Finland gains new "historical" railway service to Sweden

Passengers have boarded a new cross-border rail service linking northern Finland with Sweden, restoring a continuous train route from Finland to southern Europe for the first time in decades.

Two daily services will operate in both directions between Oulu, Finland, and Haparanda, Sweden, providing a new land connection for passengers and freight. Rail services between Finland and Sweden were discontinued in 1992, while services from Sweden to Finland had already been halted in 1988.

Elisa Markula, CEO of Finland’s state-owned railway operator VR, said the reopening highlights Finland’s need for stronger connections with Europe. Elisa Markula, CEO, National Railway Operator VR said “When Finland is an island, as a logistical island more or less, and we are rounded by sea, and then we have the 1,200 kilometers border with Russia, so that part is closed fully. So it is therefore important that we have this train connection as well.”  The new link is expected to strengthen cross-border connectivity, trade and transport ties between Finland and Sweden.