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The European Rail Renaissance continues to move at full speed, and after other recent announcements of excitement, from a new scenic route traveling from Paris all the way to the Amalfi Coast, to a sleeper connecting Switzerland to Scandinavia, there is now more to look forward to:
A night train will run from next month a handful of Europe’s most stunning, yet overlooked cities hits the tracks.
From hidden gems in Poland to the stately capital of the Czech Republic, the medieval flair of Slovakia, the alpine charm of Austria and finally the vibrancy of southern Germany’s most cosmopolitan center: the Euronight EN Carpatia is the best way to explore Central Europe this winter.
Poland, via the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, all the way to Germany
As confirmed by PKP Intercity, Poland’s national railway company, a new sleeper service will be launched from Przemyśl all the way to Munich in German.
Przemyśl is a small town in southeastern Poland that isn’t exactly worth visiting, and we all know Munich for its hectic beer hall culture and crowded Marienplatz, so the opposite ends of the line aren’t exactly exciting in themselves.
The secret lies in the carefully composed route that passes through it several other lesser known cities that belong to this Europe’s most underrated place for its Old World charm and culture.
In total, the train will connect 6 European countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Germany, and whether you board in Poland, or one of the stops in between, here are some stops you shouldn’t just whiz past:
Krakow, Poland
A vibrant city in southern Poland known for its well-preserved historic core, including Europe’s most picturesque Jewish Quarter, Krakow is dotted with medieval monuments and lush city parks.
Rynek Glówny, the market square, is flanked by a Renaissance Cloth Hall, an arcaded building now occupied by cozy cafés and traditional Polish eateries, and the monumental St. Mary’s Church, a 14th century Gothic wonder with high towers.
Don’t miss Wawel Royal Castle, an imposing fortress overlooking the Vistula River, home to Wawel Cathedral, where Polish kings were crowned. If time permits, make sure you take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the famous World War II concentration camp, just 1 hour away.
Bohumin, Czech Republic
A small town in the Czech Republic (or Czech Republic, whatever you want to call it), far from the hustle and bustle of Prague, Bohumín is like a scene from a storybook come to life.
With a population of around 20,000, it is built around a 14th-century Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, a Gothic structure with later Baroque modifications that towers high above the old town. Inside you will find an extensive selection of sacred art and a striking, yellow-washed altar.
The public-free center, with its large square, local atmosphere and historic buildings, It is incredibly pleasant for walking, and for nature lovers you should know that Bohumín is conveniently located at the confluence of the Odra and Olše rivers.
Think long walks along the winding waterfront and beautiful forest trails.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Unusually picturesque for a capital, Bratislava is also Slovakia’s most important cultural center one of the best preserved medieval gems.
It lies along the Danube River, close to the Austrian and Hungarian borders, and is surrounded by rolling vineyards and the lower peaks of the Carpathians. It’s a living postcard waiting to be discovered.
The Old Town is absolutely breathtaking, criss-crossed with cobbled streets and dominated by a restored Bratislava Castle. Most tourists go to the castle for panoramic photos, but if you’re looking for the best view in town, head to the UFO Tower:
It literally looks like a UFO and offers an impressive panorama of the city from a height of 95 meters.
Salzburgerland
This train stops in Vienna before heading west into Germany, but before crossing the final border you must get off in Salzburg:
This elegant Austrian city, bisected by the Salzach River, is also called the ‘Rome of the Alps’ unparalleled collection of baroque buildingsa largely car-free Altstadt (old town), along the left bank, and a monumental fortress, Hohensalzburg, which forever stands guard over a hill.
It is also the birthplace of Mozart, and if you happen to have seen this nostalgic film it is called The sound of music at some point you should probably know that Salzburg is the main filming location. Maybe you can even live out your whimsical musical fantasies in the flower-filled Mirabell Gardens.
More about the train itself
The night train departs from Przemyśl at 5:51 PM and reaches Krakow the same evening. The first border crossing is in Bohumín, Czech Republic.
At that point, the train will split in two, with one half heading via Bratislava to Budapest and the other half west to Austria, with Munich, Germany as the final destination.
Anyway, if you’re going to Munich, both trains end after their solo detours in Bavaria, around 10:24 am the next day.
On the way back, the trains leave Munich at 6:45 PM and arrive in Przemyśl at 10:10 AM the next day.
In total, the entire journey takes 16 hoursand travelers can choose between regular seating, a ‘couchette’ (a pull-out bed in a shared compartment) or a large bed.
Tickets start from only $65but if you are traveling long distances (for example from Krakow to Munich), we highly recommend investing in a private cabin with shower.
They start from around $240, but think of it as a hotel on wheels: you combine the price of transportation And accommodation in one booking. Plus, you’ll avoid all the chaos at the airport and enjoy some free snacks and a generous breakfast platter in the morning.
Nice way to get things going.
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