Europe’s finest lakes and rail travel – a perfect match

Travelling to Europe’s lakes by train is easy. Across much of Europe, mainline trains run directly to lakeside towns or to nearby cities with easy ferry or bus connections for the final stretch. Many of the continent’s best-known lake destinations developed long before mass car travel, so their centres, promenades and harbours are naturally designed to be reached on foot from the station.

For visitors starting from the UK, a lake holiday by rail will involve straightforward high-speed journeys between major hubs, a scenic route through valleys and mountains followed by a regional train to the lakeside. Once there, ferries, local trains and buses link towns around the shore, making it easy to explore. Take a look at our pick of Europe’s lakes, easily accessible by rail.

Italian Lakes by train

The lakes of Northern Italy have been popular with holiday-makers since Roman times. All were formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age meaning their topography includes rugged hills, islands and plateaus, combined with enticing clear blue water. Our favourite Italian lakes to visit by rail include:

Lake Garda

Closest stations: Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Rovereto

Popular resorts: Desenzano, Sirmione, Malcesine, Limone, Riva del Garda

Lake Garda is the region’s largest lake, combining rolling vineyards and open beaches to the south with rugged villages and towns framed by the Dolomites to the north. The southern end is easier to reach by rail with direct services to Desenzano or Peschiera, both of which are a short drive from the popular peninsula resort of Sirmione. Desenzano is a popular destination in itself and the largest town on the lake. 

All northern resorts can be accessed by regular ferry services (in season) or you can get a taxi transfer from Rovereto on the Brenner Pass line down to Riva del Garda, Malcesine or Limone. 

Don’t miss: Vittoriale degli Italiani – an impressive hillside estate which was once the home of Italian writer Gabriele D’Annunzio. 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Garda: Lake Garda via the Swiss Alps, Venice & Lake Garda

Lake Como

Closest stations: Como San Giovanni, Varenna, Colico, Lecco

Popular resorts: Como, Bellagio, Lecco, Cernobbio, Menaggio, Colico, Gravedona

With its distinctive ‘Y’ shape, Como is one of Europe’s deepest lakes, famous for its stunning villas and gardens. Como, at the bottom of the left branch, is the largest town on the lake. It’s easy to hop on a ferry from here to pretty Mennagio or the peninsular resort of Bellagio. Lecco is another town at the base of the other branch, with its own station and a backdrop of mountain peaks. Further north, Colico, Varenna and Gravedona can be accessed by ferry or by local rail services. 

Don’t miss: A drink with panoramic views at one of the hotels in Brunate (accessible by funicular from Como). 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Como: Lake Como via the Bernina Express, Scenic Switzerland and Lake Como, Grand Tour of Italy

Lake Orta

Closest station: Pettenasco

One of the smaller lakes in the area, Lake Orta is a popular choice for visitors who want a quieter, more authentic experience. It’s surrounded by forests and rolling hills and there’s a stunning island in the centre, with its own hotel. 

Don’t miss: The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacro Monte di Orta overlooking the lake.

Rail holidays featuring Lake Orta: Lake Orta by Rail

Lake Maggiore

Closest stations: Stresa, Baveno, Locarno, Bellano and many others on the eastern shore

Popular resorts: Stresa, Verbania, Cannobio, Locarno (Switzerland), Ascona (Switzerland)

Whilst mostly in Italy, this long, deep lake actually straddles the border with Switzerland. There are lovely resorts to discover in both countries with a mild Mediterranean climate and some breathtaking islands, such as the Isole Borromee which can be reached from Stresa or Verbania.

Don’t miss: The views from the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso – a funicular ride away from central Locarno.

Rail holidays featuring Lake Maggiore: Lake Maggiore by Rail, Discover Ticino, Italian Lakes & the Amalfi Coast

Lakes in Switzerland by train

Lake Lugano 

Closest stations: Lugano, Paradiso

Popular resorts: Lugano, Paradiso, Morcote, Gandria

Mainly in Switzerland, but with a top and toe in Italy, Lugano is a firm TMR team favourite. Elegant promenades, stunning parks full of flowers, beautiful villages clinging to hills around the shoreline – there’s plenty to discover here. You can get around by boat or access the lake from the train stations above. 

Don’t miss: Wine tasting with a view at the Castello di Morcote or a dip in one of the lakefront lidos. 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Lugano: Lake Lugano by Rail, Discover Ticino

Lake Geneva 

Closest stations: Lausanne, Geneva, Montreux, Vevey, Evian les Bains

Popular resorts: As above!

Lake Geneva straddles the border between France and Switzerland and features some great city destinations along with lovely, smaller towns and villages. At one end is the major city of Geneva. At the other, the chic resort town of Montreux and historic, picturesque Chateau de Chillon. On the Swiss side, the train runs along the lake shore all the way from one end to the other. 

Don’t miss: A walk through the stunning Lavaux Vineyards or a day trip by train up to the Rochers de Naye (from Montreux). 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Geneva: Interlaken and the Golden Pass, Relaxing Rail Holiday to Venice

Other European Lake Destinations by rail

Lake Constance – straddling Germany, Switzerland & Austria

Closest stations: Konstanz, Lindau Insel, Friedrichshafen, Bregenz, Romanshorn, 

Lake Constance is one of Europe’s largest lakes, fed by the River Rhine with shores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. There are ferries to take you between destinations, including two islands and some lovely Christmas markets in the winter. There are multiple stations along the lake front, we’ve highlighted the most popular ones.

Don’t miss: Bregenz Opera Festival, Mainau Flower Island or the fascinating Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen. 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Constance: Heidelberg & Lake Constance, Lake Constance and the Glacier Express, Vienna via Lake Constance

Lake Bled – Slovenia

Closest stations: Lesce Bled, Bled Jezero

Along with Lake Bohinj, this is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia. Lake Bled is relatively small – you can walk around it in under 2 hours. But it’s impossibly pretty with a church on an island in the middle and a sweeping mountain backdrop. From Bled Jezero, you can catch the famous Bohinj Railway to Nova Goriza.

Don’t miss: A slice of Bled Cream Cake at the Hotel Park or a walk up to Bled Castle, the oldest in Slovenia

Rail holidays featuring Lake Bled: Lake Bled by Rail, Discover Slovenia, Across the Spine of the Alps

Lake Zell – Austria

Closest station: Zell am See

This small freshwater lake in the Austrian Alps is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday with a wealth of outdoor activities including stand-up paddling, windsurfing and sailing. During the summer, you can also swim in one of the lidos along the shoreline. 

Don’t miss: A trip by train to the spectacular Krimml waterfall or a walk in the hills above the lake on one of many well-marked trails. 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Zell: Austrian Explorer 

Lake Annecy – France

Closest station: Annecy

There are plenty of lovely lakes in France, but this is probably our favourite. It’s believed to be one of the cleanest lakes in Europe with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. There are some popular beaches and, at the northern end, the city of Annecy is picture-perfect. 

Don’t miss: The Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, located on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the lake. 

Rail holidays featuring Lake Annecy: Annecy and the Mont Blanc Express 

There are so many European lakes to choose from – did we feature your favourite?

Don’t forget, we can tailor-make a holiday featuring our Top 10 European Lakes by train, or any other combination of European lakes you’d like to visit. Just get in touch with our Travel Designers.