What do you think?
Rate this book
Far Out: By Train to the Edges of Europe
Travel writer Jules Brown is back with another wayward rail adventure.
When Jules sets out to go as far as he can in Europe by train, everything seems to be on track. Travel to the most extreme stations in the north, south, east, and west. How hard can it be for a seasoned rail traveller and ex guidebook writer?
Funny you should ask.
It’s a long way, for a start – from Scandinavia and Finland to the shores of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Even the final destinations are in dispute. In fact, no one sensible would try it.
Enter Jules. Whether it’s travelling through the Swedish wilderness on the Inlandsbanan, into the Pyrenees on the Train Jaune, or across Spain on the Torre Oro, he’s aiming for some classic rail experiences. And while capital cities and famous sights come and go, there are also plenty of offbeat and intriguing stops along the way.
Part travelogue, part memoir, and definitely not a guidebook, Far Out is another snort-in-your-coffee train adventure by the author of Not Europe by Train in a Heatwave.
*This book also includes five special route maps.
When Jules sets out to go as far as he can in Europe by train, everything seems to be on track. Travel to the most extreme stations in the north, south, east, and west. How hard can it be for a seasoned rail traveller and ex guidebook writer?
Funny you should ask.
It’s a long way, for a start – from Scandinavia and Finland to the shores of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Even the final destinations are in dispute. In fact, no one sensible would try it.
Enter Jules. Whether it’s travelling through the Swedish wilderness on the Inlandsbanan, into the Pyrenees on the Train Jaune, or across Spain on the Torre Oro, he’s aiming for some classic rail experiences. And while capital cities and famous sights come and go, there are also plenty of offbeat and intriguing stops along the way.
Part travelogue, part memoir, and definitely not a guidebook, Far Out is another snort-in-your-coffee train adventure by the author of Not Europe by Train in a Heatwave.
*This book also includes five special route maps.
340 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2025
37 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Jules Brown
59 books34 followersI've been a pro travel writer for over 30 years, writing Rough Guides and other stuff, and living in places from Sicily to New Zealand. You might even have had one of my guidebooks along for the ride in your travel bag - in which case, happy to have helped!
I also blog at www.julestoldme.com, sharing travel stories, travel-writing tips, videos and inspiring destinations - see you there, and happy travels.
I also blog at www.julestoldme.com, sharing travel stories, travel-writing tips, videos and inspiring destinations - see you there, and happy travels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 15, 2025
This is a great concept for a travel book. The author sets out by train to go to the farthest train stations in the North, East, South and then West of continental Europe. I’ve read and enjoyed all of Jules’ travel memoirs and this is a great addition. It is very informative and educational. Jules went to many known towns and also those mostly ‘unknown’. He visited some wonderful places and attractions. Allow time to check out locations on Google. A highly entertaining read, full of Jules’ amusing humour. Highly recommend
NB. I had the privilege to receive parts of the book as it was written by Jules as a beta reader, hence the dates.
NB. I had the privilege to receive parts of the book as it was written by Jules as a beta reader, hence the dates.
November 6, 2025
“Far Out” is a quirky travel memoir, and the latest in the “On the Rails” series that started with “Not Cool”.
This time Jules’s bonkers yet brilliant goal is to travel to the train stations at the furthest compass points on continental Europe, or as he puts it on the cover: “the edges of Europe”. He plans to mention things that are out of the ordinary or strike him in some way, but not to detail every restaurant, hotel, or point of interest.
“But if it’s random sights you’re after, between train changes, I’m your man.”
This he does effectively, and each event is served up with Jules’s trademark tongue in cheek wit and wisdom, a side portion of education and garnished with the odd Dad joke for good measure. A rail travel aficionado, his enthusiasm for the journey itself is infectious and it is easy to imagine yourself traveling alongside, sharing in the experiences as you go. He is also honest when he finds certain sights and experiences a waste of time or money.
Does he fulfill his quest for all four furthest compass points in continental Europe? You’ll need to read this warm-hearted and witty travel memoir yourself to find out.
Thank you for the advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and my review is honest.
This time Jules’s bonkers yet brilliant goal is to travel to the train stations at the furthest compass points on continental Europe, or as he puts it on the cover: “the edges of Europe”. He plans to mention things that are out of the ordinary or strike him in some way, but not to detail every restaurant, hotel, or point of interest.
“But if it’s random sights you’re after, between train changes, I’m your man.”
This he does effectively, and each event is served up with Jules’s trademark tongue in cheek wit and wisdom, a side portion of education and garnished with the odd Dad joke for good measure. A rail travel aficionado, his enthusiasm for the journey itself is infectious and it is easy to imagine yourself traveling alongside, sharing in the experiences as you go. He is also honest when he finds certain sights and experiences a waste of time or money.
Does he fulfill his quest for all four furthest compass points in continental Europe? You’ll need to read this warm-hearted and witty travel memoir yourself to find out.
Thank you for the advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and my review is honest.
November 3, 2025
You know you're in safe hands when you begin a Jules Brown adventure - for this is what his books are - adventures.
I've read all of his travel memoirs, and this, his latest, delivers exactly what you expect. Fun, facts, inspirational descriptions of the scenery passing the window of a train. And lots of dry, wry, laugh out loud observational humour.
As the title tells you, this is an epic journey to the four corners of Europe by train, and like all good books, the part I was reading was my favourite.
Armchair travel at its best. I would love to make even a short leg of a journey with him for real, for me that would be truly 'far out'.
Now, what was that I read about the USA - just saying...
I've read all of his travel memoirs, and this, his latest, delivers exactly what you expect. Fun, facts, inspirational descriptions of the scenery passing the window of a train. And lots of dry, wry, laugh out loud observational humour.
As the title tells you, this is an epic journey to the four corners of Europe by train, and like all good books, the part I was reading was my favourite.
Armchair travel at its best. I would love to make even a short leg of a journey with him for real, for me that would be truly 'far out'.
Now, what was that I read about the USA - just saying...
August 28, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Jules' writing: both memoirs and SciFi. The premise of the book is typical Jules - let's go by train to the cardinal points of Europe. I will confess that the south and west portions were my favorites (mainly because they include parts of Europe I have traveled to), but the whole book is entertaining, amusing, and educational. I lost count of the number of times I jumped to Google to see the places mentioned. I love the "Easter eggs" Jules leaves for you to find in the narrative. Totally unheralded, you just have to "know." For example, he finds an alleyway called Callejon de la Inquisicion. I think you'll find no one expected that, he comments. (Monty Python): and when he's in the High Pyrenees, he lists the things he was concerned about: fleas that tease being one of them. (Tarantella by Hilaire Belloc). Very clever, and added to my enjoyment of the book. After (Not) Cool and Far Out, I'm looking forward to a third book in the series called Groovy: please Jules!
October 25, 2025
It's ages since I read one of Jules Brown's travel memoirs and it was certainly worth the wait. Jules hit upon the idea of travelling by train to the furthest points of Europe, North, East, South and finally West. After much research the route is planned - Narvik, Uimaharju, Algeciras, Praia das Maçãs. If you ever decide to attempt such a journey then read this account first. My top tip is read it in privacy as I can vouch for the fact it's laugh out loud funny at times.
Wonderfully witty and sharply observed I can only be amazed at the lengths he went to and the discomfort he endured to complete his trip. I learned about the vastness of the Swedish forests and that you can walk across Norway in a day amongst many other quirky informative facts. I suggest it's best to read it for yourself to discover the highs and lows of this journey! Brilliant stuff! Thanks for the ARC copy Jules and particularly for the laughs. Highly recommended.
Wonderfully witty and sharply observed I can only be amazed at the lengths he went to and the discomfort he endured to complete his trip. I learned about the vastness of the Swedish forests and that you can walk across Norway in a day amongst many other quirky informative facts. I suggest it's best to read it for yourself to discover the highs and lows of this journey! Brilliant stuff! Thanks for the ARC copy Jules and particularly for the laughs. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2025
An interesting book about travelling to the north, south, east and west of Europe that isn't at war. I now have a plane ticket booked to Hamburg so I can visit the Miniatur Wunderland.
EDIT. Went to Miniatur Wunderland which was amazing! Spent 8hr there with 2 short pit stops in their cafe. Thought i wasn't going to manage to see if all but did get to the end.
EDIT. Went to Miniatur Wunderland which was amazing! Spent 8hr there with 2 short pit stops in their cafe. Thought i wasn't going to manage to see if all but did get to the end.
October 19, 2025
Jules is on a quest to reach the furthest points on a compass in Europe that you can get to by train. That sounds like a great premise for a back-of an envelope plan but putting it into action is a different matter. Europe, as I’m finding out, is big. No wonder it took him seven weeks. And no, it doesn’t always go according to plan. He comes up against unreliable timetables, random engineering works and worst of all, a rail-replacement bus.
If you’re tempted to follow in this author’s footsteps, many of the places he visits aren’t exactly on the average tourist’s bucket list. But then Jules, as he confesses, specialises in pointless excursions. Or, to put it another way, goes on trips so that you don’t have to.
Along the way he riffs on masculinity, overtourism, sleeper trains and the kind of guides you should take with you when hiking in northern Norway. I shall be following his tips on Hamburg, a place I shall be visiting soon.
A thoroughly engaging and funny read, perfect for adventurers and armchair travellers alike.
If you’re tempted to follow in this author’s footsteps, many of the places he visits aren’t exactly on the average tourist’s bucket list. But then Jules, as he confesses, specialises in pointless excursions. Or, to put it another way, goes on trips so that you don’t have to.
Along the way he riffs on masculinity, overtourism, sleeper trains and the kind of guides you should take with you when hiking in northern Norway. I shall be following his tips on Hamburg, a place I shall be visiting soon.
A thoroughly engaging and funny read, perfect for adventurers and armchair travellers alike.
November 23, 2025
Descriptions, history, and plenty of chuckles. Loved it.
I couldn't wait to get stuck into reading about Jules Brown's latest travel challenge. I was guessing it wouldn't be all plain sailing. I really enjoy his travel memoirs, they're always informative, and also a lot of fun. So many laughs and chuckles, and I hadn't even got past the first chapter!
I must confess I've only been to Leeds and London by train...and Largs on a day trip when I was a child. Oh, and The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, on a few day trips to Howarth (Bronte country). And a tram at Blackpool. And that's it. So going to all these countries by rail is quite an eye-opener for me.
There are descriptions of the places he travelled to, plus plenty of anecdotes to keep you suitably entertained. It had me spluttering with laughs.
I sailed through it. I enjoyed travelling with Jules, and learning many interesting facts. Without having the hassles of travel delays and other inconveniences 😀
I couldn't wait to get stuck into reading about Jules Brown's latest travel challenge. I was guessing it wouldn't be all plain sailing. I really enjoy his travel memoirs, they're always informative, and also a lot of fun. So many laughs and chuckles, and I hadn't even got past the first chapter!
I must confess I've only been to Leeds and London by train...and Largs on a day trip when I was a child. Oh, and The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, on a few day trips to Howarth (Bronte country). And a tram at Blackpool. And that's it. So going to all these countries by rail is quite an eye-opener for me.
There are descriptions of the places he travelled to, plus plenty of anecdotes to keep you suitably entertained. It had me spluttering with laughs.
I sailed through it. I enjoyed travelling with Jules, and learning many interesting facts. Without having the hassles of travel delays and other inconveniences 😀
September 3, 2025
I can’t give more than five stars for this travel memoir but I would if I could. I am addicted to travel books and even more to train travel memoirs. This then was so up my rail tracks I couldn’t believe it. Already a big fan of Jules Brown’s writing, I was over the moon to be able to beta read Far Out, and it is fantastic. Most of us would never come up with the idea of travelling to the four furthest points of continental Europe we can reach by train, but Jules did. He went to towns I’ve never heard of and visited unique places in the process. This is a totally fascinating, funny and compelling must-read that has made me itch to up sticks and, just for once, trade my boat travel for a train ticket, especially in Finland! Thank you, Jules Brown. I shall read this one again, I know!
September 16, 2025
When considering your next holiday, Narvik in the extreme north of Norway and Uimaharju in the east of Finland are probably not on your shortlist.
But few people are Jules Brown; travel writer, train enthusiast, and definitely eccentric, who else would decide that travelling to the furthest compass points in mainland Europe by train was ever a good plan?
From the man who brought us Not Cool – Europe by Train in a Heatwave, Far Out is another masterpiece of the triumph of silly ideas over experience. Told in Jules’ inimitable style, this memoir is witty, dry, and even rather informative…should you wish to visit Uimaharju, everything you will ever need is right here.
But few people are Jules Brown; travel writer, train enthusiast, and definitely eccentric, who else would decide that travelling to the furthest compass points in mainland Europe by train was ever a good plan?
From the man who brought us Not Cool – Europe by Train in a Heatwave, Far Out is another masterpiece of the triumph of silly ideas over experience. Told in Jules’ inimitable style, this memoir is witty, dry, and even rather informative…should you wish to visit Uimaharju, everything you will ever need is right here.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews