When travelling in Northern Europe, many InterRailers want to go up north to Narvik which is as far as you can get by train with InterRail. From Narvik you can go by bus to Lofoten, Hammerfest, the Nordkapp or to Fauske, from where you can go by train again to Trondheim. The fastest connection to the north are the night trains operated by SJ which run from Stockholm to Lulea and Narvik. The direct Stockholm – Narvik train takes about 19 hours, leaving Stockholm in the early evening and arriving in Narvik in the early afternoon. The railway line to Narvik, the so called “Malmbanan” (Iron Ore Line, built to link the Swedish mines to the ice-free port of Narvik in Norway) provides a train ride through stunning scenery during the last hours of the journey.
However, there is an alternative route as well to travel to the north, the so called “Inlandsbana” from Östersund to Gällivare on the Malmbanan. If you have an extra day to spare and want to see more of the Swedish countryside, this is the perfect alternative for your way up north. First, take the night train from Göteborg via Stockholm to Östersund. Currently, the night train arrives quite early in Östersund, but you can stay in the waiting room of the station while waiting for the departure of Inlandsbanan. There is a kiosk as well opening at around 7am where you can get coffee, pastries and so on.
The Inlandsbanan runs from Östersund 746 km north through the Swedish wilderness to its terminal station in Gällivare. The whole trip takes more than 14 hours, and although this might sound awfully long it is bearable since the train stops several times to allow for short walks at several nearby lakes or to visit small museums which can be found in some stations. Overall, all stops together last three hours so you dont have to be afraid to sit in the train the whole day. In addition the friendly conductors tell stories about the areas and villages the train passes in Swedish and English. At some stations it is possible to order breakfast, coffee or a full meal for an extra fee. These can be pre-ordered on board, just ask the conductor. Have a look at the detailed timetable including all stops here.
In summer 2010 I was traveling with two friends and we decided to go with Inlandsbana. We had reservations, which cost 50 SEK and can be ordered online via mail, then collected at Östersund station, but in fact, they were not really necessary. The train was quite full only during the first few hours, the rest of the day it was half empty and in the evening in Gällivare only a handful of travelers disembarked. In fact, our group of three were the only ones who stayed on the train all the way from Östersund until Gällivare. It is definitely a really scenic railway line and a nice day away from the hectic of the big cities.
The night train from Stockholm has arrived in Östersund.
From Östersund two trains daily run to Trondheim in Norway.
Östersund C station.
The Inlandsbanan Y1 railcar just left the depot and will shortly be at the platform ready for departure.
Breakfast stop at Jämtlands Sikås.
Our train at Jämtlands Sikås.
Driver ‘s of the Y1 railcar.
Inlandsbana still sees a certain amount of freight traffic.
Ulrikfsfors station, about two hours from Östersund.
Littera E2 1127 steam engine plinthed at Vilhelmina.
Just some metres away from Vilhelmina station: Volgsjön.
Our railcar once again…
…and Vilhelmina station. Left, in the red shirt, our guide. In the background a local entertainer played some interesting music for the Inlandsbanan passengers.
Inside the Inlandsbanan railcar.
An emtpy logging train at Storuman station, from where a branch line connects Inlandsbanan with the main line.
15 minutes break at Storuman.
At Sorsele, we meet the southbound train.
During the 25 minutes break there is enough time to visit Inlandsbanemuseet.
“Swedens smallest railway station”, Buddnakk, somewhere in the woods.
Next stop: Arvidsjaur.
Another performance by a local artist in Arvidsjaur. On Fridays and Saturdays a steam train operates from Arvidsjaur, have a look for details at http://www.inlandsbanan.com/resor/uk/Timetable-1-152/Steamtrain-Arvidsjaur-7-536.html
Track motor car for inspection runs.
Somewhere in Northern Sweden…sometimes you can see a reindeer or even an elk close to the track.
Another 20 minutes coffee stop…
…in Moskosel.
Another highligt: The combined rail and car bridge over Pite Älv.
Pite Älv, one of only a few big rivers in Norrland that is untouched by water power stations.
Passengers can cross the bridge on foot before continuing the journey.Station building at Pietälvsbron.
Still more than four hours left to Gällivare.
Old tracks at Kitajaur.
Kitajaur station.
Next stop: Arctic Circle.
The improvised platform at the Arctic Circle.
Last long stop of the day for dinner at Vajkijaur.
Vajkijaure
Close to Harsprånget the train crosses Pakkobäcken, where a “Näcken” plays the violin in the middle of the river.
The sun sets over Store Lulevatten.
At Porjus, Gällivare is not even one hour away.
Finally, after more than 740 km and more than 14 hours we have reached Gällivare.
In Gällivare, you can either spend the night in a hostel or, as we did, at the campsite which is about 15 minutes away from the station. The following day, you can continue your way up to Narvik, which is about four hours away from Gällivare, or go to Luleå if you are heading for Finland. If you have questions regarding your trip on Inlandsbanan, have a look at the topic in the forum.