Danish Steam Weekend

Enjoy a splendid short break to Denmark for seasonal delights in the vibrant capital city of Copenhagen and the very best of Danish steam. This is actually one of the last opportunities to experience Danish main line steam out of Odense and with the beautiful DSB K Class 4-4-0 tender locomotive No.563, built in 1899.

• Travel steam hauled on the Danish main line on the island of Fyn, before ETCS signalling makes this impossible after 2027 and when 563’s ticket will have expired.
• Visit the provincial Danish heritage steam railways at Maribo and Hedelands, where you will enjoy charming overland steam journeys complete with photo stops. At Maribo you travel on a 19th century tank engine on the idyllic line to the seaside town of Bandholm, whereas at Hedehusene you get to enjoy Denmark’s longest narrow gauge railway with a private charter. 
• Explore Denmark’s national railway museum at the Odense roundhouse, with a fine collection of historic steam, diesel and electric locomotives.
• Immerse yourself in the wonderful Danish capital city Copenhagen, with its splendid Christmas Markets, stunning illuminations at Tivoli Gardens and distinct Scandinavian charm for ‘Jule’ (Yule) season.

Thursday 10 December

Arrive in Copenhagen

Fly directly from London to Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital. Transfer by train to the city centre and your hotel near the main railway station and major attractions, ideal for using your complimentary Metro rover ticket.In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant. (D)

Friday 11 December

Steam at the Hedelands narrow-gauge railway

After breakfast you travel by loco-hauled DSB service train for 20 mins west to Hedehusene for a private charter on the 700 mm gauge Hedelands railway, winding through scenic countryside and a large natural park.

This heritage railway is operated by 0-6-0 tank engines. Enjoy the full 5.3 km journey with photo stops and run-pasts on Denmark’s longest narrow gauge line, located in a picturesque setting that often already sees snow in December. (B)

Saturday 12 December

Train journey over the Great Belt Crossing to Odense; Main line steam on the Island of Fyn with DSB No.563, Danish National Railway Museum

Today the signature highlight of the tour awaits, as you first travel by DSB Intercity train on the new high speed line to Ringsted and then continue on the Great Belt Fixed Link crossing, which first opened in 1998. This includes a railway undersea tunnel and then a 7 km long bridge to Odense on the island of Fyn.

At Odense you will then join the DSB steam special for the main line journey on the island of Fyn, with the beautiful 4-4-0 tender locomotive 563, which was built in 1899 in Esslingen, Germany. The locomotive is only used on about 4 days a year, including today. After the thrilling round-trip and your return to Odense, you will have the Danish National Railway Museum, housed in the historic roundhouse and featuring an attractive collection of storied steam, diesel and electric locomotives. In the late afternoon you return to Copenhagen by DSB Intercity. (B)

Sunday 13 December

Steam to the seaside at the Maribo heritage railway

In the morning you take a DSB train to the island of Lolland to visit the preserved Maribo–Bandholm railway, worked by archaic tank engines from the late 19th century. Enjoy this delightful route in the quaint Danish countryside with photo stops at Bandholm station and Bandholm harbour, where you have pretty views of the Baltic Sea. In the afternoon you return to Copenhagen via Nykøbing on the island of Falster, with the train once again taking a scenic coastal route. (B)

Monday 14 December

Christmas markets, Tivoli Gardens and leisure in Copenhagen 

This day is dedicated to explore and enjoy all that Denmark’s vibrant capital city has to offer. You will once again benefit from your complimentary public transportation pass to use the local metro, commuter trains, buses and ferries. As an added bonus, you will be given complimentary access to Tivoli Gardens, to explore its beautiful landscaped gardens, festive Christmas Market and wonderful illuminations. Tivoli also boasts some of Copenhagen’s best and most popular restaurants, with a wide variety of different culinary themes available. This world famous amusement park opened in 1843 and was modelled after the Victorian Vauxhall Gardens in London. Right next to Tivoli is also Copenhagen City Hall, with its own separate Christmas Market. (B)

Tuesday 15 December

Copenhagen and return to London

Today you still have a free morning to make the most of Copenhagen, before taking a direct train in the afternoon to Copenhagen airport for your flight back to London. (B)