Michael Portillo embarks on another scenic and historically rich rail adventure in this episode of “Great Continental Railway Journeys.” His itinerary takes him through the picturesque landscapes of Norway and Denmark, beginning in the coastal town of Larvik, Norway, famous for its distinctive blue rock, larvikite.
From there, he hops a ferry to Hirtshals, Denmark, continuing his journey by train. The episode features a stop at the renowned artists’ colony of Skagen, where Portillo explores the area’s artistic heritage, taking in the unique light and landscapes that inspired so many painters.
The final leg of his journey leads him to Holstebro, Denmark, where he gets an inside look at a surprisingly fascinating part of Danish industry: the Lurpak butter factory. He learns about the massive scale of Danish dairy production – a staggering 85 million kilos of butter and five billion kilos of milk per year.
As always, Portillo weaves together history, culture, and personal anecdotes, offering viewers a unique blend of travelogue and educational insight. Tune in to BBC Two on Wednesday, 19 March at 6:30 PM for “Great Continental Railway Journeys: Larvik to Holstebro.”
