About this season
A journey along Europe’s most spectacular night train routes, uncovering hidden natural stories along the way — stories of landscapes, wildlife, and the ecosystems that shape them.We meet people on board and along the routes. What unites them is a special connection to nature. Traveling through the night and into the early hours of morning, our routes take us across Germany, Scandinavia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, and almost the entire Balkan Peninsula, all the way to the outskirts of Istanbul.
Episodes (4)
1. From Berlin to Stockholm
Aired 23 February 2026 • 43 min
On the night train journey from Berlin to Stockholm, magical Baltic landscapes and hidden islands glide by in the first light of dawn. Porpoises can be observed in the Øresund, and moths and open-water swimmers can be spotted at the northernmost tip of Denmark. In addition, travelers celebrate Midsummer and learn about ancient customs, flower rituals, and dances.
2. From Budapest to Zurich
Aired 23 February 2026 • 43 min
Crossing the Alps in the middle of the night: The route of the night train from Budapest to Zurich leads through savannah-like reed landscapes, via Vienna and the Tyrolean Karwendel mountains, and through the Swiss lake district. Along the way, a train attendant offers insights into her life between the sleeping car and the starry sky. Upon arrival in Switzerland, the journey continues with an exploration of the formation of the Alps.
3. From Villach to Edirne
Aired 24 February 2026 • 43 min
In the middle of the hot summer, the Optima Express travels across the Balkans – past glaciers, bear forests, and stork villages, through primeval forests and wetlands. The night train takes approximately 38 hours to travel through Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria to Edirne in Turkey. Many of the passengers are former guest workers and now regulars on the Optima Express.
4. From Oslo to Trondheim
Aired 24 February 2026 • 44 min
A journey by night train from Oslo to Trondheim: From fjord to fjord, the train travels through the June night, past the mysterious Dovrefjell mountains. High above, horse breeders preserve their heritage, while below in the valleys, whitewater rages. The infamous Hessdalen valley and its UFO enthusiasts tell tales of enigmatic light phenomena amidst an otherworldly landscape.