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Northern Sweden by Rail

Northern Sweden by Rail

From $ 6,060 AUD

Description

Discover wild Arctic landscapes on this nine-day journey through Northern Norway and Sweden. Kick things off in the island city of Tromso, then board the legendary Ofoten Railway to Abisko National Park (warning: it’s a panoramic workout for your neck muscles) to hike a section of Sweden’s most famous trail. Tuck into a traditional lunch on a Sami cultural tour in Vilhelmina, then ride the retro Inlandsbanan train through Swedish Lapland – including a photo stop at the Arctic Circle. Explore the lakeside city of Ostersund, then end your Swedish adventure in the culture-rich capital of Stockholm – maybe with a sticky cinnamon bun.

Trip Name
Northern Sweden by Rail
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Travel the length of Northern Sweden on two of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys: the Ofoten Railway along Ofot Fjord and the nostalgic Inland Railway through Swedish Lapland – including a stop at the Arctic Circle.
  • Experience the surreal Midnight Sun (May to July), with up to 24 hours of daylight. Technically, you could go hiking in the middle of the night – just don’t forget a sleeping mask for when it’s finally time to crash!
  • Hike a section of the famous Kungsleden Trail, one of Europe's longest wilderness routes. Wander through birch forests along the Abiskojokk River and across open moorlands blooming with alpine flowers.
  • Uncover the ancient culture of the Sami people at an open-air museum with two Sami hosts. See traditional homes, learn about reindeer herding and share a classic Sami-style lunch.
  • Explore the historic streets of Ostersund – a lake city in central Sweden. Maybe step back to the Viking age at Jamtland Museum, brave the cool waters of Lake Storsjön or dig into regional delicacies like smoked moose.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Tromso
Hei! Welcome to Norway. Your adventure begins in Tromso – a city just off the coast of Northern Norway, around 350 km (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. If you arrive early, perhaps dive into the region's history at Tromso Museum, check out the many art galleries or take a boat ride in the surrounding waters (Tromso is actually built on an island). You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel to meet your local leader and group. After, maybe head out for dinner to get to know each other and try some Norwegian cuisine – how about Farikal (lamb stew with cabbage) or a reindeer burger?
Day 2 - Abisko National Park
Take a bus to Narvik this morning where you’ll board a connecting train to Abisko on the Ofoten Railway – a 42-kilometre route that connects Norway with the Swedish rail system. As far as scenic journeys go, this one’s up there with the best, offering incredible views of fjords, mountains and waterfalls as you roll through the Arctic wilderness. Your accommodation tonight is a historic mountain lodge in the heart of the national park. After a long day of travel, maybe tuck into a hearty Swedish dinner and have an early night to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 3 - Abisko National Park
It’s time to tie up your hiking shoes as you’ll walk a section of the famous Kungsleden trail today. This 450-km-long route crosses four national parks and showcases the Arctic’s wild beauty. After walking past mossy walls in Abisko Canyon, stop at Marmorbrottet – a historic quarry where marble was extracted in the 1800s – before taking a breather at Lake Njakajaure. If you're lucky, you might spot a red-throated diver or Arctic tern. Then, return along mountain heaths that open to moorlands where Lapland rhododendrons and orchids grow in the summer. After lunch, maybe head out on another optional hike – just ask your leader for recommendations. Oh, and with the Midnight Sun, there’s no need to worry about getting back in time for sunset!
Day 4 - Gallivare
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the lodge, or do an optional hike on the loop trail along Abiskojokk and the Coast of Torneträsk. See how the river has carved the landscape and fill your lungs with clean air on the lake’s shores. In the afternoon, take a train to Gallivare. This small town is part of Sapmi, the ancestral land of the Sami people who still practise traditional ways of life such as reindeer herding and ice fishing. After checking into your hotel, and depending on how much time you have, maybe learn more about Sami culture at the Gallivare Museum. Otherwise, kick back and relax before tomorrow’s train ride.
Day 5 - Vilhelmina
Buckle up for a big (but super scenic) travel day through Swedish Lapland. After breakfast, take the Inlandsbanan (Inland) train – known for its retro carriages and relaxed vibe – to Vilhelmina. You’ll make several stops along the way to break up the journey, including the Arctic Circle landmark which makes for a great photo! Be sure to keep your eyes to the window as you’ll pass changing scenery of dense pine forests, open wetlands, rivers and traditional Swedish villages. Arrive in Vilhelmina, then stretch your legs around the town or grab a bite in one of the local restaurants – Vilhelmina is known for its smoked fish and game meats.
Day 6 - Ostersund
Head to the Vilhelmina Sami Association this morning, where you'll meet two traditionally dressed guides for a cultural tour. Committed to preserving Sami heritage, this open-air museum features traditional huts, homes and plenty of artefacts including knives, bowls and textiles – often made with hide, bones and antlers. Your guides will share stories and insights into the Sami's connection to nature, life in a Sami settlement, reindeer herding and more. Finish the tour with a traditional lunch of deer meat, vegetables and bread. Then, it’s time to hop back on the Inlandsbanan train to Ostersund, including a quick stop in the remote town of Sorsele along the way. You’ll arrive in Ostersund late tonight, so rest up to explore tomorrow.
Day 7 - Ostersund
You have a free day to explore Ostersund – a laidback city on the shores of Lake Storsjon. You could check out the multi-sensory exhibitions and living reenactments at the Jamtli Museum to journey through the ages of Sweden’s Jämtland and Harjedalen regions. Or if you’re craving more outdoor time, head to Lake Storsjon to walk around the water or take a refreshing dip. Ostersund is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so be sure to check out some of the many cafes, restaurants and artisan shops selling local delicacies. If you need ideas for your free time, just ask your knowledgeable local leader!
Day 8 - Stockholm
Say goodbye to Ostersund and take a train to Stockholm this morning. It’s a long day of travel with multiple connections, so ensure you’re equipped with enough snacks! After arriving in the Swedish capital, go on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy free time for the rest of the evening. Stockholm is packed with historic and modern architecture (including the UNESCO listed Old Town, Gamla Stan), museums, parks and a bustling waterfront. It also has easy ferry access to the surrounding archipelago, which comprises over 30,000 islands. Maybe join your leader and group for an optional farewell dinner tonight and raise a glass of snaps to your adventure. Skal!
Day 9 - Stockholm
With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Stockholm, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 6,060-
28-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 6,130-
12-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 6,190-
19-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 6,290-
02-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 6,190-
13-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 6,295-
27-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 6,295-
11-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 6,295-
18-07-202726-07-2027AUD $ 6,295-
01-08-202709-08-2027AUD $ 6,295-
15-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 6,295-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), 4-share cabin (2 nights)

Transport

Train, Public bus

Map