högfart

Högfart is a Swedish noun meaning “high speed.” The term denotes speeds that exceed ordinary or standard operation and is used in technical, policy, and everyday language. It combines hög (high) and fart (speed) and commonly appears in contexts where elevated velocity or performance requires specialized infrastructure, equipment, or standards.

In transportation, högfart most often refers to high-speed rail or fast road corridors. Höghastighetståg are trains designed to operate at speeds typically above 200–250 km/h on dedicated tracks; such lines require precise alignment, advanced signaling, and specialized rolling stock. In road transport, högfart describes routes or vehicles capable of higher speeds than normal urban or regional traffic, with safety systems and regulations designed to manage the associated risks.

In information technology and communications, högfart describes high data transfer rates, such as high-bandwidth broadband or fast networks. In consumer contexts, the term may be used in marketing to indicate faster performance in devices or services compared with standard options.

The concept of högfart carries economic and safety implications. Higher speeds require substantial investment in infrastructure, more stringent safety measures, and careful environmental and social considerations. Definitions of what constitutes “high speed” can vary by domain, country, and technological context.

See also: high-speed rail, high-bandwidth networks, high-speed photography.