Spring is SO close to springing and even you winter lovers can admit you’re ready for warmer days rn. This time of year is when Europe’s at its dreamiest… Spanish cities smell of orange blossom, tulip season’s in full swing in the Netherlands and wildflower fields start popping off in the foothills of the Alps. Flight-free travel is all about loving the little things as well as the destination – which includes soaking up the scenery from a train window. If you need some colour in your life ASAP, here’s our pick of the best European trips by train to see in the spring, in partnership with Byway.
Alpine Austria
9 days – Zurich, Zell am See, Kitzbuhel and Innsbruck
Enter your The Sound of Music era on this nine-day journey across the Austrian Alps. This part of Europe’s best known for its ski scene, but the destination doesn’t shut down once it’s defrosted at the end of spring. The snow will be fully melted by May, leaving behind lush meadows covered in footpaths and trails, which means the hiking and mountain biking season is so back. On the way, you’ll stop in Switzerland, where you’ll spend a night in Zurich. This glitzy city’s right on Lake Zurich’s shore, so you can mix historic sightseeing and drinks in boujie cocktail bars with boat trips on the water. From here, you’ll head into Austria to Zell am See, another lakeside spot at the base of the Grossglockner Mountains. The Hohe Tauern National Park is packed with picturesque walking trails and Lake Zell warms up to the perfect temp for a swim afterwards.
After two nights, it’s back on the train to Kitzbuhel, a charming alpine town that’s loved by outdoorsy types. Hiking, horse riding and canyoning are all on the itinerary here, as well as getting to know the local culture with oompah band performances and hearty meals in authentic mountain huts. Your final stop is Innsbruck, a centuries-old city backed by the Rocky Nordkette Mountains. Explore the colourful streets and sights like the medieval old town, grand palace and Baroque cathedral. Then, take a break from the buzz by getting the cable car up to the surrounding summits.
The Loire Valley
8 days – Orleans, Nantes, Paris
Have your Marie Antoinette moment on this tour of the Loire Valley. This is where all the kings built their boujie country estates back in the pre-Revolution days. The River Loire winds through the region, with mega chateaus and manicured gardens lining its banks. Not only does it all look extra pretty when the springtime blooms are out, but this part of France is a huge tourist hotspot in summer, so you’ll be swerving the main crowds. Your first stop is in Orleans, one of France’s oldest cities. You’ll have plenty of time to learn all about its links to Joan of Arc and visit one of the oldest galleries in the country, Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans. If you’re more into nature than history, you’ll love Parc Floral de la Source’s gorg landscaped gardens. A special mention goes to the butterfly house, and on warm days, you can catch events here like live music and open-air film screenings.
You’ll continue through the French countryside, passing rural villages before you reach Nantes. These days, it’s a hub for contemporary art, but it was an important port town back in the day. Follow the handy green line that’s been painted through the streets, which takes you past all the must-see sights, like a grand cathedral and fairytale castles. Then, you’ll wrap up the trip in Paris on your way back to London. The city’s green spaces are seriously stunning at this time of year – pink and white cherry blossoms takeover the Tuileries gardens and Jardin des Plantes, and the avenue of trees along the Champ de Mars frame the Eiffel Tower perfectly. For the most impressive gardens, though, catch the train just outside the city to the Palace of Versailles.
Round Spain to the Algarve
15 days – Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Madrid, Seville, Faro, Barcelona and Paris.
This epic two-week trip features six of Europe’s finest destinations. You’ll cross France on your way down to Spain, but not without stopping in Bordeaux first… it would be rude not to. Spring here’s all about fruit trees dripping in flowers and farmers’ markets selling the freshest fruit and veg. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the next place even more – San Sebastian’s known for its pintxos, AKA the Basque Country’s take on tapas. This beachy town gets pretty busy during the summer, so visiting in March or April means you’re much more likely to get a seat in all the best bars. Major win.
Then, it’s into the heart of Spain for two nights in its capital city. Madrid’s got that sweet combo of old and new, so you’ll see royal palaces and medieval architecture sitting next to modern art installations and salsa clubs. The Spanish aesthetic becomes more and more North African the further south you go, and you can expect full-on Moorish vibes by the time you reach Seville. The temps in this sunny city will already be in the mid-20s by March, and the whole place will smell of citrussy oranges. The summer vibes really start when you get to the Algarve area of Portugal, though. April is considered THE time to surf in Faro – the waves are failsafe, and you’ll likely have large chunks of the beach to yourself. Spring’s also the best season for seafood here, so get ready for the freshest fish you’ve probably ever eaten.
Tulips at the Keukenhof
5 days – Leiden, Haarlem and Amsterdam
Name somewhere prettier than the Netherlands in spring… we’ll wait. The tulip fields can literally be seen from space, so just imagine the flower-filled scenes from your train window as you whizz through the Bollenstreek, the Dutch bulb-growing region. You’ll be staying in Leiden for the first two nights, which is like a mini version of Amsterdam. It’s got all the art, history and canals like the capital, and the streets are lined with the same pointy, pastel buildings. Once you’ve been sightseeing in the centre, hire a bike and head into the countryside to explore the nearby lakes, beaches and flower farms.
It’s a quick train ride over to Haarlem, where you’ll spend your next two nights. One of the best ways to see the city is by hiring a paddleboard or a kayak and taking in the sights from the waterways. Highlights include the massive medieval cathedral and the cosy brown cafés, which are traditional Dutch pubs – although spring days here are perfect for sitting outside with a beer in a sunny square. Before you catch the Eurostar home, you’ll get some time in Amsterdam to check out a gallery, pick up some street food or buy some blooms to take home in the Floating Flower Market.
Ready to get on the flight free hype? Check out our Flight-free holidays for more trips by train.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 25/02/2025
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