Serra Verde Express a hidden gem in Southern Brazil
A train ride offers a travel experience that is unlike any other vehicle — there are train rides so beautiful they’ve acquired worldwide fame. But for every popular ride, there are a handful of hidden gems unknown to many outsiders. Stretching and crossing the inspiring green mountains of the Serra do Mar in Paraná, Brazil, the Serra Verde Express is such a gem. It runs along the eponymous Curitiba-Morretes railway from the state capital to the historic hill city of Morretes. [thetravel.com]
Winter Park ski train a great day’s escape out of Denver
Colorado is home to some of the best ski towns, not only in the U.S. but in the world. The only problem is that most require a couple of hours’ drive, a flight or both. So, it was exciting when Amtrak announced the return of the Winter Park Express “ski train” following a hiatus for the 2020-2021 season. Now, I must admit that I’m not a skier. However, the idea of taking a train straight from a major downtown to the slopes of a top ski resort intrigued me. So when I recently found myself with a free day in Denver, the ski train was the perfect excuse for me to give the slopes a try. [thepointsguy.com]
Driving the ‘breathing dragon’ — Europe’s last steam train
It is cold, dark and raining in Wolsztyn, Poland, but there’s a huge black steam engine standing at the platform, steam and smoke billowing from its chimney. We climb up into the cab, where the driver and fireman, are waiting in their grimy clothes and baseball caps. At precisely 6.03am, the last daily standard-gauge scheduled steam train service left in the world, the last one providing primarily for regular passengers not tourists, begins its morning journey. It is also the last one on which novices like me can learn to drive. [ft.com]
Alaska’s Aurora Winter Train has added more journeys
The Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train takes 12 hours to connect Alaska’s two largest cities, Anchorage and Fairbanks — the same journey by car would take six! But the slower pace allows travelers to scan for moose and wolves, shoot photos of the hoarfrost-wrapped trees, nosh on Alaskan fare (like reindeer penne bolognese), and on clear days, see Denali—the tallest mountain in North America. Now, the Alaska Railroad has resumed the Aurora Winter Train’s midweek service, there’ll be more opportunities to ride through March 25th. [afar.com]
Arizona canyon train offers rare views of wildlife snd nature
Arizona might be known for its deserts, but there are some truly stunning green spaces hidden throughout the state — and you can only get the best views by rail. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers an amazing four-hour sightseeing experience. The 40-mile vintage train roundtrip takes you past the canyon’s stunning rock formations, cactus-covered slopes, and greenery-lined rivers — and features outdoor viewing cars for 360-degree panoramic views of your surroundings. [narcity.com]
