From May to August 2022, I embarked on my first major Interrail adventure — a 3-month train journey through 21 European countries that became the foundation for my travel lifestyle today. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a deep dive into the heart of Europe, its landscapes, cultures, and the unique rhythm of slow travel.
Whether you’re dreaming of backpacking Europe by train, planning your own Interrail route, or simply curious about the magic of long-term travel, here’s my full review — with stats, highlights, and personal insights to inspire your journey.
Trip Overview
May–August 2022 · 21 countries visited
Trains: 104 · Distance: 22,952 km · Time on trains: 11 days 14 hours 39 minutes
This route was almost 95% by train, proving that Europe’s rail network is one of the most rewarding and sustainable ways to explore the continent. I used the Interrail Global Pass to weave together iconic capitals, hidden gems, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Countries Visited
Here’s the full list of countries from my Interrail 2022 journey, in the order they appeared on my passport stamps and travel memories:
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇦🇹 Austria
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇬🇷 Greece
- 🇹🇷 Turkey
- 🇷🇴 Romania
- 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
- 🇷🇸 Serbia
- 🇭🇺 Hungary
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
- 🇵🇱 Poland
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇱🇺 Luxembourg
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇳🇴 Norway
- 🇫🇮 Finland
Tip: If you’re planning a similar route, mixing major hubs like Paris and Rome with smaller cities such as Brno and Luxembourg will give you a richer, more balanced travel experience.
Trip Highlights
- 🏔 Scenic train rides across the Swiss Alps and Norwegian fjords
- 🏞 Discovering the Lofoten Islands in Norway — a photographer’s dream
- 🌌 Crossing the Arctic Circle in Sweden and experiencing the midnight sun
- 🏛 Exploring ancient history in Athens, Greece, and Istanbul, Türkiye
- 🌇 Sunset views over Ankara, Türkiye
- 🌊 Coastal sunsets in Pisa, Italy
- 🏰 Medieval old towns in Brno, Budapest, and Luxembourg City
- 🍷 Regional wine & spirits tastings in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the Balkans
- 🎶 Immersing in Balkan culture in Belgrade, Sofia, and Bucharest
- 🌉 Iconic cityscapes of Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Stockholm
Why This Journey Was Special
Interrail 2022 was my first long-distance, multi-country train journey — and it completely transformed my travel philosophy. At the time, I was studying philosophy and practicing the Socratic method as a way to engage more deeply with the world. My goal was to learn how to talk to strangers when traveling, ask thoughtful questions, and discover stories I could never find in guidebooks.
This journey became my personal classroom on wheels. I learned how to balance fast-paced exploration with the art of slow travel, how to stay flexible with plans, and how to connect with local culture beyond the typical tourist experience. From brief chats in train stations to hours-long conversations on night trains, I became more confident in approaching strangers — and far less shy than when I started.
It wasn’t just about ticking countries off a list; it was about living the journey. From quiet moments watching landscapes blur past the window to spontaneous detours into cities I’d never heard of, every train ride carried a sense of possibility.
If you’re planning your own Interrail or Eurail trip, my biggest advice is to leave space for the unexpected. Some of my most memorable travel moments happened in places that weren’t on my original itinerary. Whether you’re seeking scenic train rides, cultural immersion, or meaningful human connection, Interrail offers the perfect blend of adventure and self-discovery.
📍 Read more Interrail stories, route guides, and travel reflections at Travel with Spirits. Follow my journeys on Instagram @travelwithspirits.