Follow my Europe itinerary 4 weeks by train. With an Interrail or Eurail pass, I explored the best of Europe by train.
I’ve crafted an Interrail/Eurail itinerary based from my personal experiences of traversing Europe not once, but twice!
During both of my trips, I embarked on a whirlwind adventure, aiming to visit as many places as possible. This meant spending some nights on overnight trains and constantly moving to a new location every 2-3 days.
Before we begin, I want to mention that I’ll also share a second suggested itinerary in the future. It’s complementary to this one. It allowed me to revisit my favorite places and explore the ones I missed on my first Interrail trip.
My 1-month Europe Itinerary by train
In this guide, I’ll share the route I took, the cities I visited, and the amazing experiences I had. Keep in mind that this is just one of many possible itineraries to choose from.
With the Interrail pass in hand, I’ll guide you through a carefully curated Europe itinerary for 1 month. This 4-week Europe train itinerary that combines iconic destinations, hidden gems, and unique experiences.
If you’re young, energetic, and ready to explore as much as possible, this 1 month Europe itinerary is perfect for you. Plus, you’ll be able to make the most of the unlimited train travel offered by the pass for 30 days.
Get ready to explore the diverse landscapes, vibrant European cities, and rich cultural heritage of Europe. One train ride at a time.
Day 1: Starting Point: Geneva, Switzerland (1 night)
Start your Europe trip itinerary by train from Lyon, you’ll take a direct train to Geneva. The journey takes approximately 2 hours on the TGV Lyria service. Trains depart regularly from Lyon Part Dieu station to Geneva’s main station, Gare Cornavin.
Once in Geneva, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history. Visit the iconic Jet d’Eau and explore the Old Town. Don’t miss the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations.
Day 2 and 3: Zermatt, Switzerland (2 nights)
Next, you’ll journey from Geneva to Zermatt, the home of the famous Matterhorn mountain. The journey involves two train changes – one at Visp and the other at Brig – and takes around 4 hours in total.
- Depart from Geneva on an InterCity (IC) train to Visp. The journey takes around 2 hours.
- At Visp, change to a Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) train to Brig. This journey takes about 30 minutes.
- From Brig, take another MGB train to Zermatt. This scenic journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Spend two nights in Zermatt, giving you plenty of time to explore this car-free village.
Take a cable car up to the world class Klein Matterhorn for breathtaking views. Visit the Gornergrat observatory, or simply enjoy the Swiss alpine scenery.
Day 4 and 5: Interlaken, Switzerland (2 nights)
From Zermatt, you’ll take a regional BLS train to Interlaken, a charming town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The journey involves a train change at Spiez and takes around 2 hours in total.
- Depart from Zermatt on a regional BLS train to Spiez. This journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- At Spiez, change to an SBB InterCity (IC) train to Interlaken. This journey takes about 30 minutes.
Spend two nights in Interlaken, giving you plenty of time to explore the surrounding Bernese Oberland region.
I highly recommend a funicular up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views. Visit the Trummelbach Falls, or take a boat trip on one of the stunning lakes.
Day 6: Zurich, Switzerland (1 night)
Next, you’ll journey from Interlaken to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. The journey is direct on an SBB InterCity (IC) train and takes around 2 hours.
Spend a night in Zurich, giving you a full day to explore the city. Visit the historic Old Town (Altstadt), take a stroll along Lake Zurich, or explore the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Day 7 and 8: Munich, Germany (2 nights)
From Zurich, you’ll take a direct Deutsche Bahn (DB) EuroCity (EC) train to Munich, Germany. The journey takes around 4 hours.
Spend two nights in Munich, giving you ample time to explore the city’s rich history and culture. Visit the iconic Marienplatz. Explore the vast English Garden.
Take a day trip to the nearby Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.
Day 9 and 10: Salzburg, Austria (stop) then Ljubljana, Slovenia (2 nights)
From Munich, you’ll take a direct ÖBB Railjet train to Salzburg, Austria. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Spend the day in Salzburg, a city known for its stunning baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Mozart.
Visit the historic Old Town, explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or take a stroll in the beautiful Mirabell Gardens.
Next, you’ll journey from Salzburg to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The journey involves a train change at Villach and takes around 4 hours in total.
- Depart from Salzburg on an ÖBB Railjet train to Villach. This journey takes about 2 hours.
- At Villach, change to a Slovenian Railways (SŽ) train to Ljubljana. This journey takes about 2 hours.
Spend two nights in Ljubljana, giving you plenty of time to explore this charming city. Visit the iconic Ljubljana Castle, stroll along the Ljubljanica River, or explore the city’s vibrant food and art scenes.
Day 11 and 12: Bratislava, Slovakia (2 nights)
From Ljubljana, you’ll take a direct RegioJet train to Bratislava, Slovakia. The journey takes around 4 hours.
Spend two nights in Bratislava, giving you ample time to explore the city’s rich history and culture.
Visit the historic Bratislava Castle, explore the Old Town. You can also take a day trip to Vienna, Austria, which is just an hour away by train.
Day 13 and 14: Budapest, Hungary (2 nights)
From Bratislava, you’ll take a direct MÁV-START train to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Spend two nights in Budapest, giving you ample time to explore this vibrant city.
Visit the historic Buda Castle. Take a dip in one of the city’s famous thermal baths.
You can also take a walking tour along the Danube River and admire the stunning Parliament building.
Day 15 and 16: Prague, Czech Republic (2 nights)
Next, you’ll journey from Budapest to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The journey is direct on a ČD Railjet train and takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Spend two nights in Prague, giving you plenty of time to explore this enchanting city. Visit the iconic Prague Castle, stroll across the Charles Bridge, or explore the city’s Old Town with its famous Astronomical Clock.
Day 17: Berlin, Germany (1 night)
From Prague, you’ll take a direct DB EuroCity (EC) train to Berlin, Germany. The journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Spend a night in Berlin, giving you a full day to explore the city center. Visit the historic Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall. Explore the East Side Gallery, or take a moment of reflection at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Day 18: Warsaw, Poland (1 night)
From Berlin, you’ll take a direct PKP Intercity (IC) train to Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The journey takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Spend a night in Warsaw, giving you a full day to explore the city. Visit the historic Royal Castle, stroll through the beautiful Łazienki Park. Explore the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 19: Stockholm, Sweden (1 night)
Next, you’ll journey from Warsaw to Stockholm, Sweden. The journey involves a flight with a low cost Airline and landed in Modlin airport. I used RyanAir and paid only around 20 Euros. Use the interrail pass from Modlin to get to Stockholm city centre.
Spend a night in Stockholm, giving you a full day to explore this vibrant city. Visit the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), explore the Vasa Museum, or take a boat tour around the city’s beautiful archipelago.
Day 20: Turku, Finland (stop) and overnight on train
From Stockholm, you’ll take a day ferry with Tallink Silja to Turku, Finland. The journey takes around 10 hours.
Once in Turku, you’ll board an overnight VR InterCity (IC) train from Turku to Rovaniemi.
The journey takes around 12 hours, allowing you to wake up in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
Day 21: Rovaniemi, Finland (1 night)
Wake up in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Spend the day exploring this magical city.
Visit Santa Claus Village, take a reindeer sleigh ride, or explore the Arktikum museum to learn about life in the Arctic.
Day 22: Trondheim, Norway (stop)
In the morning, take the train to Kemi then to Sundsvall then to Storlien then to Trondheim.
Arrive in Trondheim, a city known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Spend the day exploring the city. Visit the iconic Nidaros Cathedral, stroll through the Old Town, or explore the city’s vibrant bars and restaurants.
In the evening, you’ll board an overnight Vy InterCity (IC) train from Trondheim to Oslo. The journey takes around 7 hours.
Day 23: Oslo, Norway (stop)
Arrive in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city.
Visit the iconic Oslo Opera House. Explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Take a ferry to the Bygdøy Peninsula to visit the Viking Ship Museum.
In the evening, you’ll board an overnight Vy InterCity (IC) train from Oslo to Bergen. The journey takes around 7 hours.
Day 24, 25 and 26: Bergen, Norway (2 nights)
Arrive in Bergen, a city known for its stunning natural beauty and historic Bryggen wharf.
Spend two full nights in Bergen, giving you plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings.
Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views. Visit the Hanseatic Museum. Take a day trip to explore the nearby fjords.
Oslo, Norway (overnight)
In the third evening, you’ll board an overnight Vy InterCity (IC) train from Bergen to Oslo. The journey takes around 7 hours.
Day 27: Copenhagen, Denmark (1 night)
From Oslo, you’ll take a direct DSB InterCity (IC) train to Copenhagen, Denmark. The journey takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Spend a night in Copenhagen, giving you a full day to explore this vibrant city.
Visit the historic Amalienborg Palace. Stroll through the beautiful Tivoli Gardens, or take a boat tour around the city’s canals. Don’t miss visiting colourful houses of Nyhavn!
Day 28: Hamburg, Germany (1 night)
Next, you’ll journey from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany. The journey is direct on a DB EuroCity (EC) train and takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Spend a night in Hamburg, giving you a full day to explore the city. Visit the historic Speicherstadt, explore the stunning Elbphilharmonie, or take a stroll around the beautiful Alster Lakes.
Day 29: Amsterdam, Netherlands (stop) then Antwerp, Belgium (1 night)
From Hamburg, you’ll take a direct DB InterCity (IC) train to Amsterdam, Netherlands. The journey takes around 5 hours.
Spend a day in Amsterdam, giving you a full day to explore this vibrant city. Visit the iconic Anne Frank House, explore the Van Gogh Museum, or take a boat tour around the city’s famous canals.
You can also visit the red light district, if you’re curious. Remember to leave your luggage at the station as you’ll be continuing your journey to Antwerp in the evening.
In the evening, you’ll board a Thalys high-speed train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Belgium. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Spend a night in Antwerp, giving you a full day to explore this historic city. Visit the stunning Antwerp Cathedral, explore the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, or take a stroll around the beautiful Grote Markt.
Day 30: Paris, France (stop) Return to Lyon, France
From Antwerp, you’ll take a direct Thalys high-speed train to Paris, France. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Spend the day in Paris, giving you a full day to explore this romantic city.
No visit to Europe is complete without visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. Also, peek into the magnificent Notre Dame.
Explore the Louvre Museum. Take a stroll along the Seine River.
Don’t forget to visit the most Instagrammable spots in Paris!
Remember to leave your luggage at the station as you’ll be continuing your journey back to Lyon in the evening.
In the evening, you’ll board a TGV high-speed train from Paris to Lyon. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Arrive back in Lyon, marking the end of your incredible Europe itinerary 30 days by train. Spend the rest of your time reminiscing about the amazing cities, cultures, and landscapes you’ve experienced along the way.
FAQs about Europe itinerary 4 weeks by train
The suggested itinerary includes visiting Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, Ljubljana, Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Warsaw, Stockholm, Turku, Rovaniemi, Trondheim, Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Paris.
This 1-month Europe itinerary is designed for travelers who are young, energetic, and looking to explore multiple destinations in a short period of time. It involves frequent train rides and changes, as well as overnight journeys. It may not be suitable for those who prefer a slower-paced or more relaxed travel experience.
You can obtain an Interrail pass if you are a European resident, and a Eurail pass if you are a non-European resident. These rail passes can be purchased online through official Interrail and Eurail websites, or through authorized retailers.
The cost of an Interrail or Eurail pass depends on several factors, including the type of rail pass, the duration of validity, and the age of the traveler. Prices can vary, so it’s best to check the official websites or authorized retailers for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Train reservations are not always required for all train journeys within Europe. However, for certain high-speed trains, overnight trains, or popular routes, reservations may be recommended or even mandatory. It’s advisable to check the specific train requirements and make reservations when necessary to secure your seat.
Train changes and transfers are a normal part of train travel in Europe. Pay attention to the departure and arrival times of your trains, and ensure you have enough time between connections. Train stations usually have clear signage and information boards to guide you. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask station staff or fellow travelers for assistance.
Yes, you can customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. This suggested itinerary is just one example, and you are free to add or remove destinations according to your interests and available time.
Yes, each city on the itinerary offers a range of attractions and landmarks. Some recommendations include Jet d’Eau in Geneva, Matterhorn in Zermatt, Old Town in Interlaken, Marienplatz in Munich, Charles Bridge in Prague, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Research the highlights of each city to plan your visits accordingly.
Yes, you have the flexibility to make changes to the itinerary during your trip. You can stay longer in a city you particularly enjoy or decide to skip certain destinations. However, keep in mind any reservation requirements or restrictions associated with train travel.
Yes, there are overnight train journeys in the itinerary, including the overnight train from Turku to Rovaniemi and the overnight train from Trondheim to Oslo. These journeys allow you to save time on travel and wake up in a new destination.
Pack light and versatile clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking and exploring cities. Don’t forget essential travel documents, adapters for electrical outlets, toiletries, and any necessary medications. A small daypack or backpack is useful for carrying personal belongings during day trips.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Research the visa requirements for each country you intend to enter and make sure you have the necessary visas before your trip. Check with the respective embassies or consulates for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
It is generally recommended to book a room or dorm in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or in popular tourist destinations. Booking in advance ensures you have a place to stay and allows for better rates. However, if you prefer a more spontaneous approach, you can also find lodging upon arrival in each city.
Yes, Interrail and Eurail pass holders may be eligible for various discounts and special offers. These can include discounted or free entry to museums, attractions, or certain public transport options. Check the official Interrail and Eurail websites for information on available discounts and offers.
Train travel in Europe is generally considered safe. However, it is always advisable to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas or on overnight trains. Be cautious of pickpockets and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Follow any safety instructions or guidelines provided by train staff or authorities.
It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the cultural etiquette and customs of the countries you’re visiting. This can include understanding local customs, greetings, and appropriate behavior in public places. Respect local traditions and customs to ensure a positive travel experience.
To make the most of your trip, plan your days in advance, prioritize the attractions and activities you wish to experience, and allow for some flexibility. Research the cities and their highlights, but also leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Immerse yourself in the local culture, try the local cuisine, and engage with the locals to enhance your travel experience.
Going on a European itinerary 4 weeks by train
This experience offers an incredible opportunity to explore a diverse range of cities, landscapes, and cultures. This carefully curated itinerary provides a fast-paced journey, allowing you to make the most of your unlimited train travel pass.
From the picturesque Swiss Alps to the charming streets of Prague and the vibrant cities of Scandinavia, this itinerary offers a taste of Europe’s rich natural beauty, culture and history.
Remember to customize this Europe itinerary 4 weeks by train to suit your preferences and always check for the most up-to-date information regarding train schedules, reservations, and travel regulations.
Pack your bags, hop on board, and get ready for an extraordinary adventure through Europe by train!