The troubles of getting here had all but faded and we felt we were being rewarded for our turbulent start. But it was time to go back to Berlin. And what could be nicer than the overnight train from Sweden?
I got a bad feeling when there was no platform number on the board at Malmö station. Our departure time, 10.25pm, came and went. Not again, surely. But yes, our train had indeed been cancelled.
The best Snälltåget could offer was accommodation in a different sleeper train that would remain in the station all night and then (possibly) a bus to Berlin the following day.
Maybe I’m getting old, but it was at that point I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. We booked a hotel for the night and flights from Copenhagen to Berlin the following day. This was my honeymoon after all.
Snälltåget later informed us that an electrical fault had prevented the train from departing. We submitted our receipts and have been promised up to 1,500 DK (£170) compensation per person. We are still awaiting this.
The next afternoon our Norwegian Air Shuttle flight got us into Berlin five minutes ahead of schedule – it was good to be back.
I love travelling by train when it works but unfortunately the days of efficiency and punctuality on Deutsche Bahn have long gone and there’s work to be done to get things back on track.
One thing I would say is this: however you travel, you’ll face challenges so choose wisely who you share life’s adventures with. I was lucky to have come back from this trip with a husband. And we’re still talking to each other…