Alpine Belle Itinerary
DAY 1 - THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2026
Steam from Cologne to Lindau, Lake Constance
We will set out from Cologne for our journey south, joined by steam locomotive 01 1104 for the journey of nearly 300 miles south along the Rhine Valley and through southern Germany towards Lindau on Lake Constance. Lindau is an extraordinary place, literally an island in the lake. The whole island is easily walkable and is known for its historic centre, charming squares and iconic harbour entrance – all set against a backdrop of the shimmering waters of Lake Constance and snow-capped alps on the far side of the water.
DAY 2 - FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2026
Lindau, Lake Constance
The beautiful island of Lindau is the ideal starting point from which to discover the delights of Lake Constance. For a relaxed day, you could simply explore the island on foot and visit some of the island's museums, or admire the views across the water. The more adventurous among you may wish to take advantage of the proximity of neighbouring countries and choose to wake up in Germany, cycle to Austria for lunch, and make it to Switzerland in time for afternoon tea!
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Optional excursions will include steam hauled journeys on the Rheinbähnle & Wälderbähnle narrow gauge railways, a visit to the Zeppelin Museum at Friedrichshafen, or a day in neighbouring Liechtenstein, with a chance to explore the tiny nation's capital and its most prestigious winery. For the perfect end to a magical day, passengers can join an evening dinner cruise on Lake Constance, chartered exclusively for Belle Trains passengers (limited availability).
Lindau
DAY 3 - SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2026
Lindau - Alps – Innsbruck
After two days admiring the distant alps, the Alpine Belle will set off towards them in style - taking in three countries in one day! From Lindau, steam locomotive 01 1104 is at the helm to trace the northern shores of Lake Constance we change locomotives to cross over the Rhine into Switzerland, where a different steam locomotive joins us for a journey through the foothills of the soaring Appenzell Alps, skirting both Lake Zurich and Lake Walen. This section of the journey is expected to be hauled by Swiss locomotive A/35 "Zurich".
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​Our train then turns East, as we head into the Austrian Alps behind a vintage electric locomotive and carves a route through the Klostertal Valley before heading through the Arlbergtunnel, which was the longest railway tunnel in Austria when opened in 1884. Emerging on the other side of the Alberg Pass in Tyrol, we continue to wind our way through the alpine valleys to Innsbruck for an evening arrival.
DAY 4 - SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2026
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is known for its Imperial and modern architecture, with a dramatic backdrop of the jagged spires of the Nordkette Mountain range. Passengers can opt for a leisurely day enjoying the facilities in their hotels or taking a scenic walk through the surrounding alpine terrain, or have the option to join us for one of our sightseeing excursions.
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Excursions will include a breathtaking journey along the historic Achensee Railway to Lake Achen. Originally opened in 1889, the railway is the oldest cog railway in Europe still steam operated. After a climb up the mountain, passengers will enjoy a cruise on Lake Achen before heading back to Jenbach.
Other excursions include a visit to the Swarovski Crystal World with its landscaped gardens and immersive art installations, or a guided walking tour of Innsbruck with a visit to the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Court Church.
Swarovski Kristallwelten
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Hofburg, Innsbruck
Lake Achen
DAY 5 - MONDAY 8 JUNE 2026
Innsbruck to Salzburg
Leaving Innsbruck around mid morning, we head west along the valley carved through the Alps over the millennia by the River Inn. From Wörgl, our route sees us winding through the stunning alpine landscape of the Kitzbühel Alps and Kaiser Mountains before stopping at Zell am See, a picturesque lakeside town with colourful buildings, cosy cafes and sunny terraces overlooking the lake. Departing in the afternoon, we'll make our way to the stunning city of Salzburg by the evening.
Lake Zell
Kaiser Mountains
Salzburg
DAY 6 & 7 - TUESDAY 9 - WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2026
Exploring Salzburg
For anyone who has never been to Salzburg the city is an amazing revelation – with a storybook setting among the mountains and stately baroque Altstadt. For our passengers over the next few days the hills will be alive with not only the sound of steam but all kinds of music and the beautiful Salzburg bells which ring out every day at 6pm. Optional excursions will include Mozart and The Sound of Music Tours, as well as the option to join evening concerts in the stunning Mirabell Palace Marble Hall including works from Mozart and other composers.
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​Railway excursions include a journey from Salzburg to the Ampflwang Railway Museum by vintage train. In traditional carriages akin to The Harz Mountain Railway with open balconies we will steam 50 miles up the mainline (it would never be allowed in the UK!) to the preserved railway, its mining museum and railway roundhouse. A must for true lovers of steam.
Schafbergbahn in the Salzkammergut
Other excursions include a journey on the steepest cog railway in Austria, which runs steam hauled from the valley at St Wolfgang to the summit of Schafberg Mountain, offering views of 11 nearby lakes, or a trip over the border to Germany to visit the Eagle’s Nest, which overlooks Berchtesgaden. Passengers may choose to explore the city’s many attractions independently including the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mirabell Gardens and Palace.
Salzburg
DAY 8 - THURSDAY 11 JUNE 2026
Salzburg to Frankfurt & Wiesbaden
Steam locomotive 01 1104 is back at the helm for our final day on board, for the journey across Germany passing the cities of Munich and Nuremberg on our way to the Rhine Valley and our hotels in Wiesbaden and Frankfurt for our last night.
Tucked in a valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, the relaxed spa town of Wiesbaden is the perfect place to reflect on our adventures. Those staying in Frankfurt will enjoy a stay in one of the city’s most exclusive postcodes, next to the Opera House and overlooking the lush Liesel-Christ Park.
1104 heads for Wiesbaden, Joachim Schmidt
Diamante Bar
Opera House, Frankfurt
DAY 9 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2026
Farewell at Frankfurt or Wiesbaden
After a leisurely breakfast in our hotels in Frankfurt or Wiesbaden, those who have booked a transfer to the UK will depart for Eurostar connections to London, whilst those travelling independently may choose to enjoy their hotel’s facilities, extend their holiday or make onward travel connections at the nearby international airport at Frankfurt.
Frankfurt
Wiesbaden Kurhaus
Old town, Wiesbaden
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.