3 routes to discover Lapland by train
Would you like to visit Lapland by train? Discover our 3 routes to the Far North and set off on an adventure! Lapland is easily accessible by train, aboard comfortable trains departing from Stockholm or Helsinki. What's more, you'll have the chance to discover some magnificent scenery during your journey!
Lapland is a region in northern Europe that spans several countries. It covers northern Norway, Sweden and Finland. Renowned for its unspoilt natural landscapes, its northern lights in winter and its midnight sun in summer, Lapland is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The ancestral homeland of the Sami people, Lapland also boasts a rich history and undeniable cultural interest.
There are many ways to visit Lapland, but today we've decided to focus on one means of transport in particular: the train. More specifically, we're going to give you 3 itineraries for visiting each of Lapland by train (Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish Lapland).
3 routes to discover Lapland by train
Although Lapland is an isolated region, it is fairly well served by train. You can get to the north by direct train from Stockholm or Helsinki.
Why visit Lapland by train?
Perhaps you've already thought about visiting Lapland by train? If so, you probably already know why you want to choose this means of transport! However, for those who are still hesitating, here are the main advantages of travelling by train.
1. An eco-responsible trip
In the age of global warming, more and more people are deciding to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. For travellers, one crucial step may be to cut down on air travel, or even ban it altogether. According to the ADEME simulator, a return trip from Paris to Rovaniemi has an impact of 890 kg CO₂e by plane, compared with just 20.9 kg CO₂e by train!
So if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, discovering Lapland by train can make a big difference. Of course, if you're travelling from another continent, you can also fly to a Nordic capital in Europe and then take the train there. This small gesture will be no less important. What's more, the ecological aspect is far from being the only advantage of travelling by train.
2. A comfortable journey with a panoramic view
One of Lapland's main assets is its unspoilt, wild nature. And there's no better way to enjoy it than by train! During the day, you can sit back in a comfortable seat and take it easy, without having to worry about the route or the driving. If you wish, you can even opt for a night train and sleep peacefully during the journey. This will save you time and a night in a hotel.
During your train journey to Lapland, you'll be able to appreciate the little details that make the landscapes of the Nordic countries so beautiful. For example, you can watch the sun set over the endless stretches of forest in Finland and Sweden. You'll also be able to enjoy unique views of Lapland's enchanting landscapes, giving you a real immersion in nature while staying warm in winter.
3. A journey in tune with nature
Travelling by train in Lapland is also synonymous with deceleration. While our daily lives are often punctuated by deadlines that seem to come thick and fast, travelling by train forces us to slow down. Taking the train rather than the plane makes the journey more enjoyable, and is in fact a journey in its own right! Rather than arriving directly in Lapland, you'll enjoy a more gradual experience and take the time to gradually anchor yourself in your destination.
By increasing your journey time, you'll get a little closer to the rhythm of nature. During the train journey, you'll take time to enjoy the view, see the landscape change and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. These little details will allow you to be fully in the moment and watch the landscape and climate transition to the Arctic Circle.
The main routes to Lapland
Lapland can be explored by train on several routes. In Norway, Sweden and Finland, here are 3 not-to-be-missed routes to Northern Europe.
1. Norwegian Lapland by train: from Trondheim to Bodø
If you want to discover Northern Norway by train, you have 2 options. You can either start the journey in Sweden and take a line from Stockholm to Narvik (details in Part 2), or travel entirely in Norway on the Nordland line.
The Nordland line offers the longest train journey in Norway. This line will take you 729km (around 10 hours) from Trondheim to Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle. On the way, you can take the opportunity to discover Norway by stopping off at the historic site of Stiklestad or at Lassemoen station to visit the Namskogan animal reserve. Once you arrive in Bodø, you will have reached the gateway to Norway's Arctic region. The whole journey takes around 10 hours, not including stops, giving you time to appreciate the change of scenery from the lush vegetation of Trøndelag to the craggy fjords and ocean of the north of the country.
In Bodø, you can discover a spectacular peninsula slightly above the Arctic Circle. In summer you can experience the midnight sun on a hike, and in winter you can admire the Northern Lights from a boat. Depending on your preferences, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities in Bodø to make the most of Arctic nature and discover it with experienced local guides!
2. Swedish Lapland by train: from Stockholm to Abisko
The train line leading to Swedish Lapland is also the line leading to Norwegian Lapland from Stockholm. The line links the Swedish capital with the Norwegian town of Narvik. However, it is also possible to take this line to 2 towns in Swedish Lapland: Kiruna and Abisko.
The journey from Stockholm to Kiruna is an emblematic route for discovering the beauty of the countryside and travelling to Swedish Lapland by train. The journey covers a distance of around 1240km and takes between 15 and 17 hours, depending on the train. For this route, which is managed by SJ, the night train option is the most popular, as it allows you to leave Stockholm in the late afternoon and arrive in Swedish Lapland the following morning. By choosing this option, you'll be in good shape to explore as soon as you arrive. The night train also gives you the chance to wake up to a view you've never seen before, which is sure to increase your desire to visit Swedish Lapland. Once there, you can explore Sweden's most northerly city and the surrounding area. The many outdoor activities available in Kiruna will give you the chance to enjoy some unique experiences: go and watch the Northern Lights, take a dog-sleigh ride or even go snowshoeing.
Continue your train journey on the Stockholm to Narvik line, this time stopping at Abisko to discover another Swedish Lapland destination. This adds just over an hour to your journey between Stockholm and Kiruna. Arriving in Abisko, you'll be close to Abisko National Park, a popular hiking destination in Swedish Lapland. As in Kiruna, in Abisko you'll find all the must-do outdoor activities in Lapland.
3. Finnish Lapland by train: from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Head to Helsinki in Finland to travel to Lapland by train! The train line between Helsinki and Rovaniemi takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on the train.
Once again, the night train is a popular option for making the most of your journey. The night train is called the Santa Claus Express and it also allows you to travel to Kolari or Kemijärvi in around 12 hours. During the day, the journey is a little quicker, but you'll still need to allow 8 to 9 hours for the journey.
Whichever option you choose, the train journey to Rovaniemi will take you through soothing landscapes of forests and lakes. In summer, you'll enjoy long sunny days and short nights, while in winter, you'll enjoy very short days.
If you visit Rovaniemi in winter, you'll probably want to visit Father Christmas. In his village and around Rovaniemi, there are plenty of activities for you to explore Finnish Lapland by sledge dog or snowmobile. In summer, we strongly recommend canoeing under the midnight sun for a magical experience!
Reaching Lapland by train from the various Nordic capitals is therefore possible and easy to organise. On the other hand, it is impossible to connect the major towns of Lapland if you want to make the entire journey exclusively by train. For example, you will need to combine train and bus to get from Narvik to Rovaniemi.
Whatever the case, travelling by train in Lapland remains a practical, environmentally-friendly and comfortable option that will not leave you indifferent. If you're not sure when to visit or which Lapland to visit, take a look at our article on the seasons in Lapland. Choose the season, then the country, and set off to discover Lapland by train!