Deutsche Bahn (DB) will launch a new daily direct connection between Berlin and Oslo via Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg from summer 2028. This initiative, in cooperation with the Danske Statsbaner (DSB) in Denmark and Vy in Norway, will be one of Europe’s longest rail routes.
The Talgo-built ICE L will be used for this service. This train is part of a new generation of rolling stock designed for accessibility, with step-free boarding and a uniform floor height of 76 cm, making it more inclusive for passengers with reduced mobility.
The ICE L is also noted for its lightweight aluminium construction, which reduces energy consumption and track wear, and its articulated design, which allows for wider car bodies and improved passenger comfort.
Dr Michael Peterson, DB board member for long-distance passenger transport, said: “If you want to experience Europe, you get on the train! In the face of high fuel prices, long-distance trains remain a good alternative to the car or aircraft. With this new international offer, we are tying Northern Europe even more closely together—and bringing three capitals together by rail.”
Two daily train pairs are planned, using the latest ICE L model. The journey from Berlin to Oslo will take approximately 14–15 hours. From December 2027, the ICE L will already operate between Hamburg and Copenhagen.
This new Hamburg–Copenhagen–Oslo route is one of ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to expand cross-border long-distance rail connections. The ICE L is also part of a broader trend in Europe, where Talgo’s rolling stock is being used to modernise and expand services, such as Leo Express‘ new Prague (Czechia) to Bratislava (Slovakia) route and the Dortmund to Oberstdorf im Allgäu connection, which now features a new ICE Talgo train.
Reactions
The announcement has sparked discussion online. Independent railway commentator Jon Worth questioned the choice of rolling stock, asking: “What? Berlin – Oslo direct in a Talgo?”
Some rail enthusiasts have expressed concerns about the ride comfort of Talgo trains, noting that the unique wheel design, where wheels are placed between carriages rather than under each car, can lead to a bumpier ride, especially at higher speeds. This design, while allowing for lighter and more flexible trains, has been criticised in early experience reports for causing noticeable vibrations and a less smooth journey compared to traditional bogie-based.
Florian Ellebrecht from Germany criticised the focus on Berlin, stating: “And again, only to Berlin. DB is rather uninspired. Cities south of Hamburg, such as Hanover, Göttingen, or Kassel, or south-west, like Bremen, Osnabrück, Münster, or Dortmund, would also appreciate international connections to Eastern and Northern Europe. It’s always Berlin, Berlin, Berlin…”
His comment reflects a broader frustration among some passengers and observers that Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance expansions often prioritise the capital over other major population centres, potentially neglecting regions with higher demand or strategic importance.
Simon expanded on this point, noting: “Demand-wise, Berlin is a large island, but the Rhine-Ruhr region has a significantly higher population”.
The Rhine-Ruhr area, one of Europe’s most densely populated and economically vital regions, currently lacks direct international connections that match the frequency and convenience of those serving Berlin. This disparity has led to calls for a more balanced approach to rail expansion, ensuring that economic hubs outside the capital also benefit from improved connectivity.
Jonas Boström, commenting from a Scandinavian perspective, welcomed the news but expressed cautious optimism, stating: “From a Scandinavian point of view, that is great news. And I hope all problems with the ICE L will be solved by then.” His remark highlights both the anticipation for better north-south links in Europe and the lingering concerns about the reliability and performance of the new Talgo-built trains, which have faced delays and technical challenges during testing and early deployment.
Meanwhile, pglux provided historical context, noting: “For the past three years, there have been express plans to send those Talgos of DSB to Oslo Central and Stockholm Central. The real wonder here is Berlin Main Station.”
This comment underscores the long-standing ambition to integrate Talgo trains into Northern European networks and raises questions about why Berlin, rather than other hubs, was chosen as the starting point for this particular route. It also hints at the broader strategic considerations behind DB’s decision-making, including the political and economic significance of connecting capital cities.
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