Taking the train is one of the best ways to discover Scandinavia’s natural wonders and urban delights, with a vast network of routes offering fast and reliable connections throughout the region. From spectacular trips meandering between Norwegian fjords and mountains to perennially popular journeys between major cities such as Copenhagen and Stockholm, there’s something uniquely relaxing about sitting back and watching the ever-changing scenery pass by from a train window in this part of the world. Below, we explore some of the tantalising possibilities that await on Scandinavia’s great rail journeys.
Norway
When it comes to Norwegian rail journeys, there’s no better place to start than the Flåm Railway, renowned as one of the steepest and most breathtaking train routes in the world. It runs for 20 kilometres, carving a route past snow-capped mountains, frothing waterfalls and deep ravines between the village of Flåm in the Aurlandsfjord and the mountain station of Myrdal. It works perfectly as part of a trip to Bergen and Oslo, such as on this five-day Highlights of Norway tour.
Alternatively, head up north on the Nordland Railway, also known as the ‘Polar Express', which passes craggy peaks, pine forests, glaciers and fjords on the 10-hour journey between Trondheim and Bodø, crossing into the Arctic Circle. Once you’re in Bodø, why not extend your trip by continuing on to the Lofoten Islands?
Flåm Railway in winter (Credit: Paul Edmundson/Flåm A)
Sweden
Sweden lends itself superbly to train holidays, from the southern cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo all the way up to Luleå and Kiruna, north of the Arctic Circle. This Nordic Noir-themed journey includes a couple of nights in Copenhagen before continuing to Malmo and Stockholm, while this 10-day tailor-made itinerary links Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Stockholm by train before taking the ferry to Helsinki.
Or, you could combine stays in two of Swedish Lapland’s most innovative hotels, Treehotel and ICEHOTEL, by taking the train between Luleå and Kiruna for the ultimate winter experience. Another excellent option in Swedish Lapland is this rail adventure between Luleå and Haparanda, on the Finnish Border, particularly if seeing the Northern Lights is on your agenda.
Stockholm, Sweden
Finland
Finland’s extensive train network runs from the south coast all the way up to Rovaniemi, Kolari and Kemijärvi in Lapland. For a mixture of city sightseeing and relaxation in nature, consider this Wellness and Wilderness Escape at Kuru Resort, starting in Helsinki before taking the train north into Finnish Lakeland and on to a luxury, boutique resort among lakes and pine forests. It’s also available as a Winter Wellness Retreat, including a sleigh ride to the snowy wonderland of Linnansaari National Park.
Finland's train network runs from the south coast all the way into Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle.
