Exploring Europe's Enchanting Overnight Sleeper Trains 🚆💖

Find Magic in the Rhythm of the Rails

Calling all Pirates – Is Amsterdam on your bucket list? What about Barcelona?

Why not visit both in one vacation? Imagine leaving Amsterdam in the evening and waking up the next morning in the midst of picturesque Barcelona. If that's on your bucket list, this train is for you.

New Dutch-Belgian rail company European Sleeper has announced plans to set up a direct night train route between Amsterdam and Barcelona. Currently, travel between the two cities involves multiple trains, connections, and more than 17 hours of travel.

A train directly linking these two culture-packed cities is an exciting proposition. Whether your trip is built around art and architecture or in search of a foodie paradise, European Sleeper’s new Amsterdam-Barcelona can help you with your bucket list. The proposed route will stop at Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueras and Girona.

European Sleeper is part of the movement which is putting the sleeper train in Europe back on the map. Their plan is to introduce a new train service every year. Transporting riders to new places as they sleep.

Their plan is to launch the line in spring 2025. As part of a broader initiative to enhance train services and cut emissions across Europe, the European Sleeper is one of ten pilot projects chosen by the European Commission. After all, who doesn’t appreciate travel that benefits the planet?

As we wait for the official launch of this exciting new route, check out European Sleeper’s route linking Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague.

Brussels

With its stunning architecture, numerous museums, diverse art galleries, abundant dining options, countless shops, and vibrant nightlife, Brussels is an essential destination for tourists seeking both cultural richness and modern excitement. As the capital of Belgium, it is the country’s wealthiest and most populous city.

Brussels is renowned within the European Union for its exceptional cuisine. The city boasts a wealth of historic and cultural landmarks, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Fun Fact: Brussels is also celebrated as the capital of comic strips, reflecting Belgium's long tradition in the genre. With so many murals to see, Brussels has now got a designated route that you can follow with all of the pieces numbered. When you visit, consider following the Comic Strip Trail and seeing how many creations you can spot.

Antwerp

Antwerp is one of Western Europe's best-kept secrets, often overlooked by travelers who head directly to Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent when visiting Belgium.

This port city boasts a remarkable history, having flourished during the Middle Ages due to its strategic location by the water. Today, Antwerp is a vibrant, ethnically diverse city rich in historical significance and cultural heritage.

Belgium has a lot of things that it is famous for but perhaps its beer is a front runner. Antwerp has a fantastic beer scene. The De Koninck Brewery and Museum is an absolute highlight for any visit to Antwerp.

Rotterdam

When it comes to the Netherlands, Amsterdam often dominates the bucket list. However, Rotterdam offers a stunning blend of historical charm and modern flair.

Rotterdam’s architecture stands out for its modern and daring approach. After being destroyed during World War II, the city underwent a transformation, rebuilding itself with innovative designs. The Cube Houses, for instance, break away from traditional styles with their unusual shapes.

Fun Fact: Rotterdam is the only city in the Netherlands with a true skyline. Its modern architecture earns it this unique distinction, boasting 352 high-rises, including the tallest in the Netherlands and the Benelux, the Zalmhaven, which reaches 203 meters. Many of these skyscrapers line the river Maas in the Kop van Zuid district, earning the city its nickname, "Manhattan on the Maas."

Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital, is renowned for its amazing array of landmarks, dynamic cultural scene, and a lifestyle that is both bustling and laid-back. The city is celebrated for its striking contrasts, where historical buildings seamlessly coexist with modern architecture, blending the past with the present in a unique and vibrant way.

The city’s 20th-century history is movingly reflected in landmarks such as the Holocaust memorial and the remnants of the Berlin Wall, which are adorned with vivid graffiti. Once divided during the Cold War, the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate now stands as a powerful symbol of reunification.

Fun Fact: In the years following the fall of the Berlin Wall, amongst the turmoil that accompanied the phasing out of many East German institutions, the Ampelmännchen became cult figures. Keep an eye for these charming traffic lights.

Dresden

Dresden straddles both sides of the Elbe River, with the historic Old Town on one bank and the vibrant New Town on the other. As the capital of the German state of Saxony, Dresden is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning Baroque architecture. The city boasts an array of palaces, gardens, and churches. Visitors are often enchanted by Dresden’s enchanting Baroque buildings, its cityscape that invites leisurely exploration, and a dynamic history that blends tragedy with inspiration. Additionally, Dresden offers some of the finest museum experiences in Germany.

Fun Fact: Dresden’s nickname, “The Florence of the Elbe,” highlights Dresden’s stunning riverside beauty and its abundance of art, architecture, and Renaissance influence that reflect the allure of the renowned Italian city. Set against the Elbe River, Dresden boasts an impressive collection of historic buildings and museums, creating a cultural landscape that is both visually captivating and historically significant.

Prague

Prague offers a unique blend of historical charm and vibrant energy. As the only Central European capital to escape large-scale bombing during the wars of the last century, Prague remains one of Europe’s best-preserved cities.

The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and enchanting atmosphere create a sense of stepping back in time. Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague features the iconic Old Town Square at its heart, surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings, Gothic churches, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which performs an animated show every hour.

Looking for something different, consider a visit to one of the many beer spas throughout the city. Immerse yourself in large, hand-carved royal oak tubs filled with natural extracts that work to rejuvenate your skin, detoxify your body, and alleviate fatigue and stress. And while you unwind, enjoy a refreshing pint of fine beer for the perfect finishing touch.

WIth so many options, train travel may be the perfect option for day trips from your homebase or even an extended rail trip allowing you to sample and savor the sights and sounds of multiple destinations.