Why 2026 Is A Turning Point For Nordic Train Travel

VR began cross-border passenger rail services between Finland and Sweden for the first time in decades, launching routes Aug. 10 from Oulu and Kemi through Tornio to Haparanda. The operator plans 28 services per week, with improved connections into the Swedish network expected starting in December. While the revival is small in a remote part of Northern Europe, 2026 is emerging as a broader turning point for Nordic international train travel. Snälltåget has introduced direct daytime trains across key routes, Denmark has added links to Berlin and Prague, and night services like the Stockholm-Hamburg-Berlin train will shift providers on Sept. 1. SJ is also exploring a proposed Oslo-to-Europe night train for December 2026.