How to travel in Northern Europe in the late 1800s
Commerce, travel and cargo was nothing new to the port cities of Northern Europe, which had enjoyed the benefits of extensive and formalised trade networks since medieval times.
To travel by water had always been the quickest route in Northern Europe. Travels by road were generally speaking uncomfortable and time-consuming, and seasonal difficulties exasperated the problems further.
With the advent of commercially viable steam engines, several types of travel became possible - and soon commonplace. Many of these grew to great wealth by offering both passenger transport and cargo services, as well as other sources of income:
Emigrant ships allowed for tens of millions to leave Europe in response to demographic transition, urbanisation - at the cost of displacement of indigenous peoples overseas.
Pleasure cruises, aimed towards comfort and fittingly dubbed 'floating hotels' saw a strong growth close to the new century. While many of these were lively social events fuelled by alcoholic beverages, extensive comforts and on-board entertainment, alternatives also appeared.
The UK based Polytechnic Touring Association, offered cruises from the mid-1890's where intoxicating liquours and gambling were forbidden. The Poly staff acted as guides on the trips - pioneering the field of educational tourism.
Day-tripping or short distance transport vessels like the Feodora of Flensburg was also becoming increasingly popular and common on European shores, lakes and rivers.