Sleeper Train to the ARCTIC CIRCLE (Will We Find Santa?)

Watch this video to experience a Polar Express train to the Arctic Circle in Finland! We’ll travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in order to visit Santa Claus.
This is the REAL LIFE Polar Express in Finland called the “Santa Claus Express.” It's a special offering of the famous "Lapland Express" where we'll visit Finland's Lapland!
This ~500 mile trip will take us 12 hours through some of the most magnificent scenery in the Northern Hemisphere!
Lapland has been home to Santa Claus for centuries and our final destination, directly on the Arctic Circle, is his official headquarters!
Along the way, we’ll tour the VR Rail Upstairs Sleeper Room. It’s like a hotel room on rails, complete with its own bathroom and shower! We’ll also sample the food in the Restaurant Car.
But, the best part has to be the scenery we’ll wake up to on the train! It is truly breathtaking. We even saw eight tiny reindeer!
But, can we find the Big Man himself? Our train journey will end with a visit to the Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland. That’s Santa’s official headquarters where we hope to put in a good word for you!
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Boarding the Santa Claus Express
3:57 Arctic Train Room Tour
5:49 Bedtime on the Train
7:54 Lapland Sunrise
9:23 Santa Claus Village
9:55 Bloopers
VR Finland Website
www.vr.fi/
For more trip reports, please subscribe to my channel!
www.JebBrooksFlies.com
Check me out on Instagram:
/ jebbrooksflies
Check me out on Twitter/X, too:
/ jebbrooks
And don't forget to take a look at my travel blog:
greenergrass.com/
Music:
Merry Christmas Day (Instrumental Version) - Stonekeepers
Christmas Dinner - Home for the Holidays
Christmas Wonders - Howard Harper-Barnes
A Christmas Dance - Arthur Benson
The First Snow of Christmas (Instrumental Version) - The Snowy Hill Singers
Scream My Name (Instrumental Version) - Taynte
A Christmas Kiss (Instrumental Version) - The Snowy Hill Singers
Christmas Love (Instrumental Version) - In Wintertime
All For Christmas (Instrumental Version) - The Noel

[@somebodyandthem]

He got from Japan to Finland in record time

[@phaez8832]

Omg real

[@kirkwoodhawk2]

Finnair business class review coming soon, probably.

[@GreenerGrass]

More to come from Japan!!

[@SethDykstra]

⁠@@GreenerGrassAnd then he went back to Japan

[@karlywhite2548]

@@GreenerGrassAre you going to do more videos of Finland?

[@cdanielson1]

As an Air Traffic Controller i'm asking Santa for more colleagues. Long weeks, missed holidays with family, and being overly stressed is taking its toll. The Arctic Circle looks awesome! Happy Holidays Friends.

[@tm3xyz]

I took this train in January and it was one of the best rides of my life. Big fan of finnish railways.

[@matze3925]

Feels like Christmas every time this channel uploads!

[@richardinjapan4578]

Helsinki is a wonderful station. The trains in Finland were good, and the people were friendly and helpful. After Finland I took the overnight ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm. That's also a wonderful adventure you should put on your list if you haven't already done it. What do I want for Christmas? Mesimarija -- a Finnish liqueur made from Arctic Red Berries.

[@zoolkhan]

as a finn i find it fastcinating to read repeadetely "people were friendly" .... damn guys, where do you come from. What did you expect people to be like :) Why wouldnt they be friendly? The day is much nicer for all parties involved if we deal with each other in a friendly manner. There can only be one New York in the world haha...

[@richardinjapan4578]

@@zoolkhan OK, let me clarify: In answer to your question, I'm from Japan as my KZbin name states. I visited several countries on the trip that took me to Finland. As you suggest, there are friendly people everywhere. For me, the difference in Finland is a lack of overtly insulting and condescending attitude towards visitors that can be found in some other places. Of course there is only one New York, and try as one might one may be hard pressed to find Hell in Helsinki, but the world is generally not an either-or place, but a spectrum. In my opinion, Helsinki was near the good end of the spectrum. That was not necessarily true of all of Finland. Tampere was somewhat less visitor-friendly than Helsinki. And of course, if we compare almost anywhere to Japan, noplace really compares.

[@susannebrunberg4174]

​@@richardinjapan4578Cool that you liked Helsinki. I think it's ok there, but I didn't like Tampere! Lol. Never been to Rovaniemi though. I have lived in all Nordic countries, I liked maybe Stockholm best. I have actually traveled all over the world, and met great people almost everywhere. And I love NYC!

[@zzzzzx7903]

So Finland is really a century ahead of Sweden in the rail hospitality industry. The quality of the train car interior, dining car, food selection, normal prices. Swedes are offering accommodation like a Russian train in 1980, container food and jacked up prices with full abuse of the captive audience situation. To the surprised Finn, people are probably mostly comparing to Swedes and their train cars. It's hard for you to comprehend from where you stand but they are frigid, frigid, frigid - in all aspects and on all levels. Yanta Law rules on the other side - for real 😃😃😃

[@jacobc1608]

I don’t know how else to express this, but watching your videos just brings me so much joy!! You two seem so genuine in your videos, and it NEVER comes across like you’re doing this just for fame/money, which is so rare these days! Happy Holidays!

[@grtoocool]

Such a selfless wish for all of us viewers! ;) Thanks for all the videos Jeb and Suzanne. You guys are great. Here's to more great stuff from you guys in 2024 and beyond!

[@jasonthompson8157]

I'm asking Santa for another year of great Jeb Brooks videos of course 😁

[@Niteskate1]

Thank you both for the video, Jeb's dinner looked really good. My Christmas wish is more train travel.

[@redcomusic]

Jeb you can totally side hustle as Santa! LOL - Red

[@donaldmickunas8552]

Agreed. A long beard, all natural of course, plus the suit. Perfect!!😂😂

[@mzansime]

What a joyful and pleasant trip you gave us, Jeb. ❤ You and Suzanne are truly the nicest, most wholesome, fair and pleasant couple travelling anywhere! Thank you both for all the happiness you bring to our lives. Bless you. ☺️💙

[@jukkaniemi2261]

I am so sorry to hear you were in Finland without informing me. I would have so much loved to meet you guys personally!

[@goinsomewheretogether]

We did this trip (by air) in August 1998 to see the Big Guy! It was an amazing time as we were there when it wasn't busy and spent almost a half hour speaking with Santa. Saw Santa this summer in North Pole, AK. I think he had gotten up on the wrong side of Mrs Claus that day! Nowhere near as magical.

[@im1who84u]

As much as I enjoy a good train ride, the great scenery on your trip, the food, and whole package..... IT'S WAY TO COLD FOR ME! You kids have fun. I'll be over here.

[@TrueSpace61]

I took this exact trip this summer - it was great. Highly recommend.

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi there, What a wonderful trip Jeb! As usual you and Suzanne have outdone yourselves! Thank you for all the pleasure and education that you provide to us. Peter

[@itsnotme07]

You people are CrAzY.....fun! Here's your bed Jeb....a little circular there but hey, free bottle of water, or did it have a 4 Euro sign on it? LOL Here is a suggestion....maybe let Suzanne do some more of the narration? Jeb gets a bit excited when doing too much talking.....haha, that's a compliment Jeb...but take a break. Haha.

[@azjad412]

Everytime i watched to your videos, it makes me smile. Other than showing the places, trains, planes, it also shows love between the 2 of u and wish u guys the best. And thank u for making these videos all these years

[@martymcfly256]

Levi, Finland, is one of my favourite places. It's a great winter wonderland party/resort town. Simon Wilson's latest video was about this same train.

[@23yodeler]

This was FUN 🎄🎁🤶🧑🏻‍🎄 Y’all did well. Happee Holidays and may you have an adventure-filled new year!!!

[@Disturbed666METAL]

This Year in September my Girlfriend and I went from Stockholm to Abisko and it was awesome❤ Sleeper Trains are amazing. The whole trip was epic. From Neu-Ulm to Abisko and back all by Train.

[@BMRS03]

Amazing trip. We spent a week in Tromso (Norway) in 2017, chasing northern lights and it was magical experience. There is something awe inspiring about these northern countries in winter. A true winter wonderland! And let me guess, you’re asking Santa for a time piece to add to your extensive collection! I sure am asking for one!

[@iangrimm]

Amazing trip! A perfect expedition to get everyone in the mood for the season. What a treat. Happy Holidays to you and the Creative Director and your entire family!

[@brucecook1156]

No way, Jeb & Suzanne! I just watched another KZbinr ride this train a few days ago!! So cool! Great video as always! Love that train!

[@tomrogers123]

Was that Simon Wilson's video?

[@brucecook1156]

Yes, it was Simon Wilson!@@tomrogers123

[@Grazilla52]

Wonderful trip! I’ve been across the Arctic Circle in Norway (which I love), but this has given me another place to visit on my ever-expanding Bucket List!

[@beardown6574]

Train ride to the Arctic circle so cool!!! Always love your train videos and the great views!

[@conniejohnson9005]

I have to thank you again for your great videos and this one in particular. My husbands ancestry is Finnish and we havent been to Finland and never will. So it was such a shock when at the 6:30 minute mark you pass Ylivieska. The family's home town for generations. Thank you so much.

[@sparninja9725]

Simon Wilson was just on this train a few days ago! Love this!

[@chimpnation23]

Always so cool seeing a place I’ve been on KZbin! That train station in Helsinki is such a cool station!

[@danielsweeney6742]

Lol- Jeb was honestly thrilled to see reindeer. Good touch you two!

[@user-em5xk9sw2g]

what a fun and seasonal episode. love you!!!

[@dianeschroeder3980]

You guys are seriously the cutest couple! Merry Christmas!🎄 🎊 🎉

[@elliewessa1903]

That sunrise is gorgeous! My favorite time of day.

[@winnied87]

This is awesome! Looks like a neat and comfortable journey. Thanks for sharing.

[@Geezimac]

Wishing you and Suzanne a very Merry Christmas and a safe, joyous, and prosperous New Year. Can’t wait to see your adventures in 2024.

[@paularuotsalainen979]

Thank you for the lovely video, Jeb and Susan 😊 I love the energy and positive attitude in all of your travel videos. Did you know that on the 6th of December, we Finns celebrate the Day of Independence of our beloved Finland?

[@WillieRoberts-cy6sl]

*suzanne*

[@dethray1000]

when are the russians going to take over? that is all we hear in the usa...

[@matiasvikman8111]

Eiks se oo 6.12?

[@gabrielapaulinho1luv]

Belatedly wishing you Happy Independence Day!

[@scottwilbur25]

I took the train from Helsinki to Narvik Norway Very cool but it was summer and we camped under the midnight sun! Beautiful!

[@mulisha52]

Was just in Lapland 3 weeks ago!! Finland is Beautiful!!

[@pstrik84]

As usual you guys were able to put a smile on my face. Amazing trip. Merry Christmas!

[@Julzhw]

Amazing report. A very different perspective to Simon Wilsons but both enjoyable reviews!

[@MrStuartAllan]

Brilliant video, perfect for this time of year! Safe travels

[@richardbutler4488]

2:20 😂 Jeb and his dog 🐶 bowl 🍲 😊 priceless! Fabulous Video ❤

[@YarnDragonTracy]

Love watching these videos and living vicariously through you. Already got what I wanted for Christmas back in July when my kiddo moved back home from halfway across the country.

[@WalkingEng]

I love the train ride videos, especially to somewhat unusual places. Nice work braving the cold for everyone!!

[@mrh7]

Thanks Jeb for reviewing our Finnish sleeper train👍

[@elliebeep27]

What a fun trip! Love the Santa hat. I was almost in Helsinki last month (for a figure skating competition!) but decided against going. What a lovely country. Thanks for bringing us along on your adventures! Merry Christmas!

[@infographicsscience]

Took this train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi last January. Took the earlier train however, so I did not see much since it was dark the entire way. Had the sleeper room and slept well. Arrived in Rovaniemi about 8 AM and had a buffet breakfast at the restaurant at the station. Spent a few hours here then backtracked to Oulu where I was staying. The fare was about 160 Euros, mush less than Amtrak. WiFi was good, able to stream KZbin videos. Cant wait to next January when I can do it again!!

[@Aprilsraven629]

That's on my wish list, pity you didn't video the entire village inc Santa's workshop its such a beautiful village...

[@williamroberts6803]

Love your enthusiasm on this special trip.

[@jeena2103]

I am so happy there is a dog friendly cabin on the Santa Clause Express!! I was just thinking I wish I could take my dog on these amazing trips😊 thank you for sharing this~

[@xr6lad]

So was I. Brought a tear to my eye. I live in the wrong country it seems when it comes to dog friendly.

[@zoolkhan]

bringing your dog into the counrty might be a different challenge. depending from where you come from. We do not want to import diseases, that are so far unknown to the place - so you may need to do some vet-work prior.

[@joshuadefabian2251]

I like the videos with him and his wife. Talk about couple goals traveling and eating. Can’t wait to do this with my girl someday.

[@Maybetr1stan]

A video to get me in the season. Love the video Jeb!!

[@killerqueen9298]

Great video, guys. You are just as excited as my 42 year old when she met Santa a couple of years ago. All I want is a gorgeous lady that I met in Auckland last March. Merry Christmas or Nadolig Llawen as we say in Wales❤❤

[@jeff2370]

The quality of their videos are astounding!

[@DonnaSmith-ff2wu]

Wow! Thanks for this fun trip!

[@user-ou3li9no3s]

I love Lapland! I was there in February & absolutely loved it.

[@botruong4102]

Thank you,this is another great video.Happy holidays 🎉🎉🎉🎉.

[@sandiandgregh]

What a lovely trip and opportunity! An early Merry Christmas to you both as well.

[@sherrydoolin2339]

Thx Guys!! Love Every video!!! 😘❤️👍

[@johnkeller441]

It is amazing how far behind the USA is on passenger rail service. I remember when they were tearing out the Denver and Rio Grande tracks in Colorado and the ties were 1cent apiece and you had to haul them away. Then, they were sold at the "garden centers" for $4 to $6 apiece. Those tracks in Colorado would have been some beautiful scenic rides, today. Someday, we'll be forced to ride electric train here in the USA, too. Was there a St. Nicholas there, too?

[@ECDellaTorre]

Wonderful adventure! Thank you for sharing it. You and Suzanne outdo yourselves in this video! Merry Christmas to both of you!

[@harsimrankaur4201]

You guys are adorable to watch as a couple. I love to watch your videos.

[@majensen70]

Another wonderful adventure filled video from Jeb and Suzanne - thanks for bringing us along by way of video so that we may enjoy those adventures with you. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both!

[@Suominoinen]

What an amazing video thank you for showing my country : )

[@ez4me2sa]

Love your show, the videos and photography are spectacular. ❤️

[@SonamKingA330]

Great video Jeb! This really gets me in the mood for christmas! Keep up the good work!

[@valeriecallaghan]

LOVED this video!! Your excitement is contagious !!!

[@rajsekharmahapatro]

As good as always. Thanks Jeb 😀

[@jamesmcnally3620]

That is amazing. I am so happy you made this video. almost every morning as part of my routine I check out certain live web cameras around the world. Santa Claus village is one of them. I knew I wanted to visit someday. Now because of your video I want to go and have my kids experience this trip. Also want to stay at the Glass Resort next to Santa Claus Village. Thank you for all of your amazing videos.

[@beobombain7819]

Great video Jeb! Keep up the great work! 👍🏻

[@charliesmith4229]

This is absolutely beautiful guys!

[@AlexSmith015]

Great video Jeb and Suzanne. I was in Helsinki earlier this year on a quick impromptu trip. Beautiful city.

[@aprilrobinson7713]

Awesome. Thanks guys

[@rontiemens2553]

Jeb, you are looking good, buddy. Your time in the gym is paying off. Always fun to video-travel with you guys. You keep things light and fun. I e been to Helsinki twice. Beautiful city. This video brings back memories. THANKS!

[@jhecht424]

What a fantastic experience. Visiting one of the Nordic countries this time of year is on my bucket list.

[@punkkumies1283]

finland is so nice and that santa claus village is so beautiful, very good feeling video love it

[@9527fafa]

❤thanks..love it❤

[@nancycarden2469]

Beautiful train and so loved that it was pet friendly. Such a fun video. And I like gift cards for Christmas so I can lots of things I want. Merry Christmas to you both.

[@radudeATL]

Y’all had me cracking up in this one. Love it!

[@johnhallford239]

What an AWESOME trip. Added to the "want to go" list. Thank you for sharing

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip, finally you did this trip. Correct me If I wrong, the Finnish Gauge is wider than standard Gauge, that's why everything inside is extra like the ladder.

[@ratyjoona]

Yeah, we got wider gauge that is compatible with Russian gauge. Which makes sense given to circumstances during which much of the railroads were built.

[@joannederevjanik]

Love your videos so much fun. Merry Christmas and happy New Year may it be happy the whole year through

[@lindacox8156]

You 2 are GREAT‼️ I really enjoy your videos😊👍

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Fun trip - beautiful!

[@friendofapollo]

Amazing as usual!

[@Anolaana]

I can't blieve I missed this last year. Sounds like a great trip!

[@ronriesinger7755]

I took that trip in the daytime, but disembarked in Oulu to visit friends. It is as amazing as described. Good video.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Fantastic video guys!😸

[@ecmunz]

Happy Holidays! Love all of your travels.

[@nitindiwanji]

One best video, Thank you so much We knew any thing like Santa village Train vidio is best one .❤

[@ohnoflicks]

Wow! I hate traveling in the cold weather but I would do this. Thanks and Merry Christmas ! 🎄

[@patriciakaufmann2229]

I love train trips!!!

[@sjacko1066]

What a lovely video. Merry Christmas guys

[@thumuku9986]

Lovely...Thanks a Lot...

[@themountainkrafttake2]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jeb and Suzanne! We woke up this morning with about 3 inches of snow and by the time it quit we had at least 7-8 inches. Keep doing what you do, even if they claim that Santa Claus lives in Finland. Shoot, now were going to have to tell all the kids around town that they have been sending their mail to the wrong address for Santa Claus! We were always told that he lived in North Pole Alaska.

[@life.with.sabine]

Such a cool rail trip.

[@jonesyokc]

I love your videos. This one was no exception. I have been to Norway in the winter. it is absolutely gorgeous that far north.

[@pippo702]

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to both of you too,thanks for the great content you provide

[@jongolbert5367]

Thank you Jeb, very cool!

[@jalabi99]

This is definitely a bucket list train journey for me now. Thank you Jeb & Suzanne, and happy holidays!