15. December 2025, 14:02 o'Clock
Article: 10 years of "Alter Schwede": A successful model on the rail link between Germany and Sweden
For over ten years, the "Alter Schwede" has been connecting Germany and Sweden by block train. A powerful example of intermodal partnership in action.
Alter Schwede, how time flies ...
For over a decade, the "Alter Schwede" has stood for a reliable, efficient rail connection between Germany and Sweden. What began exactly ten years ago as an ambitious project is now a firmly established intermodal block train product in European combined transport.
From left to right: Ulrich Bedacht (Kombiverkehr), Stev Etzrodt (Spedition Bode), Andrea Clasen-De Cunto (DB Cargo KONTImodal)
Together with Kombiverkehr, Spedition Bode and DB Cargo, the direct service from Lübeck via Hallsberg to Rosersberg near Stockholm was launched in 2015. From the outset, the aim was to create a stable, sustainable and economical alternative to road transport – a goal that continues to be met today.
Loading trailers and containers
The continued success of the product is based on close partnership, a high degree of flexibility and a willingness to find unconventional solutions. Challenges have been overcome together, and the service has been continuously developed and adapted to market requirements.
10 years of Alter Schwede - Anniversary gift
Domestic traffic between Malmö and Hallsberg/Rosersberg also contributes to the success of the "Old Swede". This route complements the portfolio well and underlines the growing cooperation on the Scandinavian corridor.
After ten successful years, one thing is clear: the "Alter Schwede" is more than just a train connection – it is a resilient logistics concept with a future.Here's to the eleventh year and beyond.
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