Sweden by train – culture-led trips through scenic nature

The benefits of travelling by train across Sweden are many, allowing you to embark sustainably on a multitude of adventures in close proximity to the larger cities. While Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö are all brimming with historic sites and attractions, you’ll add depth to the experience by exploring the neighbouring destinations, many of which boast UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here, our guide to culture-based things to do by train in Sweden – with the occasional connecting bus journey – using the country’s three major cities as your starting point. Pick a single destination for a shorter culture excursion or set off on a more extended adventure, replete with overnight stays, by combining a number of stops.

Stockholm and the history-rich spots further north

Sweden’s capital is a cultural wonderland studded with world-renowned museums and attractions – think the Vasa Museum, the National Museum and The Royal Dramatic Theatre. From here, you’ll easily get to destinations including Uppsala, Gävle, Falun and Sundsvall.

Uppsala

Dubbed “the Cambridge of Sweden”, Uppsala is home to the 15th century Uppsala University, Uppsala Cathedral and the equally awe-inspiring Uppsala Castle.

Don’t leave the city without delving into the legacy of former resident Carl Linnaeus – the celebrated 18th-century scientist and botanist – via experiences such as the Linnaeus Garden and the Linnaeus Museum.

By train: Stockholm-Uppsala 40 minutes

Gävle

Heading north from Uppsala, you’ll soon arrive in Gävle. A definite highlight here is the Swedish Railway Museum, which charts the history of Sweden’s railway and cultural identity more broadly via a range of compelling exhibits suitable for all ages.

By train: Stockholm-Gävle, approximately 1.25 hours

Falun

About an hour's train ride inland from Gävle. A quaint town in Dalarna county, Falun’s pride and joy is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Falun Mine. Though it operated for millennia between the 10th century and the early 1990s, its 17th-century heyday saw its abundant copper supply reach far and wide. From this mine came not only copper but also the pigment for Falu Rödfärg, the iconic red paint that still adorns Sweden’s beloved countryside cottages.

Another must-see near Falun is Carl Larsson-gården, the unique family home of the world-renowned artist couple Carl and Karin Larsson. Situated in Sundborn, it is accessible by bus from central Falun.

By train: Stockholm-Falun 3 hours

Sundsvall

If you prefer to continue northbound from Gävle, the city of Sundsvall, nestling on the east coast, has a particularly refined town centre reminiscent of its industrial heritage – Stone City. One for the architecture enthusiast, this 51-block area is one of Sweden’s best-preserved late 19th-century townscapes.

By train: Stockholm-Sundsvall, approximately 3.5 hours

Gothenburg – centuries-old icons immersed in coastal beauty

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, has it all in terms of coastal charm, cuisine and notable museums, including the Gothenburg Museum of Art and the Gothenburg City Museum. Our suggested train adventures will further boost the culture quotient.

Stenungsund – Tjörn

Heading north along the west coast, you will find the beautiful island of Tjörn, accessible by a bus ride from Stenungsund. Tjörn is celebrated as an art lover’s hotspot on account of the eight-hectare Pilane sculpture park, open summertime, and The Nordic Watercolour Museum, known for its well-curated and extensive collection.

By train: Gothenburg-Stenungsund, approximately 40 minutes

Tanum

A bit further up, a two-hour train journey from Gothenburg, you’ll find another gem. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the extensive group of Bronze Age rock carvings found in Tanum is a true marvel. Many motifs were created some three thousand years ago, shedding light on how people lived during the Bronze Age in Europe.

By train: Gothenburg-Tanum, approximately 2 hours

Strömstad

Continuing the trip, near the Norway border lies Strömstad. Hop off to explore the marine wonderland that is the species-rich Kosterhavet National Park, a much-loved spot for activities such as hiking, kayaking, and diving.

By train: Gothenburg-Strömstad, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes

Varberg

If you’d rather head south from Gothenburg, Varberg is just a 45-minute train ride away. It offers historical experiences such as the medieval bastion Varberg Fortress, which also houses the Halland Museum of Cultural History. Varberg’s cold bath house is another highlight. If you take a dip here, you’ll be joining a local custom that took hold as early as the 1820s.

By train: Gothenburg-Varberg, approximately 45 minutes

Malmö and the historical landmarks in Sweden’s south

Discover the southernmost parts of Sweden using the vibrant, multicultural city of Malmö as your base. International cuisine is a definite draw and so too the Öresund Bridge that will whizz you across from Copenhagen. As for Malmö’s museums, Form Design Center and Malmö Konsthall are only two of the many options.

Lund

The charming University town of Lund, situated just north of Malmö, has a strong cultural identity. Among its many historical landmarks, Lund Cathedral is perhaps the most notable. Consecrated in the 12th century, it features a dramatic set of towers, a 14th-century altar and an astronomical clock dating back to 1425. Don’t miss visiting Kulturen in Lund, featuring approximately twenty exhibitions, an engaging open-air museum, and a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages.

By train: Malmö-Lund, approximately 10 minutes

Ystad

The picturesque town of Ystad, southeast of Malmö, has many cultural strings to its bow, but as of late it’s perhaps best known as the stomping ground of the fictitious character Kurt Wallander. Join a guided Wallander tour and you’ll get to experience most of Ystad’s historically significant spots including St. Knut’s Square and the 12th-century Grey Friars Abbey.

By train: Malmö-Ystad, approximately 1 hour

Växjö

If you’re in the mood for a longer train trip from Malmö, head up to Växjö to start your journey. Kulturparken Småland is an initiative bringing together a host of experiences and museums that collectively harness the cultural heritage of Kronoberg County in the province of Småland. Småland Museum, The Swedish Glass Museum, The House of Emigrants, the Hjärtenholm Agricultural Museum, The Centre for Cultural Heritage and The Steamboat Thor all add to the rich tapestry of this idyllic part of Sweden.

By train: Malmö-Växjö, approximately 2 hours

Kalmar

Another possible stop after Växjö is Kalmar. Standing proud at the waterfront, the 16th-century Kalmar Castle is all about renaissance splendour and compelling stories stretching back some 800 years.

The island of Öland is then easily accessible from Kalmar via a 25-minute bus ride across the Öland Bridge. Stora Alvaret, a remarkable limestone-rich terrain found in the southern part of the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for rare birds and blooms.
By train: Malmö-Kalmar, approximately 3 hours