Denmark’s STRANGE looking international train!
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- This is Denmark's very strange looking international train. I'll be riding the IC3 from Hamburg to Aarhus in FIrst Class, and explaining the reason for this weird design. Join me for a pleasant ride though the countryside of northern Europe. :)
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Journey Details:
Origin: Hamburg Hbf
Destination: Aarhus H
Company: Danske Statsbaner
Train: DSB IC3
Accommodation: DSB 1' Seat (1st)
Distance: 409 kilometres / 254 miles
Price: 759 kr. (£87.80 / €101.80 / $110.80)
Time: 4 hours 27 minutes, arrived 2 minutes early
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Another reason for the strange front of the IC3 is that the rubber diaphragm 'catches' an amount of air in front of it, forming an "air pillow" that greatly reduces the air resistance. So it's actually much more aerodynamic than if it had a flat front like the English train you showed! The diaphragm gets deflated when they couple together, and then re-inflates after being decoupled.
Also, your pronunciation of "Aarhus Hovedbanegård" sounds like you have a very strong Swedish accent :p
That's interesting! I never had heard this before.
Correction: The diaphragm on one of the trains gets deflated when they couple together, *BUT* it re-inflates after being *COUPLED*.
@@mikkolukas No, the diaphragms are deflated while the trains are coupled. There's still some air in them of course, to make sure the seal is tight, but they are far from full. So after two trains decouple, the diaphragms look very flat for a while, until they're inflated again.
They're mostly deflated while the trains are coupled and don't fully re-inflate until the trains are separated again.
Everyone says I sound Swedish! 😂
@@SuperalbsTravels Så vad är du? Dansk? Svensk?
As a dane, ive never questioned the design of our train designs.. just rolled with it, but this video gave much insight on how others sees our odd danish trains.
I never thought of this either! 😆 But I do see, compared to other countries, that our trains, might look strange 😄😆
Don't worry, the Swedes have them too, Litra Y2, the even make IC2 looking consists for some route out east. so: I guess it's their fault?
Our most beautiful ones are defently the old MX and MY
Its a smarter design. Pax vs driver centric
They may not be pretty .... But they are special...!! Love to travel by train..!! ❤👍
"Cheaper shops" he's talking about the good ole tradition of Ølviking: Norwegians raid Sweden, Swedes raid Denmark, and Danes raid Schleswig-Holstein while Icelanders wish flights were cheaper.
That's certainly true, but I know Danes who drive hours from Nordsjælland to Germany and Sweden just to buy snacks and clothes.
Hahahaha 😂😂😂
The border checks at the Flensburg - Padborg border started due to the European Refugee Crisis 2015. My mom crosses that border daily, because she's one of Danish minority people living in Flensburg, that you mentioned and works in Denmark.
So I'm curious, is your mother paid in Euro our Danish Krones? It would suck if you were constantly losing money to conversion fees.
@@Der.Preusse You can have a bank situated in both in Denmark and Germany. In that case you can have both a Danish and Germany Credit/debit card. The bank will make an automatic balance of your accounts. The exchange rate is very close to the official exchange range between Euro and DKK.
For you information, the use of cash in Denmark is very low. Instead, you use cards or paying by your phone. In Germany it is cash more common use. If you need cash, just visit the ATM at the bank.
@@Der.PreusseYou don't lose money because of conversion fees. As Denmark hasn't the Euro, but has a contract with the EU to have their currency coupled to the Euro, the banks are not allowed to take any fees. In fact, I can pay in DKK with my german bank card wireless and don't get stolen of any extra cents. And in shops the conversation rate is normally 1 euro = 7,5 DKK, which is even favorable to us, as the real conversion rate is 1 Euro to 7,45 DKK ;)
To add to the OP:
Border checks is actually only temporary authorised.
But that temporary Law is perpetually being extended (every 6 months, I believe).
Having these borderchecks has and is taking a toll on both Police, home guard and Military readiness. Because of the manhour usage.
But apparently it Is a popular law, among politicians and I'd assume the population. Because of the fear of illegal immigration.
Except for many citizens using the border regularly, E.g. working in Germany. I guess, the OP's mother could expand on, whether this is widespread.
And as is said in the video, not everyone entering the country are checked. Meaning, it's effectiveness is often debated.
I wish they'd repeal that law soon. We're basically giving our schengen friends the middle finger. I don't leave Denmark all that often myself, but it's a waste of resources and it's not a good look internationally 😒
Nice video. I like these Danish IC3 trains. Despite their odd appearances they are really comfortable. I once travelled from Odense to Copenhagen with some friends from Chile and Russia. I had booked tickets without seat reservation because it was a rather calm time of the day. However, my friends kept on walking through the train, passing several empty seats. When I asked them about it they answered they'd be searching for the second class. Everything looked that comfortable to them, they thought the whole train was 1st class;-)
Awesome! 🥰
Oh man. As mentioned the IC4 train was a complete failure and the replacement - IC5 - is now delayed until 2027. At that point many of the IC3 trains have been operating for at least 35 years.
It was a brilliant design in the 80s, but they are getting very, very tired.
And I don't think people are giving the wiered design enough credit. Coupling/decoupling trainsets might happen multiple times during the 4,5 hour trip from Aalborg to Copenhagen growing the train from 1 three-car unit to 5.And its so damm efficient.
Basically the train driver just drives one unit into the rear of the other one at a walking pace. It gives a small shake, some "air release noises" and that is it.
The same thing when decoupling. The train goes into the station at a walking pace. The train driver hits a button and the units disconnect and brake individually. Its fairly impressive and something I experience very day when taking my 12 minute ride to Aarhus
Problem is that maintenance of dsb materiel the last 8 years has been greatly reduced on everything
They’re selling the IC4 online too haha like 11 train sets 😅
Fun fact: one of the IC4 units was given by AnsaldoBreda to Gaddafi and there is therefore one in Tripoli, Libya. It's not used for anything, but it took the Danish government 4 years to figure out one of their trains were missing. You can even see it on Google Maps!
the trip from Aalborg to Copenhagen is a bit faster, at 4 hours 13 minutes (I'll be making that trip myself next Thursday), but yeah, the coupling/decoupling is something you barely notice....
😊
The self powered three-in-one layout is actually a leftover from before the Great Belt Bridge was built. They needed to fit on the ferries and each ubit being powered meant they could shunt them on board without dedicated locos
True that.
AFAIR, a Great Belt ferry could typically take 2 coupled IC3 train sets per track.
And with multiple tracks at the ferries, that was quite a bit.
Of course, after 1997 (the railway bridge/tunnel-opening) that wasn't so important anymore 🙂
6:48 In its early years, IC3 used to come with onboard catering, at least on national routes in Denmark. A trolley loaded with goodies like candies, sandwiches, sodas, coffee, and tea would make its way through the entire train a couple of times during those long journeys. And if you needed something in between, no worries - just track down the steward chilling in the galleyway for a quick fix.
We still have this service on Irish trains!!
At least they still provide water on the trains during heat waves.
they still do on inland trains, ive travelled cross country several times, and there was a trolley almost everytime...
The reason why they don't have them on all trains anymore is due to their trade union being too successful. The staff is payed exactly the same as the train driver and operator due to being classified as part of the safety crew. That obviously makes any catering service on low traffic lines impossible to be profitable.
Besides by now I think most Danes have just gotten used to bringing food and drinks on the train ourselves.
@@SaturnusDK The prices have always been a rib off also on national lines in Denmark. That's why passengers in general bring their own food etc. Besides some of the IC3 trains have got vending machines installed. I have never heard that the staff should be a part of the safety crew. They are imploied by 7-Eleven and before 7-Eleven took over it was "DSB kiosker og restauranter" a private danish company. They were/are as badly paid as in every other supermarket job
1:17 Hamburg Hauptbahnhof doesn't just feel overcrowded, it really is overcrowded. One weird thing is that, despite the fact that it is a through running station, every single regional train (except for the S-Bahn) terminates there. That's why so many people change trains there.
Lots of trains continue to Altona to be honest. :)
@@SuperalbsTravels I said every _regional_ train. Yes, a lot of IC and ICE trains coming from the rest of Germany continue to Dammtor and Altona, but they aren't regional trains. You can't use them to get around the Hamburg area on monthly passes or tourist tickets, for example. In fact, you can't buy a ticket for IC and ICE trains just for going between stations within Hamburg, say from Harburg to Altona.
And I just checked to make sure I'm not mistaken, every single RE and RB that calls at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof does indeed terminate there.
I'm not sure if Altona as a terminus station were able to turn around more trains from the South in addition to the existing long-distance ICE and IC services and northbound regional trains.
The just released plans to update the station also keep the historic center part of it.
Sadly not a lot of new platforms will be added, as there just isn't any space next to the trainstation due to its location.@@SuperalbsTravels
@@namenamename390Actually one can buy a ticket on long distance trains for travel inside Hamburg, but not on most trains. Those which are starting or ending inside Hamburg have these stops marked as enter/leave only.
But e.g. an ICE from Frankfurt to Kiel has no such restrictions.
This ticket will be 3-4 times the price of S-Bahn, though.
Very fair review. The reason for the rubber front, is simply to reduce friction with the air, also when coupling several trains together. My grandfather was with DSB for 40 years. He started with steam, before ww2, and ended with diesel electric. The beautiful MY. The IC3 rattleling sounds have soothed many a hangover sunday cross Jutland journeys.😊
Someone from my family brought the MY to Denamark, its a very nice lokomotiv.
The IC3 really was an ingenious piece of engineering 35 years ago. And the design was surprisingly cheap. They were really good at thinking outside the box for solutions. A famous example is that the gear is a direct copy of a gear used in a Volvo truck. That gear is still working. There was no need to design something from scratch if a usable solution already existed.
Nothing will beat the comfort and looks of the IC3, it's truly a good experience. 1st class travel is not needed at all.
Finally: the rubber train
I always visualise them when listening to rubbery sounding Elastic Love by Christina Aguilera. 😅😮
Øresundståg: 😭
@@sandrad81 ❤️🤍❤ - 💙💛💙
@@sandrad81இது என்ன மொழி!
Reminds me of a baboons butt
I really like how much effort you put into pronouncing the names of towns and landscape!
5:15
little funfact about Hamburg-Dammtor;
In the german rail-community its a pretty big meme to joke about Hamburg Dammtor.
It is considered a so called "Haltepunkt" which are basically stations that do not have any switches, something that usually only applies for the very smallest stops,
So people began clowning that Hamburg Dammtor is a "Haltepunkt" while serving very many people and trains.
Hahaha, that's cool! 😂😂😂
The fancy shmancy new main station they're building for Stuttgart will also only be a "Haltepunkt" ("stopping point") - because it has too much of an incline on the platforms to be anything else.
The same goes for the upper level of Berlin Hauptbahnhof 😆
As a Dane i have been waiting for this review can't wait to see your thoughts
i'm half danish and was wondering if some danish train reviews would ever happened
@@XD-kw2nqthere has been another one of the ic4
@@bastianlind2008 huh must've missed it
I hope you enjoyed! :)
@@SuperalbsTravels specially ur sweden train vids were awsome
This summer I visited Europe including Denmark and Germany these trains where fun to ride and there quirky design makes them fun to ride and look at
as a dane, im very very proud of how you pronounces the stations many people cant do it as good as u KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
I will really miss the IC3/IR4 trains once they get replaced by the IC5. The interior design is so elegant and smart and the fact that you can walk from one end of the train to the other through diferent sets is genius. Shame the company that made them back in the 90s went bust.
Yup, it's a pretty timeless design...
Defently not going to miss the IC4 tho!😅
Scandia closed because of poltical reasons again.
But it was actaully the meaning that the IC'3s were gonna become IC'4s but again the Danish goverment ruined that.
9:49
the easy solution for cables is to route them by tucking them between the headrest and the headrest pillow which is attatched by velcro, you can even remove and adjust the pillow easily
That shape is surprisingly good from an aerodynamic point of view. I remember seeing the results of test work in the 1970s using basic shapes from a rectangular block to a saloon car shape. The lowest drag was a rounded edge block or IC 3! Also the saloon cars now made by Audi etc. were also predicted in these tests, its just taken nearly fifty years for them to become acceptable.
The shape isn't very aerodynamic. Trapping so much air constitutes loads of pressure drag.
I booked this train like 4 months in advance and it was 80 euros from Amsterdam to Aarhus first class. So although it's pricy a week before, if you plan well in advance it can be a total bargain. I really liked the seats and wifi and coffee, tea and biscuits were provided for free. Sorry you had to make due with bottled water. I was checked at Padborg as well, they asked what I was doing in Denmark. I said I came to watch football (because I have a weird obsession with the Danish national team) and he said: can't you watch football in the Netherlands? And when I said I supported Denmark instead he shook his head, gave me my passport and left. Really weird conversation.
Oh, you got lucky and found the best communicating Dane! Cut 'em some slack, they're obviously not used to speaking a comprehensible language ;)
this post was made by sweden gang
@@kebrlbro i genuinely cant stop laughing at the fact that swedish people love mocking danes saying they cant take a joke 💀
@@blackmercury956 the real joke is IC4 anyway
If you start your journey at a station in Denmark which provides a "7-Eleven" you can often grab a coffee or a cold beverage without charge.
At some departures between Copenhagen and Aarhus there will be an employee from "7-Eleven" onboard to provide for some service like coffee, tea and/or snacks but they're really expensive!
@@ingloriousdane always bring your own snacks anyway. Even bought at the station is cheaper than on board every time.
I used to take the train from Cologne to Hamburg very often, then often change to the Danish train and travel via Puttgarden/Rødby to Copenhagen. I really liked the trains, they were/are comfortable and somehow everything slows down. But especially when the train pulled into the ferry and the boat crossing was always the highlight.
I'm Danish, and i don't mind about how the trains look. As long as they work, and drives in time, i'm happy.
Do they arrive on-time? :)
The IC3 does also couple with IR4, that is a 4 car electric version. But all Danish design and built. The power outlet, was a compromise to locate it over, since there was no real other place to place it. I've seen laptop chargers fall down onto people, but a extender cord does fix that. I've tried to drive the IR4, and it's a good train with many features for it's time. Still need to try the IC3 :)
Some of the IR4s (which I assume is the X31/X32 here) were built in Sweden, with the main difference being that they had a small kiosk.
@@TheSimon253 The X31/X32 aka Class ET is another type and has curves. IR4 is Class ER.
@@TheSimon253 No IR4s were built in Sweden, you are confusing it with the similar Öresund train.
@@qpox Clearly a superior type since it is not diesel and some are not built by Danes. 🇸🇪
IC4 trains are garbage compared to the IC3 and IR4 (electric version of IC3)
Another great vlog from my favourite hunk-geek. It is so nice to be able to travel vicariously when I can't do it in person. Thankyou.
Neat to see a review on the Danish workhorse. This is gonna be a very long comment coming from a Danish guy just fyi.
Regarding catering then DSB has not had any onboard restaurants or even kiosks on their trains since the 90's. The IC3's and some of its electric IR4 sister units did have a small kiosk compartment by one of the doors but that has been long out of use. DSB also used to have an onboard trolley service but it was removed in 2014 to cut down on expenses. Since 2020 however theyve reintroduced something similar to a trolley, with a service worker, carrying a tray of snacks and a backpack full of hot water to make instant coffee. Its supposed to be on most Lyntog services but you have no guarantee of knowing whether the service will even be on your train or not, plus the prices for whats on offer are also very expensive. Even compared to the 7eleven kiosks at stations. As for the future, DSB's new Talgo trains in 2024 and Alstom built IC5 electric trains in 2027 (yeah it just got delayed from 2025 to 2027) will feature onboard vending machines selling coffee and light snacks.
The IC5's which will replace the IC3's on most routes will feature exclusively standard class as DSB wants a "flexible seating plan" where they can designate a whole carriage or no carriages as 1st class, quiet areas, family zones, or any other way they want based on the demand for the exact service they're providing. DSB loves to use any train they have for any kind of service. A mockup of the IC5 made by Alstom has also gotten a lot of criticism with its seats by Danes for being of subpar comfort compared to the IC3's. Danish passengers have very VERY high expectations to comfort.
Also the border controls have been in place ever since the migrant crisis of 2015, and politicians have been extending the "temporary" border checks ever since on all primary routes in and out of Denmark. Officially on the grounds of human trafficking and combatting terrorism, but it has always been very related to islamophobia and racism and keeping illegal islamic and african immigrants out. Especially since only the main ways in and out on the main routes like the highways and main roads, but most of the minor roads across the border further west along with the local rail line from Niebüll into Denmark have no border checks at all. The Border controls have been a mixed bag here in terms of opinions with a good chunk of people, especially those living in the border region, not liking them, but an even greater amount wanting them to be permanent, especially right wing voters and politicians, with a right wing centrist government currently in power in Denmark.
Also yeah IC services in Denmark are quite slow. They're usually more comparable to something that'd be labelled an Interregional in other countries. If you want a fast service, you'd take the Lyntog or Lightning train. But that too also stops in several smaller towns/cities after reaching Fredericia. Mainly because of a lot of mayors pitifully demanding that the lightning trains stop in their small city. One high speed rail bridge meant to bypass the town of Vejle in the triangle region was caught in political limbo for 9 years and then cancelled because of Nimbys complaining about their fjordside mansion prices going down, and the mayor of Vejle that complained that "Vejle would be erased off the Danish map" by Lightning trains serving the largest cities bypassing the city and the long winding route on each side of the fjord.
As for the price, yeah its expensive, and 1st class ticket prices are usually fixed. The normal 2nd class tickets are usually as well, but DSB also offers discounted tickets with dynamic pricing. Namely the "Orange" tickets which can only be bought in their app and on their website, and not through any 3rd parties. The Orange ticket is completely inflexible, valid for only 1 specific departure but usually at rock bottom prices and in limited quantity, usually sold out at least a month in advance. Theyve also introduced the Orange Fri which is also rather cheap, available in greater quantities, and can be fully refunded if cancelled up to 30 minutes before departure. The Orange Fri tickets have become very popular on long distance services.
Thanks for the nice overview - enjoyed reading your comment ✌️
>which can only be bought in their app and on their website
lol i remember reaching out about it and the representative i spoke with told me you CAN buy orange tickets in ticket offices BUT they charge a 40 DKK fee for it. very weird that they don't talk about it on their website tbh, but at the same time it makes sense since they constantly push "muh digital" everywhere. i hope the vending machines won't be card/mobilepay only
Greetings from your southern neighbours, very nice summary of the whole situation, indeed... I'll be on the route to Copenhagen in about 2 weeks from now, on my way to Sweden. I got pretty lucky this time with tickets, 1st Class from Kiel in Germany to Kalmar in Sweden was "just" about 90€ each way, including reservation...the Hamburg/Copenhagen always was pretty crowded when I used it, I guess this will better with the higher capacity of the Talgo sets, and then ofc. from 2030 again, with trains from Hamburg going over Fehmarn, Rödby, etc again
@@mokocchi_love Well if the vending machines stick around at all. We're already seeing plans to phase out the Rejsekort in favour of an app solely on the grounds of removing the readers and reloading machines to not spend that money. And SJ are shutting down their ticket machines in Sweden. Lokaltog and AarBus have also been shutting down the ticket machines onboard their trains and buses.
But also DSB only has 3 staffed ticket offices in all of Denmark, in Copenhagen, Odense, and Aarhus respectively.
@@007Marke Yeah, the Fehmarn tunnel will slash journey times in half, thats gonna be a gamechanger. As for you, the train you'll be on will very likely be some of the German IC1 coaches that DSB currently have on loan. The Talgos have been delayed and DSB have been using old Deutsche Bahn Intercity coaches since June of this year, and will likely keep using them until 2025 whenever their first 8 Talgo sets are fully phased into service. Maybe even a bit further considering their IC5 electric trains for domestic use just got delayed by an additional 2 years and that DSB struggles to keep their disasterous IC4 DMU's by Ansaldo Breda going. In that case it'd probably be wise to lease a few locomotives, and perhaps loan even more carriages from DB and use them where it makes sense to phase out the IC4 completely, and keep this temporary fleet around until enough IC5's by alstom are in service.
Sadly this service won't exist anymore in a few days. This is because the international Denmark/Germany-Route will only be served by an electric vehicle with former german IC-Coaches. So there won't be any service from Hamburg to Aarhus until the track from Fredericia to Aarhus will be electrified :(. There will only be Hamburg-Copenhagen from now on
Nope. DSB will use whatever they have. Its not long ago, a Vectron with double deckers served the route. If DSB needs the rolling stock, they will improvise. Same reason that Øresundståg has been driving to Næstved in K23.
@@casper_christensen But right now this line is no longer included in the DB timetable or am I wrong?
@@halloichbinderdominik the IC3 and Vectron run the same line. IC3 has been going to Germany quite a lot, even though it was "discontinued"
The connection is not part of the new DB timetable as far as I understand it the rolling stock is going to be used to serve more connections on the Hamburg - Copenhagen route instead.
Sad!
I think that those binbags started to show up in the late 80's, early 90's, when I worked for SJ cleaning carriages, it used to be metal bins before them, which slowed you right down as you had to check them all to see if they've been used or not, with these you could just walk pass, with a quick glance to your left and right....those were the days! 😉😊
I'm glad you mentioned the Danish minority, my partner is a part of that! He lives in Denmark now though and I travel on this train monthly when I go to visit him. It was interesting to watch and hear your thoughts on the journey. I love the IC3s, theyre some of the most comfy trains I’ve ever travelled on.
Interesting is that the IC (now a EuroCity!) between Hamburg and Copenhagen doesn’t stop after Padborg until Kolding, unlike the HamburgAarhus line
I took this or a similar train from Hamburg to Copenhagen last year. Indeed everyone was so confused when it arrive at the platform. We didn't expect our 5-hour international journey to be in what looked like a subway train equipped to dig its own tunnels.
Before the bridge between sjælland and fyn, these trains would use rail-ferries to cross. I'm sure the flat front helped store them more compactly within the ships. Importantly they could be easily split into two to fit the whole length. Of course after the bridge this isn't a factor anymore.
The Danish/Swedish X31 trains are similar. The seating layout is good. The class 158 were the product of a collaboration between the Danish design team and the Derby Railway Technical Centre.
Interesting, the 15 eights have a very high route availability, due to them being constructed, like the Danish counterparts from lightweight aluminium.
for those in doubt: The X31 is the one marketed as Øresundståg
@@mikkolukas They are a modern take on the BR Mark One stock, with half the seating in facing bays on either side of the window, and luggage space between seat backs. They would look good with the seats trimmed in a proper moquette, something like the original South West Trains "Timetable" pattern or "Bournemouth Blue". Seat fabrics on recent stock tend to be dire. Modern seating is more difficult to trim, due to its complex shape.
The Belgian class AM96 trains are often called "Danish noses" in refernce to the IC3s
It looks like the AM96 could have chocolate inside... and it looks like the IC3 could have licorice inside...
We have trains with the same front in Belgium, the MS96 (Class 96). The rest of the design is wholly different though, hope you'll review them one day!
Another place for this type is Israel, but with better A/C.
afaik israel had some of DSB’s IC3 for a while, but doesn’t anymore
He already did: ua-cam.com/video/t7C-M2P2fT0/v-deo.html (albeit the AM96)
That's an old bad video. 😂
@@SebastianD334 They still exist 2 in Aarhus at Øm.
I'm in this video!
You drove past me at 14:52!
It was quite a while ago, so I'm surprised to see myself AND that youtube even recommended this video to me.
International train travel should be always viewed as an adventure. Then any delays or mishaps are easier to deal with
We also have a similar looking train here in Belgium, it's called AM96 if you want to look it up !
Thanks, I hope to try that one day. :)
Anonther curious fact about the IC3 (DSB class MF) is that it can not only be coupled in multiple with other IC3s, but also with the IR4 (DSB class ER), which basically is the electric IC3, originally intended for regional trains on Sjælland, hence the R in the name. The diesel-mechanical IC3 and the electric IR4 can thus be coupled together and controlled as one train. I believe they are the only trains in the world capable of this.
Yes, that's a really cool feature. I went on a 17 car formation with both diesel and electric sets. :)
Yes; true that.
It is always pretty cool to see multiple IC3s and IR4s being coupled or decoupled in Fredericia (a hub station in Denmark, where you often change trains or where multiple IC3/IR4 units are coupled/decoupled.
The IC3 is a Danish design icon. It will be missed for sure. I agree that 1st class does not offer much over 2nd class and is usually not worth the price. You are guaranteed a seat though if you have a first class ticket, and standing passengers are not allowed in 1st class either. The purpose is not as much luxury, it is more a quiet environment to get work done. There are a lot of people travelling between Aarhus and Copenhagen that use the train as a moving office. 1st class is good for that.
Both the IC3 and the DB red trouble decker regional train are very common sights here in Israel (though the IC3 is quickly disappearing from most lines now that electrification is well underway). The IC3s even still have the DSB seats and chime!
Being Danish this was especially interesting, of course. But as always interesting documentary and great pictures. Thank you! 🙂
11:40 The Schengen treaty allows for countries to reinstate border checks for a limited time in case of a threat to public safety. The Danish government just keeps redeclaring this threat over and over again for years, now. Although checks are very relaxed, it is a shame. That's not how a united Europe is supposed to work. 🙁
Yes it's a shame...so, so sad but, maybe - just maybe, even Denmark might reach the 21st century...💤💤
@@Jetmab04Just a tad bit offended at that. Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world as well as many other factors I don't wanna fill up this comment with. We are by no means behind "everyone else". Except maybe the actual trains being quite old in some cases... I will say that there's a certain... approach to "unity" here in denmark I feel. We do enjoy working together but we don't enjoy being "bossed around". I think even with... Can't remember if it was NATO or UN (FN in danish) but while we don't have the option of voting on any nations we have the option of opting out or joining in on any we so choose. I do personally wish we were a bit more corroborative myself but the general consensus in my country seems to be that we'll work with, not for, the rest of Europe. I could go into a deep dive about Denmark's culture about unity and what not but suffice to say we (some) see it differently than how people like the original commenter does. The fact that you felt it necessary to shame us for not conforming to YOUR definition of unity kinda proves exactly why so many danes don't wanna be put in a situation where they can be forced into something
No, it's supposed to be a trade and industry confederation, not the federally governed monstrosity that the cunts in Brussels are trying to turn it into.
That's how we feel in the UK. Friendship is fine, a REICH is not. @@VitaeLibra
I love your videos. You are always so positive about even regular stuff.
I like to enjoy my travels! :)
Danish person here, just wanted to say that I cannot fathom why ANYONE would pay so much extra for first class on our trains, it's so not worth it, as you yourself found out. Btw, I actually quite like the IC4.
I found you! I finally found the guy who likes IC4!
Hi! Very good video, what I would really like to see in a video is the EC 172 going from Hamburg to Budapest.
The entire journey? 😅
@@SuperalbsTravels Well, it's up to you, but I can really recommend doing the entire journey because of the scenic ride near Dresden and Hungary. Also, the dining car is just perfect.
There used to be catering on DSB. I remember those trips fondly when the catering trolleys came along. Once I accidently found myself on the train that was the first to cross the Storebælt bridge while the jubilee of said event was celebrated with free coffee and all you can eat breakfast.
The sockets in the ceiling were never intended for passenger use. They are there for the vacuums used by the cleaning crew in the depot.
Yea, they were designed long before mobile phones became common.
No, they were designed for passenger use from the start, so you could plug in your fancy new laptops or recharge your PDA in 1990. Their placement was due to co-location with the existing electrical wiring in the baggage rack for the lighting. This was quite revolutionary at the time, as most trains, not to mention airplanes, had no power outlets onboard for passenger use.
There are outlets on some other trains that do use a special plug system that is exclusive to the train crews, intended for vacuuming and cleaning.
There where only one socket with a switch, when the trains where commissioned. It when changes to dual sockets when phone chargers became more popular.
These trains were tested in Canada in the 1990s. As I recall, there was a problem with snow buildup in the stairs. When travelling from Copenhagen to Hamburg in 2001 I saw the decoupling feature for the ferry.
9:35 Pro tip: you can hang the wires around the coat hanger then it wont be in your face
In Belgium, we also have trains that look a lot like IC3s. That's because they are actually based on the Danish version. They are called the MS 96 but are electric, unlike the Danish version.
I think these are my favourite European trains for comfort, top class (though like you, I find the plug socket placement....interesting!). Incidentally - I'm assuming this was filmed in 2021/early 2022? The full First catering offer is somewhat better, with a flask of hot water to make tea/coffee and a small snack offered once across the border into Denmark.
I suppose this is filmed in late summer 2020 when pandemic started required usage of face masks!
I took first class on the IC3 two weeks ago and was never offered any catering. There were _sometimes_ bottles of water available.
Not strange looking to me since I grew up in Denmark and often travel from Copenhagen to Helsingør. Great video!!
These trains are really stuffy and cramped when a lot of people are on board. They feel smaller than other trains. Glad they switched them out for regular German IC trainsets during peak season on the Hamburg - Copenhagen line.
I‘d have to agree with that. While the Danish IC3 sets a great, they are just not really made for huge crowds on super busy lines.
Many Danes have criticized the old IC carriages for feeling outdated and having a poor level of comfort, along with other issues like poor internet connectivity and often broken AC. They are not liked at all by danish travellers and have been ridiculed in the media.
They're good, but overworked. But an upgrade would be nice.
@@NorthSea_1981 "they are just not really made for huge crowds on super busy lines.".
I have to disagree with that.
I have seen them coupled up with 3-5 trainsets in the regional rush hour traffic to and from Copenhagen. Works like a charm, and can easily take hundreds of passengers that way. The most comfortable commune, I have ever tried.
And when it comes to the intercity traffic, it has always been so in Denmark, that no seat reservation=travel at the risk of having no seat. That is not an IC3 issue, but a DSB issue.
@@drdewott9154 "Many Danes have criticized the old IC carriages for feeling outdated and having a poor level of comfort".
IC3 seats are probably the best train seats, I know of.
True that they don't handle 160+ kmh very well anymore (worse than the newer IC4, which was no succes), but that might also be a track issue. But as long as you don't expect Shinkansen level stability, the seating comfort is among the best, I have tried.
The trick is to tie a loop on you cable and hang it from the coat hook or tug it in between the headrest and the seat to keep it from dangling i front of your face ;-)
Danish border police are checking up due to extreme refugee flow, it has been like that for quite some time
That was originally the reason for the border control. Now the government just keeps coming up with new reasons for extending the “temporary” border control period
True, traveled from Hamburg to Copenhagen a few years ago and after the border check the train went from being full, to maybe just a third or a quarter because so many people tried entering the country illegally and were removed by the border patrol 🤔
Took us over an hour back then...
Even Germany itself recently introduced border checks to many of its neighbours (though they'll not check everyone's ID but only selectively)
Call them migrants. That’s what they are.
@@peterfireflylund uncontrollable flow of migrants, yep
i'm heavily considering moving to germany for a variety of reasons and it's nice to know that there is a trainline that goes to denmark. so i can travel around scandinavia and the nordic countries easily.
11:40 Denmark has an opt-out of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice domain in the EU, which means that Denmark's membership of the Schengen area is a bilateral agreement unlike all other Schengen member states in the EU. Denmark has used this clause to have a "temporary border control" as a consequence of the 2015 immigration crisis.
So, so sad and unfortunately correct 😪!!
I thought every country had the right to introduce "temporary ID checks", Sweden still does this with trains from Denmark.
@@epender They do! Denmark must have taken that, and many other "rights" many many years ago as they still only use the very worst "rights" in order to punish as many innocent people as possible and, punish them/us to death 😰
The saying Holocaust-Denmark doesn't come from nothing - far from😱
PS: And this is not just from 2015 but, must have existed in DK since the place became a country.
Maybe the place can become a territory of North Korea and, the rest of us can begine to live a human life again - even on train-rides!!
It should be noted that, these trains are very quiet( No Noise from outside) in all of the cabins.🤫
As earlier comments say, the IC5 has been delayed. This probably means the IC4 has to stay a bit longer. Perhaps DSB will buy the last Israeli IC3s. The Danish IC3s are being upgraded to support ETCS (that is why the Hamburg to Århus intercity is suspended), so it seems reasonable to upgrade the Israeli IC3s too and get them running on ETCS equipped tracks. There are quite a few by now.
The Israeli will never run in Denmark....purely for spares
Will the line from Fredericia to Aalborg be electrified?
@@gab_v250 That is still on. It is the line from Aalborg to Frederikshavn that was cut.
Sorry to disappoint you, but the Israeli IC3s have been discontinued from revenue service effective December 1st 2023.
I asked.
@@electricdragon9366
I know. So they should be for sale soon.
DSB bought some earlier for spare parts, some of those might be in a runnable state as well.
as a local in aarhus this is my favorite train
I have been on units whose exterior and structure are similar to these, in Belgium. The Belgian version is really nice.
I get on those quite often, they are pretty comfortable (when it's not too busy and decide to clean em properly) 😁
They were manufactured by the same people as the IC3
Arghhhhh I am watching your videos for years. It’s so cool to see my small hometown Wrist 6:32 in your video 😍
That is so cool! 🥰
Hi..... great video. I love the danish IC trains. I use them often. I work daily in the Danish Army Bordercontrol Unit, also called Gefion. Denmark is a member of the Schengen Area, which is a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. However, countries in the Schengen Area are allowed to temporarily reintroduce border controls in specific circumstances. These circumstances typically involve security concerns, public order, or other exceptional situations.
Denmark, like some other Schengen member states, has at times implemented temporary border controls, particularly in response to security or migration-related issues. These measures are intended to be temporary and exceptional, with the ultimate goal of maintaining the overall security and functioning of the Schengen Area. But with the global high risk terror thread against Denmark, we have a permanent "temporary" bordercontrol. Eventhough we only have the borders to Germany, we still get lots of illegal persons on the border. Hope this helps to explain this to you.
Denmark also has a land border with Canada, but I doubt that it is being patrolled very often.
@@peterbakpetersen4942 Denmark only have a physical border with Germany. It is where Juttland goes into Schleswig Holstein. This is where I work. Than we have a bridge to Sweden. This is also a kind of physical border. Other than that, we only have borders to other countries over the ocean. The bordercontrolles here are made by the ferries in the harbours. These ferries goes to Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Ferroes Iselands and The UK. Other than that, we dont have borders with other countries. We ofcause have "borders" to all countries that have fights to Denmark. Here the Border Controlle is made in the airports. If you thing about our border to Canada from Greenland, there is no physical contact and no border crossing and no ferries. Sorry.
@@hfranke07 actually, since 14 June 2022, Greenland and Canada do share a land border, on the uninhabited Hans Island. Not "Denmark", but the Danish Realm at least, and definitely outside the Schengen Area
@@wtell4436 Ahhhh, yes I have heard of this.... they put up their flags and take the others flags down..... yes yes,- you are right. Thanks
It's a pity the border patrol people are so rude to foreigners
One cool thing you should know about why first class is almost empty: Close to everybody in denmark who use public transport regularly use the country's Rejsekort service, where you get a plastic card and simply scan it at terminals at every station or bus, and scan again when you check out. These cards can't give you first class so noone bothers.
You can travel first class with your Rejsekort. You just need to use the special checkin point. I do that once in a while. You cam also configure your Rejsekort to make every trip fist class.
But the difference between first and second class is so small that first class is rarely worth the money. And as you saw in this video, the first class perks (like free coffee, chocolate etc.) are often missing, makling it a even worse deal.
Train vending Maschine is stil cheaper then 7/11 in Denmark
I took this train on my Interrail trip to and from Copenhagen last year. So the cost wasn't that big a deal and I got a cheap seat reservation. I also was very pleased with the seat and comfort on the train. But the boarder checks were rather annoying especially in Covid times with different mask mandates..
The train is very popular and I'm looking forward to a reduction in journey time and hopefully increased capacity when the Fehmarnbelt tunnel opens.
As far as I know, at least on the Copenhagen line, the Danish rubber-nosed trains have recently been replaced by German IC trains.
But as someone who lives in the area and often has connections at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, I have often seen these DSB trains and always wanted to ride one. I'm glad I still had the chance to try them out ;)
That's correct, the IC3 was due to be replaced by brand new Talgo carriages hauled by an electric locomotive, the delivery of these have however been delayed, so they are currently using IC1 carriages.
The route to Aarhus is partially non-electrified (due to be complete in a few years) so they still use IC3.
To further clarify, DSB has leased old Intercity Carriages from DB and are hauling them with a Vectron Electric Locomotive. DSB marketing has named these carriages “IC1”.
Superb videos ! 👍
Border checks at Padburg happen so frequently there for the same reason border checks happen near the German/Austrian border, the Austrian/Hungarian border and so forth: most illegal migrants from the middle east travel from country to country to where their relatives already are / the state pays them the most money.
You'll notice that at the German-Danish border only Danish checks are made. So the border checks are political in nature. Germany doesn't have them, Denmark and some other countries have.
@@jirrenno Checks are always when entering the country. German checks are when entering Germany from Austria.
@@jirrenno 1: Countries check ingoing but not outgoing traffic.
2: Very few illegal immigrants going that way. The only non-EU country in that direction is Norway.
@@jirrenno nonsens
I'll just say this - Rendsburg is a very lovely place to visit for a few hours. Did a day trip away from Hamburg and visited Flensburg and Rendsburg, totally worth it 😀
Those window hammers are a good idea. But not in the UK. They are always stolen. When I was a Guard on Scotrail in the 80's, they were locked behind the emergency lever on Sprinters. You had to pull the lever to remove the hammer.
Guess how many times we were stopped before it was decided to remove them.
They are also getting stolen in Denmark all the time. I have always wondered what people are using all those window hammers for ...
It's nice to see a train not being a total disaster on your channel. :)
Your German pronunciation is just adorable!
Thanks? 😅
@SuperalbsTravels
Your pronunciation really IS good! 😊
The compliments are well-deserved.
⭐️ 🥇 👍
It's not only his German. He seems to make a real, and from what I can tell successful, effort in ANY language of the places he's travelling to. I appreciate and admire it very much (well... as long as he isn't claiming to be able to do this effortlessly).
Thanks everyone! I definitely think it's worth the effort to get these names right (or at least as close as I can get). :)
Its not a international train. Its a intercity train. And one of the Best designed train ever. Its still in use.
Oh no the reason is so obvious and simple! And I wondered for years.
Awesome! :)
Excellent; informative and well researched,as always, thanks!
The Danish IC3 trains are the most comfortable and spacious trains I know, even in 2. class. Much more comfortable than the German ICE stocks, for example. And I am glad to here that the Hamburg - Aarhus service consists now of six cars instead of only three as it was in recent years.
As for the border checks in Padborg: As far as I know it's because of drugs and illegal immigration.
There's no direct service anymore. You have to change in Frederica
@ Oh, I see.
Thanks for the tour.
I have been one of the persons responsible for repairing the "Next stop" displays and the small reserved displays at each seat, but weirdly enough only been on this train type 2 times in my life.
There is a IR4 version of this train that is electrically driven instead of diesel, but it is still possible to connect the trains up and run them in tandem if the route is electrified.
Question: Having been on this and the previous IC train design, I wonder if IC3 has kept the option to go electric by swapping out some of the undercarriage modules?
@@johndododoe1411 IR4 is 2 wagons long and IC3 is 3. The roof power, cooling system, fuel tanks, gearboxes and many other things are different. The IR4 might be low entrance hight I can not remember. I think they would rather rent a train then retrofit IC3 trains.
For Explanation: they Do the Border Checks to see If anybody is Ilegally in the Country, and They Make sure that there is no National Searched Criminal On the Train.
Why do i know that? because i asked once 😊😊
Your pronunciation of "Aarhus" actually had me shocked. It was so good!
What a weird train a carriage with 81~82car and a weird rubber head cover😂
It is a strange thing. :)
@@SuperalbsTravels But smart!
I always loved the look of the danish IC3 to be honest, and yes, there is absolutely no point in driving first class in DSB trains. it is pretty much the exact same thing as anywhere else in the train
Agreed! On the IR4 units, it's 2+2 in First Class, and on the terrible IC4, it's identical!
11:30 the border checks are due to Denmark being run by xenophobic populists. They run "spot checks" that are, in fact, constant. However, spot checks are allowed under the Schengen Treaty, unlike a regular border control like we are used to from other borders. It has been going on for at least half a decade now and was the first large instance of the Schengen treary being subverted like this as is now common on refugee routes.
Germany started checks of their own a couple years back as reciprocity, since German popular opinion is trending anti-migration as well.
Calling Denmark's Social Democrats, their ministers and coalition partners "xenophobic populists" is absurd hyperbole, especially when compared to other European countries and their right-wing populists. Yes, the Danish government has a restrictive stance on irregular migration - but that's not so much xenophobia as merely preserving social contract and a cohesive society. Running the generous welfare state that Denmark (or Sweden) currently do is simply unsustainable (over the long run), if you have open borders, the high current numbers and willingness of irregular migrants and as few practical means of deporting inadmissible ones, as EU countries currently have. Some countries or parties are just realising that sooner, others later - and adopting appropriate policies. With that, Denmark is an exception among (most attractive for irregular migrants) countries that has been able to buck the trend of rising right-wing populism in Europe.
That particular cruise ship (1992 to 2022 - The Norwegian Cruise lines: Norwegian Dream) could reduce the size of it's funnel, to fit under the bridge. Most ships can't do this. If you look closely, the exhaust pipes are folder to the right of the image. She was scrapped in 2022.
Very clever feature, thanks for that!
Muito lindo trem cama boa viagem trem de borracha 1:22
I’ve went over these bridges without knowing it last spring while on a sleeper train from Stockholm to Berlin. Nice train.
Nice that u covered Hamburg
7:40 In that still photo the cruise ship appears to be passing beneath a Transporter Bridge.
The rail bridge does indeed have a transporter bridge running underneath it.
@@B777LR Thanks. Every day is a school day!
its very interesting seeing some one cometing on the citys and towns that you live and travel around in.
It's strange to see someone saying our trains look strange when you're accustomed to them. 😅
😂😂😂
DSB have since 17th June 2023 used Siemens Vectron with IC1 coaches. They don't use DSB IC3 to Germany.
From June 2025 DSB will use their new Talgo-coaches to Germany.
Fun fact about the IC3, IR4 (which are IC3's electric brother) and IC4.
The number 3 means that are 3 carriages in a trainset.
The number 4 means that are 4 in a trainset.
As a Dane I'm proud of our IC3 and IR4 trains. They are very comfortable and unique.
In this video you can actually see how it looks when two trains coupling together at Fredericia Station ua-cam.com/video/yFXNE9XP8XE/v-deo.htmlsi=AFdA9nQA8-s7t0pe&t=68
For such a small country, you really should have electrified the entire network by now.
I like your video :) really great produced
Wow Hamburg stations is a real royal Jewel. Art Nouveau splendor as I can tell. Funny looking First World Train, pretty practical and reliable though. Denmark looks fabulous, I love countries with a decided Progress Mentality, and it shows. Very pleasant ride, thanks...! 👍
I didn't know I needed a bridge loop railway in my life, but now I've seen the light
Reggarding the trashbags, there is a metal hook right next to the empty bags. There You can plave a bag - and use it as a bin
one thing about the 1st class section.
even when the train is overly full of people with loads of standing passengers 1st never gets standing people so you get to keep your calm and relative silent car unlike the rest that can get pretty congested
Service has deteriorated on this line. You once traveled to Copenhagen by Ferry upon which the train was loaded. It was a delightful respite from the long trip as passengers got to get off and enjoy the view. First class had seat side beverage service. There is no point in buying first class as there is no longer food and beverages served and as you say you still can't use the lounge. It is reserved for 1st class flex tickets only. This is ridiculous as most lounges are almost empty with food going to waste and coffee getting stale. Turning away guests while the lounge is empty-what is DB thinking? Last week we were put off the train at the border because the Engineer couldn't comm.unicate with the crew. We had to wait for an overcrowded local with little baggage space. I last rode the Copenhagen -Hamburg train in May and a crossing acccident shut down service. They left all the passengers out on an unprotected platform in the pouring rain for 2 hours and didn't tell us anything. It seems there is always a problem here.
I have cleaned that train before, because of the number it had, I'm just glad it's easy and fast to clean, but the ic5 that always breaks down or the outlets don't work is the annoying one to clean because it's so long and take 2 hours 1 hour and 45 min if it's working lol
A fun little bit of trivia on the IC3 was that they briefly operated on Amtrak and VIA Rail in the US and Canada respectively in the 90s.
It was a trial to determine if multiple units would work well in North American service, Amtrak ultimately didn't want them since they struggled on steep hills (to which a Danish engineer when questioned about this simply said "We don't have hills in Denmark")
And VIA didn't want them, since they had less capacity (only one set ran in Canada) and were slower than the LRC sets running at the time, which is ironic as 180 Kph is faster than our current trains which can only do 145-160 in service, since our new 200 kph trains are held back by old speed limits and track conditions
That train rattles the waiting area glass when it passes by a station, its suprises me every time.