Train travel: 5 good reasons to take a train on holiday in Europe is written by Lau Holmelin. Illustrations: Ida Rørholm Davidsen, Photographer: Mads Tolstrup.
Experience Europe in a new way
Train travel is on the rise, and there's good reason why trains are popular – Europe has so much to offer, whether you love the hustle and bustle of the big city or pure nature experiences.
Whether it's northern lights and dog sledding in it Finnish Lapland or sandy beaches and vineyard visits Croatia, I can almost guarantee that a train holiday is a unique experience by train in Europe.
Our continent is truly unique with a rail system that connects us across national borders, making it easy to travel by train around the continent – especially if you get a little help to book tickets.
Here I present 5 reasons why you should take a train trip on your next vacation. But first, a good story from my own recent trip. Here's how it went Swedish og Norwegian Lapland, where a magical winter landscape and a lot of good activities awaited.
On a train journey to Lapland
The train journey itself is not cumbersome. From Copenhagen Central Station we only had to change once in Stockholm. The trip was with a good view from start to finish, and there is plenty of opportunity to buy food and drink on board the train at reasonable prices.
We visited Kiruna, Abisko and Narvik on the trip, and all the destinations are reached by night train from Stockholm. In the areas there are lots of activities. We fell in love with the energetic sled dogs, were out in the cold waiting for the northern lights, were fascinated by the Sami culture and history, experienced the Nordic wildlife and much more.
I absolutely love the train journey as a form of travel, and the positive aspects are expressed in so many ways: Comfort, experiences, togetherness and climate.
1. The train ride becomes part of the journey
Transport time on holiday is often about getting from A to B and can be associated with hectic situations. But with train journeys, the transport itself becomes an essential part of the journey itself.
On the longer stretches, nothing is required of you, and because you don't have to do anything, you get room for a free space right down to the pace.
Some even talk about a rare feeling of thinking things through to the end – a situation you don't always have the pleasure of in a busy everyday life.
On the train ride, you sit back and watch the landscape whizz by. Each section gives you insight into the local area and the people who live here.
They will act as a brief insight into the everyday life and context of a nationality, and you will be left with a better understanding of our European neighbours.
To travel at night and arrive in the city center
By train in Europe, you can set off while sleeping comfortably and move towards your destination. In the evening, you tell the train staff when you want to be woken up – and breakfast is ready when you wake up, while you can enjoy the view.
Another great thing about train travel in Europe is that you arrive directly in the city center – no airport transfers like you have to do after a flight.
So there are no unforeseen additional costs, you are rarely far from your accommodation and the first experiences at the destination are just around the corner.
3. Climate protection on the train journey
It should come as no surprise that the electrified train journey pollutes a whole lot less than air travel.
There is also reason to believe that there is a connection between the increasing sales of train tickets and the desire to travel with a clean "green" conscience.
To illustrate the climate impact – and lack thereof – of air and train travel, we have looked at a journey from Copenhagen Central Station to Stockholm Central Station.
It takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes by plane including the trip to the airport, where you have a three-quarter-hour journey by bus from the airport to central Stockholm. In this case, the trip will cost you 1138 Kona.
With the train, you arrive approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes later, but you save on the bus journey, as the train arrives directly in the city centre. In addition, this trip has a price of DKK 900.
CO2The savings on this trip are amazing. You save 132,47 kg each way, which corresponds to a saving of 99,5%. It's worth considering. I'd be happy to take a slightly longer transport time if I can save the environment and climate.
This is a great reason to choose a train journey.
4. Try something new, go on a train journey!
There are still many who have never tried a longer train journey. In a small survey recently, a number of high school students at Risskov Gymnasium in Aarhus were asked two things: First, whether they had flown on holiday, and second, whether they had taken the train on holiday.
The result was not surprising. A single student had tried to take the train, whereas all had traveled by plane.
This developed into a conversation about why it is important to go on vacation, what is it that you want to get out of going away and leaving your home for a week or more? It could be relaxation and the desire to become rich in new experiences.
Try asking yourself the question: What are your overall wishes for your vacation? If you had seven days without plans, how could your wishes be fulfilled? Could they be done with trains as a means of transport?
5. Train travel – comfort, luggage and restaurant car
Trains are usually more comfortable than both buses and planes. There is much more leg and luggage space, the opportunity to stand up and stretch your legs and on most routes – when you leave the Danish borders – a restaurant car where you can buy food and drinks at good prices.
On the routes where we recommend a sleeping car, you can book your own compartment if you want more privacy on your train journey.
Since the train doesn't have the same restrictions on how much luggage you can bring on your trip, it opens up more options.
For example, you can take home locally produced goods such as wine, oils and food, or you can bring your ski equipment or tent with you at no extra cost.
Departure on the train journey
So why not take a train holiday in Europe – or anywhere else in the world – and experience this fantastic form of travel. Or relive it if you've been before. Because on a train journey you take your soul with you.
Have a good train journey!
Train holidays: Here are 5 reasons to choose a train trip
- The train journey becomes part of the journey when you choose a train holiday.
- Travel at night and arrive downtown
- More climate-friendly form of transport
- Try something new – traveling by train in Europe is much different than Interrail
- Comfort, luggage and a restaurant car on board – a train holiday has many advantages
Did you know: Here are the 7 cities in Europe with the most hours of sunshine
7: Nice in France – 342 hours/month
6: Valencia in Spain – 343 hours/month
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