Four trains to explore the most spectacular landscapes of the Pyrenees without getting tired.

The Pyrenees hold some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula , and they don't always require a long trail , steep elevation gains, or the physical fitness of an athlete. There's a comfortable and unique way to discover them: aboard a train . A chance for everyone that takes you to places you thought only a few could reach. Here are some of the highlights:

Lake Train

It's the closest thing to a conventional train line, but it's actually a very special journey with over a century of history. The Tren dels Llacs connects Lleida with La Pobla de Segur, crossing valleys, gorges, and mountains, and it feels like a day trip without leaving your seat.

The route, with a stop in Balaguer , includes 4 lakes, 40 tunnels, and 75 bridges, a constant spectacle as the track winds its way through gorges and reservoirs until it reaches the Pre-Pyrenees . There's no time for a nap here! There are two ways to experience it: aboard the Historic Train , with diesel locomotives and carriages from the 1960s that take you back in time, or on the Panoramic Train , with large windows designed to fully enjoy the scenery.

Tramacastilla Train

In the Tena Valley (the most populated and lively in the Aragonese Pyrenees), anything is possible, even a train without rails. This is the case of the train that departs from the small town of Tramacastilla and ascends along paths and forest trails to reach the Ibón de las Paules , a glacial lake surrounded by green meadows and towering peaks. In short, the typical image of high mountains that we all have idealized in our heads.

The route winds through forests and ravines , accompanied by an audio guide with local stories and legends. The reward comes at the end of the journey in the form of a natural balcony with open views of the lake and the Tena Valley , a setting of silence and fresh air that makes the trip a truly Pyrenean experience. And, above all, very comfortable.

Panticosa Train

Panticosa isn't just about winter snow; there's plenty to do and see in summer too. Its cable cars are still open to help hikers reach the high peaks, but there's a much more original and romantic way to reach the highest peaks. Yes, here the train doesn't need tracks, and the landscapes it reaches are equally breathtaking.

After an hour's journey, this 4x4 car reaches the Ripera Valley , a designated area where you can take a dip, admire a waterfall, or have a pleasant picnic with unbeatable views. Once at the top, you can return as you came or buy a one-way ticket and walk down. There are different routes depending on your time and skill level, although the good news is that the easy part is still left: the descent.

Artouste Train

Just across the French border, we find what claims to be Europe's highest tourist train . And the sensation of being very high is palpable. Partly because, to get to the train station itself, you have to take a cable car up the hill, which already touches the clouds (or even rises above them on cloudy days).

At the top, this small train steeped in history awaits you. Its route was designed in 1920 to transport the workers and materials needed to build the Artouste Reservoir. Once the dam was completed, the train was converted into a tourist attraction . And it has been operating this way for almost 100 years.

For almost an hour, it winds through breathtaking landscapes until it reaches over 2,000 meters. Curves and cliffs test even the bravest and offer beautiful postcard views. Once at the top, all that's left is a short walk to reach the dam and experience the immensity of the mountain.