A Captivating Train Journey Through Stunning Landscapes From Vienna to Munich
I decided to ditch the flight mode this time and chose to travel by train for the remainder of my Europe tour. This was the last leg of my 20-day Europe trip, and I had booked train tickets from Vienna to Munich in advance. Yes, it was a great decision.
I had traveled by train in Europe before on several other trips and the experience was stupendous. Notable among them -
Paris to Interlaken in Switzerland
Within Switzerland most of the travel I undertook by train
London to Edinburgh
Rome to Venice
Each form of transport has its advantages and disadvantages. Having different types of travel experiences is worthwhile and we must try them all. It is Fun !!
While trains have a charm of their own, one of the drawbacks is that you have to take care of your luggage and stack them in their proper place. Unlike a flight where your luggage is checked in and taken care of soon after you arrive, making you feel relaxed and free.
On the other hand, to catch a flight, you have to reach the airport at least two hours in advance and go through security, etc, while traveling by train does not involve any of these processes. Hence it is hassle-free and time-saving.
An additional reward of train travel is that you get to enjoy the bewitching countryside views.
Another benefit of train travel is that it is cheaper compared to flights.
A Comfortable Stay In The Capital of Austria
Staying in the Ibis hotel directly opposite the railway station in Vienna was so convenient. Firstly, it was a great place to have your meals at the elaborate food court inside the station building. Similar to what we have at malls or airports, you could choose from a wide variety of cuisines.
Secondly, boarding my train to Munich was a breeze. All I had to do was cross the street and within minutes I was at the train station. Though I had the tickets downloaded on my phone, due to unfamiliar language, the platform and the seat numbers were not clear. As such a day prior to my departure, I went and clarified at the information kiosk. The result was that on the travel day everything was smooth sailing.
The railways have done a fantastic job of making train travel incredibly easy and comfortable. I really appreciate the presence of glass waiting lounges (similar to the one at Vienna) at railway stations — a protection for passengers against harsh weather conditions.
Enchanting Landscapes Throughout
Absorbing the last glimpse of the splendors of Vienna, as the train left the platform, the view from the window transformed into staggeringly pretty vistas. The four-and-a-half-hour journey was filled with picture postcard scenery as the high-speed train traversed through verdant countryside landscapes, charming villages, with their cute cottages and historical landmarks.
Amongst the several stoppages en route was the historic town of Salzburg. It was on my bucket list, but was unable to visit. I was quite tempted to get down there and explore, but since there wasn’t any plan or reservations done, so skipped.
Average Food Experience On The Way
In the previous train journeys food was included, and I enjoyed the luxury of being served warm, delicious food and drinks in the cozy comforts of high-speed trains. The in-between snacks were a surprise perk and a great pass time.
This time though the pantry car and availability of food was a let down. Most of the hot, fresh food and beverages were over. There were very limited options left, that too of packaged snacks, that I don’t prefer.
I was craving for a hot chocolate drink and that was over. Something that I relish immensely, not just for its creamy, lip-smacking taste but also the fact that it aided in keeping me warm from the cold weather. Had to settle for the insipid, tasteless tea instead!
It didn’t even seem as if I was traveling from one country to another in Europe, except on crossing the border from Austria to Germany, when uniformed border police personnel were there inside the train for passport checking. I didn’t know about it, luckily had my passports in my handbag and not packed in the suitcase.
From the numerous connecting flights that I took, this was a different experience. A desirable change, rather than flitting in and out of airports. Holidaying at a slow, relaxed pace, that lifted my spirits.
