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You better strap yourself in, folks, this is going to be a bumpy ride. As I sit writing this, it is hard to believe that about 12 hours ago, I was happily sitting in Starbucks at Copenhagen station, waiting for my train. It feels like weeks ago.
It all started so pleasantly.
Train 4: Copenhagen to Hamburg
Interestingly, this was a Czech Railways train terminating in Prague. And it was very comfortable. I had a window seat reserved for the not particularly mobile. I had lots of room.
Now, I had planned well ahead knowing I was going to have to change trains at Hamburg. I am too well seasoned by my previous journies not to know I need a LOT of time for change overs given the fact that trains are regularly delayed and, sometimes, removed from service in Germany. I had a very reasonable one hour and one minute wait between trains.
As it turned out, this was only just enough.
As the train headed through the countryside, we gradually lost time. By the time we reached Hamburg-Altona, one stop before Hamburg Hbf, we were 25 minutes behind any sort of schedule. That’s okay, I reasoned, I’d still have plenty of time. The trip to Hamburg Hbf is only ten minutes.
Stupid Gaz.
A few fellow passengers left the train and the few remaining, including me, were starting to get a bit concerned as the train remained standing at the platform.
Eventually, a German and English speaking woman went to check on the train guard to ask what was happening. She came back to report that the train was now broken and they were trying to fix it. The guard had no idea if this would take five minutes, five hours or five days.
We stoical, remaing passengers decided to give up, leave the train and head down to the S-Bahn. The German and English speaking woman said she was going to go to the loo first and ducked into the toilet. Oh what a wise decision that was.
I stepped off the train, followed by another two couples. We started dragging our bags along the platform. We passed the train guard who was just standing in the doorway of the next carriage. Then the doors closed and the train pulled out of the station, heading as happy as Thomas would, to Hamburg Hbf.
That was annoying.
And so was this: I wanted to include a video of the train screen showing the explanation for the 25 minute delay but youtube is making it impossible so, bugger it. Here’s a photo instead.
Unexpected train 5: S-Bahn train from Hamburg-Altona to Hamburg Hbf
First I had to find the S-Bahn then which train to catch. This was after almost running to get there. I also had to buy a ticket. Then, of course, just as I reached the platform, the train left the station without me. I then had an agonising 10 minute wait for the next one.
The trip in the S-Bahn would take 12 minutes and I had 10 minutes to wait. There was still enough time for me to make my connection to Frankfurt. If there were no more delays.
There were no further delays and I pulled into Hamburg Hbf with ten minutes to get from platform 1 to platform 14 then walk the length of it to get to my carriage. This is when it is really handy to know the station. I knew exactly where to go.
I just made it and collapsed into a super comfortable seat on my next train.
Shortly after the train pulled out, a very nice man handed me a latte. Though, of course, I didn’t get my usual bratwurst.
Train 6: Hamburg Hbf to Frankfurt Hbf
After all the excitement at getting around and through Hamburg, this, my final train for the day was smooth as silk with no problems, no crowds and no unexpectexd delays caused by German rail infrastructure.
It was another three and a half hours but I reached my hotel at around 20:30 and went straight into the shower before collapsing on the bed.
Whew.
