lars' transport worldAug 13, 2025
Some days, 🚅, 🚂, 🚌, ⛴️, two switch failures (🇧🇪), fully booked trains with mandatory seat reservations (🇳🇱->🇩🇪), a lack of alternatives due to construction works and compatible rolling stock (🇳🇱->🇩🇪) later, #BlankSpots continues in northern 🇩🇪 Germany.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 13, 2025
My 238th obligatory Antwerp main station appreciation post 😍 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 13, 2025
Lars at a train station so early in the morning... That means it's going to be an eventful day. 👀 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 13, 2025
The Kiel-Flensburg line provides a curiosity. Due to the construction of a new bridge across the Schlei and the poor condition of the old one, the Schlei can only be crossed on foot. The train line isndisrupted and has two terminus station on both ends of the bridge: "Rieseby Schleibrücke Süd" and "Boren-Lindaunis Schleibrücke Nord". This may be inconvenient for locals, but is randomly interesting to me. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 13, 2025
The advantage of this route is that I can change to the IC 🇩🇪 Flensburg - 🇩🇰 Fredericia, which doesn't require a seat reservation. Otherwise I would habe ended in the often crowded EuroCity Hamburg-Copenhagen. But more importantly, it is a DSB MF/IC3 also known as 'rubber nose', which is one of the most cozy train I have ever been on! #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 13, 2025
Tog er fantastiske! 😍
(Trains are fantastic!) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
In Fredericia, I finally spot an DSB IC4 train running in the right direction. Two minutes later, I board this regional train to Odense.
The IC4 were manufactured by Ansaldo-Breda between 2005 and 2013. However, the train is considered deficient and the delivery was late. The trains are going to be replaced by the also delayed IC5. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
It was completely unnecessary to hunt after an IC4, since my next train was going to be an IC4 anyway. 🥴 I am surprised, though. Is it usual for the IC Fredericia-Østerport to be an IC4? Or might the temporary timetable due to construction works be the reason? I have never seen one before on this line before and it could be replaced by an electric train. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
I get off the IC4 at Slagelse. Unlike the regions I have just visited (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪), I have passed through 🇩🇰 Denmark many times before. To stick to #BlankSpots, I have to try some new lines like at least. I choose the Lokaltog Slagelse-Tølløse and it's a jackpot: A Lokaltog IC2, another type of 'rubber nose train'!
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
The trio of rubber noses would be incomplete without the IR4, the electric version of the IC2/IC4. I take the Regionaltog from Tølløse to Copenhagen H. This train is cosy as well, but the floor is a little bit filthy and smelly. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Did I say a trio of rubber noses? There is a fourth rubber nose in Denmark, approaching the country from the East. Unfortunately, I can't spend any more time in 🇩🇰 Denmark, so I board an #Øresundståg towards 🇸🇪 Sweden at Copenhagen Main Station. This time, I can choose which train I take, as there is an Øresundståg queue. I opt for the second train, which is almost empty in the front coaches. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Arriving in 🇸🇪 Sweden means that it's time for a bulle! At Malmö Central Station, I even find 🌱 plant-based ones. Perfect for boarding SJ's snabbtåg. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
I get off the Snabbtåg at Nässjö. Two trains to Jönköping follow each other within eight minutes, so I can choose between Krösatågen and Västtrafiken! #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Impressions of Jönköping 😍 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Jönköping has an interesting bus infrastructure. A 1.5km long two-lane "bus street" runs through the city centre. It even crosses a roundabout in the middle. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
There are also #BlankSpots in countries I have been to many times before. I just have to look more closely. 😁 I am doing some #Streckensammeln on #Krösatågen 's diesel network.
✅ Nässjö C–Vaggeryd
✅ Nässjö C–Eksjö
✅ Nässjö C–Vetlanda
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Apparently, #Krösatågen has started to apply the new red livery to existing trains. The interior appears to be unchanged (picture taken in a Y32). The new red trains are expected to be operational by 2026. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Impressions of Eksjö 😍 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 16, 2025
Fråga till svenskarna: Does anyone know why Jönköpings Länstrafik has two different dates for the timetable change, only one week apart? Isn't any timetable coordination needed for that week? Is this also the case for any other län? https://www.jlt.se/nyhetsarkiv/tidtabellsskifte-augusti-2025/ #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
My journey continues from Nässjö on another SJ Snabbtåg (not the one in the picture). 'If you are in the right carriage and seat, we have all the information we need', so there's no ticket control! This is a convenient difference compared to the platform gates and rushed ticket controls in an underpass in other countries, but it is also an act of trust. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
It's time for the SJ X55 Regina! As you know, I have to celebrate my favourite train. It's really cosy and comfortable to ride in. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
Due to track works in the Uppsala region, the Snabbtåg between Stockholm and Sundsvall (-Umeå) are deviated via Västerås this weekend. This means the journey is 100 km longer than usual!
Unfortunately, the modified timetable is not entirely realistic. Cleaning and restocking takes more than the planned 15 minutes, so we leave Stockholm 15 minutes late. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
The landscape changes slowly as you travel over 800 km. The #SJ Snabbtåg Regina jingle is the only thing that reminds me of home. 🔊 "Wir begrüssen Sie in der S7 nach Stadelhofen, Meilen..." Anyway, let's move on. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
With SJ's Snabbtåg service, you can pre-order meals. In second class, you must collect your order from the bistro. In first class, your order is served at your seat and you have a wider selection, including a full 🌱 plant-based menu. As the food does not come from the dining car, the selection of cold food is limited. I am asked when exactly I would like to receive my food on this six-hour journey. I answer around 7 pm. At exactly 18:59, my food is served. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
#Norrtåg usually operates with a limited number of three X11 and four X52 Reginas north of Umeå. The diagrams are optimised, but upside-down on this Sunday due to an overhead wire failure. Luckily, I still manage to take some good pictures of Norrtåg. 😍 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
🔊 "SJ Nattåg 93 mot Örnskoldsvik, Sundsvall, Gävle, Uppsala, Stockholm Central med avgångstid 1:44 beräknas avgå 16:45" 🤯 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 22, 2025
Unexpected freight trains somewhere near Umeå #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport world
This part of the journey feels more like #Norrut than #BlankSpots, but that doesn't matter right now. Unfortunately, the train I'm taking from Umeå to Vindeln is an X62 Coradia, so I have to wait for the next one. Finally, it's my first Norrtåg X11 ride!
Aug 23, 2025 at 7:33pmMastodon for Android
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 23, 2025
A passing Norrtåg X52 Regina #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
While waiting at Vindeln station, I had a bizarre conversation in Swedish. An elderly couple drove onto the platform in a car. They asked, 'Are you Lars?' I didn't expect the question to be meant for me.
'Is your name Lars?'
'Yes. Why?'
'You resemble a student of mine called Lars. Didn't you go to school here in Vindeln?'
'No, sorry, I didn't'
'Are you sure?' 🤨
I guess I don't mistake my childhood in the Swiss suburbs for one in Northern Sweden. Besides, my Swedish isn't even fluent. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
The Norrtåg journey continues from Vindeln to Luleå. The X52 Regina is rather crowded. I pass endless forests and calm rivers, as well as a few villages with idyllic names, such as Älvsbyn (literally 'river village') and Bastuträsk ('sauna swamp' or 'lake'). #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
Due to track works, the Luleå–Narvik line has a different timetable. Currently, only one #SJ Intercity train runs daily between Kiruna and Narvik. I get on this one and only Intercity train at Luleå. At Boden, many tired hikers with large backpacks get off the night train from Stockholm and board our train that is heading for the beautiful Tornedalen. Last summer, I visited some of the intersting intermediate stations on #Norrut: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/112950853782011169 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
As I pass the small settlement and station of Riksgränsen, the 🇸🇪 Malmbanan turns into 🇸🇯 Ofotbanen. A spectacular view of a deep valley opens up. It soon turns into a fjord. The line descends to sea level until it reaches Narvik. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
The terminus of the Ofotbanen is located in Narvik. The line's main purpose is to transport ore from Sweden to the ice-free Atlantic port. Passenger trains here are a by-product and the network is not designed for tourists purposes primarily. So if you want to travel further north, you need to use other means of transport.
This also makes Narvik the northernmost standard-gauge terminus in Europe. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
My trip continues from Narvik to Tromsø by bus line 100. There are only two or three services a day that run the whole route. The journey takes you along the stunning fjords of northern 🇸🇯 Norway. This is probably the most beautiful bus journey I've ever taken! #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
From Setermoen to Nordkjosbotn, two out of five services are accompanied by a second Line 100 bus! I suppose this is to provide enough capacity for school traffic. Interestingly, the destination indicator on the buses says 'Tromsø'. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
Arctic #Tromsø in August #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
For me, the main attraction in #Tromsø is the extended road tunnel system under the city, complete with roundabouts and car parks. Note: This city has a population of around 80,000. Unfortunately, almost all of the roads are closed for maintenance at the moment. Bus line 42 usually runs through the tunnels. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
On the subject of #Tromsø 's city buses... I didn't use them much, so I can't really draw a conclusion. However, I got the impression that they run quite frequently and are in use.
In contrast, city buses at the airport seem not to be priority (yes, I know the express buses run from a more central location, but the city buses cover more routes). #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
Apparently, #Tromsø 's railway station has poor connections. There aren't any trains at all! (Ok, this is getting ridiculous now, I know. Probably, I've had too much cold air or something... 😅) This is why I have to leave the city by bus again. Regional buses depart from the modern Prostneset terminal. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
This was the third 🇩🇪🇩🇰🇸🇪🇸🇯 chapter of #BlankSpots. For usability reasons, the journey continues with a new thread.
👉 https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115090638326511087
Show threadacbAug 25, 2025
@larstransportworld Is the “railway station” a former railway station, or a pub/cafe/cultural space with a cute name?
Show threadAnders NorénAug 25, 2025
@acb
It's "only" a pub.
@larstransportworld
Show threadPeter KreftingAug 25, 2025

@acb @larstransportworld There has never been any railway in Tromsø, but the pub does have a railway theme, for those that live in Tromsø and would like to have one:

https://cityguide.no/tromso/food-drink-tromso/tromso-jernbanestasjon/

(I've never visited it myself, despite having passed by many times)

#Tromø #TromsøJernbanestasjon

Tromsø Jernbanestasjon

Welcome to the bar Tromsø Railway Station. A meeting place for fans of Norway’s toughest pub/bar. The city’s no. 1 cultbar 🙂

CityGuide
Show threadMagnus AhltorpAug 25, 2025
@larstransportworld When I was visiting Tromsø for a work meeting last year, I didn’t want to take the long bus trip from and to the train in Narvik, so I instead took the ferry from and to Harstad, which is much closer to Narvik.
Show threadtichoAug 25, 2025

@larstransportworld I've used the Tromsø bus system a few times while I was there a few years ago, and they're very lovely and convenient to use... once you figure out how and where to buy tickets.

Locals all use a smartphone app with prepaid tickets, but it's not really worth the hassle for someone who visits just for a few days.

I had to ask around, shopkeepers, etc., and only on third or fourth attempt I was lucky to find someone who actually knew. :)

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 25, 2025
@ticho I bought a day ticket from the machine, that was very eawy. However, there are only a few machines. Maybe they imoroved the ticketing when introducing the brand Svipper in 2024? I considered the app also quite convenient for buying my trip Narvik-Tromsø.
Show threadtichoAug 25, 2025
@larstransportworld Yes, I bought mine in a machine too, somewhere in the city center. But they weren't easy to find, I don't think there's more than half a dozen of them there. I know that another one is on the bus stop right outside the airport.
Show threadAnders NorénAug 25, 2025
@larstransportworld
Did you visit Tromsø Jernbanestasjon?
Show threadonterofAug 24, 2025
@larstransportworld Aha, so this is why they had rebooked some folks onto my train (the one to Luleå) and then with replacement bus/day train from Boden. That sounded rather terrible. Especially because this one was not only diverted over night but then cancelled from Umeå, too. Why the heck did they even sell tickets before they knew of this?! 🫣
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
@onterof Yes, today and tomorrow are exceptions to the exception. There are planned replacement buses north of Gällivare. But I guess, the cancellation north of Umeå are because of something different?!
Show threadonterofAug 24, 2025
@larstransportworld yes on that day there had been a fault with the overhead wire near Boden which couldn't be fixed fast enough, so the cancellation was rather unexpected.
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
@onterof Overheas wire fault again?! Phew...
Show threadTor LillqvistAug 24, 2025
@larstransportworld Ah! Thanks for the information, somehow I had thought that there was no passenger traffic at all at the moment all the way between Luleå and Narvik. But SJ indeed sells tickets Narvik–Luleå for many dates in the next weeks just fine. (Some days have bus substitution Narvik–Abisko Östra.)
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
@tml Exactly. It seems that only today and tomorrow, there is a complete closure north of Gällivare. Usually, there is one single daily train. But apparently, you've discovered some other days without any train services. 😅
Show threadTor LillqvistAug 24, 2025

@larstransportworld Hmm, for some reason I had always in my mind associated the name Tornedalen with a much smaller area, just the area around the river where it forms the border between Sweden and Finland. But you are right, as this map from Wikipedia shows, the darker red is Tornedalen.

If you compare to the catchment area of Torne River, Tornedalen is then a bit larger than that. So it is not a geographical concept.

https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornedalen

https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torne_älv

Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
@tml Thanks for the explanations! Well, it seems the Malmbanan touches only the northern part of the Tornedalen 🤔
Show threadcanAug 24, 2025
@larstransportworld eerie
Show threadNorra kommissionenAug 24, 2025
@larstransportworld Sheesh, you could really have played Lars for them, Lars! 😀
Show threadlars' transport worldAug 24, 2025
@nordkommission I could have. 😅 The question is how long it would have taken for my theatre to blow up.
Show threadMatt[ingham] Aug 23, 2025
@larstransportworld Aww, I remember doing an X11 train to and from Ystad many years ago. Really liked them as a train