Best Strategy Advisors

Great news - Finland’s transport network is set for a significant transformation this summer with the launch of a long-awaited cross-border train service. This new route will connect continental Europe directly to Finnish Lapland for the first time, as announced by Transport Minister Lulu Ranne. Passengers will now be able to travel overland from the heart of Europe to northern Finland, eliminating the need for flights or ferry transfers.

This service will also facilitate direct rail travel between Helsinki and Stockholm, enhancing the ease of Nordic exploration. The achievement marks a major milestone in infrastructure development after years of planning. Starting this summer, travelers can enjoy a new way to reach Finland by train through Sweden, catering to slow travel enthusiasts and digital nomads seeking unique experiences.

The newly restored station in Haparanda, Sweden, dating back to 1919, adds to the charm of this route. With the opening of this rail link, it will be possible to journey approximately 5’000 km by train from Portugal’s Algarve to Kolari in Lapland, Finland’s northernmost station.

Sampo Kangastalo, Development Director of Tornio, said Yle that he hopes for the grand opening of this route just before Midsummer in late June. A recent agreement between Finland and Sweden aims to complete the missing link that connects Finland to the European rail network, addressing a short distance between the twin border towns of Tornio and Haparanda, which has only been traversable by bus or car for decades.

The complexity of this link has its roots in Finland’s history as part of the Russian empire in the 19th century. Consequently, part of tthe Finnish track gauge remains at the old Russian standard of 1525 mm, while Sweden uses the standard European gauge of 1435 mm.

Mobility