National GeographicJul 12, 2026
Try Europe’s best city-to-swim rail trips this summer
Whether you’re in Turin, Bergen or San Sebastián, a wild swimming experience is often only a short train ride away.
16 things in this story
- Itzurun beachSightGolden sand beach backed by towering, striped cliffs.
- Mole AntonellianaAttractionSoaring spire in Turin, home to the National Museum of Cinema.
- National Museum of CinemaMuseumIt is operated by the Maria Adriana Prolo Foundation, and the core of its collection is the result of the work of the…
- Punta CrabbiaSightRocky headland on Lake Orta with calm, blue-green water.
- Isola San GiulioSightTiny, car-free island at the centre of Lake Orta.
- Ljubljanica RiverSightRiver that snakes through Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Most na SočiNeighborhoodConfluence of Soča and Idrijca rivers, ideal for swimming.
- Nové Mlýny reservoirsSightMan-made chain of lakes and wetlands in Czechia.
- Lake OrtaSightLake in Italy's Piedmont region, accessible by train.
- Tromostovje (Triple Bridge)SightBridge in Ljubljana designed by architect Jože Plečnik.
- Pálava HillsSightLimestone ridges near the Nové Mlýny reservoirs.
- BryggenNeighborhoodBergen’s historic Hanseatic harbour district.
- Bergen Fish MarketMarketHistoric market dating back to the 13th century.
- HardangerfjordSightFjord in Norway accessible by train and bus from Bergen.
- ZumaiaNeighborhood
- Soča ValleyNeighborhood