30 DAYS TRAVELING THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE BY TRAIN
Schedule: Plan detailed itinerary for each destination. Even if not 100% followed, it helps me stay proactive and avoid maximum issues during constant travel.
Accommodation: Prioritize near train stations since I travel by train a lot. I compare prices between Booking and Airbnb, choose the cheaper one.
Transportation: I bought a first-class Eurail Pass. Extremely comfortable seat, convenient, and cheaper than buying individual tickets.
• Note: Some high-speed trains like TGV (France) or Frecciarossa (Italy) require seat reservations in advance. Experience is to book all legs in advance for peace of mind, usually 3-4 days ahead is fine (TGV should book earlier).
Driver's license: I have plans to drive in Germany so I got an international IDP for certainty (though I've heard PET license with English is enough).
Technology: Pre-installed about 10 apps for payments and checking train/bus times for each country.
Attraction tickets: Book all hot spots in advance like Colosseum, Vatican... to avoid sold-out situations.
———————-
🇫🇷 FRANCE: Finding tranquility in Normandy
Everyone visiting France goes to Paris, I did too, but Paris wasn't that interesting to me. My real connection was in Etretat, 2 hours drive from the capital.
I arrived in Etretat at the end of September for hiking. Normandy winds this season blow very strong, with light rain, so climbing hills was a bit tough, but the view from the top overlooking the limestone cliff coastline was truly "worth every penny".
Tips: If you love WW2 history, Normandy is a must-visit. Don't forget to check-in at La Grotte d'Amour – a small cave with an epic sea view.
————————
🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS: 3 leisurely days in Amsterdam
The Netherlands welcomed me with peacefulness, but if you're expecting majestic nature, Netherlands might not be it. I spent 3 days just walking through alleys and canals, feeling the characteristically slow pace of Amsterdam life.
Here I booked a room in a campsite area, quite peaceful and nice. The 3 days in Amsterdam were probably the most relaxed of my trip.
————————-
🇩🇪 GERMANY: Autobahn and crystal-clear lakes
From Netherlands, I headed straight to Nuremberg to visit an old friend. Drinking the first German beer in the old town felt very "satisfying".
After that, I rented a car to drive south with two big goals: Experience driving on the Autobahn highway and visit Allianz Arena stadium.
Highlight: Southern Germany has heartbreakingly beautiful lakes. Driving along southern Germany is very fun, especially areas bordering Switzerland and Austria, beautiful scenery, beautiful roads.
Eibsee is my favorite with crystal-clear water and majestic snow-capped mountains right behind. Unfortunately, the Konigssee plan was flooded so I had to miss it, see you next time Germany!
Arrive at Eibsee early and take time to walk around the lake, very relaxing.
————————
🇦🇹 AUSTRIA: Mystical in Salzburg and a "rushed" Hallstatt
Ending the driving journey, I took the train to Salzburg. This is an ancient city beyond imagination.
Stay: I stayed at Haus Wartenberg (built in 1654). Furniture from cabinets to beds are extremely antique, very mystical feeling, super interesting!
Hallstatt: Honestly, Hallstatt is very beautiful but not quite "my vibe", I only stayed 2 hours then left. However, the bus route through Gosau to get there is stunning (to Hallstatt from Salzburg there are several routes from bus to train, check reviews in advance to choose your preferred one). And remember not to sleep on the bus, the mountain scenery along the way is the real gem! Wherever it's beautiful, get off the bus to breathe the air, then take the next bus to continue.
——————-
🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND: "Step out and see beautiful scenery everywhere"
This was the most anticipated part of the trip because I love nature. I chose Interlaken as "base" for 4 days to radiate to other places.
I took train from Austria back to Munich, then from Munich train to Zurich, beautiful scenery, passing many lakes, overall recommend taking bus or train, flying won't see these 🙂
Spent 1 day 1 night in Zurich to stroll around the city center. Most time in Interlaken area.
Optimal 1-day itinerary for everyone (actually I did this route in 1 day): early morning train from Interlaken ➔ Lauterbrunnen (stroll the valley) ➔ Train to Wengen (view the whole valley from above) ➔ Cable car to Mannlichen summit ➔ Down to Grindelwald ➔ Blausee (turquoise lake).
Other days I strolled Interlaken —> Iseltwald —> Giessbach Waterfalls —> Brienz and Spiez.
Tips: every village has beautiful viewpoints for photos, check on Google Maps or online in advance.
I walked around all the lakes, time-consuming but very chill.
Switzerland is beautiful everywhere, miss any spot and regret, so prepare strong legs and a phone/SD card with large capacity!
—————————-
🇮🇹 ITALY: Ancient Florence and Rome – Giant Museum
After 10 years missing an appointment with a friend, I finally reached Florence.
Food: Queued 1 hour at Il Latini to try the famous T-bone. Delicious but one serving is really "overkill" for my appetite, they don't sell small portions, so if trying alone, choose a place with single servings.
Rome: In Rome, I got "addicted" to renting electric scooters to zip through alleys. Feeling of riding among thousand-year-old ruins on electric vehicle is thrilling! For me, Vatican is the most impressive, others like Colosseum, Trevi… not that attractive.
—————————
🇪🇸 SPAIN: Football
The only reason I came here is to watch football. To Madrid and Barcelona to immerse in the passionate La Liga atmosphere.
I bought Real Madrid home game ticket via Stubhub. Bought 2 months early thinking it'd be cheaper, but closer to match day prices dropped more 🙂
Real Madrid stadium newly renovated so very nice, actual atmosphere at the stadium is amazing.
Thanks everyone for reading to the end 🙂
Cre: Sơn Pt
