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A train holiday through Sweden offers a relaxing way to experience the varied landscapes of this vast country. From the cities in the south to the wilderness above the Arctic Circle, the rail network is modern and reliable. This article describes how to plan a trip through this country independently, which routes are recommended and what good preparation looks like.
Stockholm as a suitable starting point for the journey
For travellers, Stockholm is a logical and suitable starting point for a train holiday through Sweden. The capital is not only a sight in itself, with the historic district Gamla Stan and its many islands, but also functions as the central hub in the Swedish rail network. From Stockholm Central Station, high-speed trains and night trains depart daily to all parts of the country.
Connections with the other major cities are frequent and fast. With the trains of SJ, the Swedish state railways, which offer spacious seats, power sockets and Wi-Fi, the journey to Gothenburg on the west coast takes about three hours. A trip to Malmö in the south takes around four and a half hours. These relatively short journey times make it possible to combine several regions within one holiday without spending long periods on the road. In addition, the trains themselves are already part of the experience, with views of forests, lakes and the countryside.
‘ “Whether you prefer urban dynamism, rustic coastlines or the rugged nature of the north, there is a route for every interest.” ’
Recommended train routes in Sweden
The Swedish rail network offers various routes, each showing a different part of the country. Whether you prefer urban dynamism, rustic coastlines or the rugged nature of the north, there is a route for every interest. A well-thought-out plan allows travellers to put together a trip that closely matches their desired experience.
The southern cities route: Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö
A popular route for a first introduction to Sweden is the journey that connects the three largest cities. This route is often chosen because trains run frequently and the cities have a lot to offer in terms of culture and architecture. Start in Stockholm and then travel on to Gothenburg, known for its maritime atmosphere and vibrant culture. From there, the journey continues along the coast to Malmö, a modern city that is directly connected to Copenhagen via the 7,845-metre Öresund Bridge. This route offers an interesting mix of culture, architecture and Swedish city life.
The Arctic Circle Express: by night train to Lapland
For those who want to experience the unspoilt nature of the north, the night train from Stockholm to Swedish Lapland is ideal, with a journey time of around 17 hours. This train runs all the way to Abisko and the Norwegian port city of Narvik. During the overnight journey, a distance of over 1,500 kilometres is covered. Departure is in the evening from the hustle and bustle of the city, arrival follows in the morning in a landscape of mountains and vast forests, far above the Arctic Circle. In the winter months this route even offers the chance to see the Northern Lights. The night trains offer various levels of comfort, from standard seats to private sleeping compartments with their own bathroom facilities.
The Inlandsbanan: straight through the interior
A special experience is a journey on the Inlandsbanan, a line that most travellers will not encounter on a regular holiday because it lies away from the main routes. This railway runs from Gällivare in the north to Kristinehamn in the south and crosses the Swedish interior. The route is about 1,300 kilometres long and passes traditional villages and vast forests and rivers. The train travels at a leisurely pace and makes regular stops, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. This line mainly operates in the summer months and is aimed at tourists who want to explore the country in a slow and conscious way.
How do you travel by train through Sweden to Norway?
Sweden and Norway can easily be combined by train. The best-known border crossing by rail is the route from Stockholm to Narvik in Norway, where the train travels through mountainous terrain and past several large lakes. This line, also known as the Ore Line (Malmbanan), was originally built for the transport of iron ore and is known for its sweeping views over the Scandinavian mountains. After crossing the Swedish border at Riksgränsen, the train descends towards the Norwegian fjords, with the transition from highland to coastal landscape immediately visible upon arrival in Narvik.
Another option is the connection between Gothenburg and Oslo. This intercity train connects the Swedish west coast with the Norwegian capital in around four hours. It is an efficient way to combine both countries in one trip, suitable for a tour of Scandinavia.
Preparing for the train journey
Careful preparation is important for a smooth train holiday in Sweden.
- Booking tickets: Train tickets, especially for long distances and night trains, are best booked well in advance. This can be done directly via the SJ website (sj.se). Booking early often results in lower prices. Tickets cannot be purchased on board the train.
- Reservations: For most high-speed trains and all night trains, a seat or berth reservation is compulsory. Travellers with an Interrail pass must also make a separate reservation for these trains.
- Comfort on board: Swedish trains are modern and generally offer free Wi-Fi, power sockets at the seats and a bar or restaurant carriage for a drink, a snack or a light meal.
- Luggage: Luggage rules are generally flexible. Per person you can usually take one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. Travellers must be able to carry their own luggage and store it in the designated spaces.
A well-planned train journey through Sweden offers a comfortable and sustainable way to discover the country. The Traveler Tips website provides extensive information on planning train journeys, well-known routes in Europe and informative guides for preparing a holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Sweden offers breathtaking train routes, such as the coastal route from Gothenburg to Stockholm and the iconic Inlandsbanan through the interior. The Arctic Circle routes, including the night train from Stockholm to Abisko/Narvik, provide spectacular views. Must-see destinations include Stockholm with Gamla Stan, Gothenburg with its harbour, and Lapland (Kiruna/Abisko) for the Northern Lights. Combine a train journey with a ferry to Gotland or Finland for a unique experience.
You can easily book a comfortable train holiday through Sweden in advance via SJ.se, Interrail.eu or travel companies such as Opreis.nl, Doets Reizen or Tiaratours. Choose from different comfort levels, from seats to private sleeping cabins on night trains, to ensure a relaxing travel experience. Remember to book early, especially for night trains and in the peak season, as reservations can fill up quickly. Interrail is ideal for flexibility, while package holidays often include the entire route, including accommodation and activities.
Travelling by train through Sweden offers breathtaking routes, including the Inlandsbanan and night trains to the Arctic Circle. Always book tickets in advance via SJ.se or Interrail.eu, as prices vary and early booking, especially for night trains, saves money. Summer (June–August) is ideal for the Inlandsbanan and long days, while winter is perfect for the Northern Lights and snowy landscapes. Use night trains to save time and hotel costs, and take advantage of facilities such as free Wi-Fi and bar carriages.
Along Swedish train routes you can discover various unique stops and sights. For example, the coastal route offers stops in maritime Gothenburg and modern Malmö, with the option of taking a ferry to islands such as Gotland. The Inlandsbanan takes you through 1,500 km of pure Swedish interior with forests and rivers, while the Arctic Circle routes offer spectacular views in Lapland, ideal for nature lovers and spotting the Northern Lights. In addition, cities such as Stockholm have historic centres like Gamla Stan, and in Malmö you can admire modern architecture and castles.
