lars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
What train is hiding behind this underpass entrance? 👀
👉 It is the first leg of #Norrut. I am travelling again and will toot some impressions of the trip.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
The trip begins with an ordinary ride with #NightJet 470 from Zurich to Hamburg: a comfy bed in a tiny compartment, a nice breakfast and too many closed toilets for my taste (four out of four toilets in the sleeping cars). #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
The arrival in Hamburg was delayed by about 35 minutes. That's still enough for reaching our next train and buying lunch. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
"Velkommen til #Eurocity mod København, vi ønsker er en behagelig rejse." 😍
The following train runs #Norrut again, of course. It is a quiet ride through Schleswig-Holstein, Jylland, Fyn and Sjælland.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
"Wir haben Hamburg Hbf mit sieben Minuten Verspätung verlassen. Das ist nichts ungewöhnliches bei der Bahn. Die Anknuft in Schleswig voraussichtlich wieder nach Fahrplan. Wir wünschen uns allen viel Glück!" #bahnansagen @BahnAnsagen
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
Travelling by train in beautiful Denmark 🇩🇰 #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
Unfortunately, we have to leave Denmark behind us. After all, this is #Norrut. Of course, we are taking the next train heading towards... southeast. An #Øresundståg takes us to 🇸🇪 #Sweden.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
Today's last leg: Regina 😍
From Malmö, finally #Norrut again. When our train reaches high speed, some seats and cover panels are wobbling constantly. Somehow, I still like these very short high speed trains.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 1, 2024
It took me 22 hours to get from 🇨🇭 Zurich to 🇸🇪 Gothenburg by train once again. Each time, I am surprised by how fast it feels getting here miljövänligt and #klimatsmart. I have even spent two hours in Malmö and could already enjoy some 🌱 bullar. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 3, 2024
Gothenburg things going on... #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 4, 2024
Unfortunately, no time for a Komplettbereisung of Gothenburg's tram network, even if I had loved to do so. @wrzlbrnft
The journey continues #Norrut with a classic SJ night train. It is again a calm ride through a wonderful landscape.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 4, 2024
More SJ #Nattåg love 😍 #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 5, 2024
Our night train journey ends in Östersund C. The number of departures in Östersund C is quite low compared to a Central European standard. (But we are quite far north, where distances and travel times between cities are long.) However, at around 7 am, the station is full with travellers. Within the next 60 minutes, the SJ Nattåg to Duved, the Norrtåg to Storlien, the SJ Snabbtåg to Stockholm as well as the Inlandsbanor to Mora and Gällivare will depart. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 5, 2024
Självklart, two hours after leaving the night train, I find myself on the next train. It is a Norrtåg towards Duved. This leg should rather be called Bästerut than #Norrut, as our destination is Åre.
The train ride is almost too calm. Maybe because this train runs "only" 1.5 hours past the first train to Storlien. However, my train seems to run only on Saturday mornings in summer. The next train follows incredible 5 hours later. Maybe some of you know the backgrounds of this service pattern(?)
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 5, 2024
#Åre is not an untouched place in the Scandinavian Mountains. However, there is a wonderful view when you walk up the hill above Åre. Even the village itself is also picturesquely situated on the lakeshore. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 5, 2024
After wandering around Åre, it's time for the return journey to Östersund. I take what is probably the only Swedish Intercity train on this journey. Well, they are also much more difficult to come across than a Snabbtåg. To my taste, a somewhat very warm, but otherwise comfortable journey of 1.5 hours back österut. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Östersund is a lovely, rather calm town with about 50k inhabitants. It is beautifully located on the Storsjön. We are spending two nights here, before the trip goes further #Norrut.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Jajamen, this is #Norrtåg 's territory #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Spoiler of the next leg... #Norrut
(Would have been obvious anyway, as there aren't many options.)
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024

The next leg is #Inlandsbanan. Of course we choose the train on the line #Norrut towards Gällivare. To my great joy, today's Y1 railcar has a grey-white livery. The past two times, I have only seen Y1 with (I guess) newer red-cream livery.

Edit: Thanks for the explanations regarding the light @sintzoff @violanders

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024

The journey is pleasant, but the train almost full. Before the train got to the platform, a guide explained his group of ablut 15 people: "We are looking for coach number 1". It seems that other tourists would also expect a longer train.

On maybe ten years old pictures, I saw that most trains were operated with two railcars. Does someone of you why the trains are operared with only one railcar nowadays?
#Norrut

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Usually, I prefer everyday trains over tourist trains. So, this train is rather touristy for my taste. But I am one myself, so I can't complain.
The group is not very diverse though. Most passengers in the 60's and 70's. I hear a lot of Swedish and English. The staff's explanations of the historical background are interesting. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
The wilderness (and forestry) rolling past #Inlandsbanan is stunning. Most of the times, there is no internet. So, I could even witness Swedes paying their fika from the bistro area with cash. 😳
#Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024

Anslutande buss, anyone? #Norrut

(Seems to be a relict from the 1960's or older, otherwise the door on the left side wouldn't make sense)

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Nice station buildings along #inlandsbanan. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
At Sorsele, the #Norrut train meets the söderut train.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
At Arvidsjaur, we leave the train like most travellers for a little break. 24 hours later, we are back again. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
The trip further north to Gällivare is as beautiful as Östersund-Gällivare. I could toot so many pictures, here are four of them. 😍 There are less passengers in the train, but more younger people. Even some families. The staff is kind as on the day before. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
My personal highlight of day 2 was the crossing of the Piteälven on a combined train-road-bridge, i.e. the bridge is a level crossing at the same time. There is a break for getting off the train and walk over the bridge. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024

Inlandsbanan, northern section: Done ✅ (for the 2nd time)

After a six hours ride from Arvidsjaur, we are reaching the northern terminus Gällivare at late evening. #Norrut

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
More #Norrtåg and Regina... 😊
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Gällivare seems to be creative in naming their parts of the city. "Andra sidan" is located... well, on the other side of the station and the river. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 7, 2024
Is the terminus of Inlandsbanan north enough? Nej, as there is a railway line going further north. Vy is taking us further #norrut to one of the most northern stations in Europe, where we are going to have something I'd call two-three days off. Bye for now 😊
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Welcome back! I have spent the last days in a wonderful region. You can find images of overwhelming landscapes online yourself. 😉 Instead, I want to resume the past days with a portrait of some randomly picked stations along the #Malmbanan / #Ofotbanen. It is a very remote 🇸🇪🇳🇴 #CrossBorderRail line with two passenger trains daily, but a lot of freight trains. A 🧵 in a 🧵. (1/6) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport world
Abisko Östra - the functional station
The station has a long island platform that is accessed from the small station hall. It is both a staircase and a waiting room. There are a lift and toilets. The old station building is not open to the public. Two trains per day in each direction. (2/6) #Norrut
Aug 12, 2024 at 8:13pmMastodon for Android
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Vassijaure - the northernmost station in 🇸🇪 Sweden
The railay infrastructure itself is rather simple. The area between the station building and the first track is covered with gravel. A tiny "platform edge" makes boarding the train easier. There is a waiting room in the building and even "toaletter". The plural is actually wrong, as there is only one "toalett". 🤓 There is "outstanding" passenger information. One train a day in each direction. (3/6) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Katterjåkk - the tiny station
Katterjåkk's station building of today is a small hut. There is also a digital departure board outside on the gravel platform. Two trains per day and direction. (4/6) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Riksgränsen - the simple station
Riksgränsen station is located 700 metres from the border 🇸🇪🇳🇴. Half of the station is located in the gallery, but there are no other waiting facilities, not even a bench. A digital departure board in the covered area informs passengers on the two trains per day and direction. (5/6) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Bjørnfjell - The museum station
Bjørnfjell is the 🇳🇴 border station of this #CrossBorderRail line. The station building has a large waiting room with magazines, books and even board games. There are plenty of toilets. The (former?) ticket office is separated by a glass partition. Tickets and cash are exchanged using small wooden drawers. Unfortunately, the passenger information consists only of a paper timetable from last year. Two trains per day and direction.
(6/6) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Bonus, my favourite impression: It seems that the station staff at 🇳🇴 Bjørnfjell preferred alcohol from the 🇸🇪 neighbouring country. 😃 #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Come on, #Sweden: Be honest about your love 😉
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Just some freight trains on Malmbanan... 😊 #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
Just some #Vy passenger trains on Malmbanan... 😊 #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
We are leaving Abisko region behind us and heading söderut towards Kiruna with one of two daily trains. Unfortunately, seat reservations are needed north of Kiruna for #Interrail, even for shorter trips. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024

#Kiruna is a moving city! Due to mining, major parts of the city including the old center are being dismantled. As a consequence thereof, new city districts are built.

kiruna.se/stadsomvandling
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiruna

I will post some of my impressions. #Norrut

Kiruna - Wikipedia

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
Parts of #Kiruna 's old city center have already been dismantled. The shops in the still existing buildings, have moved to the newer parts of the city. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
Dystopian atmosphere in the old centre of #Kiruna. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
#Kiruna is building new residential areas of varying densities next to existing residential areas. I have to get used to seeing the entire courtyard of a new development covered with car parking. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
#Kiruna 's new centre is located on the eastern edge of the settlement. Shops have already been built here since 2022, while the residential areas in between have not yet been fully built. To the south is a large commercial and industrial area. I am curious to see what the spatial and transport connections will look like when the centre is no longer isolated. What surprised me: Above the Arctic Circle, heat islands are hardly an issue, but I would have liked to see some greenery. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
Well, #Kiruna, we need to talk about 🚌 bus transport. As someone who lives in very dense Switzerland and can enjoy mild weather, I am aware that transport needs are somewhat different here. The distances are also very long within the city, and in winter it is dark for long periods and generally cold. As a transport planner, however, I have serious questions precisely for this reason: (1/3) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
There is a city bus system. The buses run every 70 minutes from Mon-Fri. But why is there not a single city bus on weekends during summer in a city with a population of 17k? The city is large-scaled. How is the population expected to use the city bus if they can't even go shopping once at the weekend? I counted eight taxis on my tour and there are scooters everywhere. What's more, why does only one of three lines run to the regional bus station? So, the services cannot be linked. (2/3) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
A "transferbus" connects the station with the town, whose centre of population is increasingly far away. The bus is free and coordinated with the trains. A great thing! But why isn't there a stop between station and bus station (3 km)? Of course, this is anecdotal evidence: during our journey, someone asked the driver if he could make an unscheduled stop halfway between the railway and bus station. Independently of each other, about 15 of the 20 passengers suddenly got off! (3/3) #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
Out of topic: Traffic calming for snowmobiles? 😳 #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
We leave Kiruna behind us and head towards Norrbotten's biggest city: Luleå. Of course, it is a Regina service. It is very quiet on this Sunday. We have some minutes delay, but the connecting Norrtåg to Umeå is waiting for our passengers in Boden. #Norrut
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
#Luleå stuff... 😃 #Norrut
Show threadOskarAug 15, 2024
@larstransportworld Or something to prevent cross country skiers from crossing the road without noticing and stopping. The ❌red crosses ❌mark a winter path. Not sure if there are different markings for snowmobile paths
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
@oskard
The previous red crosses had signs that were explicitly aimed at snowmobiles. Hence my assumption. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of that situation, but it was something similar to the one I've found near Luleå.
Show threadJonas BoströmAug 15, 2024
@oskard It looks very much like traffic calming for snowmobiles. The portal on the other side has what looks like a snowmobile-sign. As well as a 30 km/h speed limit, and speed limits are rare on ski tracks. @larstransportworld
Show threadTor LillqvistAug 15, 2024
@larstransportworld Note, it is a "transferbus" (sic).
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
@tml Tack for pointing this out. I have mixed up the languages. In Swedish, they refer to it as "Transferbuss". That should be correct, shouldn't it?
Show threadTor LillqvistAug 15, 2024

@larstransportworld Yes, in Swedish it is one word, not in English. The sign on the bus is in English, so it is wrong.

Additionally, IMHO in Europe we should use British spelling, i.e. “centre”.

Show threadAnders NorénAug 15, 2024
@larstransportworld
Wind is an issue, though. Old Kiruna was built according to a plan that would minimise the wind.
Show threadViSzKeMar 1, 2025
@larstransportworld I live in Kiruna and I agree; the new city centre is too boring. And even worse, someone also thought it would be a good idea to build flat or even V-shaped roofs where there is over a meter of snow half the year, so many buildings are already needing renovation
Show threadTor LillqvistAug 15, 2024
@larstransportworld You missed #Låktatjåkka, the romantic tiny station in the middle of nowhere. Some kilometres towards Abisko from Vassijaure. One train per day in each direction. #Malmbanan
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 15, 2024
@tml That station looks cute. Yes, this series is incomplete. Abisko Turiststation and Björkliden are missing, too. I came up with the idea of "portraying" the stations after having visited them.
Show threadEvaAug 12, 2024
@larstransportworld Looks like a chapel!
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 12, 2024
@stadtstreunen_at Indeed!