Country specificities

Already visited in: 1992-2023. Born here, always lived here (in Avignon, Blois, Souvigny-en-Sologne, Mer (Mer, Loir-et-Cher), Reims, Narbonne, Toulouse and Colomiers). I’ve been in pretty much all major cities, except Nice and Rennes, and seen almost all metropolitan regions, altough I don’t know Haute-Normandie too much, and I’ve never been to Corsica or any oversea territories.

As my country of residence, France isn’t included in the Interrail pass. And let me tell you, train in France is outrageously expensive, even with reduction cards. We’re talking 100 € to cross the country. To be fair, the network is modern, relatively on time (despite what all French people you’ll ever met will say), comfortable and fast. But still overly expensive for long distances, it’s just discouraging.

So the crossings of France will be limited to the bare minimum. I’ll be five times in France: Leaving home for Paris and the United Kingdom by undersea train, coming back from there to Lille and toward Belgium, then four-ish months later, entering back from Italy, I might do a stop in Nice before Monaco. After Monaco, I’ll probably re-take the breathtaking Yellow Train to reach Andorra (well sadly the last bit will have to be done by bus), and finally going back home from Spain once the trip is over.

What I’d like to experience: Not much this time, but the Yellow Train is really ideally placed on the route ngl. Same for the French Riviera. Maybe some bits of Paris that I haven’t seen yet too.

Already visited in: 1996, 1997, 2022. The first time was a roadtrip with my parents, sadly I have no memories of that. We went all the way to Scotland but Nessie didn’t answered to my calls :(. Second time was with my mother and grandmother, just in London. 2022 was also just in London for a week-end, with my friend Pierre, for an ABBA hologram concert, of all things.

A shame that this great country (let’s be honest, we owe to the Brits so many inventions and cultural milestones) is the only one of the whole trip that requires a passport, now that Russia and Belarus are out of the route. But at least it is an island reachable by a train. That goes under the sea! Now if you don’t think that is cool, then idk.

I’ll be crossing it twice because of the Republic of Ireland enclavesque situation. Probably taking the ferry out from Wales and the one back from Northern Ireland to Scotland. I could do the first border crossing by train, but that would be a ridiculous useless detour, so boat it is.

I think the United Kingdom is going to be one of the « see you later » places of this trip. There is so many things to see, but I’ve already been there, and most importantly at this time I’ll be in a bit of a rush until reaching northern Sweden, and I’d rather spend more time in Ireland.

What I’d like to experience: With that said, I’d love to see a bit of Scottish wilderness, Stonehenge, and I absolutely want to see the Giant’s Causeway!

The Republic of Ireland will be the first country of the trip that I’ve never been to before. It’s been on my bucket list for years. I almost went there in 2022 on a last minute holiday, but it was just too expensive. I guess I’ll probably come back to it in a few years, in summer or spring. Still, February should be fine on the Irish pub side of things.

I’ll be arriving by boat in Rosslare Harbour, do a little tour of the island, and cross the land border back to the United Kingdom by train from Dublin.

What I’d like to experience: The rolling green hills, but that might be difficult in February by train, the Cliffs of Moher, the Irish pubs’ life, and if I’m extra lucky, maybe a Foils, Arms and Hog show?

Already visited in: Somewhere in the early 2000s or even earlier, 2016. No idea how many times. I remember a book village, a fairytale festival and a night full of falling stars at a converted water tower. Could be the same trip, could be three different trips… In 2016, we just crossed it by car on the way to and from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Belgium, along with the rest of Benelux will have to make do with a very short visit too. But I definitely want to take one of the World’s longest tram, which runs along the coast from De Panne to Knokke-Heist. I will enter very briefly a second time, to link Belgium’s two Benelux siblings.

What I’d like to experience: The aforementionned tram, Brussel (City of Brussels) and its comics culture, Brugge (Bruges), and crossing the Ardennes.

Already visited in: 2006, the 2000s or early 2010s (absolute blur), 2016. Visited at least three or four times, maybe more. 2006 was all the way to the East of the country. In 2016, it was to see my childhood friend Hugo and his band Fractal Universe in concert, in Esch-sur-Alzette, and I also visited Luxembourg (Luxembourg City).

A quick visit too, but at least I can take a bit of time to explore off-railway places, as all public transports of Luxembourg are free! But it’s a very expensive country, so one night will have to do.

What I’d like to see: The northern part of the country, which is more rural, and the castle of Vianden. I don’t think I’ll push to Luxembourg this time.

Already visited in: 2016. A trip with my then-girlfriend Céline and our roommate Pierre. We went to Gouda (Gouda, South Holland), Rotterdam, Utrecht, De Hoge Veluwe NP, Amsterdam and Zaanstad.

The good Kingdom of the Netherlands will only see me pass quickly. I’ve already seen a few of its biggest cities, but this country is such a vibe, would love to stay a bit more.

What I’d like to experience: I’d really like to see the blooming Keukenhof Gardens, but unfortunately I’ll be there probably a few weeks too early. I might enter the country through Maastricht. And why not cycling for a bit? I’ve already done it in February there, I can do it again.

Already visited in: 1990s-2000s, 2010, 2016, 2017. My grandparents, and later my father, lived in Rustenhart, a small village a few kilometers away from the German border, which means I probably regularly step foot in Germany, but always close to the border. We also might have cross it to see my family in Switzerland a few times, like in 2010. 2016 was also a short border hop, but this time in Landau in der Pfalz (Landau), with my Reims roommates for a Christmas market. In 2017, I went with my friend Alex to an Iron Maiden show in Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt).

Germany is situated bang in the middle of Europe, and thus I will visit it in different segments, two or three. The first one will be a visit of Hamburg on my way to Denmark. The second will take me to the South-East corner, between Czechia and Austria. Finally, a third one might occur, if I go for a tour of Lake Constance.

Another rail curiosity for which Germany is unique (although there is one in Russia too) are suspendion railways. Imagine the lovechild of a tramway, and a zipline. No, no, not a cablecar. An actual tram going through the city, suspended to a rail on its roof. Crazy cool! There are four of those, and I intend on taking one for sure.

Funfact Germany has a rail link with Sweden: a train that goes on a boat! Sounds amazing, but I need to conquer the Danish Realm before going to Sweden. Maybe another time.

What I’d like to see: The World famous German punctuality at work on the rail, Schloss Neuschwanstein castle, and Lake Constance.

Already visited in: 2016. A short but very relaxing layover on our way back from Norway. We spent most of the day in the oldest bar in København (Copenhagen), it was a truly timeless moment. Until we had to run through the airport.

I’m really curious what the Danish Realm has to offer on its continental part. I’ll then make my way to the capital city, and take the epic half-bridge half-tunnel half-railway Øresund Bridge, taking me over- and under-water to the non-bordering country of Sweden. How cool is that?

What I’d like to experience: Maybe Stevns Cliffs, Roskilde or Odense, København and the Øresund Bridge.

Entering in a grand fashion by emerging from an undersea train tunnel, I’ll first set foot in Malmö, and will head directly north to Norway. But despair not fellow Swedish reader, I’ll be back a bit later via Östersund, and will follow the East coast all the way North, before entering the Arctic circle and finally reaching Abisko NP. A possible quick round-trip to Narvik, Norway might cut this visit into two, and then I’ll head for Finland, crossing by foot in Haparanda/Tornio. Indeed the two countries don’t share the same rail gauge, so there are no direct connections between the two neighboring towns.

What I’d like to experience: The Northern lights of course! Preferably at Abisko NP or Jukkasjärvi. Otherwise, just the beautiful scandinavian nature, under a thick mantle of snow.

Already visited in: 2016. If you have ever met me in person, chances are I told you the Glacier story and even Alex’s other mischiefs. More than once. Sorry, it’s just my best travel story. It even beats the bear in Yosemite NP. Anyway it was an epic roadtrip, from Stavanger to Bergen, via the Preikestolen and Folgefonna NP with Alex, Paul and Bobby.

One of my favourite countries, I’ll be entering Norway from the South, with a possible stop in Oslo, and taking the railway toward Bergen, as it seems to be one beauty of a ride. The real rail Graal though is the Flåm line, which is said to be among the most beautiful and steepest train line in the World! It is not in the Interrail pass though, but I just can’t miss this occasion. The next step will be going North up to Trondheim, before bifurcating East towards Sweden. Indeed, the Northernmost train station in Europe might be Narvik, in Norway, you can only reach it from Sweden. Which I could possibly do, making it a second visit. That remains to be seen.

What I’d like to experience: Crossing the Sognefjorden and taking the Flåm railway, watching the mythical Norwegian landscapes passing by the train windows. The Lofoten Islands would be amazing too, but I doubt it’ll be possible.

The country of thousands lakes. I’m eager to cross it, as I imagine the railway slaloming between the multitude of water pools. Although I’m still not sure yet what are the best places to visit by train.

The first non-Scandinavian Nordic country, Finland doesn’t have direct rail connection with its neighbours, except for Russia, where I won’t go. The war would have not started, I would have probably go through Санкт-Петербург (Saint Petersburg) on my way to Estonia. Instead, I will take the Helsinki-Tallinn ferry.

What I’d like to experience: Natural spaces. Lappajärvi? Salamajärvi NP? Savonlinna? Not sure yet.

Getting there by ferry from Helsinki, I will enjoy a couple of days in Tallinn and its surroundings for sure. Actually, I am very keen on visiting Estonia and the other Baltic states. I don’t know why exactly, they’ve always intrigued and attracted me. The journey will likely take me to Tartu and Valga (Valga, Estonia).

What I’d like to experience: Lahemaa NP, Tallinn’s old city, and the Baltic vibe in general.

Another border crossed by foot, in the twin cities of Valga/Valka, to change from the Estonian rail network to its Latvian counterpart. After Valka, I’d like to see Rīga (Riga) and Cēsis in Gauja NP. I’m not sure yet if I will leave the country directky from Rīga, or through Daugavpils.

What I’d like to experience: Old Rīga, Gauja NP, maybe also Limbaži.

And we’ll round up the Baltic states with Lithuania. I have yet to decide where I’ll enter and go exactly, but chances are I’ll go to either Kaunas or Vilnius, or both. Then aime tight for the Polish border between Russia and Belarus.

What I’d like to experience: Trakai Historical NP and its castle. An excursion to the Curonian Spit would be cool for sure, but might be difficult.

Next step: Poland! Such a vast country, in fact a bit too vast for this journey. I will have to come back for the Western part on a future trip, as I’d like to focus more on the central/Eastern part. There are quite a few cities I’d like to visit, especially in the South.

What I’d like to experience: Many cities, Warszawa (Warsaw), Kraków, Katowice, Łódź… Also I’d like to hike in Tatra NP in Zakopane.

Now up to this point, the route was quite obvious. All countries were pretty much one after the other without much choice of which one to go next. But now we ain’t along the coast anymore, we’re going inland, baby, and things are getting messy. Central and Eastern Europe is a patchwork of countries, and defining a route took a bit of time. In the end, I think I figured it out though, and I decided that I’ll leave Poland for Czech Republic, crossing via a small but apparently very cute line between Jelenia Góra and Liberec. Or maybe I’ll ditch that plan and enter in the East to Olomouc. It is likely that I re-enter the country between South-East Germany and my first visit to Austria.

Czech Republic is another country that I’ve been on my bucket list for ages. I really want to spend some good time in Praha (Prague), and hopefully one or two National Parks. My route will only get me through the Western half of the country though.

What I’d like to experience: Spend time in the capital, go to Plzeň through Český kras visit the Bohemian Paradise, České Budějovice, Český Krumlov…

Already visited in: 1995. We crossed it by car between Slovenia and Germany, and slept in Aurach bei Kitzbühel. However, I was three year-old and have no memories of this whole trip. So yeah. I’m quite the Austrian expert.

I will cut the exploration of Austria in two. The first bit will be after Czech Republic and the visit to South-East Germany. I’m not sure yet if I’ll enter directly from Germany, or from the Czech Republic, and that will decide when to visit Salzburg. In any case, I’ll be heading to Wien (Vienna), and on to Slovakia.

I’ll be back about six weeks later, from Slovenia, for a much wider visit, as I intend to cross the entire country East to West. It’s a train trip I’ve been wanting to do for a few years now, from Graz all the way to the Liechtenstein. That one’s gonna be good!

A third short hop might happen depending on what I decide to do around Lake Constance.

What I’d like to experience: Salzburg and the Salzkammergut, Wien, a train ride through the Alps and the Tyrol, Graz, Innsbruck.

Another bucket list destination, I might consider entering Slovakia by boat on the Danube. After Bratislava, I’ll hike in the Slovak Tatra NP, north of Poprad, before taking the slow way to Košice and Hungary.

What I’d like to experience: Taking a ferry from Wien to Bratislava, hiking in Tatra NP, exploring caves in Slovak Karst NP, and visiting medieval towns like the Spiš Castle.

My route in Hungary will be some kind of a loop, from the North East to a tour around Lake Balaton, and exiting in the South East towards Romania.

What I’d like to experience: Aggtelek caves, Budapest, walking in Lake Balaton area, Pécs.

Another country I’ll divide in two: first, crossing Transylvania and the rest of Northern Romania, from Oradea to Iași, where I’ll change train for Moldova.

Back the same way a couple days later, and heading South towards Brașov, București (Bucharest), and finally Bulgaria.

What I’d like to experience: Wind my way through the Carpathian Mountains, go bear-watching around Brașov and face vampires in Bran Castle.

The Eastern region of Transnistria, between the Dniester river and the Ukrainian border, has declared its independance in the early 1990s, but has never been recognised by any country. But most importantly, this territory is too dangerous for me to venture here, so I will have to pass on this region. And I don’t necessarily mean dangerous in a physical sense, but also for the journey itself. I’ve heard that it can be tricky to get out of this region without proper paperwork, and the Embassy might be unable to help. Before the War in Ukraine, it was the last hot spot of Europe, along with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, other separatist regions in Georgia. Which is a shame, I’m sure the good citizens of this area would appreciate more tourism and less political hassle.

The rest of Moldova seems OK, although a bit less safe than the rest of Europe, so hopefully I will have a friend with me there. I’m excited to go to the least visited country of the continent, it can turn out to be a real adventure, but I’d rather face problems while being two to tackle them.

Unfortunately, Moldova is one of the two countries not covered by the Interrail pass. It means that, A, I’ll have to pay for transport and B, each day here is a day lost on the pass. So it’ll have to be just a very short visit, a bit under two days, depending on train schedule.

What I’d like to experience: Chișinău, Old Ohrei complex in Ohrei NP, and maybe Mileștii Mici, the largest winery in the World.

Already visited in: 2022. It was the last step before Turkey during the 2022 Warm-Up trip. I spent a couple of days in wonderful София (Sofia), hiked in the Vitosha, climbed the two tallest hills of Пловдив (Plovdiv), and back the same way a few days later.

This time, I’d like to sea the Black Sea Coast, although it might be a bit early in the year to sunbathe. I’ll spend a few days in the country before diving into Greece.

What I’d like to experience: The coast, София again.

Ah, Greece. Now that’s on everyone’s destination dream list, including mine. Alas (see what I did there?), there is just too much to see in this mighty old country. I’d like to take proper time to explore Αθήνα (Athens) and many more ancient cities, see the coast and islands… That’s just too much to do for this journey. So sadly, that’ll be a see you later, and just a quick hop to say hello in the North of the country.

What I’d like to experience: This time, only Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessaloniki) and the Meteora monasteries.

I’ll enter North Macedonia from the South to Битола (Bitola), unfortunately by bus, as it seems that all rail links between Greece and North Macedonia are temporarily closed. Information is sparsed, so there is still hope. I’ll then head for the capital city, before coming back the same way a couple days later. After that, I’ll stick to buses to visit the great Ohrid Lake and cross into Albania. Quite excited to go to less visited countries like this one!

However, there are some part of the country not as safe as the rest,  as they still might have unexploded mines. This is most notable in the South, so that’s why I plan on entering in Битола.

What I’d like to experience: Exploring the area around Ohrid Lake and Galičica NP, escape to Matka Canyon from Скопје (Skopje).

Albania is one of the few countries in Europe that is not linked to any of its neighbours by train. So I sadly will have to enter and exit it by bus. Actually, for the past decade, the Albanian railway is pretty much defunct. There is only one line left, between Elbasan, in the centre of the country, and Durrës on the coast. So bus bus bus. Erf… More importantly, it is, like Moldova, a country not included in the Interrail pass. As such, I will have to minimize my time spent here. But I’ve heard good stories about the Albanian beauty, and will hopefully come back some day!

From Ohrid, I’ll take a bus to Elbasan, try my luck with the one Albanian train to Durrës, and then I’m afraid it’s bus until Montenegro.

What I’d like to experience: Dürres

At this point you might begin to get annoyed at my pedant way to present the countries in the local language and alphabet. But in the case of little Montenegro, don’t worry, the latinization is as unpronounceable: Crna Gora. It means « Black Mountain » and I do hope to see them.

I’ll enter from Albania by bus to the capital Подгорица (Podgorica), see around, probably to Котор (Kotor) and Бар (Bar, Montenegro) and then go for what I’ve heard is one of the most beautiful train line in Europe, if not the World, towards Serbia…

What I’d like to experience: a hike in Biogradska Gora National Park, the bay of Котор

Already visited in: 2022. Serbia was part of the 2022 Warm-Up trip, and boy it wasn’t the easiest bit. I visited Нови Сад (Novi Sad), Београд (Belgrade) and Ниш (Niš), had some difficulties with buses, and crossed the whole country in a slow but enjoyable train ride.

This time, I will mostly stay around Београд, but not after the EPIC ride from Montenegro, going through insane sceneries. Interestingly, this line goes through a short 9 km stretch into Bosnia and Herzegovina, but doesn’t stop. So my Serbian visit will be technically cut in two, kind of.

But let’s address Kosovo. Kosovo has declared its independance from Serbia in 2008, but has not yet been globally recognized by UN globally, although my home country did. It is safe to visit, even though part of Northern Kosovo is a bit less safe than th rest these days, and I’m sure it has plenty of sights to offer. So why not go? Well, I’ve heard stories of how authorities can make your trip a nightmare depending on where you enter or leave Serbia and/or Kosovo. I know from experience that Serbia is not too easy to navigate already, so I prefer to avoid more complications. Sorry Kosovo!

What I’d like to experience: the Montenegro-Serbia railway of course! Maybe stopping at Ужице (Užice) to reach Tara NP.

Ok, here comes a challenge I think. Currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t linked by rail to any of its neighbour, except for that aforementionned short section of the Бар-Београд line. However, the train doesn’t even stop on that portion, hence my first visit in this country will be a super short one, where I won’t even step foot on its soil. I will have to come back some days later, by bus.

Information about the national rail network is quite sparse too. Overall, it seems very limited, with virtually just one line going from Сарајево (Sarajevo) to Мостар (Mostar), so I will hope for the best and try to reach Мостар, from where I’ll bus my way to Croatia, which might be a very long ride.

Also note that Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country of the Interrail to not have its own national pass.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has some areas that are less safe if you are hiking, as there are places with unexploded mines from the 1990s war.

What I’d like to experience: Мостар, Kozara NP woul be cool, but it’s probably way too off the way.

Already visited in: 2019, 2022. I went there with my ex-gf Céline, by car from Toulouse. We stayed a couple of days in a small town south of Rijeka, visited Plitvice Lakes NP and Krka NP (which imo was much better!), then enjoyed an ultra cheap airbnb and relaxed on the beaches around Šibenik. Three years later I came back as part of the Warm-Up trip, crossing the other half of the Croatian crescent from Zagreb to Osijek. Ever heard of « deux salles, deux ambiances »?

This time I hope to visit the southern part of Croatia, admire the mountains throwing themselves into the Mediterannean from the train, and end in the capital.

As in Bosnia and Herzegovina, some regions might still have active mines, so I’ll avoid hiking if I go around these parts.

What I’d like to experience: Get some time to visit Zagreb this time, maybe go to Žumberak.

Already visited in: 1995, 2019, 2022. We drove there with my parents, when I was only three years old (wish I had any memories of that!), on the footsteps of my grandfather, born in Krmelj, in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire (He was born in 1911!). I finally came back to Slovenia in 2019 with Céline on our way to Croatia, and I immediately fell in love with that country. It’s a beautiful, pure emerald. Seriously, it’s green like you wouldn’t believe. Driving through the countryside between Bled, Tolmin gorges in Triglav NP, and Postojna was an absolute blast. Slovenia might not have a lot of impressive features, but it is cute af. A country you just want to hug. I was gladly back there in 2022 on my way to Turkey, where I finally visited Ljubljana. This paragraph is getting long enough already, so I’ll cut to the point: the capital is just as the rest of the country, clean, cute, beautiful, calm, lovely.

I can’t wait to be back to what might be my favourite country on Earth. I’ll start in Ljubljana, go North, then East, then reach Maribor, and off to Austria for the second leg.

What I’d like to experience: I lowkey want to do Postojna Caves again, as it’s beautiful, is on the route, and has an underground train. Or maybe the caves in Divača. The Sežana-Jesenice line looks gorgeous, I’ll certainly go through there.

Little Liechtenstein has only one train line, crossing in the North from Austria to Switzerland, and only two active stations. Although not counted in the 33 Interrail countries, it actually is included with Austria, and thus with the Global Pass.

What I’d like to experience: Walking from the two farthest points of the country takes roughly 6 h so… I guess I’ve found a hike idea…

Already visited in: 1995, 1996, mid 1990s to late 2000s, 2010. Having family living around Lausanne, I’ve frequently visited this part of Switzerland. How many times and how far, that I can’t tell. I only have photo proofs of 1995, 1996 and 2010. But I think the last time was in 2010, for the muddy but god-tier billed Zürich Sonisphere.

Switzerland is known for having some of the most jaw-dropping train rides, along with the highest train station in Europe. And I will totally abuse the Interrail power to get on a few of them.

Again, depending on whether or not I go around Lake Constance, The visit might be cut in two. Details…

What I’d like to experience: Admiring Zermatt and other Alpine great peaks from the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, Grindelwald.

Already visited in: 1995, 1996, 2005, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022. Let’s just do a quick recap before I bore you to death, again. First time was on route to Slovenia, ’96 was all the way down to Bari, next visit was a quick border crossing to Sampeyre. 2016 was a short stop in Ventimiglia before reaching Mercantour NP, 2018 was a week-end in Venezia (Venice), 2019 was again on the way to Slovenia (and Venezia again) and finally 2022 as the first step of the Turkey Warm-Up, including Genova (Genoa), Cinque Terre NP and more.

Well, well, well. Where do we start? In the Alps, I guess, from one of the epic Swiss border crossing. I’ve already been to Northern Italy a few times, and there is PLENTY of things to do here, so I’ll move on directly to San Marino.

The second leg (and technically a third very short one, see Vatican City below) will be a quick jump from one Italy-enclaved microstate to another, with a few days stay in Roma, where I have some family, a plethora of historical sites to visit, and also Vatican City to tackle.

The next leg will get me all the way down to the tip of the boot, taking a super-ultra cool train going ON A BOAT to Sicily. Freaking amazing! Depending on ferries schedules, I’ll head more or less directly to Pozzallo and conquer the high seas to claim the Maltese isles.

Back some days later for the last Italian leg, going through Napoli and the Amalfi Coast, towards the French border and who knows which of the brilliant cities of this beaufiul country.

What I’d like to experience: A proper visit to Firenze (Florence) and Roma, visiting a few Sicilian cities if time is on my side, hiking on the Amalfi coast…

San Marino is not included in the Interrail Pass, for no other reasons that it doesn’t have trains… Or does it?

You see, there used to be a Rimini-San Marino line, wit lots of tunnels, but most of it got destroyed during WWII, and hasn’t been rebuilt since. However, one of the trains was stationned inside one of the tunnels, and in the last decade or so, the Associazone Treno Bianco started to renovate the car and also 800 m of railway. Information is not too easy to find, but from what I could gather, they rarely make the train roll. It happens on few specific occasions, but I plan on contacting them to get more information. Who knows, there might be a date in 2024?

Anyway, I’ll have to enter and leave by bus.

What I’d like to experience: At the very least go see the stationed train and walk along the tunnels of the old rail line, visit the monuments of Città di San Marino (City of San Marino). And why not also hiking through the countryside, between the two farthest points (which would take about three to four hours).

Ah, Vatican City! A city-state of religion, but for me mostly a place of challenges.

First, to get that out of the way: yes, I could also cross the country by foot between its two farthest point, but considering that they are barely 1.1 km apart, I consider that just walking through Saint Peter’s Square is enough to validate that challenge. However, – and that’s actually more of an Italian challenge technically – I will walk around the whole country. Seriously, it takes like 1 h.

Second challenge, much more serious: staying in the country for a continuous 24 h period. Now, you might not have thought about this (can’t blame you), but unless you’re friend with the Pope, ain’t no way you’re staying there. No hotels or any accomodations for tourists, and the whole country closes in the evening, come on, bugger off to Italy for the night, come back tomorrow. However, thankfully for my OCD, there is a tiny loophole, that can only be considered valid if you’re a damn purist like me: The border officially goes through the road around Saint Peter’s Square. The idea comes from Tor Pedersen from Once Upon a Saga. He also wanted to stay for 24 h, and tried to contact the Vaticanese authorities explaining his project, but to no avail. Instead, he slept on the sidewalk, on the Vaticanese side of the road. It’s under the careful watch of the Swiss Guards, so perfectly safe. Now I will just have to time everything right, as, right after that, I will have to meet with a tour at the entrance of the Museums… which is on the Italian side. That will lead us to the second part of the visit.

Last but most important of all: the train. « Wait, Alexis, wdym train, are there actually trains in Vatican City ». Well, actually yes, it’s the second most dense rail network in the World after Monaco, they have a WHOPPING 300 m of lines!!! In all seriousness, these aren’t really used much. The only way to take a train in Vatican City is to book a tour (obviously not included in the Interrail) which includes visiting museums, the gardens (which is otherwise closed to the public) and a trip to Gandolfo Castle. However, the trains used are regional electrical Italian trains, but the electrification of course doesn’t extend past the tall wall of Città del Vaticano (Vatican City). So only the tip of the train crosses the border, and I’ll have to make sure to not pass the wall gate, and enter through the first train door and stay at the back.

What I’d like to experience: Fingers crossed that I can book a tour with the train. It’s only once a week!

Malta doesn’t have a rail network anymore (and obviously isn’t in the interrail), so the closest experience I can get is visiting the rail museum which has a train car on display under glass. But that won’t stop me making the best out of the island(s), easily done by public bus.

If all goes to plan, Malta will be the last country of the trip that I have not visited before. But there is still a long road ahead.

What I’d like to experience: The Hagar Qim and Mnajdra ruins, some bay and beaches…

Already visited in: 2016. After 3 days of hiking in Mercantour NP, Pierre, Kamel and I spent an afternoon in Monaco.

To be fair, it’s pretty much the opposite of what we all love the most in holidays – nature and calm -, but I guess this is a curiosity spot that you should go to if you happen to be nearby, just to tick the box. It has that unusual wealth overload glued on dramatic mountains-meeting-sea that is not too bad to see, not gonna lie.

After a short stop in my home country for the first time in months, I’ll spend an entire day in the second and last city-state of the trip, and who knows where I’ll be sleeping. I’m not too scared of cold or robbery there though.

Monaco is, like Liechtenstein, not listed as being part of the Interrail network, but its only line and station are actually included with the France pass, and thus with the Global pass. However, as being French, it doesn’t change anything for yours truly, and I’ll have to pay for tickets from Italy to Spain. That’s gonna hurt.

What I’d like to experience: I doubt they’ll let me enter a casino in my travel gear… so instead I guess I’ll take a couple of hours to walk between the two farthest points again, and then probably enjoy the beach.

Already visited in: 2018. The shortest visit ever, I’ve only seen a shopping mall. Céline and I were on a roadtrip to Barcelona and did a detour there. But driving here stressed the hell out of me and we decided to go back to Spain pretty quick. I hope the mountains will look better this time.

Andorra, like San Marino, Malta and Iceland, is not in the interrail pass because it doesn’t have trains at all. So I’ll enter by bus from France, and leave also by bus, probably to Spain directly.

However, I’ll go for a ride on the Tobotronc, a kind of self-controlled rollercoaster going through the mountains. Sounds fun!

What I’d like to experience: Hiking outside of the main valley, maybe around Pal.

Already visited in: 1998, mid-2000s, 2018, 2023. The first time was crossing Spain by car to reach Portugal, and we went back through the North coast. I probably crossed the border a couple times in the 2000s while we were on holiday in Southern France, but it’s too blury. Years later I came back for a roadtrip in Catalonia with Céline. Finally, in 2023, I technically set foot (I think) over the border at the peak of an exhausting 10 h hike to Roland’s Breach, in Pyrénées NP/Ordesa y Monte Perdido NP. Yes, it might have been only two meters inside Spanish territory, but idc, it counts.

I’m not exactly sure where to go yet in Spain this time, but most likely to the South, as I’ve never been there yet. Also Algeciras has the southernmost train station in Europe. Just sayin’. I’ll also have to do a second crossing of Spain to get back home after Portugal, obvisouly.

What I’d like to experience: Burning on the Costa del Sol, walking in Sierra Nevada NP.

Already visited in: 1998. That’s a visit I remember fondly. Well, I can’t remember it too much to be honest, I was 6. Nonetheless, the 1998 Lisboa (Lisbon) World Fair was an unique experience, gathering people from all other the World to touch on topics critical for our future, specifically water for this edition. I have only a few flashes of memory left, but one of them is thematically linked to this very website: at some point we jumped off a train. Why we did is surrounded in mystery, and originated most likely in confusion. Great times.

So, Portugal. You won the (planned) Finish Line role. I’d love to throw a party on a Portuguese beach, but I doubt a lot of people would be willing to join me there. Oh well, visits to Lisboa, Sintra and other cities will have to do as an endtrip celebration.

What I’d like to experience: The Sintra gardens, the Coa valley.