Trains and other things: Stjørdal, Trondheim, Lundamo, Heimdal

After spending a week in Luxembourg with nearby countries, I'm heading for a week in Norway

On my way to the airport

Changing flights

In the north, it is much better weather.

Arriving at Trondheim airport

Norway has invested in airport infrastructure, as it is sometimes the only reasonable way to travel in the country

At this airport, the station is located just nearby

The station opened in 1994 together with the new terminal. It was the first airport railway station in Scandinavia

Trøndelag Commuter Rail is name of the service operating this station

I'm going to Trondheim, but instead of waiting at the airport, I'm going one stop north to Stjørdal

The line is operated with BM76, hybrid trains from Stadler, operated by SJ Nord

Nordlandsbanen is today the longest non-electrified railway in Norway, but an electrification project is ongoing. The first phase involves electrification of the Trondheim-Hell section, and further to the border with Sweden (Meråkerbanen). The second phase will be on the route to Steinkjer, where this train currently operates.

Here we can see the first steps of electrification, the masts for the overhead catenary

No, it's not cocaine nor snow, it is poplar cotton, the fluffy, hair-like fibers from female poplar trees that carry their seeds in late spring and early summer, helping them to disperse and grow. Despite often being blamed for allergies, the fluff itself is not an allergen.

It's hard to believe that this is northern Europe and not the Mediterranean. Today it is around 30C

Not much to see in this town, but it's better than the airport

Maintenance vehicle is on the way

Now it's time for the southbound train

There are vending machines inside Norwegian trains on the contrary to Swedish trains

Arriving in Trondheim

Like many towns in Norway, there are many well preserved wooden houses

Gråkallbanen is the world's northernmost tramline. Unfortunately I could only see the rails

Dovre line starts here in Trondheim and goes all the way to Eidsvoll near Oslo

Skansenbrua bridge was opened on March 22, 1918, allowing trains on the Dovre Line access to Trondheim Central Station while also providing a route for ships on the Trondheim Canal (Vestre kanalhavn) to access the Trondheimsfjord.

Skansen Bridge was designed by structural engineer Joseph Strauss, who, among other things, also constructed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

In 2006, Skansen Bridge received architectural conservation status from the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) due to its uniqueness in Norway and its status as one of only a few of its kind remaining in the world. (Wikipedia)

Skansen station

SJ Nord is celebrating Oslo and Trondheim Pride with this rainbow livery on one of its BM73 trains.

Instead of flying or taking trains, it is possible to use Hurtigruten boats in Norway; this one serves the route between Bergen and Kirkenes.

Munkholmen is an islet in Trondheim Municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. The islet has served as a place of execution, a monastery, a fortress, a prison, and a World War II anti-aircraft gun station. Today, Munkholmen is a popular tourist attraction and recreation site. (Wikipedia)

Today it's Sunday, and I'm not expecting many freight trains, but here is one departing from Heimdal

I'm on a regional train to Lundamo station

Lundamo

Green light

This is the BLS Rail train 4214 from Heimdal to Alnabru

119 001, or 185 620 is an Alpha Trains locomotive leased to BLS Rail

It has been previously leased by CargoNet

Unfortunately, the company filed for bankruptcy later this month, and it's not hard to see why; the train is almost empty.

Many nice and old bridges here in Norway

Valdbrua

Gaula river

E6 main highway is passing by Lundamo

Instead of waiting for the train back, I'm taking a bus

I'm back in Trondheim

Norwegian supermarkets are open on Sundays, but only with a limited offer

Nidaros Cathedral is a cathedral of the Church of Norway, located in the city of Trondheim in Trøndelag county. It is built over the burial site of King Olav II, who became the patron saint of the nation, and is the traditional location for the consecration of new Norwegian monarchs. It was built over 230 years, from 1070 to 1300, when it was substantially completed.

In 1152, the church was designated as the cathedral for the Catholic Archdiocese of Nidaros. In 1537, during the Protestant Reformation, it became part of the newly established state Church of Norway. It is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. (Wikipedia)