The frosted tips of towering mountains soar by as the train’s clickety-clack and rhythmic clatter lull you into a snooze like no other. When you wake, the peak-studded scenery has given way to great swathes of Swedish wilderness, laced with winding rivers and ochre-leafed forests, and decorated with a scattering of tiny villages. 'Det avlånga landet' (the elongated country), as it’s known by locals, is remote and savagely beautiful (torn straight from the pages of a fairy-tale kind of beauty), and enjoying it from the comfort of a chugging train is truly spectacular. Having had a resurgence in popularity as of late, train journeys mark the start or end of a trip, be it a go-slow connection from A to B or simply an exciting yet sit-back-and-relax kind of adventure. But with over 9324 miles of track to discover, it’s tricky to know where to hop aboard and where to alight. So, here are a few of our suggestions when it comes to the best train journeys in Sweden…
Inlandsbanan
The Inland Line
With the nickname ‘wilderness train’, it’ll come as no surprise to those clambering aboard that the winding Inlandsbanan will take you through the heart of Sweden’s wilds, from Mora to Gallivare. Shift down a few gears and meander down through the country’s middle, along more than 800 miles of track. Hop out and explore everything from the expansive mirror-clear waters of Lake Siljan and history-filled Östersund, to Swedish Lapland, the Arctic Circle and their stunning snow-muffled landscapes. Pootle through mile after mile of dense woodland, fill your camera roll with snaps of glassy lakes and stop to pick strawberries in the forests that fringe the tracks. As night falls, settle down in the glass-roofed carriage for a private viewing of the star-speckled sky. For nature fanatics, slow-travel enthusiasts and general lovers of the great outdoors, this is without a doubt one of the best train journeys in Sweden.
Malmbanan
The Iron Ore Line
Next, we have the Malmbanan, which takes you through the rugged landscapes of Lapland, home to Sweden's Indigenous Sami people. As the train chugs along, you'll be treated to breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains, vast expanses of untouched wilderness and shimmering rivers that stretch as far as the eye can see. Its 247 miles of track rolls over bridges and through tunnels, each twist and turn offering a new and awe-inspiring view of the majestic landscape outside your window. Think sprawling forests dotted with wandering herds of reindeer and vast, tumbling waterways, all the way from Riksgränsen to Boden. As its name suggests, it is more than just a railway and has been used for iron ore transportation across Sweden’s landscapes since 1888. The line is a true testament to Sweden’s industrial might and just so happens to be absolutely beautiful.
Ostkustbanan
The East Coast Line
For ocean lovers and coast cravers, the Ostkustbanan will be one of the best train journeys in Sweden for you. This locomotive voyage runs along the east coast of Sweden from Stockholm to Sundsvall, passing through charming seaside towns, quaint fishing villages and picturesque harbours. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the knockout views of the Baltic Sea, as well as the lush greenery and rolling hills that make up the Swedish countryside. As the sun begins to set, the train’s large windows preview snapshots of the seemingly infinite sky, set ablaze with amber hues and rusty tones. Although there are very few stops on the East Coast Line, there are plenty of abandoned stations and history-filled castles to keep your eyes peeled for along the way.
Bergslagsbanan
The Bergslagen Line
Finally, we have the Bergslagsbanan, a train journey that takes you through the heart of Sweden's mining country, from either Gavle to Kil or Stalldalen to Frovi. These routes wind their way through the picturesque Bergslagen region, passing by old mines, lush forests and charming Swedish villages. As the train makes its way through the scenic countryside, you'll be transported back in time to when mining was at the heart of the country’s industry. While travelling down the Bergslagen Line, stop off at little charm-filled villages and towns, including Hallsbery, Lindesberg and Avesta, where you can tuck into some local cuisine and wander around historic sites. Or, if the train is what you’re there for, sit back and relax on one of the most comfortable and modern train services in Sweden, taking in the extraordinary scenery and rich cultural heritage as it races by.
Written by Immy Kelly