Tracing the length of Sweden from the culture-rich Mora to the sparse Lapland in the far north, the legendary Inlandsbanan railway line cuts through some of the country’s most wild and rugged landscapes. The 800-mile journey culminates in Gällivare, a dinky town perched about 60 miles above the Arctic Circle. If you’re craving a slower style of travel, the Inlandsbanan is Sweden’s answer to the frenetic pace of modern life. Commit to voyaging through the Scandinavian wilderness, and you’ll be rewarded with dramatic changes of scenery, sweeping UNESCO World Heritage-protected topographies and some of Europe’s most photogenic landscapes. Read on for our guide to Sweden’s iconic Arctic Circle train…
The Inland Line
Built at the turn of the 20th century – between 1908 and 1937 – the Inlandsbanan line was created to open up Sweden’s northernmost regions, which are rich in natural resources (particularly timber). Its name means ‘the inland line’, and the railway route definitely does what it says on the tin. It crosses the country’s entire length, cutting through the middle, far from the Baltic Sea and through some of Europe’s most sparsely populated regions. Sadly, the line went into decline during the 1960s, with the development of roads and the rise of car travel. In 1992, the line was closed, until inhabitants of the towns it services petitioned for its reopening; in 2012, the Inlandsbanan was restored to its former glory, and today, much of its continued success can be attributed to tourism.
Life on board
During the summer months, the route runs between Kristinehamn in the south and Gällivare in the far north, with daily departures and a journey time of two days. The track is used for freight activity, linked to logging, for the remainder of the year. The Inlandsbanan’s red and white carriages rarely exceed a speed of 50 miles per hour (averaging at 30) – a leisurely pace that lends itself to relaxing train travel pastimes like reading, daydreaming and watching the bucolic Swedish hinterland glide by outside the window. Watch dense birch forests unfold before you, meander past vast lakes bordered by pines and spruces and keep your eyes peeled for resident reindeer, wolves, bears and owls.
Start in Stockholm
Start your Scandinavian sojourn in Stockholm, the country’s stylish capital, where locals live a lifestyle that’s eco-minded and fun-loving in equal measure. The city is built across an archipelago of 14 islands and nestled between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren, meaning the Swedish capital is surrounded by nature. You’ll find beaches located a stone’s throw from the city centre, while almost every resident owns a boat for cruising its waterways. Explore the city by bike or kayak between the islands, discovering its charming neighbourhoods – like historic Gamla Stan and chic Östermalm – along the way. Board the train here in the capital and make your way to Mora, sitting on the shores of Lake Siljan.
Meander to Mora
Situated in the heart of Dalarna, Mora is best known for the Vasaloppet (Sweden's most popular cross-country ski race), which takes place here every year in March. Spend time strolling through the city’s narrow streets, lined with dinky red-hued houses, and learn about the region’s Viking-era culture before boarding the Inlandsbanan. The old red and white railcar stands out among the more modern high-speed trains; let the historic Arctic Circle train whisk you through the Swedish countryside, past lakes and fir forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The final leg
After about five hours soaking up the scenery, you’ll arrive in Östersund, a city surrounded by lakes and mountains and home to more reindeer than cars. To soak in the scenery Östersund style, embark on a canoe trip down the river beneath the Midnight Sun. Departing the next morning on the line from Östersund to Jokkmokk, you’ll notice that the landscapes become increasingly harsh. Traverse the tundra landscapes where the Sami herders graze their reindeer, and a few miles outside of Jokkmokk, you’ll reach the crossing of the Arctic Circle (a mandatory photo op). The final stop on your Swedish train journey and the end of the line is Gällivare, a cultural hotspot for the Sami – one of the last indigenous peoples of the Far North.
Written by Luisa Watts
