Northern Sweden by Rail

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 the Kungsleden, Sweden’s most famous trail. Learn about the heritage and traditions of the Sami people in Gallivare, then take the retro Inlandsbanan train through Swedish Lapland – including a photo stop at the Arctic Circle – to the lakeside city of Ostersund. End your Swedish adventure in the culture-rich capital of Stockholm, maybe with a sticky cinnamon bun.

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: Tromso / Narvik / 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: Abisko National Park / 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: Inlandsbanan / Arctic Circle / 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: Vilhelmina / Ostersund
Visit Kyrkberget in southern Swedish Lapland this morning. Then, it's back on the Inlandsbanan train to Ostersund, including a stop in the remote town of Sorsele. Arrival into Ostersund is late tonight, so rest up to enjoy a free day here tomorrow.
Day 7: Ostersund
Today, 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 Härjedalen 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.