Norwegian trains see few Finns—but that may soon change

Few Finns ride Norway’s trains today, but a coming rail link between Finland and Sweden could change that, according to travel writer Jyrki Teeriaho.

Teeriaho, who published a guidebook on train travel in Norway in April, said he has rarely encountered Finnish passengers on Norwegian routes. That could shift once direct passenger service begins between Finland and Sweden, opening rail access to Norway via Sweden.

Norwegian rail travel reached a record 84.2 million passengers last year, according to national broadcaster NRK. Teeriaho described train journeys as less stressful than driving, especially on Norway’s scenic mountain and fjord routes.

The writer praised Norwegian trains for their comfort and the helpfulness of conductors, who often assist passengers with seat selection and sightseeing tips. He highlighted five routes as particularly rewarding: Nordlandsbanen from Bodø to Trondheim, Bergenbanen from Bergen to Oslo, Flåmsbana from Myrdal to Flåm, Raumabanen from Dombås to Åndalsnes, and the dynamic pricing system that rewards early bookings.