Day 10: Maastricht to Köln via Roermond, Venlo and Mönchengladbach
This was another travel day. As we didn't want to bother with Thalys reservations we had originally planned to go via Heerlen, Herzogenrath and Aachen. However, our (first) train to Heerlen was first late and then simply cancelled. The driver of the previous train in that direction, which had also been cancelled on arrival at Maastricht, explained there had been a level crossing incident and so the line would be closed for some time. Luckily, some quick thinking and a glance at the railway map (and the InterRail app) revealed an alternative route via Roermond, Venlo and Mönchengladbach. This was ideal as bustitution was still a while off according to the driver.
The Intercity train to Roermond was a double-decker similar to DB RE/RB examples, though of a subtly different design, with a fold at the floor/ceiling between the floors.
Here's a shot of the cancelled Arriva (boo) train we were supposed to be getting:
The train from Roermond to Venlo was a small Stadler DMU with the engine in its own small carriage. Rather quaint, and reminded me of a tram. Those Stadler units seem to be popping up all over Europe.
I also noticed the changeover validators which you need when entering or exiting Venlo (as it's the border town), as well as if you change from NS (the national railways) to Arriva or vice versa. Perhaps not the best way of integrating different transport providers, given the piecemeal split of operations between the two.
The train to Mönchengladbach was by the Govia-owned Eurobahn.
They rather clearly highlighted the advantages of buying before you board, namely that one must pay a 'standard fare' of €60 if buying on board.
Köln Hbf is another one of those more classical large iron-roofed stations. Having already seen a number of those, I think the Brunel-esque
Hohenzollernbrücke bridge over the Rhein (see later) is more of a sight to behold.
Interestingly, it seems that National Express still have a sizeable presence in the European train market - merely the continental one, not the English one. The Germans' method of franchising - where state and private companies can both bid - is probably one of the better examples of how privatisation can work well, IMO.
After arriving, the first order of business was the rather large cathedral right outside the station.
From the viewing platform, which is reached after 533 stairs (not much good for those with vertigo!), the view was outstanding, thanks in no small part to the good weather:
Anyway, an enjoyable day despite the very tight connections involved and the diversions. Many different lines and companies seen!
