The Survey of Europe - The North

The start of a long journey, how does one begin a report? Here, a packing list could be presented or a travel plan discussed. Ultimately, it began with the struggles of Berlin's public transport, there was a major disruption on the Ringbahn. Nevertheless, I reached Südkreuz station in time, just in time to grab some supplies. Drinks were a must for the journey to the north.

The day's destination was Aalborg in northern Jutland, Denmark. There was a direct bus connection from Berlin, arriving around 9 PM. Time passed, guests got off and on, the route led through Hamburg and Aarhus. I rested and looked out the window (highway). My phone provided distraction, as the landscape offered little variation.

With an hour delay, I finally arrived in Aalborg and checked in at the Cabinn Hotel. A budget accommodation, with rooms designed like ship cabins, a preview of the following days.

Wikipedia and a night walk through the city brought me closer to this northern town. Wallenstein's mercenary army plundered here, and architect Jørn Utzon, creator of the Sydney Opera House, was born in Aalborg. Today, Aalborg is a Danish gem with bricks and half-timbered houses, quite charming.

On Tuesday morning, I set off for Hirthals, an hour to the north. The landscape became more barren, and the houses flatter. The regional train from the Polish company Pesalink reminded me of the local train back home. A Danish elementary school class came up to me and tried to engage in a conversation about Fortnite (and smørrebrød). My Danish wasn't sufficient for this. It ended with the observation that I was 'tysk' (German).

In Hirthals, a 30-minute walk past fish shops to the container port. Along the way, yet again the history of Europe, remnants of the Atlantic Wall. From Wallenstein to Hitler, 400 years of Europe.

I had reached the northern tip of Denmark, and now it was time to continue by ship.