Nights on Tracks

Have you always dreamed of meeting the real Father Christmas as a child and taking a sleigh ride with his reindeers through snowy landscapes? Then off you go to Rovaniemi! The best way, in terms of comfort and the environment, to do this is on a cosy overnight train from Helsinki. According to VR (n.d.), the overnight train emits just 2.27 kg / CO₂ per person for the journey, the aircraft emits around 110 times as much.

Helsinki is the starting point for this journey. The Finnish capital, with a population of around 650,000, is best known for its imposing cathedral, which shines in brilliant white. The city also invites you to go window shopping or take a boat trip. In winter in particular, a visit to one of the many public saunas is a great idea to escape the cold temperatures.

Helsinki railway station is also worth a visit. This is where the almost 12-hour night train journey to the Arctic Circle starts. There are currently two direct night trains to Rovaniemi: Departing at 07.29 pm with arrival at 07.20 am and a connection at 11.13 pm to 11.03 am. Personally, I would recommend the later one so that you can marvel at the wild Finnish landscape from your bed after a cosy night’s sleep. Speaking of beds: a private cabin with space for 2 people in the sleeping car costs just 49€ if you book early. Starting from 69€, the compartment is already available including your own toilet and shower (VR, n.d.). It doesn’t matter whether you are travelling alone or as a couple, as the cabin is always booked as a whole. The price does not vary either. Travelling in a seat is also possible for around 35€ per person.

It should be noted that the Santa Claus Express is one of the most modern night trains in Europe, which makes the cost-benefit ratio almost unbeatable compared to a domestic flight! There are lockers in the train carriages as well as small cabins for making phone calls so as not to disturb other passengers.

There is also a dining car on board the train, which offers numerous hot meals, snacks, cold drinks and breakfast. The latter can be pre-ordered online when purchasing your ticket and delivered directly to your cabin 30-120 minutes before arrival in the morning. Alternatively, you can buy your breakfast on the train and enjoy it in the restaurant car.

After your morning refreshment, you can marvel at the Finnish landscape as it rushes peacefully past the train window. Just before 11 am, the loudspeaker announces: „Next stop Rovaniemi“ and shortly afterwards it appears: a small railway station just next to the Arctic Circle! The city centre is only a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus or taxi ride to Santa’s home. After 15-20 minutes, you’ll get your first glimpse of Santa Claus Village. Here you can meet Father Christmas and have a chat with him, cross the Arctic Circle or send a letter to your loved ones at Santa’s Post Office.

You can also glide gently through the snow on a reindeer sled or steer your own husky sled here and at several locations in the surrounding area. After a short introduction and familiarisation with your dog team, you can set off through the forest and over frozen lakes. The dogs love to move in a pack, which is why the race is not stressful for them. The colder it is, the faster they like to move. Sleigh rides are also offered at night, where, with a bit of luck and a clear sky, the Northern Lights can be seen. These can also be marvelled at in bookable glass igloos in the region. Skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also possible in addition to other activities in Rovaniemi.

Tip: Travellers can also take their car with them on the night train for an extra charge of 39€ to explore the area by car after arriving at the station or drive even further north, for example to Kittilä.

The journey can be booked via the VR website and app. Bookings are currently possible until 26th of October 2024. An existing Interrail Pass can also be specified when booking, so that there is only a surcharge for the seat reservation and a few extra euros for the private sleeping compartment.

Source:

VR (n.d.). Night trains: Travel between the south and the north in the peace of your own cabin. Retrieved on 08.01.2024 from https://www.vr.fi/en/night-trains