Europe’s incredible train journey that crosses 83 beautiful bridges

The historic Domodossola–Locarno railway journey is regarded as one of the must-do train journeys on the continent.

For as little as four euros, passengers will be able to glimpse thundering waterfalls, snowy peaks, and sloping vineyards from the comfort of a seat.

In just two hours, the train covers 50 kilometres and passes over 83 charming bridges and viaducts and through 31 tunnels.

The train journey, known as the Centovalli in Switzerland and the Vigezzina in Italy, celebrated its centenary last year but recent investment has taken the experience to a new level entirely.

Brand-new train carriages have installed huge windows to allow tourists to enjoy a more panoramic view on the journey. There are also first and second-class carriages and even a seat next to the driver’s cab. An order of eight new railcars is set to take to the tracks later this year.

Tourists will be glued to the window during the ride, spotting a constantly changing landscape.

Views range from secluded side valleys along the Melezza River to deep gorges and rugged cliffs.

The trains run all year round, providing the chance to see snow-capped peaks or flourishing chestnut forests and flowery meadows, depending on the season.

The train journey even crosses the dividing line between the African and European continental plates, witnessing a landscape that has been formed over millions of years.

Tourists usually flock to the region along the Swiss-Italian border for hikes and outdoor excursions.

However, there are also museums in the area that detail the hardy life of communities who live in the mountainous region, and also the effort of building the incredible railway over a hundred years ago.

Opening in 1923, the railway has shepherded people back and forth between Domodossola, Italy, and Locarno, Switzerland along this panoramic route known as the ‘hundred valleys’.

The railway has also played a major role in history.

During the Second World War, the train ferried civilian refugees and evacuees, partisans, deserters, and besieged foreign military units from Italy to neutral Switzerland.