This is one of the most stunning train journeys in the Netherlands

It's a beauty 😍

Fun fact: One of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys may very well be part of your morning commute!

If you happen to travel between Lelystad and Zwolle, it’s time to take your nose out of your phone screen and enjoy what The Guardian has deemed one of the most beautiful train journeys in the Netherlands.

Rich in wildlife

Specifically, the route along the Hanzelijn is the real beauty, according to The Guardian writer Nicky Gardner.

photo-of-view-from-window-of-Zwolle-Lelystad-beautiful-train-roue-in-Netherlands
These Dutchest of the Dutch. Image: Depositphotos

You may be wondering what qualifications a non-Dutchie has to determine which Dutch train line is the prettiest, but Gardner is actually the co-author of ‘Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide’ — so listen up!

Why is this route getting so much love? Well, for one, you can enjoy “wistfully beautiful water meadows” and “a real dash of wilderness.”

READ MORE | 10 hidden gems in the Netherlands: unique places you wouldn’t think to visit

Such wilderness includes “sea eagles, heck cattle (which look strangely like bison), wild konik ponies, foxes and red deer.”

A whole new world — and a pretty train route

Gardner is also impressed by the fact that this view would have once been underwater:

“Is it not a wondrous thing that so much of this railway crosses land that a century ago was below the waves?”

According to her, this relative newness adds to the beauty of the region “for some of these lands newly claimed from the sea are not yet entirely tamed.”

Day trip to Zwolle, anyone? 👀

Do you agree? Is this the most beautiful train route in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

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