Railways in

Finland

The first railway in Finland opened in 1862 between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna. At that time, Finland was part of the Russian Empire, so the line was built to the Russian gauge of 1524mm (now 1520mm) in anticipation of its eventual connection with the rest of the Russian network. The remainder of the Finnish main line network was developed to the same gauge, which it retains today.

Finland has international rail connections with Russia and also with Sweden, via a bridge over the River Tornio opened on 1919. This involved a break of gauge necessitating the transhipment of through freight, and of passengers until passenger services ceased in 1988. Proposals exist for automatic gauge changing freight wagons to facilitate through freight operation between Sweden, Finland and neghbouring countries.

Under EU regulations, train operation and infrastructure costs must be separately accountable. In Finland this has been achieved by dividing the State Railways system VR into several separate companies, which however remain under state control. VR remains the predominant operator for passenger and freight.

• VR Group the national network
  • VR Passenger Services national and regional passenger operator
  • VR Transpoint freight operator
  • VR Track infrastructure maintenance company
• Freight One Scandinavia international freight operator, a joint venture between VR and the Russian company PGK
• Jokioinen Museum Railway steam hauled tourist railway between Humppila and Jokioinen, about 14 km.
• Porvoo Museum Railway tourist railway between Porvoo and Kerava, about 40km. Steam hauled or historic diesel railcars (Site mainly in Finnish with some information in English)
• Helsinki Metro and trams
• Kiskohissi funicular serving the Ukko Heritage Centre in the Koli National Park (No website located at present)

© 2004-2011 Glyn Williams
Flag image from CIA World Factbook