Rail trails in Europe offer a unique way to explore the natural beauty and rural areas of the continent. These disused railway lines have been transformed into walking and cycling routes that promote slow travel and ecotourism initiatives. In countries like the UK and Spain, there are hundreds of kilometers of greenways waiting to be explored. One standout rail trail in Spain is the Via Verde de la Sierra, a 38-kilometer route that passes through nature reserves, offering stunning views of the Cádiz Mountains and the Guadalete River. Along the way, travelers can see a large colony of griffon vultures and pass over vertiginous viaducts, with abandoned train stations now serving as restaurants and tourist accommodation.
In Paris, visitors can discover the city’s secret green belt along the Coulée verte René-Dumont. This 4.7-kilometer planted walkway follows an obsolete railway line from the city center to the suburbs, passing over an elevated viaduct lined with shops selling specialized artisanal goods. Edinburgh’s Innocent Railway offers a different experience, with a starting point at the base of Arthur’s Seat. The tree-lined trail passes through Holyrood Park and the Bawsinch Nature Reserve, eventually reaching the coast at Portobello for a relaxing break before the uphill journey back.
For a cross-border adventure, the Parenzana Rail Trail allows travelers to pass through three countries – Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. This roughly 60-kilometer route was once a narrow-gauge railway transporting goods and passengers between 1902 and 1935. Now, it offers a scenic journey past historic stations, taverns serving traditional Istrian food, and picturesque rest stations. In England’s Peak District, the Manifold Way offers a 13-kilometer footpath and cycleway that crosses over the Manifold and Hamps rivers. Travelers can explore Thor’s Cave, a natural cavern deep in a limestone crag, and enjoy a traditional cream tea at Whetton Mill where the Manifold disappears underground in the summer.
Rail trails in Europe provide a unique opportunity to explore the continent’s natural landscapes and rural areas at a leisurely pace. From the rugged mountains of southern Spain to the historic towns of Italy, rail trails offer a glimpse into the history and culture of each region. Whether cyclists or walkers, travelers can follow these disused railway lines through nature reserves, over viaducts, and past historic stations that have been transformed into restaurants and tourist accommodations. With hundreds of kilometers of greenways waiting to be explored, rail trails offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to experience the beauty of Europe.
