Clickety-clack, clickety-clack – it’s the sound of a train in an old black and white film. But the setting is extremely colorful. Summer landscape is flying past the train windows while the mountains of the Tramuntana are luring in the background. More than one hundred years ago, the historic railroad connected Palma and Sóller. Until then, the two cities had only been accessible via the pass or by boat. Today the train itself is a reason to travel, the way is the goal. And of course, el tren de Sóller magically attracts children of all ages. 

Even the old station is a special place. When the train arrives, passengers crowd the platform to take a photo or to get one of the preferred seats. Actually, all places in the beautiful wooden carriages are great. Wes Anderson would be delighted with the interior. And you can even get onto the platform at the front and back of the wagon during the ride. Attracting insta lovers and stimulating the fantasy of crime writers. Recently an episode of the BBC series “The Mallorca Files“ has made el tren de Sóller famous beyond the island.

On the way the ferrocarril passes 13 tunnels and a viaduct with five arches offering a magnificient view of the Sóller valley. I enjoy every minute of the ride: The changing light, the headwind, the sudden dark and cool in the tunnels, the smell and the sounds. The children next to me are spellbound with the film that is running right before their eyes. For me the trip ends in Sóller, today. I almost envy the family who is going further down to Port de Sóller where the train runs all along the bay. I will soon make this part of my way back from a hike.