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Lesedauer: 5 Minuten

Time and again, I come across AI-generated content on the internet that at first glance appears impressive, well thought-out and astonishingly realistic, but on closer inspection turns out to be simply wrong. I notice this particularly when it comes to topics I am familiar with myself. At such moments, it becomes very clear to me how important it is not to simply look away and leave it at that.

When content is presented as reality that does not exist, I do not want to leave it uncommented. Not because I know better. Not out of dogmatism. And certainly not to expose anyone. I think it is important that there is also an objective, fact-based classification on the internet. Something that can be found if you look more closely or ask questions.

Perhaps only a few people will read this text. In the end, it may indeed be just a drop in the ocean. But even a single, thoroughly researched article is more valuable to me than no counterpoint at all to beautiful but false narratives that would otherwise continue to spread unchecked.

That is why this text was written.

In recent weeks, this attitude has been put to the test once again when I received several posts from social media showing what was supposedly a new panoramic night train in Norway. A train with a glass roof, specially designed for viewing the Northern Lights, technically state-of-the-art, sustainably operated and subsidised by the government. The images were impressive and the text sounded convincing. That is precisely why it was shared so often.

For people who know Norway mainly from travel brochures, this may seem like an exciting vision of the future. However, it quickly became clear to me that something was wrong here. The closer I looked, the clearer it became that this was not a real announcement, but a mixture of AI-generated images and fictitious claims presented as facts.

This example from Norway shows very clearly how easily fiction and reality can become mixed up on the internet these days and why it is important to take a closer look.

The alleged Panorama night train – what is being claimed

The articles mention:

• a newly introduced panoramic night train specifically for viewing the Northern Lights
• fully glazed carriages, including the roof
• reclining seats and dimmed lighting
• real-time data on solar activity and space weather
• government funding from the Norwegian railway company Vy
• a ‘turning point for Arctic tourism’

It sounds spectacular. Almost too spectacular. And that’s exactly where you should start to wonder.

The harsh reality: this train doesn’t exist

In fact, each of these claims can be refuted:

• There has been no official announcement of such a train.
• Neither Vy, the Ministry of Transport nor Bane NOR have presented such a project.
• There are no press releases, specialist articles or tenders.
• No real railway project of this magnitude would be launched quietly and secretly on Instagram.

In short: the project is fictitious.

Why the idea doesn’t make sense technically either

Even aside from the lack of announcement, the concept is highly unrealistic:

• Northern lights cannot be planned – trains can (although often not with Deutsche Bahn… 🫢)
• Clouds, snowfall, tunnels and light pollution cannot be ‘designed away’
• Full glazing in Arctic regions means massive problems with:
  • heat loss
  • Condensation and icing
  • Safety and building regulations

There is no night train or high-speed train in the world that is built like this. Panoramic carriages exist, but glass-domed trains for viewing the Northern Lights do not.

The point that reveals everything: the railway line

Other posts also claimed that this train would be travelling towards Tromsø. This makes it abundantly clear that there is no basis in reality for these claims.

The facts about the Norwegian rail network:

• The Norwegian rail network ends in Bodø
• There is no railway line to Tromsø
• Narvik is accessible –> but only via Sweden (Kiruna–Narvik, Erz Railway)
• There is no rail transport in Norway north of Bodø

This is not secret knowledge, but has remained unchanged for decades.
Although there are repeated studies and discussions about a possible Northern Norway Railway, no decision has yet been made, construction has not yet begun, and no financing has been secured.

A railway line to Tromsø is currently pure theory. Anything else is fantasy.

Why such AI contributions are problematic

The problem is not that someone is creating images using AI. The problem is that this content is being presented as reality.

• No reference to AI
• No ‘concept’ or ‘vision’
• No source
• But real companies and government funding are mentioned

This creates the impression that it is a genuine, future offer. This is precisely why these posts are shared, believed and disseminated.

This is particularly critical for a country like Norway, which is already heavily dependent on tourism. Expectations are raised that can never be fulfilled. Disappointment is therefore inevitable.

A quick fact check for those who want it in a nutshell

• No panoramic Northern Lights train in Norway
• No new railway line to Tromsø
• Railway network ends in Bodø
• Narvik only accessible via Sweden
• No official announcement, no project, no timetable

My opinion

AI-generated content is here to stay. It can inspire, visualise and make ideas tangible, as long as it is clear what it is and what it is not. Problems arise when concepts become supposed facts and beautiful images become real promises.

This distinction is particularly important when it comes to topics such as travel, infrastructure or nature experiences. After all, these are not just about aesthetics, but also about expectations, planning and reality. Anyone who spreads false images and claims without labelling them contributes to disappointment and further loss of trust.

With this text, I am not claiming to ‘stop’ anything. Perhaps it will indeed remain only a small counterpoint in a very loud stream of perfect images and big promises. But as long as I can say with certainty about a topic, ‘That’s not true,’ I think it makes sense to write exactly that.

The panoramic train with a glass roof will not travel through Norway.
However, a factual correction can at least reach those who take a closer look.

But who knows what will happen in ten or twenty years. Perhaps there will be train routes in northern Norway by then.