Fieldwork without flying: what we learned travelling to Copenhagen by rail
“It's sometime after 1 am, dark, a little chilly as we disembark at Hamburg main station. Our connection left about an hour ago… Got to the office. Doors shut, lights off… wondering why I'd ever thought this trip a good idea.”
Sustainability sits at the centre of our teaching and research, and that includes taking a hard look at the carbon footprint of our field study visits.
In September 2023, we trialled a different kind of international field study visit - we travelled to Copenhagen without flying, using coach and rail. In parallel we asked students and staff to reflect on what worked, what was difficult, and whether it is feasible for student classes.
Our journey to Copenhagen took almost 24 hours and included multiple connections via London and Cologne.
Disruption began around half way in, with ominous slowing and unexplained stops. By the time we reached Hamburg, our final connection had already left.
An onboard announcement directed Copenhagen-bound passengers to the station office - but it was closed, so we searched out staff elsewhere to find out their back-up plan then waited to be allocated taxis that could take us across the border.
We reached Copenhagen only a couple of minutes late, but the trip showed us that low‑carbon travel also needs real attention to student wellbeing and support.
Students valued the social time together and the sense of travelling through places rather than above them, with one describing the appeal as “getting to see the sights of different countries rather than just clouds in the sky.”
The return journey
The return journey was harder, as long waits, tiredness and the cost of station food took their toll. As one participant described it, “we collectively broke as a group at Brussels… 15h in.”
Cost, time and accessibility were the main concerns students raised when comparing rail travel with flying, as well as worries that disruption would be harder with a larger cohort, and potentially stressful for neurodivergent students.
Staff reflections focused on wellbeing, potential disruption and the emotional labour of reassuring students when you yourself are tired and plans are changing.
Learning
We’re already using the practical learning from this pilot in our teaching, including student-written briefings and staff tips on making long rail travel more manageable: plan lower-risk connections, expect students to be unfamiliar with international rail, carry a simple printed route summary, and build rest into the trip, for staff as well as students.
Just as crucially, discussing the options for travel with the group and colleagues in Copenhagen made us reconsider what is just and feasible when travelling at a time of climate emergency.
Support
Support for the pilot was provided through Welsh Government funding via Taith. If you would like to discuss the pilot and what it means for future field study visits, contact Dr Hannah Pitt.
School of Geography and Planning
Transforming places through critical thinking and public engagement.
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