretty little Swiss alpine village in the Bernese Alps and is famous for its timber chalets. The sight of the rustic, car-free village, with the Jungfrau, one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps in the backdrop, gives travellers a feeling of living, for a while, in a fairytale, that we often read of.
Watch it here.
4. Nordland, Norway
The Nordland Line is the longest in Norway. The 729-kilometer railway line runs through the counties of Trondelag and Nordland. The adventure ride begins at the Trondheim Fjord, and as the track takes you to the farther north, through long and narrow Nordland, fields give way to lakes and forests, treelines descend, snow gets thicker as the train passes through the Arctic Circle and finally takes you to the municipality of Fauske.
Watch it here.
5. The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
The route links northern Europe to southern Europe, bridging regions, cultures, languages and other differences. The ride starts at the spa resort of St. Moritz, Switzerland, climbs up to the glistening glaciers and descends gracefully in the town of Tirano, Italy. Interesting, it is the highest railway crossing in Europe and the third highest railway in Switzerland. It will take you through various landscapes and a World Heritage Site- from the Alpine scenery around the Albula and Bernina Passes to the Mediterranean scenery in the Poschiavo Valley. At the highest point i.e., 2253 metres above sea level, you will find the great Ospizio Bernina.
Watch it here.
6. Southwestern Railway, England
You have to buckle up the adventurous spirit in you at the London Waterloo Station, an underground railway station. The journey that lasts for an hour and 46 minutes will take you through some of the most amazing transformations- from clusters of skyscrapers and posh buildings into the vibrancy of lush greens and the sparkling blue port city of Southampton.
Watch it here.
7. North Wales Coast Line, England to Wales
The North Wales Coastline or the North Wales Mainline connects England’s Crewe to Holyhead, a town in Wales, which also serves as a major Irish seaport. This ride will be no doubt, one of the most entertaining as several towns and counties will be explored as you go along. The train runs through the clean seaside town of Prestatyn, which is known for its beaches, the seaside resort of Rhyl, Conwy, the small walled town on the coast of North Wales, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and where Britain’s most medieval town lay hidden and other mystifying beauties and scapes.
Watch it here.
8. Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado, United States of America
Let the virtual ride take you to Pikes Peak, which is 14115 ft above sea level. Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of the world’s highest and North America’s highest railways. The adventure begins at Manitou Springs and surprisingly, lasts throughout the way. The track is 8.9 miles long and a round trip lasts 3 hours and 10 minutes. You will see some of the most panoramic views of nature at its best- pristine valleys, creeks, etc. The ride is steep, and words will never be able to describe the adventure and fun that it offers. Hop on because it's worth every precious second.
Watch it here.
9. Belgrade-Bar Railway, Montenegro
The Belgrade-Bar railway connects Belgrade to the town of Bar, which is a major seaport, near the Adriatic sea. The adventure lasts for a length of 455 km and leads through 254 tunnels and 435 bridges altogether. With sheer cliffs and colossal mountains arising amidst valleys, it is one of the most spectacular rides that Europe offers.
Watch it here.
10. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado, United States of America
Let the virtual ride take you from one mountain town to another over high alpine mountains. Ride through breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of San Juan National Forest. Tread on the same path that miners, cowboys and settlers of the old west took centuries ago and travel through the history of the land.
Watch it here.
11. Sarajevo-Ploce Railway, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 194 km long railway line connects Sarajevo with Konjic, Mostar and Ploce. The train runs into breathtaking scenery amidst trough mountains, terrains, lakes and several tunnels. A good part of the journey follows the Neretva River, which is one of the largest rivers of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful rides and is worth every dime.
Watch it here.
12. 7 Express Line, New York, United States of America
A virtual ride through packed streets and dashing infrastructures can be as rewarding as travelling through the most scenic of views. Try the 16 km, 7 Express Line or Flushing Express, which go off from the 34th Street/ Hudson Yards in Manhattan to Main Street, Flushing via Queensboro Plaza for some peeps into the awe-inspiring underground vistas.
Watch it here.
13. Ferrocarril Central Andino, Peru
The Ferrocarril Central Andino Railway of Peru was once entitled the world’s highest railway. Now, it is second to The Qingzang of Tibet. Regardless of height, it connects the pacific port of Callao and the capital city of Lima with Huancayo and Cerro de Pasco via scapes most beautiful and enchanting.
You no longer have to spend the lockdown days doing absolutely nothing and looking forward to nothing. With opportunities as such, create moments that you can look forward to, once the world is done with COVID-19.
