Europe’s protected landscapes where rail is not an alternative, but the defining way in

Paris – 31 March 2026 –  Europe may have more than 200 airports, but it has over 40,000 railway stations!. This structural difference plays a defining role in how travellers access some of the continent’s most protected natural landscapes. 

Across Europe, numerous national parks have introduced measures to manage car access — from traffic restrictions to reservation systems — in order to protect fragile ecosystems and better control visitor flows. In these destinations, rail is not an alternative mode of transport: it can be the defining way in, enabling access while supporting long-term conservation. 

As travellers plan their summer trips for this year, interest in nature, slower travel and lower-impact experiences continues to grow. 

At the same time, natural destinations across Europe are facing increasing pressure to balance tourism demand with environmental preservation. In many of these areas, managing access has become a priority, with measures ranging from limiting road traffic to introducing visitor control systems. 

In this context, rail is taking on a more structural role. Beyond being a lower-impact alternative, it provides a way to channel visitor flows more effectively, making it easier to reach these destinations while reducing reliance on cars and short-haul flights. It also enables multi-country itineraries that connect cities and nature more seamlessly. 

Case studies: rail as access and conservation tool 

France – Calanques National Park 

One of the most visited national parks in France, the Calanques receive around 3 million visitors each year, including both land and sea access, according to park authorities. In response to overtourism pressures, quotas and reservation systems have been introduced in certain areas, alongside efforts to discourage car-based access. Rail and public transport play a central role in managing visitor flows and reducing environmental impact. 

Germany – Saxon Switzerland National Park 

Located along the Elbe Gorge, Saxon Switzerland National Park attracts around 1.7 million visitors annually. To protect its sandstone formations and fragile habitats, car access is restricted in several areas. Bad Schandau station, situated within the park, provides direct rail access, reinforcing the role of rail as a key pillar in sustainable visitor management. 

Austria – Hohe Tauern National Park 

Austria’s largest national park spans a high-alpine landscape where road infrastructure is deliberately limited and access points are spread across three federal states. With no single entry system, access to the park depends largely on a small number of structured connection points. 
In this context, rail stands out as one of the most structured and direct ways to reach the park. Stations such as Mallnitz-Obervellach (Carinthia), Zell am See (SalzburgerLand) and Lienz (East Tyrol), located along key Alpine rail corridors, act as natural gateways to this protected environment, connecting the main valleys from which the park experience unfolds. 
In 2025, 35,500 visitors took part in guided activities or visited interpretation centres, alongside 42,000 schoolchildren, reflecting a model of managed, educational access. Within this balance between access and conservation, rail does more than provide connectivity — it helps structure how visitors arrive. 

Switzerland / Italy – The Bernina Railway 

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, the Bernina Railway links Switzerland and Italy through sensitive alpine environments. Capacity management along the line highlights the role of rail not only as an access point, but as a tool for conservation in high-sensitivity areas. 

Rail as a conservation tool 

Unlike air travel, which concentrates arrivals into a limited number of hubs, Europe’s rail network extends deep into protected regions. Where car access is restricted or discouraged, rail enables visitors to reach these destinations without adding pressure through roads, parking or traffic. 

For destinations seeking to balance access with preservation — and for travellers looking to explore Europe beyond its cities in 2026 — rail is not simply the more sustainable choice. In these landscapes, it is the defining one.