- Vasco da Mingo
- Posts
- 🦩 Will You Guess Which European Country Never Had Passengers Trains? 🚂
🦩 Will You Guess Which European Country Never Had Passengers Trains? 🚂
Buckle up, because we're diving into the surprising case of Iceland, the only European country (besides Andorra) that's never had passenger train lines!
Sharing adventures means enjoying them 100% more. – Unknown
Hello there,
Ever think about how different getting around can be from place to place? Like, imagine exploring Europe by train, hopping between countries with a clickety-clack rhythm and charming countryside views. But guess what? There's one European island where trains are totally off the menu!
Yep, you read that right. Buckle up, because we're diving into the surprising case of Iceland, the only European country (besides Andorra) that's never had passenger train lines! But before you picture desolate landscapes devoid of any travel options, let me tell you, this island is far from quiet or inaccessible.
So, what gives? Why no choo-choos in the Land of Fire and Ice? And what kind of adventures await travelers there? Get ready to hop on a virtual journey with me as we explore this unique transportation story and discover the magic of Iceland, trains or not! ✨
ISLAND’S UNIQUE TRANSPORTATION STORY 🚂
While many European countries weave a web of train tracks across their landscapes, Iceland stands out as a unique exception. It's the only country in Europe (besides tiny Andorra) that has never had a passenger rail network! What gives? Buckle up for a ride through volcanic landscapes, historical tidbits, and the reasons why trains haven't quite caught on in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Trains? More Like "Cargo Carriers"
Despite the absence of passenger trains, Iceland has dabbled in the world of rails. But don't picture quaint stations or scenic journeys. These were industrial workhorses, dedicated to moving goods and construction crews. Back in 1913, trains hummed along tracks to help build Reykjavík's port, only to be disassembled during World War II for the city's airport. Today, just a single locomotive named Minør stands as a silent witness to this short-lived railway adventure.
Dreaming of Rails: Projects on Hold
For over a century, whispers of passenger trains have floated through Iceland. The "Lava Express" project proposed a 50km link between the airport and Reykjavík, while another dreamt of a city tramway. Yet, these dreams haven't quite turned into reality.
So, Why No Trains?
Several factors conspire to keep trains at bay. Iceland's small population (roughly the size of Buffalo, New York) makes train infrastructure a pricey gamble. Then there's the fiery personality of the island itself – volcanic activity and harsh weather conditions add significant construction challenges. Finally, environmental concerns weigh heavily in decisions like these.
Beyond Iceland: Other Island Train Tales
Iceland isn't the only islander shunning trains. Cyprus and Malta also lack active lines, though both boast railway ghosts from their pasts. Cyprus' 59km line, serving freight and passengers, faded away in the 1950s, leaving behind a museum in Evrychou village. Malta's 11km line, a speed demon cutting travel time between cities, succumbed to bankruptcy in 1931. Its Birchircha station now houses a museum dedicated to its memory.
Iceland's Transportation Tapestry
So, how do Icelanders get around? Cars, buses, planes, and ferries weave their way across the island, each playing a crucial role. While trains might not be part of the current picture, their brief history and the ongoing discussions around them add a unique thread to Iceland's transportation tapestry. Perhaps, one day, a future train whistle might echo through the volcanic valleys, but for now, Iceland's journey continues on wheels, wings, and waves.
TRAVEL DIARIES
Monkey Business in the Malaysian Jungle.
“Emily, a self-proclaimed nature enthusiast with a slight fear of heights (and anything resembling a flying insect), signed up for an eco-tour in the heart of the Malaysian rainforest. Her goal: to immerse herself in nature, conquer her fears (slightly), and document the experience for her social media followers.
Things started smoothly. She learned about exotic plants, admired vibrantly colored birds, and even managed to swallow her fear and climb a short observation tower (with shaky legs and a gripping death hold on the railing).
Then, they reached the monkey sanctuary. A group of playful long-tailed macaques greeted them, swinging from vines and chattering excitedly. Emily, initially hesitant, cautiously offered a banana, earning a curious stare from a large alpha male. Suddenly, the alpha snatched the banana, but not before playfully swiping her sunglasses right off her head.
Chaos ensued. The other monkeys, mistaking Emily's sunglasses for a new, shiny toy, descended upon her. One tugged at the strap, another chewed on the lens, and a particularly mischievous one perched on her head, using her hair as a jungle gym. Emily, flailing and shrieking in a high-pitched tone that would put any monkey to shame, stumbled back, tripping over a root and landing face-first into a mud puddle.
Covered in mud, minus her sunglasses, and surrounded by laughing monkeys, Emily could only burst out laughing herself. The tour guide, used to such monkey business, calmly helped her up and retrieved her (slightly chewed) sunglasses. The rest of the tour was filled with playful monkey encounters, funny anecdotes, and a newfound appreciation for Emily's newfound ability to laugh at herself, even when covered in rainforest mud.
Back home, her social media was flooded with hilarious photos and videos (captured by her now-muddy phone) of her "monkey mugging." The story went viral, earning her the nickname "Jungle Jane" and attracting even more followers. Emily, no longer afraid of heights or mud, continued her nature adventures, forever remembered as the girl who got mugged by monkeys and emerged a hilarious internet sensation.”
MINGO-MEMES
VASCO-SNAP OF THE DAY
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala