Rail travel between Germany and Scandinavia is set for a significant expansion as Deutsche Bahn (DB) prepares to launch a direct train connection between Berlin and Oslo. Scheduled to begin service in the summer of 2028, the new route aims to provide a greener and more streamlined alternative to short-haul flights and long-distance car journeys across Northern Europe.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Deutsche Bahn, the Danske Statsbaner (DSB) in Denmark, and Vy in Norway. By linking these three national carriers, the project seeks to integrate the rail networks of three European capitals, fostering closer ties and easing cross-border transit for passengers and commuters alike.
This new Berlin-Oslo direct train service is not merely a route extension but part of a broader strategic shift toward sustainable, long-distance rail travel. The project is one of ten pilot initiatives supported by the European Commission, designed specifically to expand and modernize cross-border rail connections across the continent.
A Strategic Route Across Northern Europe
The journey from Berlin to Oslo will be one of the longest rail routes in Europe, spanning several countries and key urban hubs. According to the project plan, the train will travel via Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg before reaching its final destination in Oslo. The total travel time for the journey is estimated to be approximately 14–15 hours as detailed in the route announcement.
To ensure a phased and stable rollout, the service will be introduced in stages. Before the full Berlin-Oslo connection opens in 2028, the latest rolling stock will begin operating on a shorter segment. Starting in December 2027, the trains will first operate between Hamburg and Copenhagen, allowing operators to calibrate the service before extending it further north according to the official timeline.
Once fully operational, the service is planned to consist of two daily train pairs, providing consistent and predictable scheduling for international travelers.
The ICE L: Engineering for Accessibility and Efficiency
The backbone of this new service is the ICE L, a new generation of rolling stock built by Talgo. The choice of the ICE L reflects a commitment to both environmental sustainability and passenger inclusivity. The train features a lightweight aluminium construction, which is specifically designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize track wear, making the long-haul journey more ecologically sustainable.
A primary focus of the ICE L design is accessibility. The trains are engineered for step-free boarding, utilizing a uniform floor height of 76 cm to ensure that passengers with reduced mobility can board and disembark more easily as specified in the technical requirements.
the ICE L employs an articulated design. This engineering approach allows for wider car bodies, which translates to improved passenger comfort and more efficient use of space—essential factors for a journey lasting up to 15 hours.
The Shift Toward Sustainable Long-Distance Travel
The launch of the Berlin-Oslo route comes amid rising fuel costs and a growing global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector. By positioning the train as a viable alternative to aircraft and automobiles, Deutsche Bahn aims to capture a larger share of the Scandinavian travel market.
Dr. Michael Peterson, DB board member for long-distance passenger transport, emphasized the experiential and environmental value of the project. “If you want to experience Europe, you get on the train!” Peterson stated. He further noted that in the face of high fuel prices, long-distance trains remain a good alternative to the car or aircraft, adding that the new offer is “tying Northern Europe even more closely together—and bringing three capitals together by rail” per his official statement.
Broadening the Talgo Footprint in Europe
The use of Talgo-built trains is becoming a recurring theme in European rail modernization. The ICE L is part of a wider trend where Talgo’s rolling stock is being deployed to enhance various international and regional routes. Examples of this expansion include:
- The new route operated by Leo Express between Prague, Czechia, and Bratislava, Slovakia.
- The connection from Dortmund to Oberstdorf im Allgäu, which now utilizes a new ICE Talgo train.
These deployments suggest a shift toward more flexible, lightweight, and energy-efficient train designs across the European Union, supporting the Commission’s goal of making rail the primary mode of long-distance transport.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Launch Date: The full Berlin-Oslo direct service begins in summer 2028.
- Interim Step: Service between Hamburg and Copenhagen starts in December 2027.
- Major Stops: The route includes Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg.
- Travel Time: Approximately 14 to 15 hours.
- Onboard Experience: The ICE L train offers step-free boarding (76 cm floor height) and an articulated design for increased comfort.
For passengers planning future travel to Scandinavia, this route represents a significant reduction in the complexity of cross-border transit, removing the need for multiple transfers or flights between the German and Norwegian capitals.
The next confirmed milestone for this project is the commencement of the Hamburg-Copenhagen service in December 2027. We will continue to monitor updates regarding ticket availability and specific scheduling as the launch date approaches.
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