Taking a SLEEPER TRAIN to the ARCTIC CIRCLE

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Edited by: Kyle Robb
Thumbnail by: Fouad Ghafoud

[@WillEdmond]

Waitaminute!!! I’m glad you said it was filmed in the Summer because I was about to call you right now and say BROOOO YOU FORGOT ME!

[@DownieLive]

You already know! Hahaha!

[@Alextheaviatorofficial]

Wish he took me he Is soooo cool

[@Alextheaviatorofficial]

But I do love the Amtrak California zephyr

[@appl1409]

@@DownieLive 😂😂😂😂

[@mandy7422]

Will hallo are you well glad to see you pop on the comments when are you guys going to something together again

[@fotomann40]

I traveled across the arctic circle while in the US Navy and earned my Blue Nose status! The northern lights were spectacular, hope you truly enjoy every second!

[@dawsonkoons9335]

Hooyah fellow blue nose

[@joshstauber3335]

Thank you ✌️

[@fotomann40]

@@cceatl it was my honor to serve my country.

[@nicholaspappas9712]

USA Navy, Submarine Service (1967-1971) Sam Houston 609. Got my Blue Nose there.

[@godjoox4806]

@@nicholaspappas9712 is working in a submarine cool?

[@plankton3108]

you know it is going to be a good series if it has "sleeper train" in the title

[@CANControlGRAFFITI]

BIG FACTS.

[@cestmoi1262]

Can't understand the fascination of being on a "sleeper train" when traveling in a country that I have never seen before. I might as well stay home.

[@plankton3108]

@@cestmoi1262 well mr downielive manages to make sleeper trains interesting in fact he can make anytthing interesting

[@Yesica1993]

@@cestmoi1262 I mean, you gotta sleep sometime, whether you're home or away. I dream of sleeping on a moving train as I watch beautiful scenery go by and waking up to more beautiful scenery!

[@TheTimTraveller]

Ok I quite urgently need to try out that pub tram. Can't wait for the rest of this series - looks incredible!

[@DownieLive]

Tim, if you're going, let me know! I'd love to have a pint with you, and the Pub tram is definitely worth a trip back to Helsinki! Cheers!

[@Zeyev]

I love seeing the little kid in you come out as you jump back and forth across the Arctic Circle. Finland does seem like such a great country and, as always, thanks for taking us along.

[@mstrdiver]

Too bad your sister didn't come along. She gets just as excited as you do but in a different way.

[@Yesica1993]

It was so cute. I would've done the same thing!

[@reydo17]

I would so do that! I'm that kid, lol

[@baconatorrodriguez4651]

It's very Homer Simpson-esque 'Now I'm in Australia, now I'm in America'

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

The sleeper trip to the Arctic Circle to visit Santa's village is nice and all but the idea of combining a pub and tram into one and making it a sightseeing tour of Helsinki is such a genius idea. Our capital city also has a tram system (which we had before the war during the Japanese era but had to rebuild it after the war due to Pyongyang being destroyed and was reopened in 1989) with three lines and a shuttle line and we believe this type of experience would be perfect to bring in more tourism. We have old Tatra trams made in the former Czechoslovakia and a pub would fit the classic vibe perfectly. Some history for the Helsinki one: SpåraKoff is a combination of spåra (Helsinki slang for tram; from Swedish spårvagn) and Koff, a brand made by Sinebrychoff, oldest brewery in the Nordic countries. The tram is a former HM V tram, originally constructed in 1959 but most of them have been scrapped and this is one of four remaining in the city. The tour began in 1995 by Sinebrychoff to celebrate their 175th anniversary

[@CapeFearFamilyLaw]

Peace

[@ScandinaviaTheGamer]

did not expect the leader of North Korea to be here

[@Tuukkohakee]

The upper deck of those sleeper trains also feature a shower in the suite, and it seems like you got the smallest of the rooms haha. VR has also put an order for new sleeper cars with even better interiors 😊 I’m so happy you had a great start in Finland, especially with the lovelly airport of HEL!

[@per-olamjomark7452]

Glad to see that you are exploring the Nordics. Don't be surprised that you find some Swedish food on the train (i.e meatballs). Finland was part of Sweden for almost 700 years from around 1150 until the Finnish War of 1809 after which Finland became an autonomous part of the Russian Empire.

[@joshstauber3335]

WOW Mike! I really wasn’t expecting Scandinavia. This is going to be epic. Thanks again for allowing me to live vicariously. ✌️❤️

[@DownieLive]

You bet!

[@NickP16]

So cool Mike! I'm currently on an Austrian sleeper train, the OBB Nightjet from Vienna to Amsterdam It is so much fun to experience a sleeper train in another country! 🇦🇹 🇳🇱

[@DownieLive]

Absolutely!

[@ycrep1993]

Welcome to the beautiful country of the netherlands, my home

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Sounds awesome!!!!

[@bighuddy26]

what a great video mike. i’m in the hospital because i had surgery on my appendix, and i’ve just been binge watching all of your videos. so the fact that a new ones came out is awesome to help kill time and take my mind off things

[@DownieLive]

Get well soon!

[@akuankka321876]

One really big advantage of Finnish trains is that compared to other Nordic countries and European countries, the Finnish rail network uses wide cauge track (1524 mm), which makes the trains feel much more spacious. This applies to both cabins and sidewalks. The restaurant wagons are also spacious and you can really have a good time in them. These Finnish double decker train cars are massive and really comfortable based on my own experiences. For example, in standard cauge countries, they haven't bothered to invest in sleeper trans as much as Finland has because of this limited track width. One of the root causes is, that the track width and space is, well, "limited". I has not been possible to make the experience "good enough" to really invest properly in it and make it mainstream. People often just choose airplane over train. However, in Finland, sleeper trains and trains in general are really popular. Airplanes are not necessarily the first option for the Finns.

[@John_Fugazzi]

What a surprise this is! I would never have guessed you'd be in Finland taking a train ride to Rovaniemi. There's still a lot of Finland north of there and I'm looking forward to seeing just how far north next week's train station is.

[@yt6523]

I have traveled on the Ontario Northland which has a Polar Bear Express. The train travels from Cochrane, Ontario to James Bay. If you have not done this trip it is quite interesting. Moosonee is at the end of the line and is a Cree community and the train passes through beautiful countryside with plenty of wildlife visible along the way as well as some remote cabins. Hudson’s Bay also began along James Bay. Love watching your travels.

[@leesims8976]

Despite what you said this is not a standard gauge train. finnish railways are built to a broad gauge, 1,524 mm, because of Finland being part of the Russian Empire when the railways were originally built.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Definitely feels serene! Helsinki's airport reminds me of Changi in Singapore and how Changi has a whole area called The Jewel with an indoor waterfall that makes you feel like you're in the middle of a rainforest. And I agree with what you said about train stations, a train station in a city should be a city's hub, a centerpiece that not only welcomes visitors to the city but wows them. A place where tourists and locals alike come to play. Look at Grand Central Terminal in NYC! It doesn't take long for that terminal to amaze so many on a daily basis. And now with the LIRR, Grand Central will welcome even more people. There's a reason that terminal is seen in so many movies from Madagascar to Men in Black 2. I will say though, as nice as Helsinki Central is...I just love the fact the moment you walked in, the first thing you saw was an advertisement for Disney+ 😂. You just can't escape the Mouse!

[@rombbu3134]

I'm so proud of Helsinki-Vantaa airport :D It's so tranquil. Coming back home from abroad is nice when you realize how quiet and peaceful it is in Finland

[@Nathyk3]

Your jumping back and forth over the Arctic Circle line should be shown for everyone to see that we can be happy with very little in life :) Looking forward to the journey!

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Hi Mike. A video on Saturday morning? Australian time ? Now that's pretty cool to wake up to !😂 Especially cool ( pardon the pun) to see the lovely old tram selling beer !😂

[@rikspector]

Mike, I 1971 I drove a VW MIni Van through the Fjord country to Bergen ,Norway. Absolutely wonderful. The Shore A.C. from New Jersey spent three weeks in Norway, Sweden ,Denmark, Holland and London I was a designated driver... very cool:) This is going to be a nostalgia trip on your vlog! Cheers, Rik Spector Your neighbor in Ferndale, WA

[@gerrit2409]

I’m Canadian, now living on Vancouver Island.. but I’m originally from Thunder Bay! I once dated someone from Inari, a few hundred kilometres further north from Rovaniemi, and have travelled up that way quite a few times! Fun fact: Thunder Bay has the largest Finnish population outside of Finland.. and we figured out why. Knock me (or my ex for that matter) out and wake us up on a country road in the north of Finland or in Northwestern Ontario - and you could not tell the difference - the landscape is nearly identical. Despite Inari being 1000s of kilometres further north.. that’s got to say something about the Jet Stream!

[@JohannesNikitin91]

Really largest outside Finland? Maybe outside Europe? Sweden has like 5% of its population (and they speak Finnish language). In Thunder bay, Ontario all what I've heard and seen in KZbin no one speaks any Finnish there anymore. Only some old people know some. Young people almost none😄 PS I love Keskus mall Thunder bay-commercial (in KZbin). Very sad that there is no Keskus mall anymore. Keskus means central/center. We have Itäkeskus mall in Helsinki, Finland😆

[@anteli]

I went to that exact same place back when I was 9 years old. The only difference is that as soon as I stepped over the line there were three jets flying by and I got scared. 🤣

[@AmericanEnglishBrent]

You tell a story like no other, Mike. Kudos to you and your editors. 🎉

[@koburi]

Ahhhh I wanted to go to Finland when I went to the World Cup in 2018, but it ended up being a little out of my price range. I am so so excited for this. Your joy and happiness always brings a smile to my face. Thanks for letting us come along for the ride. I appreciate you.

[@joakimnorrby]

Nice to see you in the Nordic and great video as always! When (not if) you come back, you should visit the beautiful island of Gotland where they have restored an old train that takes you through the scenic landscape. It would be a pleasure to show you around.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for the tips!

[@lisaanderson8235]

Oh my goodness. A video release on a Friday AND a new adventure? Yes, please! 😊👍

[@jonnyfinch1339]

I have been really looking forward to this video! I am Jonny the other solo traveller you met on the Koff tram (you might not remember me), but it was a pleasure to meet you, and you really pushed me to see more of the world by train! As this video comes out I am on another one of my travels. I hope you enjoyed the drink as much as I did, and as they say in Finland, Kippis!

[@patrisio3]

I just came across this video after having just returned from Finland (and Sweden). This video brings back memories of walking thru the Helsinki airport, hearing the birds chirping in the airport, taking the HSL train, getting a number at the station to talk to a customer rep, seeing the city.... But I did it in the cold and snow. So it is very nice to see what it all looks like in the summer.

[@JohannesNikitin91]

Glad to see you enjoyed my home country! 11:15 it says "From Rovaniemi, train will continue to Kemijärvi at7:37am". Btw those new trains they are around Europe pretty similar. I higly recommend you to take night train from Helsinki to Tornio. They do not use those brand new InterCity-trains, but they still use old blue Finnish Pikajuna-night trains. There you really can enjoy 1970's style cabin. I just have been tried that only one month ago. Tornio located literally in Finnish-Swedish-border. Its a twintown Haparanda(SWE)-Tornio(FIN), very cool and nice place. Two timezones, two currencies, two countries met there. Interesting history. Finnish and Swedish rails met there. We have different rail track gauge with Finland so its not possible to cross the border with train even Finnish rails goes to Haparanda (Sweden) and Swedish rails goes to Tornio (Finland). There is a railway bridge crosses the border with both rail track sizes. Haparanda railway station in Swedish side has interesting history when Finnish kids and women evacuated to Sweden during the war when Soviet Russia attacked to Finland and stole our lands in 1939-1944.

[@nowherech]

The night trains are the best! We’ve been also going around Finland searching for stories🤩😍

[@giulianobonaldo2995]

💪🏻💪🏻

[@vekssi]

all my life in Helsinki but never visited that airport.

[@E-dart]

Then visit

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

And... this video comes out the day the windchill factor is -44C in Québec LOL. Talk about timing, Michael! 🥶

[@smwca123]

Only 4° warmer and it would be equally cold C or F.

[@brianb5397]

My son is playing semi pro hockey in Finland (Mantta) and I am flying there mid February to bring him home. Can’t wait to see how beautiful Finland is in person.

[@FinnTheCanadian]

Downielive on a Friday??? Yooo let's gooo end this week with a bang and the weekends tomorrow lovely

[@EMTevjorgensen]

Awesome video Mike! Nice to see that your sister is coming out to travel with you. She and you make great traveling partners. It seems you two get along best together on trips with each other. You have more adventurous fun when you're trying to keep up with her. Everyone else you're dialing it back so they are more comfortable. She says Mike, keep up with me , if you can, so you up your game!

[@DownieLive]

Hahah! Totally!

[@mariosphere]

I'm always happy when Americans and Canadians are amazed at our European train stations, their number of trains and their facilities. To me it's normal for a train station to be like this, but it would be nice if that were normal again in the US and Canada.

[@laurabaum5780]

Glad to know even professional travelers sometimes book the 'wrong' ticket. I mixed up departure and arrival cities once! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series.

[@FlyFree2023]

One minute you are on the UK canal network that I live on and enjoy, the next minute you provide me with a travel experience for 2023. Superb first Vlog.

[@joselynnerogan339]

You got the most amazing gig on the planet. Trains, travel, time. All shown with the utmost class. Kudos from a fellow Vancouverite!

[@newyorkerinvegas]

Sent this to my friend who is obsessed with Christmas and whose bucket list includes visiting the village!

[@Hakadummbadaff]

Hi Mike! I've discovered your videos a few months ago and fell in love with your storytelling, but I had no idea you actually visited my home country! It's so heartwarming and hilarious to see you discover our culture and language, and be excited about things that we consider normal and mundane. Very excited about the rest of the series!

[@MICHELLE-gu2qc]

What a spectacular video. It would amazing to be in the Arctic circle and Santa Village around Christmas time. I would hate to see a over 6 foot person in the sleeper. Really looking forward to more videos of the Arctic circle. I hope you saw the Northern lights

[@AlicePearlJam]

Another fantastic train trip sir! I can’t wait until I take a sleeper car cross country.

[@Gunships.]

always such a pleasure when you upload Michael, keep up the amazing work and cinematography, hoping you come try the Ravos Rail in South Africa one day, yes although very expensive, well worth the money, i did the 16 day 15 night trip from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam in Tazania on myself and my wives honeymoon. Thanks DownieLive for the train content

[@LitlPoot]

love, love, love it !!!! Santa brings out the kid in all of us, as it should be !!!! 🎅🎅🎅

[@sashaconrad3939]

What a beautiful and enjoyable trip! Thanks for taking us along!

[@Amy081]

This is like a Wes Anderson short film. Everything was perfect!

[@holmeeni89]

I used to work as a train barista in Finlands longdistance trains. Abolutely my favorite job in the world. Not a single day was like any other.

[@shivabalannagakumaran6019]

Great to see this series now on KZbin! Looking forward to the DownieLive Travels by Train Nordic Edition!

[@whoviating]

I introduced my wife to train travel. She loved it, We did a lot of it, mostly in the US but also the UK and Italy. Some times I think I should stop watching your train videos because they provoke memories and make me miss her terribly. But I'll keep watching - for precisely that reason.

[@the_g9456]

Have to add another comment because I apparently missed some things the first time around. The train stations are beautiful, The trains themselves are interesting but those rooms are so tiny. The views are really amazing. OH, and the tram/Pub was a nice way to see the city. cheers!

[@antonioiiitiong8163]

Ohhh man! I'm so excited for this series. Can't wait to watch the videos every week!

[@carina-leahbertuccelli9496]

Michael and team. So fun to see you always enjoying life!💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺 We Love you taking us with you and look forward to this next adventure!!!💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺 As always we wish you, your family and friends ( team too) to stay safe and well💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺 Your friends from San Francisco ,and Sacramento , California P.s. We have nick named you and Will the Orginal “ Chip and Dale” We hope that the two of you do not mind.💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Happy February to you! Also,so nice to see you back with a new video.

[@niklasxl]

good to see you enjoyed Finland :D nice to see you visiting this part of the world

[@Yesica1993]

OH, REINDEER!!! I'm gonna be honest. It wasn't until the last 10-15 that I learned that they were real animals. I was never quite sure if they were mythical or not.

[@lizestupinan1062]

I’m so stoked about this mini series!!!!!! You’re criminally underrated I sweeeaaarrrrr

[@sethtriggs]

YESSSSS! Always excited to see a new Travels by ____ with you. Your travelogues are always fun and such a positive energy.

[@icevoss9917]

LOL the Arctic circle is in my house, I have the Aircon on. Fun, it's great to come along

[@GeorgeSchuler]

This made me so happy! Finland and the Arctic Circle has been on my list for a long time and this really inspired me! Thank you! Can’t wait for more episodes.

[@lynfl9814]

Another great video, Mike! I am really going to enjoy this series.

[@steveng4427]

Always love your videos because you always have such an infectious excitement and joy for what you’re getting to see but also show to us viewers and it translates really well on screen, keep up the good work!

[@samd3497]

Wow, that brings back some nostalgia. I made almost that exact same trip back in May 2017, and it brings back such great memories. Thanks for all the great work, can't wait to see more!

[@WeberIMayRoam]

I am only 48 seconds into this video and already drooling... I wanna go so bad!!! OK, back to video.

[@theaeasterling5785]

Can't wait to see the rest of this series and the stunning landscapes of Finland!

[@needleworknut7792]

Jumping back and forth in the Arctic Circle...yeah..."They" are going to come and get you. Have fun. Patricia-South Padre Island, Texas

[@sunniclark6827]

Love your always positive happy videos! Not being able to travel, I let you do it for me, and you never disappoint! Thank you!

[@TheMickeyBloo]

Love your work and your energy. Looking forward to following this journey.

[@ottocoppelmoreno9654]

c'mon man! It´s so good when you share your videos with us! I hope to travel in a train soon Thanks for sharing a good smile with us!!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you like them!

[@michaelformaini7053]

Wow, Mike! You never cease to amaze me with your travel content. Makes me wish I was half my current age and a bit fitter for long distance travel (So glad I did my UK/Canada trip back in 2018 - not sure if my energy levels will allow me more 7 week marathons). You posted this a little late for Christmas just gone but just in time for my upcoming 70th birthday. I've seen other videos on train journeys in Finland, Norway and Sweden but you have really excited me about this series with this first episode. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Hoping also you can come downunder before I become unable to travel. You have a lot of friends here who will be thrilled to show you around. Cheers from Michael.🙂

[@jannabors1961]

I'm so happy!! You're back on trains!! Yeah!!! Wow Europe is so cool!! Thank you for taking me there! You made my day!!! 🫶🤗

[@kdproductionsvlogs]

great travel videos ! been watching you for a few weeks now and i love the content im taking a trip myself to Banff, Alberta,Canada so your videos helped alot with checking out the spot! keep it up mike :)

[@alterederathrift]

How exciting! I hope the rest of your trip is just as lovely! Can't wait to watch! Thanks for sharing! I have to put this on my bucket list!

[@jmsewill]

heck yea, Mike!! Super excited for this new series. My kids and I watch them all! THANK YOU!!

[@fleishum]

Another fabulous video Mike. I am so excited for the rest of the series.

[@Officialscottmartin]

I love watching your train adventures :) keep bringing us great content and happy 2023 to you and your family :)

[@DownieLive]

Thanks, you too!

[@brandonpeniuk]

Hey Mike, I love the choice of music. It is really relaxing. Be careful of the stairs on your journey (up and down). Thanks for letting us take a look vicariously through your lens. I was actually surprised that you didn't post on Saturday.

[@candacejackson5044]

Mike I love all of your videos. Your fun way of sharing cool things with such positivity is great. I'm definitely a little jealous of this new series and can't wait for the rest of them to come out. If you ever make it back to Florida soon, it would be so great to meet you. The Brightline is getting closer to being fully complete.

[@repatch43]

The one thing I kept thinking as I rode a train from Helsinki north to Tampere is how much like northern Ontario the scenery was, tons of forests, shield and lakes. So far from home, but very familiar. Very beautiful.

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

Yay Downie!!!!!! I’m so happy you’re in Santa’s neighborhood and I love trains can it really get any better as long as you have Santa and trains?!?! Def not! Can’t wait to see the rest of the series!

[@Nynke_K]

This was wonderful! I'm so looking forward to the rest of the series - I love Norway and the fact that I got a bit emotional several times during this video means my love extends to the rest of the Nordics 😬. Tip for architecture lovers planning to visit Helsinki: watch the latest video on Archimarathon! They discuss and show some more great architecture around the central station. And one more thing: I love how those wide-gauge trains look so similar to Dutch and German ones but then they fit a lot more furniture in and their noses look slightly off!

[@pandorazbox9659]

I love your enthusiasm. It is so uplifting and life affirming, especially since i have had a bad few years but, your videos always brighten my life. Thank you

[@Yosef08]

yes michael! love these videos from around the world they are awesome! keep up the grind😁🙌👏

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Wow, it’s lovely, nice hotel, city, and feeling to the video. The tram ride is great!! The depot restaurant looks mouthwatering. Huge train! Teeney room, cafe looks great! Beautiful scenery. Wonderful accommodations! Great fun.

[@simonthomas4293]

Great video, cant wait to watch the rest of them

[@cainrac]

Thanks so much for showing us a part of Helsinki & the train ride, Downielive!!! The scenic route is breathtakingly glorious, including you being close up with the reindeer!!!! Spectacular buildings for sure!!!! Cheers & keep safe!!!! Have a great time!!!!🥰🥰🦅🦅

[@tereasia]

So exciting, and, as usual, your production is flawless 🥰

[@the_g9456]

WooooHoooo! I have been so excited to see what your next video was going to be. The reindeer were so beautiful. Looking forward to the rest of this series. Happy you have such a good sense of humor. Stay blessed.

[@walk_with_me_23]

Looks like so much fun!!! Thank you for sharing your travels 🙏

[@kdavis1492]

Thanks for all these. My old legs, injured too many times, find short walks even difficult. You're my legs to these adventures. Keep going

[@stuartdow7265]

I’d did that train about 15 years ago! Really enjoyed my time in Finland. Great video!

[@janellevoigt5481]

You made me smile Mike! Thanks for the video, loved it!

[@terrybc7004]

Great video Mike looking forward to your next adventure in this series. Hilarious of you jumping in & out of the Artic Circle. Keep up the great work on what you do!👍

[@wzahner]

WOW! Can't wait for the rest of your trip! Super excellent content, as always!

[@marieneu264]

1:16 So excited for new adventures!!! Thanks for taking us along!

[@jasonhenderson9833]

Hi Mike! I've had so much FUN watching this video. THANK YOU! I hope someday, once all of the train routes resume, we can welcome you to New Zealand. Until then, Thank you for sharing your cheerful spirit and great content.

[@joemeyers3127]

Great start to the series. Especially loved the trolley pub - wish we had them here.

[@eriknippak5659]

I visited Rovaniemi as a child about 30 years ago with my parents - mid June. We had to sleep with dark-out curtains since it was soooo bright. At 2 a.m. it was like noon. We rented bicycles and toured the city. The whole experience was like it was yesterday, so memorable. I speak Estonian and the language is remarkably similar to Finish. I’d guess I could figure out 60%+ of the language. Thanks for rekindling the memories.

[@wayneeschbank2895]

Another great video series to sit back and enjoy. looking forward to the next few weeks

[@pnwlion9337]

Love this Mike, great opener and excited to see what comes next. Used to go to a city called Vasa on business years ago, half way up I think. Always invigorating to visit Finland.