Join Belle Trains on a European rail spectacular taking in the glittering lakes and towering peaks of Central Europe in style. From Cologne you’ll venture south, along the Main Valley and through southern Germany to the foothills of the Alps, on the German shores of Lake Constance. Traverse some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as the Alpine Belle weaves its way along the foothills of the Alps, through the Arlberg Pass into the Austrian Tyrol at Innsbruck. From here you’ll travel through the heart of the Alps to Salzburg, Austria’s musical mountain city. Journey’s end will be in Wiesbaden, one of Europe’s oldest spa towns. The perfect end to an unforgettable journey of alpine adventures. The express steam locomotive 01 1104 will be joined by Swiss and Austrian locomotives as we weave our way along some of the most impressive mainline routes in the Alps. This region offers something for everyone, from the oldest cog railway in Europe still running with steam to scenic boat trips and cultural excursions. Enjoy the chance to travel in the elegant Prestige Continental Express dining carriages, modelled on the style of the legendary Orient Express salon cars.
We will set out from Cologne for our journey south, stopping in the Hesse region to allow our steam locomotive, 01 1104, to join us for the journey of nearly 300 miles south towards Lindau on Lake Constance. Lindau is an extraordinary place, literally an island in the lake. The whole island is easily walkable and is known for its historic centre, charming squares and iconic harbour entrance – all set against a backdrop of the shimmering waters of Lake Constance and snow-capped Alps on the far side of the water.
In Lindau, optional excursions may include steam hauled journeys on the Rheinbähnle & Wälderbähnle narrow gauge railways, a cruise on Lake Constance or visit to a winery in neighbouring Liechtenstein, but some may choose to stay in their hotels, admiring the beautiful views. The more adventurous among you may wish to take advantage of the proximity of neighbouring countries and choose to wake up in Germany, cycle to Austria for lunch, and make it to Switzerland in time for afternoon tea!
After two days admiring the distant Alps from the shores of Lake Constance, the Alpine Belle will set off towards them in style – taking in three countries in one day! From Lindau, we skirt the edge of Lake Constance before crossing over the Rhine into Switzerland, where our steam locomotive joins us for a journey through the Appenzell Alps.
Our train then turns East, as we head into the Austrian Alps behind a vintage electric locomotive and carves a route through the Klostertal Valley before heading through the Arlbergtunnel, which was the longest railway tunnel in Austria when opened in 1884. Emerging on the other side of the Alberg Pass in Tyrol, we continue to wind our way through the alpine valleys to Innsbruck.
Innsbruck, capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is known for its Imperial and modern architecture. Passengers can opt for a leisurely day by staying in their hotels and enjoying scenic walks through the surrounding alpine terrain or join us for one of our sightseeing excursions.
Just 25 miles east of Innsbruck lies the town of Jenbach, where not just one but two steam railways branch off – the historic Achensee Railway to the north offering a breathtaking journey to Lake Achen on the oldest cog railway in Europe still steam operated, and to the south, the Zillertal, a narrow-gauge railway to the town of Myrhofen. We plan to offer at least one of these railways as an optional excursion. Other excursions may include the Tyrolean Museum of Railways, with the option to travel on board an 100-year-old tram that travels through the streets of Innsbruck and beyond, or Swarovski Crystal World with its gardens and art museum.
Today we set off through the heart of the Alps with a German steam locomotive on the front of our train, likely to be former freight locomotive, G10 class 657. We plan to make a mid-afternoon stop at the charming town of Zell am See on the shores of Lake Zell, where there is a narrow-gauge railway through the Pinzgau mountains. From Zell am See we steam on further east into the Alps before turning north and descending into beautiful Salzburg.
DAY 6 & 7:
For anyone who has never been to Salzburg the whole place is an amazing revelation – with a storybook setting among the mountains and stately baroque Altstadt. For our passengers over the next few days the hills will be alive with not only the sound of steam but all kinds of music and the beautiful Salzburg bells which ring out every day at 6pm. As you would expect, optional excursions will include Mozart and The Sound of Music Tours, but you may choose to explore the city’s many attractions including the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mirabell Gardens and Palace.
Railway excursions may include a journey from Salzburg to the Ampflwang Railway Museum by vintage train. In traditional carriages akin to The Harz Mountain Railway with open balconies we will steam 50 miles up the mainline (it would never be allowed in the UK!) to the preserved railway, its mining museum and railway roundhouse. A must for true lovers of steam.
DAY 6 & 7:
For anyone who has never been to Salzburg the whole place is an amazing revelation – with a storybook setting among the mountains and stately baroque Altstadt. For our passengers over the next few days the hills will be alive with not only the sound of steam but all kinds of music and the beautiful Salzburg bells which ring out every day at 6pm. As you would expect, optional excursions will include Mozart and The Sound of Music Tours, but you may choose to explore the city’s many attractions including the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mirabell Gardens and Palace.
Railway excursions may include a journey from Salzburg to the Ampflwang Railway Museum by vintage train. In traditional carriages akin to The Harz Mountain Railway with open balconies we will steam 50 miles up the mainline (it would never be allowed in the UK!) to the preserved railway, its mining museum and railway roundhouse. A must for true lovers of steam.
Our steam locomotive from day one, Class 01 1104, is back at the helm for our final day on board, as we journey across the border and into Germany, making our way towards the Rhine Valley and our hotels in Wiesbaden and Frankfurt for our last night. Tucked in a valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, the relaxed spa town of Wiesbaden is the perfect place to reflect on our adventures. Those staying in Frankfurt will enjoy a stay in one of the city’s most exclusive postcodes, next to the Opera House and overlooking the lush Liesel-Christ Park.
After a leisurely breakfast in our hotels in Frankfurt or Wiesbaden, those who have booked a transfer to the UK will depart for Eurostar connections to London, whilst those travelling independently may choose to enjoy their hotel’s facilities, extend their holiday or make onward travel connections at the nearby international airport at Frankfurt.
Fully escorted by Belle Trains
2 nights Lindau accommodation with breakfast daily
2 nights Innsbruck accommodation with breakfast daily
3 nights Salzburg accommodation with breakfast daily
1 night Wiesbaden or Frankfurt accommodation with breakfast
Train Journeys: Cologne to Lindau, Lindau to Innsbruck, Innsbruck to Salzburg, Salzburg to Wiesbaden
Coach transfers between the train and hotel or if in walking distance staff escort
Luggage courier service throughout, transporting all luggage directly to and from your hotel rooms
A team of engaging and helpful staff both on board the train and at all hotels
A choice of optional excursions by foot, road coach or steam (supplement applies). Final optional excursions will be confirmed in January 2026
Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
Travel insurance (Recommended for International travel)
Meals and drinks not provided for in the itinerary
Things of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, room service, etc
Excursions / entrances listed as optional in the itinerary
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Fares are based on the 4-star option. If you’d like to know the fares for the 5-star option, please contact us.
INCLUSIONS
4-star passengers
5-star passengers
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
LINDAU
INNSBRUCK
SALZBURG
DETAILS AND PRICING WILL BE RELEASED EARLY 2026
Final details of our optional excursions will be confirmed in January 2026, along with pricing. We will share the details with you as soon as they are available.
Depending on our route and the timings on day 5, we may be able to facilitate a stop at Zell am See where there is a narrow-gauge railway through the Pinzgau mountains. We are not currently advertising this as an inclusive excursion but will let you know as soon as this is confirmed.
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Tincidunt convallis magna eu ac eu cursus. In duis fusce risus nec eget habitant massa pharetra. Eros a gravida faucibus lorem.
Reserve your place on this exciting exploration of The Alpine Belle.
