- The Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia
The railway line leads through the spectacular tropical landscape of the Barron Gorge National Park, through tunnels and over bridges and abrupt gorges. The train often passes so close to impressive waterfalls that spray sprays onto the train’s wagons.
- The Argo Gede railway line in Indonesia
The three hours from Jakarta to Bandung lead through green, tropical river valleys and into the steep mountains. From the Cikurutug high bridge, the view goes far into the country and over the green fields. In 2002 there was a derailment on the route, but luckily without death.
- The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train in South Africa
A derailment occurred right at the opening in 1908, but since then the route has become much safer. The route along the cliffs on the Indian Ocean is still breathtaking, especially from the Kaimaans Bridge.
- The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway in New Mexico, United States
Since 1880, the railway line has been winding from the Chama starting point into the mountains, over wooden bridges and through tight curves. On the Toltec Pass, it reaches a height of 10,015 feet, a good 3,000 meters. This is the highest pass height a railroad line reaches in the United States!
- The Tren a las Nubes in Argentina
Literally translated, it means “The train to the clouds.” From Valta in northwestern Argentina to La Polvorilla on the border with Chile, there are 21 tunnels, 13 bridges, hairpin bends and 360 degree curves. The construction period lasted from 1921 to 1948!
- The railway line from Lynton to Lynmouth Cliff in England
Between the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth it goes through the otherwise lovely English landscape along a spectacular cliff that is over 150 meters high. The very idea that the train could derail freezes the blood!
- The White Pass and Yukon Route in Alaska
The railway line was built in 1898 during the Klondike gold rush. It is over 20 miles along cliffs and mountains that reach an altitude of 3,000 meters. Today, 450,000 people visit the impressive route annually, which is listed as the “International Landmark of Engineering”.
- The route from Chennai to Ramesvaram in India
To reach the island of Ramesvaran you have to take this line. With a length of just around two kilometers, it is extremely short, but it leads through the rocky coastal landscape and then bridges a strait with dangerous currents and strong winds.
- The Georgetown Loop Railroad in Colorado, United States
The railroad line was built during a silver rush in Colorado in the late 19th century. It leads through untouched landscapes. The wooden 33-meter-high Devil’s Gate High Bridge looks like it is about to collapse on every train. So far, everything has gone well.
- The Aso South Route in Japan
Along the active volcano Aso on the southern island of Kyushu, the southern route is popular with tourists. The rides in November are particularly spectacular when the dry grass is ignited on the flanks of the mountain. Then there are special night trains to watch the spectacle.
