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Western Europe Itinerary

Head to Western Europe with a Eurail Pass and be amazed by how much you can see by train on a single vacation. This travel itinerary takes you to famous cities, including Paris, Geneva, Munich, Berlin and Amsterdam. Check out world-class monuments in Paris, admire the dramatic mountain ranges of the Alps as you travel by train between Geneva and Interlaken, and be charmed by Amsterdam's canals. A truly exciting Eurail adventure!

Paris, France

Paris is a city loved the world over, and for very good reason. The capital of France has a multitude of must-sees, and as cliché as it may be, the Eiffel Tower (tour Eiffel) is top of the list. Dedicate half a day to roaming around the Louvre, the most visited art museum in the world and set eyes on Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Once you’ve had your artistic fill, find a spot along the Seine and absorb the charisma that dances through this beautiful city.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Paris on the peaceful grounds of the Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise). Many renowned artists and authors were laid to rest here, including The Doors’ singer Jim Morrison and celebrated writer Oscar Wilde. Montmartre – the city's highest point–is another calm place offering spectacular views over Paris. Drop into the Sacré Cœur (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur) while you’re there.

Sacré Cœur, Paris, France

From Paris to Geneva

Travel time:

3h13m

Transfer:

0

  • Paris, France

    Gare de Lyon

  • 3h 13m
  • Geneva, Switzerland

    Genève-Cornavin

Geneva, Switzerland

Welcome to Geneva, one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities and home to international bodies, the United Nations and International Red Cross, the offices of which can be visited. Do a spot of retail therapy on the Rue de Marché, where Switzerland’s best-loved brands may tempt you to part with your money. Catch breathtaking views of Western Europe’s tallest mountain Mont Blanc (15770ft / 4807m), visible from the city center.

Most special of all is the French-styled old town with its winding roads and café terraces laid out. And let’s not forget that Geneva is home to Europe’s largest glacial lake, with the French and Swiss Alps punctuating this stunning backdrop. The scenic train route around the lake offers fantastic views of this spectacular part of Switzerland. Eurail pass holders get free boat rides around Lake Geneva with CGN boat services – just show your pass.

Lake Geneva

From Geneva to Interlaken

Travel time:

2h38m

Transfer:

1

  • Geneva, Switzerland

    Genève-Cornavin

  • 1h 44m
  • Bern, Switzerland

    Bahnhof Bern

  • 0h 54m
  • Interlaken, Switzerland

    Interlaken Ost

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is Switzerland’s (and perhaps Europe’s) adventure-sport mecca, where anything goes - from world-class snowboarding and skiing pistes to paragliding and skydiving above the sparkling Brienz and Thun lakes or plunging through white rapids aboard a raft.

The Jungfrau Railway* chugs its way to the Jungfrau mountain, which towers dramatically over the town. Once you get there, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of the mountain giants Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch.
* You'll get a discount on this private railway attraction with your Eurail Pass.

Show your Eurail Pass to get FREE boat rides around Lakes Brienz and Thun with BLS boat services
Breathtaking views at Interlaken

From Interlaken to Innsbruck

Travel time:

5h25m

Transfer:

2

  • Interlaken, Switzerland

    Interlaken Ost

  • 0h 54m
  • Bern, Switzerland

    Bahnhof Bern

  • 0h 57m
  • Zurich, Switzerland

    Zürich HB

  • 3h 34m
  • Innsbruck, Austria

    Innsbruck Hbf

Innsbruck, Austria

The first thing you’ll notice on stepping out of Innsbruck train station is the mountain vista that surrounds the entire Austrian town. The old town is the city’s beloved center, dressed in bright-coloured medieval buildings and home to the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) – an intricately-detailed gothic balcony.

For great views of the Tyrolean capital, you’ve got plenty of options – take the Hungerburg Funicular up the mountainside, or visit the Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium, where you can also take in views of the jump used in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Alternatively, take the sightseeing bus to Ambras Castle, perched up on the Innsbruck mountainside. For the adrenaline junkies, there are heaps of adventure sports to partake in, come snow or shine.

Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Innsbruck, Austria

From Innsbruck to Salzburg

Travel time:

1h46m

Transfer:

0

  • Innsbruck, Austria

    Innsbruck Hbf

  • 1h 46m
  • Salzburg, Austria

    Salzburg Hbf

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria’s gem of a city, was the birthplace and home to Mozart. Check out the 2 fascinating museums dedicated to the city’s prodigy, both of which he once lived in. Wander aimlessly through the old town and step back to a period of magnificent architecture and riches. From atop the Hohensalzburg Fortress, enjoy enchanting views of the city and the Salzach river as it radiates through the city.

A trip to Salzburg wouldn’t be the same without joining the Sound of Music Tour, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of the film’s key locations, passing the snow-capped mountains, sprawling green meadows and crystal blue lakes of Salzburg’s Lake District. You’ll also be let into the facts and fiction of the Von Trapp family as portrayed in the Hollywood movie.

Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg

From Salzburg to Munich

Travel time:

1h33m

Transfer:

0

  • Salzburg, Austria

    Salzburg Hbf

  • 1h 33m
  • Munich, Germany

    München Hbf

Munich, Germany

Munich, set in the heart of Bavaria, is Germany’s third-largest city. Visit during Oktoberfest, and you’ll be in for a treat during this traditional Bavarian beer-drinking festival. Held annually, this is Germany's most famous festival, attracting more than 5 million people. The city itself is centered around Marienplatz, the main square and the life and soul of the city.

Visit the Munich Residence (Münchner Residenz), once the royal palace to the Bavarian monarch—marvel at the Renaissance, baroque, rococo and neoclassical styles of decoration. Once you’ve fed your artistic taste buds, it’s time to join the locals at the Hofbrauhaus – one of Munich’s oldest breweries. This famous beer-drinking hall can hold up to 3,500 revelers. Try not to be intimidated by the 1-liter glasses – known as a maß.

Scenic view of the church at Marienplatz, Munich, Germany

From Munich to Berlin

Travel time:

6h1m

Transfer:

0

  • Munich, Germany

    München Hbf

  • 6h 1m
  • Berlin, Germany

    Berlin Hbf

Berlin, Germany

Perhaps Europe’s coolest capital, Germany's Berlin, is famous for its underground subcultures and alternative attitude while surrounded by remnants of a dramatic past. To get your head around Berlin’s part in the Cold War, visit Checkpoint Charlie – once the official crossing point between East and West. There are also a number of World War II bunker tours, including detailed accounts of the events that unfolded there.

Berlin is home to an eclectic bunch of artists, musicians and many on a journey of experimentation and discovery. There’s an array of art galleries and exhibitions across the city, including the Berlinsche Gallery, with a permanent collection from local artists dating back to 1870, covering a broad spectrum of themes and periods. Come night, decadence and hedonism is in full flow throughout Berlin’s underground scene.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

From Berlin to Amsterdam

Travel time:

6h42m

Transfer:

0

Reservation needed:

  • Berlin, Germany

    Berlin Hbf

  • 6h 42m

    Reservation optional

  • Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    Amsterdam Centraal Station

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam may be small for a capital, but there’s plenty of reason to stop there. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and journey through the works of the famous Dutch painter, or explore the Rijks Museum with its display of Dutch art from the Golden Age. Another must-see is the Anne Frank Museum – step inside the Secret Annex that was the home and hiding place of the Jewish girl and her family for over 2 years during World War II.

It’s a city famous for its seedy Red Light District lined with coffee shops, but don't be tricked into thinking that Amsterdam is one-dimensional. Wander through the cobbled canal-side lanes and stop off at one of the traditional Amsterdam brown cafés (bruin café) for a local beer, or head to the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) for a spot of retail therapy in the hip and trendy stores. The city is best explored on foot or by hiring a bicycle.

Canals of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

From Amsterdam to Bruges

Travel time:

2h54m

Transfer:

1

  • Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    Amsterdam Centraal Station

  • 1h 53m
  • Brussels, Belgium

    Bruxelles-Midi

  • 1h 1m
  • Bruges, Belgium

    Brugge

Bruges, Belgium

If you’ve got just a short time in Belgium, then the medieval town of Bruges should be your main focus. The location of movie hit, In Bruges, the city is every bit as enchanting as it appeared on screen, minus all the drama that unfolded, of course! Ascend the 366 steps of the Belfry – the medieval bell tower – an iconic symbol of the city.

The well-preserved centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why, once you take a stroll through quaint narrow lanes and alongside romantic waterways. Once you’ve seen all there is to see, reward yourself with a Belgian beer on a sunny terrace or stop off to buy some hand-made Belgian chocolates to take back with you.

Scenic of the medieval houses and bell tower, Bruges, Belgium

Experience this itinerary with the Eurail Global Pass