Europe is seemingly bursting with vibrant, culturally rich cities and one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways of exploring some of the most stunning cities in the Old World is by using InterRail. This allows you to check out attractions in up to 30 European countries within a month. Although, a month clearly isn’t enough time to see it all, so rather than cramming as much in as you can you should choose your destinations wisely. If you are doing Europe on a budget, it may also be smart to check available accommodation from places such as Housetrip.com and try combine country visits with cheap accommodation so you have more money to spend on activities. This will also dictate what route you take.
Here are some of the most popular InterRail routes as well as some information on what spectacular things you’ll get to see along the way. Each one offers a completely unique cultural experience.
Central Europe
Split (Croatia) >> Zagreb (Croatia) >> Ljubljana (Slovenia) >> Budapest (Hungary) >> Belgrade (Serbia) >> Zagreb >> Split
Central Europe is a place full of hidden gems so why not start your journey in Croatia’s second biggest city Split. It’s one of the oldest cities in southern Croatia and the stunning historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. Continue your journey to the beautiful capital Zagreb, here you can visit the Mimara Museum and the city’s stunning symbol: the Cathedral of Zagreb (Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Afterwards let the train take you to Ljubljana in Slovenia.
Slovenia’s capital is one of the greenest and most liveable places in all of Europe. Explore the cafes along the river and visit Ljubljana Castle before hopping on the next train to Budapest in Hungary. Explore this magnificent capital and take a stroll along the beautiful Danube River, try some authentic Hungarian goulash and soak in the beauty of the stunning and diverse architecture. Then let your journey take you to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital. The city at the edge of Europe is home to some hidden treasures such as the Kalemegdan Citadel and some fantastic coffee houses. Close the circle by returning to Croatia and take in some more of the country’s unique culture.
Eastern Europe
Prague (Czech Republic) >> Warsaw (Poland) >> Bratislava (Slovakia) >> Ljubljana (Slovenia) >> Vienna (Austria) >> Prague
Begin your exploration of Eastern Europe in the capital of the Czech Republic. Prague is the Paris of the East and it is in no way inferior to it. Explore the beautiful streets, meet the kind people and visit the stunning castle. Next, head to Warsaw in Poland to visit the Royal Castle and the old town, which was completely rebuilt after the Second World War. Then hop on the next train to Bratislava in Slovakia. Hire a bike and explore the countryside by cycling along the Danube River. Round off your stay in Slovakia by strolling through the beautiful old town Starý Mesto. The next stop is Ljubljana in Slovenia. Visit the pretty city’s lovely castle and cathedral and take in the atmosphere in one of the many cafes. Before heading back to Prague, you should make a stop in Austria’s imperial capital Vienna. Visit the main attractions such as the Hofburg, Schloss Belvedere and the Spanish Riding School. Explore the vibrant nightlife of the city and find out why they call Vienna the city of music by visiting the Haus der Musik and the impressive Staatsoper. Afterwards hop on a train and return to Prague to complete the circle.
Scandinavia
Copenhagen >> Gothenburg (Sweden) >> Oslo (Norway) >> Stockholm (Sweden) >> Helsinki (Finland) >> Stockholm (Sweden) >> Copenhagen
Want to find out what Europe’s stunning north has to offer? Explore some of Scandinavia’s amazing cities by InterRail. Begin your exploration in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen. Cool, cosmopolitan and colourful – Copenhagen truly is one of a kind. If you love modern art, don’t miss out on a trip to the Louisiana and be sure to visit the amusement park Tivoli Gardens, which has been open since 1843. Afterwards take the train to see the Swedish beauty Gothenburg. Chill out in one of the many cafes along the harbour and listen to some amazing live music. If you’ve brought enough time also make sure to check out the Mölndals Museum.
Then, let the next train take you to Oslo. The Norwegian capital beautifully combines cutting edge design with ancient history. Visit the Akershus Fortress from the 13th century and enjoy a concert at the Oslo Opera House. Then head back to Sweden. This time step off the train at Stockholm. Walk through the stunning streets and admire the terracotta-coloured buildings. Music fans should plan in a stop at the ABBA museum. Then hop on the next train to Helsinki. The watery Finnish capital is a popular tourist destination because the city is beautiful and its people are genuine. Visit the art gallery Ateneum before heading back to Copenhagen via Stockholm.