The Alpine Belle
Thursday 4th June - Friday 12th June 2026
The Alpine Belle is the perfect way to experience the captivating beauty of Germany, Switzerland and Austria by steam in comfort and style aboard our private train
2 nights in Lindau | 2 nights in Innsbruck | 3 nights in Salzburg | 1 night in Frankfurt
Join us on a European rail spectacular taking in the glittering lakes and towering peaks of Central Europe in true Belle Trains style. The express steam locomotive 01 1104 used on our tour in 2025 will be joined by Swiss and Austrian locomotives as we weave our way along some of the most impressive mainline routes in the Alps. This region offers something for everyone, from the oldest cog railway in Europe still running with steam to scenic boat trips and cultural excursions.
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Passengers have the chance to travel in the elegant Prestige Continental Express dining carriages, modelled on the style of the legendary Orient Express salon cars. Our hotels have been hand-picked to ensure the highest standards across all classes, with the option of an extra special upgrade for 5 star passengers during their three-night stay in Salzburg. ​
Our route
Over the course of nine days, our steam-hauled private train will make its way through the tunnels, mountain passes and along the viaducts of the Alps, including plans to travel through three countries in one day!
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Meeting in Cologne, we venture south, along the Main Valley and through southern Germany to the foothills of the Alps, on the German shores of Lake Constance. Traverse some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as the Alpine Belle weaves its way along the foothills of the Alps, through the Arlberg Pass into the Austrian Tyrol at Innsbruck. From here we travel through the heart of the Alps to Salzburg, Austria’s musical mountain city. Journey’s end will be in Wiesbaden, one of Europe’s oldest spa towns. The perfect end to an unforgettable journey of alpine adventures.
Carriages
The Alpine Belle rake of coaches includes some of the best privately owned carriages on the main line in Europe. Whether in 5 Star, 4 Star or 3 Star, all the carriages are of very high quality. Please see individual packages by class for further details.
Mainline Locomotives
It is planned that The Alpine Belle will be pulled by a Class 01 steam locomotive whilst we are in Germany, and in Austria our train will hauled by a locomotive owned by the Austrian Society for Railway History, possibly a German G10.
In the UK mainline steam locos are permitted up to 75mph but the 01 Class are passed for 140kph (87.5 mph) so passengers will enjoy a true express experience as we steam across Germany.​​​​
Alpine Belle Tour Activity Level
Level 2: Balanced
Read the full description on our mobility requirements webpage linked here. These are intended as a guide, and our friendly team are happy to discuss tour suitability with you should you have any further queries.
​Please note other levels may apply to excursions and travel connection options.