@jcls

Super excited for #CCLS2025!
I just started my trip to Kraków (via stop in Berlin).

Who else will already be in Kraków from Wednesday on for the @clsinfra.bsky.social #ClosingEvent?

I appreciate the possibility to rebook #train tickets with shortest notice. Swedish long distance trains are subject to reservation. If you choose a rebookable or refundable ticket fare, you can change your connection until the time of departure which gives you quite a flexibility. No extra fees are charged. If rebook to a cheaper train, the difference will be refunded. If the new train is more expensive, you have to pay the difference.

One of the stations with the most amazing views I know is situated about 15 min south of Stockholm. The station is bridging the mouth of Lake Mälaren where it meets the Baltic Sea.
We arrived at Stockholm main station two hours late. However, as I had planned with a generous break, I was able to rebook the last stage of my journey to an earlier #train. This means I will be home one hour earlier!

After a good night's sleep Småland welcomes us with sunshine. I already got some exercise as I had to walk from the back to the front of the #train to fetch breakfast. It's a real weekend treat including not only chheese, granola and juice but als pancakes!

On the last 150 km my journey to Hamburg took a disturbing turn due to police action at Hamburg main station. My thoughts go to those directly affected. I am very thankful that I can continue my #train trip and look forward to my bed on the night train Stockholm.

Even the next connecting #train was reached. My next stop will be Hamburg main station. After two supercrowded local trains I really enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the highspeed distance train.

After two inspiring workshop days it is time to say good bye. I am going by #train again.
We started 5 min late, and it was quite thrilling to see if I could catch my first connecting train or if my travel planning collapsed right from the start of the trip. - All went well!

The final stage of my journey took me through green meadows and followed a lovely river. When the ticket inspector saw my ticket which had Hamburg as the start, she expressed symphathy: "Finally, there" - I did not tell her that my journey had already began 30 hours ago.

Despite the hopeful start in Hamburg my #train was delayed at Ingolstadt. It was delayed by only 25 min - nothing to complain about, but still enough to make me miss my connecting train. The alternative connection includes another change. However, I will arrive at my final destination 32 minutes later than planned which is quite good considering the distance (2197 km), the need to cross two borders and to change trains four times!

Off we go! Everyone on the #train is amazed (and a bit puzzled) that the train departs in time. Well, German railways (DB) has quite a reputation to lose. Another pecularity of DB is that you have to self check-in, so called comfort check-in, and you will not be checked for a ticket. In Sweden you only have to take your reserved seat. No controls.
However, for the next 5 hours I will enjoy travelling with Deutsche Bahn.

We arrived at Hamburg 75 min late which gave me more time to enjoy the breakfast included in my ticket. The biggest surpise was the bag of Knusperflocken which is a GDR classic: crispbread crums cover in chocolate.
I use the time until the departure of my connecting #train (I planned in a quite generous buffer) to meet with a friend, to enjoy Hamburg's grey sky, and to conclude the book I began to read last night - what a contrast to yesterday's sunny weather!

I had a great time in Stockholm. And in a few minutes I will continue my journey with the night #train to Hamburg. With 12,5 hours on board this train, this will be the longest part of my trip.
The check-in was uncomplicated, and I have booked a compartment to myself. However, the sign at the coach door brings to mind all rumors about German railway.

We arrived at Stockholm in time. That means that I have a three hours break. Sights such as Stockholm's famous Old Town or the City Hall are just around the corner. After a proper Swedish coffee break (fika), there will be enough time to take a walk to the nearby water side.

Hotel room laptop setup