Overland to Lofoten

You don't need to be a train aficionado like Sheldon Cooper, but let's be honest: Once in a while, travel connoisseurs like you and me - we love to skip the quick, cheap flights to get from A to B. We prefer to travel overland. There are three reasons why this excursion starts in Hamburg, Germany (Hamburg Central Station). Firstly, you are already quite far north when you arrive in (very well connected) Hamburg, almost like knocking on Scandinavia's door. Secondly, on your first leg to Copenhagen (Denmark), you will board the ferry by train. Boarding a ferry by train does not happen too often on this planet, making it a legitimate "Check. Done that!" item on the overland traveler's bucket list. The cruise from Puttgarden (Germany) to Rødby (Denmark) will take 45 minutes. You can choose to stay on the train or explore the ferry, perhaps to do some duty-free shopping. This option comes in handy in case you forgot to buy some proper beer in Hamburg, which, of course, is reason number three to start your trip there in the first place.

Why you want to consider an overland travel to Lofoten:

1) Trains

2) Ferries

3) Train on a ferry

4) Yes. Train on a ferry!

Three reasons why this little excursion starts in Hamburg, Germany (Hamburg Central Station): Firstly, you are already quite far north when you arrive in very well connected Hamburg, almost like knocking on Scandinavia's door. Secondly, on your first leg to Copenhagen (Denmark), you will board the ferry with the train. Boarding a ferry by train is a rare experience, making it a legitimate "Check. Done that!" on the overland traveler's bucket list. The cruise from Puttgarden (Germany) to Rødby (Denmark) will take 45 minutes. Upon reaching the ferry, you have the option to stay on the train or explore the ferry – perhaps to do some duty-free shopping. This can come in handy in case you forgot to buy some proper beer in Hamburg, which, of course, is reason number three to start your trip there in the first place.

Foto: Johan Berge - Visitnorway.com

Hamburg -> Copenhagen -> Malmö
ca. 7 hrs, from 39,- Euro,
Time table, prices etc on www.trainline.eu, Deutsche Bahn
General informations from the man in seat 61.

Northbound through Sweden

There are several options to travel further north. If you enjoy watching the scenery pass by from a window, especially during the endless summer daylight around "Midsommer" (summer solstice) in Scandinavia, this route is perfect for you. The journey takes you through Sweden via Stockholm, Kramfors, Umeå, Kiruna, and finally Narvik in Norway. What a ride. Along the way, you'll pass by the Gulf of Bothnia, through Lappland, and over Bjørnfjell Mountain to Narvik. For the final leg of the trip up north, we will take a bus to Leknes, Lofoten. This five-hour journey offers spectacular sightseeing opportunities, all provided by public transport.

Train Malmö -> Narvik
Rome2Rio

Southbound through Norway

We will leave Leknes by bus (direction „Å“) to Moskenes. Again - it´s ferry time! In just about four hours we will cross Vestfjorden on board the ferry from Moskenes to Bodø, where we will put ourselfs in the hands of Norges Statsbaner - Norwegians railway company. First leg: Bodø -> Trondheim, 11 hours. A sleeping compartment is available and of course great fun. Standard seats are fine and if you are on a budget just skip the sleeper. Still we would recommend it - just because it´s nice to have. Speaking of budget: If you book your tickets early, prices start at 349,- NOK. That´s about 40 US$. One way from Bodø to Oslo Sentralstasjon (ca. 1200km / 18 hours). For another 10 bucks you can upgrade the second leg from Trondheim to Oslo to NSB Komfort, which includes your own power outlet, access to newspapers and the best: Free coffee and tea!

From Oslo you can go back to Hamburg via Malmö bei train or you can tke the ferry to Kiel.

Too long, didn´t read: Great fun, lots to see, very budget friendly for early birds. Also: Trains.