Europe is a treasure trove of history, where ancient ruins, medieval marvels, and centuries-old traditions coexist with modern life. From grand Roman amphitheatres to age-old Viking settlements, the continent is dotted with historical wonders that invite you to step back in time. For travellers who crave stories carved in stone and pathways once trodden by emperors, warriors, and merchants, there’s no better way to experience Europe than by weaving these destinations into your itinerary—many of which are easily reached by scenic train routes.
Let’s take a journey through some of the continent’s most iconic and lesser-known ancient sites, combining immersive history with the comfort and charm of European rail travel.
From Bohemia to the Imperial Past of Vienna
Central Europe boasts a rich historical landscape, and few routes highlight this better than the train from Prague to Vienna. Departing from the fairy-tale city of Prague, with its Gothic spires and medieval lanes, the journey leads to the heart of Austria’s imperial history.
Vienna, once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, is home to remarkable heritage sites like the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, both of which give insight into the grandeur of Austro-Hungarian rule. But it’s not just the palatial architecture that makes Vienna compelling—the city’s Roman roots are still visible in the ruins beneath Michaelerplatz, right in the centre of the Old Town. For a true taste of history, stop by the Römermuseum, which displays fascinating artefacts from the Roman settlement of Vindobona.
A Viking Voyage Through Norway
Venture north to Scandinavia and you’ll find a dramatically different historical backdrop—one shaped by seafaring Norsemen and rugged landscapes. Taking the train from Oslo to Bergen is not only one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe, but it also bridges two cities deeply connected to Viking lore.
Start in Oslo, where the Viking Ship Museum houses some of the best-preserved longships ever discovered, offering a unique glimpse into life during the Viking Age. Then head westward through mountainous terrain, snow-dusted fjords, and serene plateaus until you reach Bergen, once a major trading post in the Hanseatic League. Here, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf—with its colourful wooden buildings and cobbled streets—brings medieval Norway vividly to life.
Greece: Where Ancient Myths Meet Timeless Monuments
Greece is a dream destination for history lovers, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the origins of Western civilisation. In Athens, the mighty Acropolis rises above the city, its iconic Parthenon temple still standing as a symbol of ancient Greek ingenuity. Walking through these age-old ruins, it’s easy to imagine the philosophers and thinkers who once shaped the world’s earliest ideas of democracy and ethics. Beyond the capital, ancient sites such as Delphi—believed by the ancients to be the centre of the world—and Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, provide even more insight into the country’s historic legacy. While trains connect the major cities, reaching many of these archaeological sites is best done by car or coach, offering a chance to explore the countryside as you journey through Greece’s epic past.
Italy: Empire and Elegance
Few countries can rival Italy’s historical abundance. Rome itself is an open-air museum, where ancient temples and forums share space with Renaissance fountains and Baroque churches. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, and the ancient Appian Way to the Roman Forum, every street whispers tales of conquest, politics, and culture.
Further south, Pompeii offers a haunting yet captivating look at Roman life frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. For a different perspective, journey to Sicily and explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where Doric columns still stand tall against the Mediterranean sky.
Italy’s high-speed rail network makes it easy to travel between these historic hotspots, allowing you to witness thousands of years of civilisation in just a few days.
France: From Prehistoric Caves to Roman Arenas
While Paris may grab the spotlight, France’s ancient history stretches far beyond the Eiffel Tower. Head south to Nîmes and Arles to explore Roman amphitheatres that rival those in Italy, still hosting events and performances to this day.
Further back in time, venture to the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne region, home to the Lascaux Caves. These prehistoric masterpieces—filled with vivid depictions of animals and human figures—are over 17,000 years old. Although the original caves are closed to protect the artwork, faithful replicas provide a mesmerising experience that brings the ancient past to life.
Spain: Roman Roads and Moorish Marvels
Spain’s cultural richness is layered with ancient influence. In Mérida, the Roman theatre and amphitheatre still stand proudly, reminders of a time when this quiet city was a major outpost of the Roman Empire. The aqueduct in Segovia is another testament to Roman engineering, remarkably well-preserved and stretching across the old town like a stone ribbon.
But history in Spain doesn’t stop with the Romans. The Moorish period brought a fusion of Islamic and European styles, best seen in the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita of Córdoba—sites that feel like stepping into another world.
Croatia and the Balkans: Hidden Ancient Gems
Eastern Europe may be less travelled than its western neighbours, but it’s brimming with historical riches. Croatia’s Split, built around the vast remains of Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, blends ancient Roman structures with vibrant modern life.
Further south, Albania’s Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains ruins from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians—all layered in one captivating archaeological park. These lesser-known destinations offer a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path way to explore Europe’s deep historical roots.
Conclusion: The Tracks That Lead to Time
Travelling across Europe by rail not only adds comfort and ease to your journey, but it also enhances the experience of discovering the past. So, whether you’re marvelling at Viking ships, exploring Roman ruins, or standing before prehistoric cave paintings, the continent’s ancient sites are ready to reveal their secrets. All you need is a map, a train ticket, and a curiosity for the centuries that came before.
