New rail link reconnects Finland and Sweden in North
Passenger rail service between Kemi, Tornio and Haparanda was discontinued in 1988, leaving the border region without a direct rail link for decades.
A new rail service linking Oulu in northern Finland with Haparanda in Sweden began on Monday, with the first train departing in the morning.
The new service is historic, though not the first train across the border. Passenger rail services between Kemi, Tornio and Haparanda ended in 1988, when the old railbuses were retired.
“People have been waiting for a rail connection ever since,” said Jukka Kujala, the mayor of Tornio.
State railways VR will run two return services between Oulu and Haparanda each day. The early-morning train is followed by a second service departing Oulu at 7.50pm and returning late in the evening.
VR said timetables would improve next year.
Connections to Helsinki and Stockholm
The return train from Haparanda to Finland offers onward connections all the way to Helsinki.
From Haparanda, passengers can continue by Norrtåg commuter trains to destinations such as Boden and Luleå. Boden, in turn, offers connections on SJ, Sweden’s largest rail operator, to destinations further north and south. From Luleå, passengers can travel onwards to Stockholm.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Nunavut enters into new 10-year agreement for air transportation services, CBC News
Finland: Finnair to link Helsinki and Ivalo with Kirkenes, The Independent Barents Observer
Norway: Air France launches flights to three destinations above the Arctic Circle, The Independent Barents Observer
