Sweden offers a variety of scenic railway experiences for travelers looking to explore the country by train during the summer months. Among the most notable is the Inlandsbanan, a 1,300-km route that spans nearly the entire country. While it originally served as a freight line, it now caters to tourists during the summer season. The journey is designed for leisure, featuring scheduled stops for activities such as fishing, swimming in local lakes, berry-picking, and photography sessions where passengers might spot wildlife like lynx, wolves, elk, and reindeer. Travelers can opt for various package tours, including themes focused on Sami culture or adventure travel, and it is even possible to extend the trip into Norway.
For those interested in the Inlandsbanan, the experience varies by section. While some southern parts of the journey may require a bus transfer, the route from Mora in the central Dalarna region is exclusively by train. For travelers with limited time, the northern section between Östersund and Gällivare is recommended for its particularly impressive views. Pricing and travel times depend on the selected package. A 14-day pass for adults over 25 starts at 2,545 kronor, with free travel for up to two children under 15. Alternatively, a 6-day package from Gällivare to Mora, which includes five nights of hotel accommodation and breakfast, starts at 9,295 kronor.
Another excellent option for exploring the north is the final stretch of the Stockholm to Narvik route, often cited as one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. This route is both faster and more economical for northern travel. Depending on the season, passengers may witness the midnight sun or the northern lights, visit the Ice Hotel, or go dog-sledding, with mountain scenery visible throughout the year. Two daily services depart from Stockholm to Kiruna, with the journey including an overnight option.
For a shorter trip, the route between Malmö and Copenhagen takes approximately 35 minutes and is considered the fastest way to travel between these two cities. The journey includes a crossing of the iconic Öresund Bridge. Passengers departing from Malmö can enjoy a modern station featuring award-winning architecture and visual displays of rail journeys from around the globe projected onto the walls while they wait for their departure.
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Travel time: Between 2hrs 39 and 3hrs 22
