Your hidden gems

No one knows Europe like Interrailers – we asked for the best hidden gems, and our travel community delivered. Check out some of their favourite lesser-known locations across the continent and get ready to take the rails less travelled on your next trip...

(Winner photo) Wernigerode Castle, Germany closer

Wernigerode, Germany – Andreas

"Wernigerode Castle in Saxony-Anhalt is a true hidden gem. It's located right at the foot of the enchanted Harz Mountains, the highest mountains of northern Germany. The medieval town is a beauty as well, especially in autumn."

How to get there

There are trains from most major German cities. The journey from Berlin takes around 3 hours.

Wernigerode traditional witch puppets

Wernigerode Castle

Wernigerode town hall

Lago Bianco, Switzerland – Anna

"We found the Lago Bianco in Switzerland by accident, when travelling from Switzerland to Italy by train. It is the most beautiful and magical place I have ever been to and we can't wait to go back."

How to get there

If you want to explore the lake, take a train to Ospizio Bernina (reachable on the Bernina Express). You can then walk the 4km route along the lake and through the mountains to Alp Grüm. The station at Alp Grüm lets you continue your journey through scenic Switzerland.

St Moritz, Switzerland

Lago Bianco

The Bernina Express

Biertan Village, Romania – Denis

"This is Biertan Village in Transylvania, Romania. It has this superb landscape and fortified church that dates from 1524. It has a unique 'matrimonial prison' and a complex door lock in thirteen points. Life has changed so little here over the centuries."

How to get there

There are train connections from Sighișoara and Sibiu to Mediaş, where you can then catch a regional bus to Biertan.

Fortified Church, Biertan

Biertan Village

Thirteen lock mechanism, Church of Biertan

Kralingse Plas, Rotterdam, Netherlands close

Kralingse Plas, Netherlands – Martijn

"Walking around the Kralingse Plas gives a feeling of serenity in the middle of the large city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. You can have it all here: forest, beach, windmills. And all while seeing the stunning skyline of Rotterdam. My favourite place!"

How to get there

Rotterdam is extremely well connected to most towns and cities in the Netherlands with trains running multiple times an hour. Kralingse Plas is a pleasant 40 minute walk from the station.

Kralingse windmill, Rotterdam

Kralingse Plas

Aerial view of Rotterdam

Rhine Falls, Switzerland – Neetesh

"My hidden gems were the moments in my trip when we found real relaxation, happiness, and a feeling of contentedness. This picture is taken at the Rhine Falls in Switzerland. While travelling with our daughter made it more difficult to climb to the top, this moment made it all worth it."

How to get there

You can reach Rhine Falls by taking a train to either Neuhausen Rheinfall or Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall which are both located right next to the falls. The journey takes around 45 minutes from Zurich.

Schaffhausen city and Rhein river

Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls and castle Laufen

Velky Rozsutec, Slovakia – Marek

"Slovakia is sometimes called a small Switzerland. Many people visit just the capital city and do not go further. It is time to change that! What do you think when you look at this photo from our mountains? :) This is called Velky Rozsutec."

How to get there

From Bratislava, you can take a train to Zilina and then a bus to Terchová. To visit the mountains, it's best to take a taxi to the entrance of the park.