

A journey along Europe’s most spectacular night train routes, uncovering hidden natural stories along the way — stories of landscapes, wildlife, and the ecosystems that shape them.We meet people on board and along the routes. What unites them is a special connection to nature. Traveling through the night and into the early hours of morning, our routes take us across Germany, Scandinavia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, and almost the entire Balkan Peninsula, all the way to the outskirts of Istanbul.

On the night train journey from Berlin to Stockholm, magical Baltic landscapes and hidden islands glide by in the first light of dawn. Porpoises can be observed in the Øresund, and moths and open-water swimmers can be spotted at the northernmost tip of Denmark. In addition, travelers celebrate Midsummer and learn about ancient customs, flower rituals, and dances.
Aired: 2/23/2026
Crossing the Alps in the middle of the night: The route of the night train from Budapest to Zurich leads through savannah-like reed landscapes, via Vienna and the Tyrolean Karwendel mountains, and through the Swiss lake district. Along the way, a train attendant offers insights into her life between the sleeping car and the starry sky. Upon arrival in Switzerland, the journey continues with an exploration of the formation of the Alps.