Eurail Stories

Here are some photos taken during my 2006 Eurail trip through Switerland. It was easily the most scenic of all our travels that year. Except, perhaps the South Island of New Zealand.

Swiss countryside

Brienz, near Interlaken.

Magnificent Bern. With real bears.

Swiss mountain journey.

Train carriages ahead.

Hostels at the Limits of the Eurail Network

Stretching across diverse countries, cultures and landscapes, Europe has so much to offer backpackers that it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge deciding where to start! Combined with a Eurail pass, hostelling can offer travelers the flexibility and freedom to really experience Europe – whether it be north, south, east or west.

For the rail traveler, the beauty of the Eurail network is that it reaches much further afield than just the big cities. It gives backpackers the opportunity to leave the beaten track far behind and explore the very limits of the continent, from Scandinavia to the tip of southern Italy.

The North – Gnarp

Home to old-fashioned fishing towns, wooden houses and crystal clear waters, the Bothnian Coast on Sweden’s eastern seaboard offers a stunning glimpse of Scandinavia. The train winds it way north along the coast towards Sundsvall and the nearby small town of Gnarp, where there’s heaps of skiing, golf and (of course) fishing available all year round.

Surrounded by four lakes and the peaceful countryside at the edge of Gnarp, Hostel Berggarden is a traditional Swedish inn that provides great value accommodation for travelers and backpackers. There are also cheap, home-cooked meals available at the hostel’s pub and restaurant.

East to Balaton

East of Budapest, the town of Balaton sits on the largest lake in central Europe in the midst of Hungary’s beautiful, unspoiled scenery. The Hullam Hostel has an idyllic setting that few other hostels in Europe can match – right beside the water, and on the doorstep of all the water sports, hiking and cycling on offer. The hostel itself has cheap, comfortable dorms, along with a sociable bar, games room and barbecue area at the edge of the lake. In addition, they host regular events for their guests, from traditional Hungarian dinners to wine tasting in the local area.

West at Lagos

On the western extreme of the European rail network, lies the Portuguese town of Lagos, renowned for its nightlife more than its scenic Atlantic coast. With its vibrant clubs, spectacular beaches and relatively low cost of living (compared with much of Europe), Lagos makes a great backpacking destination. Carlos House Hostel is in the perfect spot for travelers exploring the town – just a short walk from the nightlife district, it’s also right near the ocean and enjoys fantastic views from the sunny roof terrace.

Siracusa in the South

In the very south of Europe, you can get off the train and hop over into Sicily, before continuing on to picturesque Siracusa on the captivating Ionian coast. Rich in Mediterranean charm and heritage, the city was originally settled by the ancient Greeks, and it remains an important historic destination today. Both the baroque Old Town – with its beautiful cathedral – and the nearby archeological park at Pantalica, are within easy reach of Lol Hostel which sits in the heart of Siracusa. Combining all the attractions of a traditional backpackers’ hostel – friendly, intimate and an excellent location – with smart, newly-renovated accommodation (including free WIFI), it makes a great base in the southern city.

Whether it’s north, south, east or west, the four corners of the Eurail network have great adventures – and great hostels – for backpackers exploring Europe. Ultimately, when it comes down to it, train travel in Europe puts a world of culture, nightlife and ancient history at your fingertips.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment. Standing in Geneva Train Station; weighed down by a backpack about 10 kilograms too heavy. I was about to launch myself into the continent. I was about to validate my Eurail pass.

It was an exciting moment; one that I had planned and anticipated for months. It was also a heck of a lot of money. I had been scraping together work here and there and figured I had just enough to make it to Amsterdam then a cheap flight to London where I could stay with friends. A Eurail pass wasn’t cheap and if something went wrong, I was calling Mum for a money transfer.

I’m a bit of a worrier, especially when it comes to anything “official”. I trust people but not bureaucracy…what was going to go wrong? It had to be something. By the time I had stood in the line this long I had dropped my bag to the floor and was kicking it in front of me. I really should have packed less crap but I refused to dump anything.

The front of the line. The empty slot. I dragged that tonne weight over to the counter. “Bonjour! Parle vous Anglais?” High school was good for four words; shame I wouldn’t understand a meaningful response. The ticket agent spoke perfect English (to my colonial shame) and the pass was validated almost instantly (to my surprise). A passport as identification, a quick stamp or two and it was done. Now, where was the platform…

Follow Jeff’s journey from Switzerland to Amsterdam thanks to a Eurail Global Pass. Subscribe to the RSS feed to make sure you don’t miss anything.

No, not like that!

This short video from Rumsrums shows the speed of the train heading to Amsterdam.

When I headed off on my Eurail adventure, it was the first time I had even been to Europe. I flew to Heathrow, London then a budget flight to Italy. After a week’s hectic sightseeing in Rome I started the 15 day global pass and set off.

My goal was simply to see as much as possible…visit as many places as I could…and that made for a crazy itinerary. I slept on trains for five nights and hostels for the rest of the time. Sometimes I travelled with friends that I had met, other time by myself…but I was always moving quickly. At typical day would look like this:

• Wake up on the train. Check the timetable to see where I was and were I was headed.
• Get off at the first city on my list. Have breakfast in the old town, walk around the sights, look at the outside of famous buildings.
• Back to the train station. Hop on a train for an hour or so.
• Get off at the day’s second city. Have lunch in the old town, walk around the sights, look at the outside of famous buildings.
• Back to the train station. Hop on a train for an hour or so. Have a nap.
• Get off at the day’s third city. Check into a hostel or book an overnight sleeper at the station.
• Have dinner in the old town, walk around the sights (in the dark!) and find a bar with a cold local beer. See if I can find a party that lasts until the train departs.
• Repeat.

Can I recommend this? If you’re crazy enough to be sleep deprived for two weeks! It was an amazing way to see a lot: six countries and their capitals baby! I ended up in Paris — which isn’t cheap! — where I think I slept for most of the week. There are vague recollections of the Arc de Triomph before flying home and back to College.

I’d suggest staying off the booze if you’re going to attempt it; A beer or two is fine, but things get messed up enough without hangovers getting in the way. One thing I regret is that I didn’t meet so many people, but it whet my appetite and I’m hoping to return and do a slower trip one day.

Dave travelled on a Eurail Global 15 day pass and wrote this one-off story for us. Will you share your Eurail Stories?