Europe's stunning railway stations: Photo tour

Antwerpen-Centraal, Belgium

Antwerp's main railway station is one of Belgium's most crucial transportation hubs. High-speed trains from here connect to Amsterdam, Paris, Marseille, and other cities across Europe.

The station is housed in a building designed in an eclectic style by Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie at the end of the 19th century. The architect drew inspiration from neorenaissance, modern, and baroque styles when creating this masterpiece.

Photo: Railway station in Antwerp, Belgium (wikipedia.org)

Thanks to the enormous dome above the waiting hall, the station has acquired the informal name "Spoorwegkathedraal" – the "railway cathedral."

Tall marble columns and an original iron structure frame the main clock of the station, railway halls adorned with high glass ceilings. Initially designed for a practical purpose – to disperse smoke from steam locomotives – these glass ceilings now serve as unique decor, setting the station apart from others.

Hungerburg Station in Innsbruck, Austria

Hungerburgbahn is a funicular that runs from the center of Innsbruck to the cable car Seegrube, passing through four stations designed by the London-based Zaha Hadid Architects.

The futuristic station stands out against the backdrop of the natural scenery of the Karwendel Alpine Park. From here, travelers can access Austria's hiking trails, ski slopes, and mountains. The curved glass roof of the station appears to float in place, with its flowing icy surface mimicking the contours of the mountains.

Photo: Hungerburg station in Innsbruck, Austria (wikipedia.org)

Atocha Station in Madrid, Spain

This Spanish railway station impresses visitors from the inside, although it may not be particularly remarkable at first glance from the outside. The interior makes a vivid impression primarily because it houses a tropical greenhouse.

Tourists are advised: "Before boarding the high-speed train to Barcelona, Malaga, or Alicante, have a coffee at this station and admire the lush garden that fills the old part of the station."

Thousands of plants and flowers from all corners of the globe will give you a sense of tranquility and serenity.

Photo: Estación de Atocha railway station in Madrid (es.wikipedia.org)

Gare do Oriente in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a vibrant city that deserves a separate journey. You can begin exploring it right after a train ride, especially if you arrive at the Gare do Oriente station.

Designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this transportation hub was constructed for the World Expo '98. The distinctive feature of this modernist structure is the lattice made of glass and metal, which seems to "envelop" the platforms.

Photo: Gare do Oriente in Lisbon, Portugal (es.wikipedia.org)

Adjacent to the station is the Lisbon metro station, serving fast suburban and regional trains, with a bus station and a shopping center nearby.

King's Cross Station in London, England

King's Cross Station in London is recommended to be visited as a separate location during numerous city tours, with guidebooks emphasizing its exceptional architectural and historical significance.

Photo: King's Cross Station in London (en.wikipedia.org)

The undulating wave-shaped roof is located above the Western Concourse. It was unveiled alongside the restored original facade for the 2012 Olympics.

Over the last decade, the station has become a destination for thousands of Harry Potter enthusiasts. It is referred to not only as the "gateway" to the north but also as the symbolic location of the platform 9¾ described in J.K. Rowling's books.

Photo: Tourists on platform 9+3⁄4 in the western departure area (en.wikipedia.org)