SWEDEN BY RAIL: JOURNEYS FROM STOCKHOLM TO LAPLAND

Town Square in Uppsala, Sweden

While it may not look like it on a Mercator world map, Sweden is actually about 12% larger than the state of California (my home state).  It is just shy of 1,000 miles from North to South.  It is not a small country.  What this means is that if you only visit the capital city of Stockholm you miss out on so much.

When people think of Sweden, they often imagine chic Stockholm streets, snowy Lapland landscapes, or maybe the world-famous Icehotel. What many travelers don’t realize is how seamlessly connected this breathtaking country is by train - and that’s exactly where my specialty lies. I’ve explored Sweden from its bustling capital to its northern wilderness entirely by rail, and I’d love to help you experience it too.

I’ve personally journeyed through Stockholm’s vibrant neighborhoods, wandered the historic streets of Uppsala, admired the coastal charm of Sundsvall, explored the culture of Gothenburg, and traveled all the way north to Kiruna. From there, I rented a car and headed into the pristine Abisko National Park, where I stayed up past midnight to witness the surreal glow of the Midnight Sun - a moment that stays with you forever. Whether you want to chase the Aurora Borealis in winter or bask in 24-hour daylight in summer, Sweden is a land of unforgettable contrasts.

What makes traveling through Sweden so magical is that the train itself becomes part of the adventure. Imagine gliding through forests where elk and reindeer roam, past mirror-like lakes, and alongside the rugged Baltic coast. Sweden’s efficient and comfortable train network makes it easy to combine world-class cities with untouched nature - all without the stress of driving or navigating airports. You can sip coffee in a Stockholm café one evening and, by the next morning, find yourself under a sky painted with northern lights.

Sweden offers something for every type of traveler. In Lapland, you can sleep in a room carved entirely out of ice at the legendary Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, mush your own husky sled team, or snowshoe through a silent Arctic forest. In summer, the same region transforms into a hiking paradise, where trails like the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) wind through mountains and valleys filled with wildflowers. If culture is your passion, Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a living museum of cobbled alleys and colorful buildings, while Gothenburg tempts with its seafood, canals, and cozy cafés, not to mention a very nice family theme park. History lovers can explore Uppsala’s Viking heritage and medieval cathedral, while nature lovers can kayak in the Stockholm Archipelago or wander the beaches of Skåne in the south.

My goal is to make Sweden feel accessible, not overwhelming. Traveling on a budget? I’ll show you how to take advantage of affordable train passes and charming guesthouses. Looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences? I can help you plan bucket-list adventures like staying in the Icehotel, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Stockholm, or joining a Sami cultural tour to learn about reindeer herding traditions. Whether you dream of chasing northern lights, savoring fika (Sweden’s beloved coffee break tradition), or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of slow travel, I can design an itinerary tailored just for you.

Sweden is a country best experienced, not just seen - and there’s no better way to do it than by train, with stops along the way that reveal its beauty, history, and soul. As someone who’s traveled the rails of Sweden firsthand, I know the hidden gems, the can’t-miss highlights, and the little details that make a trip extraordinary.

So, are you ready to glide through the landscapes of Sweden, step off the train into unforgettable adventures, and create stories you’ll carry for a lifetime? Let’s plan your Swedish journey together - I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the magic.

Contact me today, and let’s make Sweden your next great adventure.