Planning to take train to and from Brussels to Switzerland in June. Looks like Basel is the best destination point. Train 97 goes through Namur,Libramont, Arlon,Luxembourg, Thionville, Strasbourg, Selestat,Colmar, Mulhouse on way to Basel. From what side of the train would we get the best view? We will be booking seats, so can chose. I know from the Canadian Rockies that it can make a huge difference where one sits in mountainous terrain. Even if you don't know the answer to this specific question, where can one find out how to book the best seats on European trains? Something like Seat Guru for planes? It does't look like the booking website has much info other than car layout. I have been on trains where some seats have bumps on floor or side that restricts space, do or do not have amenities like cup holders or coat hooks.
We are also going from Brussels through Cologne to Kiel Germany.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
Keep in mind that once the train is moving you can sit in any unoccupied seat so it is entirely possible to move back and forth as the scenery changes.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
On the French side of the Rhine, you probably want to sit on the right side of the train. The scenery of the Vosges mountains will be on this side. The Black Forest is on the other side of the river, but you won't be able to see it that well, especially if the weather is overcast. Is Basel your final destination, or are you going further into the country? I ask because if you want to see the Alps... you can't see 'em from Basel.
Posted by
Paris
10042 posts
Hi Robin For the equivalent of seatguru for trains, look at the site www.seat61.com. On a Michelin map of a country, you can usually see the train lines. . . I guess the best thing to do would be to see where the train is going relative to the scenery you want to see. Sometimes this is kind of obvious, e.g., if you're going to Cannes from Paris and want to look at the Mediterranean, sit on the right-hand side of the train. I don't know for your specific trips, sorry.