Europe by train - September 2026

This trip had been a long time coming.  Id fancied travelling Europe by train for quite a while, but it had just never happened and then once I d started to have a campervan I didnt see the point.  A recent death of my best little friend (A whippet called Sam) caused a lot of sadness, I sold my campervan and was struggling rather a lot.  I needed to get away.

I initially went down to the Lake District with my (then) partner, it was an excellent few days, she is very lovely but a few things resurfaced and we were just not meant for each other unfortunately, we did part on good terms though which was nice.  Id thought about a Whippet puppy but for a few reasons, one being im definitely not ready, it wasnt going to work out so I started booking this trip.

My head was (is?) obviously in a bad place as I made unite a few mistakes, double bookings and outright dumb errors when arranging it all.  Would have been better waiting until I got home from the lakes, live and learn.  

So here I am, roughly a week later and leaving Scotland for a very different type of Euro tour for me.

 Day 1: Edinburgh to Paris

A very early start for me - 4:30AM pick up to get to Waverley Train station for my 5:35 train to London.  Got to station with no hassle, waited for Pret to open, coffee bought and then onto train (Did you know that Pret opens at 5:15am in Waverley?  I didnt).

My train being all shiny(Waverley 5:20am)

Setup for my trip to London

Train journey down to London was very straight forward.  1st class so had a decent breakfast and a few coffees, plus a nice quiet carriage.

Then into London, a short walk over to St Pancras for the euro train, and then the wait….  Wasn’t too bad, id given myself plenty of time as id heard various stories of 90 min+ delays, I got through in roughly 7 minutes.  Off for yet another coffee, managed to find a seat (the waiting area was mobbed), and spent the next hour or so people watching.

Me in the Queue for the Paris train.

Train announcement came up and a scramble for the train.  I took my time, didnt see why the rush, had plenty of time before it left and everyone has an assigned seat, hey ho, humans being humans.

I was sat beside a what I think we now call ‘BBW’…..  FFS she liked her food, journey I think is about 2 1/2 hours and she hardly stopped (and this is coming from someone that likes their food).

PARIS:

Ive kinda been put off Paris due to all the negative press around alleged muggings, attacks, etc etc, however id forgotten what a beautiful city it is.

I walked from the station to my hostel (The People’s hostel) and I think my first ever shared room in one of these (where I dont know the other people), oh, and very probably the last.  It was ok but ive done it now, ✔️ and I’ll go back to my own rooms again 😊.  The hostel was pretty good, with amazing views from the roof section, thankfully my room was up there so easy to pop out and see the views.

Eiffel Tower from my room door, and then a nice french sunset

Id thought I wouldn’t bother visiting the tower but that all changed the next day.

Day 2: Paris full day (Being a boring tourist)

I got up early, went down and had a very leisurely breakfast in the hostel and then headed out for the day.  I wasnt really looking forward to it but seemed a waste not to do anything while there.  Wow, amazing city.  I stuck to the main tourist attraction type things as I only had one day (or as I said to someone ‘full on white tourist mode - nothing dangerous’.  

Where I was staying is apparently a bit dodgy, while the people there were very mixed in origin I didnt feel under threat at any time.  I did see three blokes getting arrested at one point but not sure what for (possibly drugs).  Anyway, got the underground which seemed incredibly efficient and easy to use.  then a walk along to Notre Dame Cathedral for a tour.  Even the walk there was pretty good, some. Amazing views and incredible architecture.   The cathedral tour itself was good, I even sneaked in with some catholics to see what the private prayer bit was all about, lots of crossing and holding of the beads, with a wee curtsey as they left, all pretty standard and no proddie sacrifice which I was pleased about 😈.

On the walk there I had to cross a bridge over the Seine, not bad at all

Then it was up to the Cathedral.  It’s a pretty stunning building and a bonus is they dont charge to let people in.  Someone famous, pope something or other, is visiting later this week so they were all excited about that (im guessing he is a good singer or something?)

Ive always found my fascination with cathedrals / places of worship weird.  Im not religious at all and when growing up had a hatred for it given some experiences.  I do love those buildings though, some of the architecture and glass work is amazing. 

He died for our sins apparently

A very sunny day

 Something that always amazes me when visiting these sort of things - A LOT OF TOURISTS go to them.  It took me roughly 3 mins to book my free timeslot online, I then walked up in a queue of two people in from of me.  The queue if you didnt pre book was huge and im guessing would have easily taken 45-60 mins, oh well. Kept it nice and easy for me.

Tour of the cathedral done, what next.  I thought about doing one of those city bus tour things, then spotted a bus boat trip with stop offs at various prime locations.  Onto the boat it was.  Really nice trip before getting off to go along to the Louvre, not somewhere I had been going to bother with but thought now im on the boat why not.  The walk from the river was stunning, beautiful buildings the whole way along.  I got to the Louvre and as I thought its pretty meh, but ive been so all good.  The various buildings close by it much more impressive.

On the walk to Louvre

Mini Arc over from Louvre with a big shiny dome behind it

Entrance to go see the Louvre, far more impressive than this picture shows.

 From there I decided to walk up to Pantheon, followed by another walk up to Arc Triumphe.  I enjoyed the walk more than the actual structure but the historic relevance of it makes it worth a visit.

Impressive building, had loads of tiny humans around it but I edited them out, not sure it really worked very well.

Was going to go back to the boat but was enjoying my walk so much I decided to walk the distance to Eiffel Tower, was enjoying taking in the contrast of tourists like me with shorts and sweaty t-shirt on and the well to do folk coming out of all the fancy high end stores.

Made it to the tower, it is a pretty cool structure and was happy id gone along.  It also helped that the boat thing had a pick up place right beside it as my feet (and body) were in close down mode.  It was an incredibly hot day.

Anyone know what this is……

This one was from the boat as I was waiting for it to leave

This is pretty famous (lots of folk  taking photos from the boat), I thought Id join in but no idea what significance it has.

Did a bit longer in the boat to take in some more sites but stayed in my seat of stood out back for a breeze.  Then off at the cathedral, walk to underground, stop off for some incredible Vietnamese food, back to hostel and had a very relaxing evening - Well I say relaxing but Interrail messed up my coming home booking.  Thankfully I was double checking everything last night and spotted I wouldn’t actually have got onto the euro train to London.  Lots of what ifs on various journeys and then managed to get it all booked.  It’s a bit of a crazy tour of Europe to get back from Prague but it will all hopefully work.

Day 3 - Travel to Venice

Another early start…..

Up early (5:40am - thats very early for me) showered and headed down to wait for my taxi.  Managed to scam a free coffee while waiting which was nice. ☕️

Taxi done, plenty of time, another coffee for start oof journey (Bought this time) and onto the train I got.  This first one was Paris to Zurich, a nice train but made me very sad (not really but all for effect) that first class doesnt get you included munchies over here 😭.  Anyway, a nice window seat, and all very relaxed. 

 Train 2: Zurich to Milan: I didnt get to look around Zurich station as I had 4 mins to get onto next train (platform right beside mine so all good).  This train was a bit run down however comfy enough and yet again no free snacks.  Sat back, relaxed and watched some of the incredible mountain scenery go by, especially around Lugano area 

We had some adventure on this train as at Como roughy 15 police officers got on and were searching for something (although two of them seemed to think ‘questioning’ the very attractive young woman nearby was the most effective way of searching (weirdly they didnt bother with me…).  After a while they all got off, no idea what it was about but interesting to watch. 

Train 3: Milan to Venice (final train for today) 

We were cutting it tight for this one, hold up with the police caused a significant delay.  I was lucky though, my next train was right next to the current train.  On and within moments the doors closed to leave (phew).  Another window seat and a big bonus as I was seriously flagging, some free snacks and an espresso - happy Dave.  Another window seat across from a very friendly Italian man who helped me with my stuff (I must have looked like it was needed).  I sat back and again watched the mainly nice scenery go by.

Venice:  My ** to be updated **

Euro road trip June 2026. Pt2 (Liechtenstein , Murg 🇨🇭, and Livigno 🇮🇹)

 My euro ramblings, part two of my three week trip

Day 9: travel, amazing lake, castles and setup

Up early, breakfast, said goodbye to my lovely friends and headed off to Walansee but drove a bit further along to Murg.  Parked up, worked out the confusing parking setup and walked down to the Lake, just simply amazing.  The views were incredible.

The lake was stunning, and so peaceful

Then I got back on the road, headed to Liechtenstein where id thought id spend the night.

Got there and parked up, free parking - bonus.  Walked along to the castle which was unfortunately closed as the people are in residence.  Was nice to look at though and some great views from it.  

Liechtenstein 

Castle 

After that I went into central area which was ok.  I then checked out where id planned on parking up that night and it just didnt feel right, so decided to drive on to Livigno.

What an amazing drive, into the mountains with a very windy mountain pass to negotiate, while taking in the exceptional views.  Lots of motorbikes enjoying the smooth windy roads.

I stopped off at a lay-by for a few photos.  

After quite a long stop off, I was so enjoying the peacefulness and incredible scenery I made my way to Livigno.  On the way I decided to take the €16 toll tunnel, just to see what it was like.  A one way tunnel with traffic control at each end, was a cool experience to drive through it

Arriving at the campsite, checking in and setting up all very stress free, I initially booked in for 5 days but ended up extending to 7 days, Livigno is perfect for me - cycling, good food and lots of walks.

Day 10 - Livigno

First full day was really good, I took it easy though, a nice restful day.  Walked into local town which is close by, got some food and mainly just relaxed.

Yet again the scenery and surroundings here are beautiful, invokes a very relaxed feeling.

Day 11:  I like to ride my bicycle 

Woke up to another sunny day, while im not a sun worshipper and struggle in the heat I do enjoy waking up to nice weather.

I decided to follow a bike route I found on Outdoor Active.  The person who uploaded it rated it as medium, AYE RIGHT!!!!.  

Off I went, along some paths then off road (gravel mainly) initially alongside a stream and then up, and up, and up.  Wow it was hard work.  I had to stop off a few times as the climbs were killing my legs, thankfully lots of shaded areas and also amazing views.

1st stop off, not realising id have quite a few more before end of climb

I stopped off at this bit for a good rest, the route had actually turned off a few hundred yards before this to head downhill but I wanted to go up a bit further, make it to one of the viewpoints.

This was my final stop off, after a load of extra climbing my legs were trashed so stopped at the first view point rather than second (which had just over a mile extra climbing), was still very pleased to reach this section.  The flow off water was very cool and gave myself a bit of a cool down with it - bliss.

Where I stopped off had a BBQ setup for picnics etc, kind of them to supply the fresh steak

Headed back a different way, mainly through winding roads, very steep declines at times fun, at times “am I going to survive this ) .  Got down to flat roads and went into the town, cycled to the far end, the setup for bikes here is excellent, then it was back to the campsite.  Made some nice food and relaxed for the night

Day 12: walking and pizza

I decided I wanted to walk along the stream that runs through the town and then up to a viewpoint.  Very toasty ☀️ today so took extra fluids with me.

On the way up the side of the mountain I met some goats, sheep, ponies and cows, all in the one area

Got to the viewpoint, was very busy so I didnt stay long.  I did notice a section where you could get to the lake basin, it’s pretty dried up at the moment with only a stream running through it so decided to give that a try.

I was very glad I decided on this route.  No one else on it (the official paths were very busy) and the views were incredible

Theres a storm brewing

After this I went back to camp, grabbed a shower, topped up water bottle and headed into town.  Pizza required 🍕.  Found a wee place with some nice views and got myself a sausage and mushroom pizza, it was very tasty.  

Some birds hinting they want a bit of my pizza, thankfully I am used to Sams much more convincing stares for my food so managed to ignore them 🐶.

After that the clouds were setting in, back to the van and watched the thunder/lightening storm ⛈️ kick off for a few hours.

Day 12 - Lazy day

A very chilled relaxing day, short walk to buy food and that was it.  Read my book (thanks Aran) and chilled, then later in the day another thunder storm, although only for about an hour this time, still briliant to watch.

Day 13: relaxing morning, blog update and a walk

 

Euro road trip June 2026. Pt1 (Travel, Luxembourg and Germany).

A 3 week trip in my van to include Luxembourg, visit to friends in Germany and then a change of plan, was initially going to go to Italian Lakes but looking at Chamonix now.

Day 1 - travel

08 June:

Van packed day before with just the bike to be added.  Left home in Scotland at 10:45am so I could take a very easy drive down for the drive to Dover.  Ferry wasnt until 3am on the 8th but wanted zero stress.

Stopped off at Tebay, wow it was busy, although I got to laugh at all the e car drivers queuing for the chargers (i am sure they all laugh when going by fuel stations with the huge costs for diesel etc).  A chicken pie then coffee, yum.

After Tebay continued down south, missing out the highly priced M6 toll road (£17 for my van).  A few sets of roadworks but all very relaxed as I knew I had ample time.  Another couple of boring but necessary stops and then I got to Dover Ferry Terminal.  Was mega early but just thought id sleep, nope, they kindly put me on an earlier ferry.  11:35pm and boarded, was a bit cheeky and stayed in the van, jumped in the back and had a snooze during the journey over the channel.

Day 2: Drive and relax

Monday 9th

Calais to Condorf in Luxembourg, 450 km and a wee trip through Belgium.  I stopped off at an Aire in France on the way and slept for about 4 hours, was pretty exhausted.  The AIres system in France is so much better than the terrible setup we have in the UK.  Sleep over I continued into Belgium and then the lovely scenic drive in Luxembourg.  Stopped off at Bastogne, anyone thats watched Band of Brothers will know the relevance of this place (even although it wasnt actually filmed in the actual site).  I didnt go to the war museum as I had visited it last time I was here.

Onto the site.  Ive been to this site before, very well looked after and good pitches. Got the van setup and then had hoped to relax….

Someone who used to be close to me has been causing a huge amount of grief recently.  Id hoped it was finished with but nope, more hassle to deal with.  So sleep didnt really happen while I dealt with that.

Day 3: a change of plans

Tuesday 10th

Today I had planned to do a walk on the pretty amazing Mullerthal trails but ended up spending most of the morning sorting out the most recent “rubbish” thrown my way.  Dealt with that and decided no more of that on my holiday.  Mid afternoon I went out on my bike and did a local loop, roughly 10 miles and such a nice loop, virtually no traffic with a lot of the riding on forest paths.  Slowed down to see a bird of prey, which I think was  Red Kite, was pretty amazing.

After the ride, back to the campsite, a bit of a stretch, shower and rest up for remainder of day.  A bad start but overall a great day and fell asleep very relaxed.

Day 4: Time for a walk

Wednesday 11th June

Today was Mullerthal Walk time, my main reason for coming to this are of Luxembourg.  The scenery, rock structures and flora and streams are exceptional.  I ended up walking just over 8 miles, all of them amazing with so much to see and enjoy.

A narrow section to walk through, lots of sections like this

Lord of the rings eat your heart out

Hiding place for FRodo etc

This waterfall is quite famous and a big tourist attraction, pretty but I was quite unimpressed.

These rocks were amazing, so much going on

So impressive

 

I did a few extra sections, including an amazing walk through almost canyon type close together rock faces, amazing .

Walked back to campsite, had a stretch and then really enjoyed my shower.  Sleepy and an early night.

Day 5: travel and friends

Today was a 5 hour drive into Germany and over to Rickenbach to see Rick and Andrea.  The drive was very straight forward, only one toll to go through a tunnel and overall quiet roads.

A stop off at a very nice Aire quite close to Strasbourg

Was great to get to destination and had a lovely catch up with R&A.  We went out for an excellent meal then back and watched the WC footie, a decent game with some nice goals and even more red cards.

Day 6: Museum and site seeing 

A very relaxed start of day with a tasty Bavarian breakfast then it was off to Switzerland to visit a war museum. I do love museums but especially enjoy war themed museums and exhibits.  

This place was incredible with a mix of aircraft, Tanks (Panzer I finally found out is just German for tank), ground weapons and various vehicles and tools used in various wars.

As we were leaving we saw what looked like a little stick on the door, turns out it is Buff tip moth

Rick saying hi to a tank.  The museum took ownership of this in bits, they then built it back up to the original build.

Back in the day you wouldn’t have wanted to be on this end

Pew pew

Kaboom

How many of these have we seen in war movies over the years

Must have been quite a small skinny bloke to have fitted into this.  A similar setup to the unmanned V-Bombers in the background

An Enigma machine - amazing

Lots of original equipment inc from both World wars, a very recognisable logo…

After the brilliant visit we headed over to the Swiss/German border and had an ice cream on the connecting border bridge over the Rhine .  Lovely place (and even better ice cream) with huge history.  Bunkers all along the Rhine showed some of this history, walked down and into one of them.  We had a little walk in Switzerland before heading back over to the van in Germany.

In Switzerland 

The other side, from Germany facing into Switzerland 

After this we drove back home, food, watched the MTB Short racing and chilled.

I also made the decision on next part of Journey.  Going to head over to Livigno and stay there for a week or so.  After that a couple of days in ST Moritz before ambling my way back up to Calais taking 3 or 4 days over that, so that will take me through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy to that point in my trip.

Day 7: Wheeee

Today was fun, we went up the HasenHorn Coaster in Todtnau.  A toboggan ride down the mountain, what’s not to like.  Paid for the ride and chair lift up the mountain, which in itself was fun.  Up and joined the queue - yuk.  Roughy 30 minutes later and we boarded our individual carts.  

The ride itself was brilliant, so very fast, it had a brake but pfft to that (I did brake once, on a mega tight corner), did I mention it was fast….  Then I started catching up on Rick, yay thought me going faster than him, then realisation, someone up front was going VERY slow, bit of a shame as impacted everyone behind her.  I just stopped every now and again, waited for a space to be created then had a zooming session (while making sure not to mess anyone around that was behind).

After that we went to a lovely cafe, had a drink and some very yum ice cream.

On the Monday Rick was working and Andrea busy so I headed out on my bike, a wee bit of Black Forest touring.  The weather was TOASTY ☀️ , anyone thats knows me will know I dont operate well in anything over 18 degrees…🥵.  Still, off I went on a kind of tourist cycling route with a few diversions I thought looked better.  It was brilliant, so scenic and beautiful.

Jebus blessing my bike

Unfortunately this photo doesnt show just how beautiful the scenery was.

After that I had a wee dip in the pool, very out of character for me but it felt great, so relaxing after the long ride

Wee red face and partially naked Dave warning….

Back in after that frivolity, showered then out for a short walk to stretch out the legs a bit.

Its me… with clothes on this time

Next morning and off I went to my next location, with a pretty amazing stop off on the way.

Part two coming soon 😊