Peter Harrison

Sweden by Rail

The Epic Inlandsbanan

Tour Overview

Experience an immersive rail adventure that runs the length of Sweden. It promises to be an unforgettable journey through Sweden’s breathtaking landscapes aboard the legendary Inlandsbanan Railway.

Begin with a flight to Stockholm, where you can enjoy a short stay in the vibrant capital, exploring its stunning waterfront, historic Old Town (Gamla Stan), and world-class museums. Take in iconic sights such as the Royal Palace, Vasa Museum, and the artistically designed metro stations, before setting off on an incredible train journey into the heart of Sweden’s wilderness.
Board the Inlandsbanan, a scenic rail route that winds its way through forests, lakes, and remote Swedish countryside. As the train makes its leisurely journey north, you’ll stop at charming towns and villages, allowing time to experience Sweden’s rich culture and traditions. This is a photographer’s dream, with endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, from tranquil lakes reflecting the Nordic sky to untouched forests teeming with wildlife.
One of the highlights of this journey is the moment you cross the Arctic Circle, marking your entry into Sweden’s far north, where the landscape transforms into a vast, untouched wilderness. Depending on the season, you may witness the Midnight Sun or the magical Northern Lights, adding an extra layer of wonder to your adventure. Throughout the journey, enjoy authentic Swedish cuisine, visits to local attractions, and a relaxed pace that allows you to truly connect with the landscapes around you.
This Inlandsbanan rail adventure is the perfect way to experience Sweden beyond the cities, offering an authentic and scenic exploration of the country’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a lover of slow travel, a keen photographer, or simply seeking a unique escape, this tour delivers an unforgettable Swedish experience.

Travel Tips

The Inlandsbahan scenic railway runs through the heart of the country stretching for about 1,300km (810 miles), connecting the southern part of Sweden, from Kristinehamn on Lake Väddöviken, to Gällivare in the far north, above the Arctic Circle.
Sections of the passenger train journey are seasonal, with trains running from the middle of June until the end of August. The track is used for freight activity, linked to logging, for the remainder of the year.
Begin with a flight to Stockholm and spend a couple of days exploring the capital.
We suggest joining the Inlandsbahan at Mora the southern terminus of the line and continuing to Östersund (along the way, you can think about stopping in Sveg or at the Tandsjö or Fågelsjö lakes).
The journey from Östersund to Gällivare is a full day trip. The journey time is about 13:30 h, covering a distance of 746km. You can choose to break it up with a stop in Vilhelmina.
One of the last highlights of the journey is the stop at the Arctic Circle. The circle is clearly marked across the railway tracks and you can take some souvenir photos.
You can enjoy the midnight sun if you are travelling in June and July, and even in August it is still not dark when you arrive in Gällivare.
Return to the UK by air from Gällivare airport via Stockholm or take an overnight train from Gällivare to Stockholm and fly from there.
All Inlandsbahan trains have knowledgeable, helpful train hosts. They will tell you about the places and scenery through which you are travelling - you can buy a single train ticket, an Inlandsbanan Card, InterRail or Eurail Pass.