Your hidden gems

Looking for some different destinations in Europe? We asked our Eurail travel community for the best hidden gems, and they delivered. Check out some of their favourite lesser-known locations across the continent and get ready to take the rails less traveled on your next trip...

(Winner photo) Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic closer

Winner: Český Krumlov – Ann

"Located in the Southern Bohemian region of Czech Republic is Český Krumlov. Medieval Europe comes alive through this hidden gem. It is like being transported back in time and deserves to be high on your list of must-see destinations."

How to get there

There is a direct train from Prague that runs once per day but you can also take multiple routes that require a transfer in České Budějovice.

Castle Garden, Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Town of Český Krumlov

Brasov – Isabella

"My friend and I jumped on a train in Romania from Bucharest to Brasov. We hired a car to drive through the rolling greenery and pulled over on this hilltop for a picnic. It was an amazing spur-of-the-moment decision and is my fave travel memory."

How to get there

Many trains run daily between Bucharest and Brasov.

Bran Castle, Romania

Between Bucharest and Brasov

Cable car up Mount Tampa, Brasov

Lenk im Simmental – Mary

"Lenk-Simmental is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. I attended the AlpKultur days where cows, donkeys, and goats were adorned with flowers and honored. It’s such a breath of fresh air to see animals respected. Switzerland’s got the right idea!"

How to get there

From Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Bern, there are plenty of easy train connections. Most routes require a change in Zweisimmen to a regional train to Lenk.

Lenk Simmental, Switzerland

Alpkultur Day, Lenk Simmental

Cable car over Lenk

Lauterbrunnen – Olivia

"Lauterbrunnen – The Valley of 77 Waterfalls! This charming town is a short, awe-inspiring train ride south from Interlaken. Nestled below Grindelwald is the tiny town made up of dear Swiss cottages. The peace and the beauty are sublime."

How to get there

Lauterbrunnen is a 20 minute train ride from Interlaken – or if you've visited Lenk Simmental, you can catch the scenic 3-hour Golden Pass route filled with amazing panoramic views.

Lauterbrunnen Town

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Chalets in Lauterbrunnen

Rzeszów – Christine

"Market Square in Rzeszów, Poland, shot while my sister and I awaited lunch. Among the finest squares in Eastern Europe, it is vibrant, yet peaceful. Tour the amazing medieval cellars beneath the square, and marvel at the breathtaking architecture above."

How to get there

The train station in Rzeszów has regular connections to all major cities in Poland. The journey from Krakow takes between 2-3 hours.

Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rzeszow

Rzeszów, Poland

Marketplace in Rzeszow, Poland

Val Gardena – Wendy

"Val Gardena in the Dolomites – an amazing place to hike. Also great to ski and mountain bike. The scenery is stunning beyond compare. Part Austrian, part Italian – my favourite hidden gem to share."

How to get there

There are train connections from Germany, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands to Bressanone and Bolzano, and then there are local buses to Val Gardena hourly.