There’s an undeniable charm to a cross-country train journey. Imagine landscapes rolling by, borders fading into the distance, and arriving at a new destination without the hassle of boarding a plane.
This late June, Europe will welcome a new train route that promises to do just that—at last linking Finland and Sweden by passenger rail. This milestone comes after a signed agreement and financial deal between the two nations aimed at streamlining rail traffic.
Up until now, the only way to travel between Tornio in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden was to transfer to a bus or car, despite train tracks existing on both sides. According to Euronews, this oddity has persisted for far too long.
Why the disconnect? The answer lies in history: Finland and Sweden have different rail gauges due to Finland’s past under the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Back then, the Russian gauge measured 1524mm, in contrast to the standard European gauge of 1435mm.
So, what’s the solution? A restoration of the historic Haparanda train station, originally built in the early 1900s. Once refurbished, this station will serve as the nexus for the two systems. Passengers will simply disembark from one train, stroll through the station, and board another—no lengthy transfers, just a straightforward platform switch that seamlessly connects the networks.
Once operational, this link will create what many believe to be the longest continuous train journey within the EU—a scenic route stretching from the northern reaches of Finland all the way to the sunny Algarve in Portugal.
Furthermore, it will offer new, eco-friendly commuting options across Scandinavia. Cities like Rovaniemi and Oulu will gain direct rail access to Sweden, and travelers can swap the Helsinki–Stockholm ferry for a train journey of just over 24 hours.
This new connection also marks a symbolic shift for Finland. With cross-border rail services to Russia suspended following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this new westward link promises to reshape Finland’s ties with the rest of Europe.
🚂 While you’re here, take a look at Time Out’s curated list of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe and beyond.
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