Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Mon June 23, 2025
WHY IT RATES: Rail Europe is promoting train travel to iconic European destinations to avoid traffic stress and reduce emissions, highlighting scenic routes to Neuschwanstein Castle, Ávila, Hallstatt, and Cinque Terre. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor
Europe’s most iconic travel destinations are more popular than ever—and more crowded! As summer approaches, Rail Europe is encouraging travellers to ditch the car and hop on a train instead, especially when visiting places where traffic and parking can ruin even the most magical day. Think: fewer headaches, lower emissions, and a much smoother ride.
Neuschwanstein castle: where dreams come true… just not in a rental car
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein castle looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook—and in fact, it was. The castle famously inspired Walt Disney’s sleeping beauty castle, and today welcomes over 1.4 million visitors a year, with up to 6,000 people arriving each day in peak season.
But while the views are straight out of a fairy tale, the traffic is anything but. The roads around Füssen, the gateway town to the castle, often get gridlocked: parking is scarce and cars are even banned from approaching the castle itself.
But hey, thankfully, there’s a better way. Taking the train to Füssen offers a scenic, hassle-free route. From the station, travelers can hop on a shuttle or stroll along peaceful walking paths right up to the castle. No traffic jams, no car drama—just fresh mountain air and jaw-dropping views.
To make planning even easier, we’ve pulled together direct train routes to Füssen from some of the region’s most popular cities:
From Munich to Füssen
From Zurich to Füssen
From Salzburg to Füssen
Other gorgeous places, same problem—here’s what to do instead
Ávila, Spain – This stunning walled city is a dream for history lovers, but driving there? Not so dreamy. The medieval layout and narrow streets make parking a nightmare. The train drops you just outside the city walls, a short walk to all the action—and none of the stress.
Hallstatt, Austria – One of the prettiest villages in Europe has become almost too popular for its own good. With just 700 residents and as many as 10,000 tourists in a single day, the village has had to limit car access. Luckily, the train ride from Salzburg is gorgeous—and spares you the parking scramble.
Cinque Terre, Italy – These cliffside villages are iconic, and also famously difficult to drive to. During high season, around 80% of visitors arrive by train—proof that the best way to protect fragile destinations is also the easiest.
Train Travel = lower emissions and better memories
Transport emissions from tourism are rising fast—projected to reach 5.3% of all human-made CO₂ emissions by 2030. Swapping cars for trains can cut your travel footprint by up to 90%, all while giving you a front-row seat to Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
RailEurope.com connects travellers to thousands of destinations across the continent with reliable, easy-to-book train routes. Skip the driving stress, protect the places you love, and let your trip begin the moment you board. All in all: let the journey be part of the joy.
SOURCE: Rail Europe press release.
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