Is there a train from Iceland to Sweden?

No Rails Across the North Atlantic: Why There’s No Train from Iceland to Sweden

The idea of a scenic train journey from Reykjavik to Stockholm, chugging through breathtaking Nordic landscapes, is certainly romantic. Unfortunately, the reality is decidedly less picturesque: there is no train from Iceland to Sweden, and there are no plans for one in the foreseeable future.

The primary reason for this absence is geography. Iceland, as its name suggests, is an island, completely surrounded by the often-turbulent waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Sweden, on the other hand, is firmly rooted in continental Europe. This significant watery divide presents an insurmountable obstacle to any traditional rail connection.

Building a bridge or tunnel of that magnitude – spanning hundreds of miles of deep ocean – would be a feat of engineering unlike any previously attempted. The cost would be astronomical, the logistical challenges immense, and the technical hurdles potentially insurmountable.

While ferry services connect Iceland to other countries, including Denmark, from where rail travel to Sweden is possible, no direct rail link exists. The journey therefore requires a multimodal approach, involving both sea and land travel.

So, for those dreaming of a continuous rail adventure from the geothermal wonders of Iceland to the vibrant streets of Stockholm, the current reality demands a shift in plans. Embracing the sea voyage as part of the journey, however, opens up opportunities to experience the unique beauty of the North Atlantic and adds a distinct maritime flavor to the Nordic adventure. While the romantic vision of a direct train remains just that – a vision – the combination of ferry and rail offers a viable, and arguably more adventurous, alternative.