🚂 On the Train: A Cozy Slow-Travel Journey Through Sparkling Mountains and Quiet Comfort

Step aboard and settle into the gentle rhythm of slow travel in On the Train, a cozy journey through misty valleys, sparkling mountain peaks, and softly glowing carriage lights. This story invites you to savor the pleasure of the journey itself — the warm seating, the domed viewing car, the comforting sway of the rails, and the peaceful moments between departure and arrival. If you’ve ever dreamed of watching the world pass by from a beautiful vintage train wrapped in comfort and calm, this tale is your invitation to drift along and enjoy the ride.

👉 Listen to “On the Train” as an audio story HERE 🎧

👉 SHOP The Slow Life story-inspired printable greeting cards HERE 🛒

This story is called On the Train, and it’s about the pleasure of the journey, sparkling mountains and being wrapped in comfort.

The afternoon sun still hangs on as I stand on the platform. I have my ticket in hand, waiting for the train that will carry me a few hours away from the village to the heart of the city to visit a friend.

There’s a gentle hum of conversation, and now the distant whistle of the train coming to greet us. Everyone seems to be enjoying these moments of anticipation before stepping aboard. 

Myself and many others take a peek up the track to watch the train come in. The lights, and the deep red colour look quite majestic as it appears through the remaining wisps of fog that had filled the sky for most of the day.

As if exhaling, the engine lets out a final chug as it comes to a stop in front of me. The folks stepping out of the cars are greeted by those of us ready to board with nods and smiles, welcoming them back to the village. Some respond with a sweeping arm gesture towards the train as if to tell us that it’s our turn now to take this wonderful ride wherever we wish.

I approach the door and take the few steps up. My ticket is accepted with a kind hand, and I’m guided towards the seating. Inside, the light is warm, casting a cozy glow over the deep green seats and polished brass details and fixtures. This is not a train for quick commutes or last minute travel. No business meetings take place en route. This way of travelling is truly for the pleasure of the journey as you make your way to your destination of choice.

Although this is not the dining car, each set of comfortable seats is accompanied by a cute bistro size table. I choose a window seat facing the direction we’ll be going and place the soft cushion provided behind my back.

Within a few minutes, I feel us begin to move, and soon we’re gliding out of the village with its familiar houses and quiet streets slipping past. They’re replaced by fields and forests stretching towards the mountains that we’ll travel through.

I lean back, letting myself sink into the gentle sway of the train. The fog has now disappeared, to reveal the trees beyond the tracks, and everything around us is vibrant and clear.

With the distance I’m going, I have time to settle in and also time to move about without missing anything. I read some of my book, and even write in my journal, but mostly watch the changing scenery. 

After a while, I decide to snoop around a bit. No detail was spared when they built this train. I run my hands over the ornate door handles, and the carvings on the doors themselves. The ceilings are painted as those of a gallery or cathedral.

I find the viewing car with its upper level of windows from the floor to the tip of the domed glass ceiling, giving an uninterrupted view of the landscape and the sky above.

It’s another world up here. As we round a bend, I’m put in awe as we become part of the mountains’ valleys looking up at the snow-covered peaks. The sun pokes through off and on but has begun its descent and casting of long shadows. What a show this is to watch. And I do stay for a while to take in the endless entertainment that nature offers.

Ready to explore some more, I go in search of a snack. The train is sturdy but the gentle rocking invites me to take each step mindfully, like a walking meditation. No rush is needed.

Just as the rest of the train, the dining car is the perfect place to linger as the evening sets in with a pink sky and sparkling mountains. I smile as I pass the other travellers, some in pairs or small groups, and others on their own time, like me.

I have a seat amidst the warm, amber light that bathes the tables and contented faces. My order of a warm pastry and a cup of tea are simple but extra special in a setting such as this.

Outside, the trees are taking on a duskier shade as full sunset approaches, and the mountain peaks are displaying the final golden glow of the day.

The music playing is uplifting but soft enough to let us hear the soothing low rumble of the train moving forward. And I feel cocooned as we roll along.

With my appetite satisfied, I make my way to the lounge car. I recognize other folks who have made their way through the novelty of the train cars such as I have. We wink to each other, knowing that we’re all having fun with this beautiful way of getting from one place to another.

I walk into more warmth and a quiet melody coming from a piano off to the side. A woman sits, playing her fingers over the keys, soothing her guests even more into the rhythm of the train.

The rich wood of the walls mirrors the outside of the train’s deep red colour. The seats of all shapes are plush and inviting, arranged in cozy clusters. I find an armchair near the fireplace in the middle of the car. The fire crackles softly as I stretch my legs feeling completely at ease.

I see through the surrounding windows that we’re emerging from the mountains with the expansive darkening sky ahead of us. And the first stars are visible high above.

I see scattered lakes glinting faintly from the half moon that’s appeared. Every now and then, we pass small towns, with their windows dotted against the deepening night.

Looking back, I can just make out the silhouettes of the mountains we’d gone through. Knowing we’ll soon see the twinkling lights of the city up ahead, I close my eyes for a moment or two. I’m thankful to be wrapped in this comfort right now, and that when I step off the train I’ll be wrapped in a comforting hug from a friend.

I wish you sweet dreams.