Inland Railway (Inlandsbanan) 

For our winter tour click here - Inland Railway and Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Discover the Inland Railway
The construction of the Inland Railway commenced in 1907 and runs through the very heart of the Swedish countryside. It is now 100 years old and the 1300km (800 miles) of track runs along side glorious lakes, through dense forest and provides unspoilt views.  The line is still of great importance to Sweden's infrastructure, as nature provides a rich supply of raw materials and trains are much more environmentally friendly than road transport. 

The summer Inland Railway tours run from June to August when Sweden enjoys long summer days and the midnight sun. You may be lucky enough to catch sight of shy Swedish wildlife including reindeer, elk and bears. Spontaneous stops may be made to make way for these great creatures so keep your camera close to hand! 

During your journey you will have the services of a train host, who is constantly on hand to offer advice about local activities and offer more information about the spectacular views.

Inland Railway map 

Day 1 - UK to Stockholm
Fly from London to Stockholm, stay at the centrally located Columbus Hotel  and take this opportunity to explore this wonderful city on water. You may decide to travel a day or two earlier to see more of Stockholm and Stockholm Archipelago.

Day 2 - Stockholm to Mora
Take the train between Stockholm and Mora on the shores of Lake Siljan, created by a meteor impact 365 million years ago. Mora is rich in culture with plenty to see and do! It is home to the worlds largest cross country ski race 'Vasaloppet', held every February. In the summer the sun warms the lake and bathing is a popular summer pastime at the city centre beach. We suggest you make time for a visit to the Vasa Race museum (Vasaloppsmuseet). You will be accommodated at the Best Western Mora Hotel. Train departs 0740 and arrives 1140.

Day 3 - Mora to Östersund
Time to visit the home of the famous painter Anders Zorn, Zorngården (entry included) before catching the afternoon train to Östersund. The train passes many water features on the way but the waterfalls at Strorstupet and Helvetesfallet are worthy of note. Short stops for coffee and lunch allow you to explore the nature close to the railway line. There is also the opportunity to visit a bears den in Orsa. In Östersund you will stay at the Clarion Hotel Grand. Train departs 1435 and arrives 2040.

Day 4 - Östersund
Östersund is associated with winter and major sporting events, but it is also a real summer city. Östersund has much to offer everyone; historical walks, little churches, adventure pools, quad biking and much more including a boat trip on Sweden's 5th largest lake, Storsjön. Entry to the heritage museum, Jamtli Historieland, is included.

Day 5 - Östersund to Vilhelmina
Early morning train to Vilhelmina passing streams and lakes bursting with fish; you may have the chance to try your luck! Vilhelmina has a Sami craft gallery, Beaverland, guided walks, guided cycle rides, heated pools, SPA and the traditional Swedish hobby of lake swimming. Your accommodation this evening is Hotell Wilhelmina. Train departs 0715 and arrives 1100.

Day 6 - Vilhelmina to Arvidsjaur
This part of the journey offers you the best opportunities to see reindeer and elk as the forest offers them excellent protection. There is also an opportunity to visit the Inland Railway museum where there is a steam train running every Friday and Saturday from 4th July to 9th Aug. The region surrounding Arvidsjaur has 12,000 lakes and 30,000 reindeer. Perhaps a Beaver safari or a helicopter ride to the mountains? Hotel Laponia is your resting place. Train departs 1135 and arrives 1540.

Day 7 - Arvidsjaur to Gällivare
The train stops as you cross the Arctic Circle and you will travel through the World Heritage site of Laponia and the Muddus National Park. Gällivare is the heart of Sami country and you will have the opportunity to see how modern living has combined with a traditional way of life. In the evening it is still possible to see the 1/11 of the total area of Sweden whilst enjoying an ice cream in the middle of the night, under the midnight sun at the top of Dundret mountain (not available after 3rd Aug). You will be accommodated at Grand Hotel Lapland. Train departs 1555 and arrives 2145.

Day 8 - Gällivare to Stockholm Airport
At this point you may decide you wish to continue exploring Swedish Lapland and the experts at Simply Sweden are here to offer their experience and advice. This holiday concludes with another spectacular train journey as you will have a private cabin on the overnight train to Stockholm Arlanda airport. The time of your train depends on your scheduled flight times.

Day 9 - Return to the UK
Arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (or other part of Sweden) and catch your flight back to the UK.

From £915 per adult 2 guests in double / twin room
From £875 per adult 4 guests in double / twin rooms
From £2965 per family 2 adults & 2 children
Price includes
Flights from the UK to Stockholm. All rail transport day 2 to day 8 with reserved seats. Bed and breakfast at all hotels. Activities and accommodation may be subject to change. Train times are approx.

UK departure dates 2008
Every day between 22nd June and 24th August