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Interrail Adventure: A Test of Patience and Flexibility Across Europe

A Danish couple embarked on a two-week Interrail trip through Europe, facing numerous delays and challenges with train services, particularly in Denmark and Germany. Despite the initial difficulties and the expense of seat reservations, they found the experience rewarding, especially as they ventured further into France. The trip, covering 4,126 kilometers, highlighted the importance of planning even for spontaneous travel and the unique charm of exploring Europe by train.

The journey began with an early morning train from Copenhagen to Fredericia, but complications arose immediately due to unavailable seat tickets on the direct route to Hamburg. This required the couple to take a detour with multiple stops, setting the tone for the unpredictable nature of their Interrail adventure. They soon encountered canceled connections and a lack of promised train buses in Flensburg, leading to further delays and frustration.

The couple navigated through the chaos by taking a local train and walking to another station to catch a train to Kiel. In Hamburg, they grabbed a quick meal before boarding an InterCity train to Cologne, only to face another setback when a medical emergency caused a significant delay. Despite these hurdles, the train conductor in Cologne arranged for the train to Brussels to wait for them.

The trip from Brussels to Paris presented its own set of challenges, as the train was shorter than planned, forcing the couple to stand in the train cafe. They observed families struggling with luggage and children, questioning the practicality of Interrail for those with young kids.

In France, the couple enjoyed the picturesque landscapes and the freedom to spontaneously choose their next destination. However, they discovered that seat reservations were necessary for the high-speed TGV trains, adding to the overall cost of the trip. Despite the heat in Marseille, they appreciated the coastal breeze and the unique sights of the city.

On their return journey, the couple encountered more delays and track work near the Danish-German border. The air conditioning failed on a Danish train, and they were forced to take a train bus over the Great Belt Bridge. A signal failure further prolonged their journey, but they eventually made it home.

The couple concluded that while the Interrail trip was expensive and not always efficient, it offered a unique sense of freedom and adventure. They suggested that future travelers consider flying to destinations further into Europe to avoid the unreliable train services in Denmark and Germany.