As summer fades and the crowds thin, Europe takes on a different kind of magic. Warm days give way to cooler evenings, landscapes soften into autumnal shades, and the pace of life slows. It’s the perfect moment for a late-summer escape – and Rail Europe makes it easy to reach some of the season’s most inviting destinations by train.
Baltic Sunshine in Germany’s Northeast
It’s a little-known fact that Germany’s sunniest region isn’t in the south, but along the Baltic coast. The historic port city of Stralsund is the perfect starting point for trips to the elegant resort towns of Binz and Ahlbeck, where seaside promenades and long, sandy beaches are bathed in gentle September light. These coastal gems are well connected by rail from Berlin and Hamburg, making them an effortless getaway. Fast ICE trains dash from Berlin to Stralsund in under three hours.
Harvest Season in Europe’s Wine Regions
September and early October also bring one of Europe’s most anticipated traditions: the grape harvest. In Tuscany, travellers can head west to Bolgheri, the gateway to the Maremma region. Just 1hr 45mins by direct train from Florence it’s home to some of Tuscany’s most acclaimed contemporary wines – the perfect combination of coastal landscapes and cutting-edge winemaking.
Further north, Piedmont’s Langhe region—home to Barolo and Barbaresco—welcomes visitors to sample wines at their freshest, while in Switzerland, the terraced slopes of Lavaux and the valleys of Valais combine harvest festivities with sweeping Alpine views. In France, Alsace offers medieval charm and celebrated white wines, while just across the border the Moselle Valley stretches into Germany and Luxembourg, with Riesling traditions rooted in steep riverbank vineyards.
Whether it’s the last warm days by the sea or the golden glow of vineyard hillsides, late summer in Europe is a season to savour. With Rail Europe, travellers can plan and book multi-destination journeys with ease, making the most of the continent’s scenic routes and smooth connections. Today, Rail Europe brings together tickets and passes from 230+ operators across Europe on a single platform.
Discover your own late-summer journey at raileurope.com
