Scenic Sweden: The Inlandsbanan

Check out of your hotel this morning and return to the station. Your journey to Stockholm will either be on the new Snälltåget direct service, or with a change in Copenhagen to stretch your legs. Either way, you’ll arrive into the Swedish capital in the evening and check in for a 2-night stay at the Freys Hotel (or similar).

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Stockholm at your own pace. Built across a series of islands, the Swedish capital offers a wonderful mix of historic charm and contemporary design. You may wish to wander through the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s atmospheric old town, or visit one of the city’s many museums, such as the Vasa Museum, home to a beautifully preserved 17th-century warship.

Alternatively, enjoy time along the waterfront, browse the city’s stylish shops and cafés, or take a leisurely boat trip through the surrounding archipelago.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Stockholm, perhaps taking in one more of the city’s great choice of museums, before boarding your train after lunch. Sit back and watch the Swedish countryside roll by as you travel north through forests and lakes toward Östersund. Arrive in the early evening and check in for an overnight stay at the Clarion Hotel Grand Östersund (or similar).

Your full day on the Inlandsbanan starts at around 7:00am. The train is guided by a knowledgeable guard who provides commentary in both Swedish and English, pointing out interesting sights along the route. Photo stops are made at regular intervals, allowing passengers to capture the ever-changing scenery.

Lunch is a highlight at Vilhelmina Norra, where the train halts at a dedicated platform beside the Smokery Restaurant. Further along, the train pauses at the Inlandsbanan Museum in Sorsele. Pre-ordered dinners are delivered to the train at Arvidsjaur, giving you time to relax and enjoy the views. Unique moments include crossing the Piteälvsbron, a rare bridge used by both trains and cars, and encountering reindeer in prime herding territory — the driver even stops on request for local Sami herders to guide their herds across the tracks. The day concludes at the point where the train crosses the Arctic Circle, arriving in Jokkmokk around 7:30 pm, ready to check in and unwind after a remarkable journey. You’ll be staying overnight at the Hotel Akerlund (or similar).

Spend time in Jokkmokk today, where you can visit the Ajtte Museum and the charming Ajtte Fjällträdgård botanic garden. Enjoy a stroll along the lake, visit the historic wooden church, and soak up the local culture. Jokkmokk is also the starting point for the famous Nordenskiöldsloppet ski race, the world’s longest Arctic ski journey.

From Jokkmokk, the journey continues along the scenic E10 highway to Kiruna, passing vast forests, lakes, and the impressive Porjus hydroelectric plant. The train ride from Gallivare to Kiruna offers a fascinating glimpse of the mining landscape before arriving in the town. You’ll be spending your last night at the Scandic Kiruna (or similar).

Leave Kiruna today for your flight back to London, via Stockholm. Alternatively, why not continue your journey north into Norway, with visits to Narvik and Tromsø? Give us a call to help tailor make your holiday.