Series synopsis
Night Trains is a German documentary television series that premiered on ARTE on February 23, 2026. It was created by Anna Moll. It stars Victoria Nikolaevskaja.
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 Istanb ...
Premise
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.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Victoria Nikolaevskaja as Narrator (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | February 23, 2026 | February 24, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
From Berlin to Stockholm 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. |
February 23, 2026 |
| 2 |
From Budapest to Zurich 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. |
February 23, 2026 |
| 3 |
From Villach to Edirne 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. |
February 24, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ARTE |
|---|---|
| First aired | February 23, 2026 |
| Last aired | February 24, 2026 |
| Status | continue |