Travelling from the Netherlands to Sweden by train has never been easier. With convenient rail connections via Germany, travellers can reach Stockholm on Snälltåget's direct daytime service while passing through some of Sweden's most beloved regions, making the journey a relaxed and scenic adventure. From the picturesque landscapes of Skåne and Småland to the scenic countryside of Östergötland, the route is dotted with destinations well worth a stop. NEW seasonal additions to the network also offer special rail journeys into Arctic Sweden for Northern Lights viewing and direct connections to Sälen, Sweden's largest ski region.
For travellers departing from the Netherlands, there are now several convenient rail options to reach Sweden. Direct services connect Amsterdam and Hamburg in around five hours, making it easy to continue onwards on Snälltåget’s direct daytime service to Sweden. Travellers can also journey with Deutsche Bahn via Copenhagen and continue to Stockholm and other Swedish destinations with Swedish rail operator SJ. RDC additionally operates the overnight service previously run by SJ, offering a comfortable option for those who prefer to travel while they sleep.
Cozy restaurant car “Krogen” on board Snälltåget. Photo: Snälltåget (Download)
When taking Snälltåget from Hamburg to Stockholm one can enjoy classic meatballs and other Swedish delicacies in the train’s restaurant car. But there’s no need to stay on board all the way to the final destination. In fact, it’s well worth taking a closer look at the timetable. Behind some of the route’s lesser-known station names lie some of southern Sweden’s most popular destinations, each offering plenty of reasons to stop and explore along the way.
Köttbullar at Snälltåget. Photo: Snälltåget (Download)
Malmö: Sauna Culture and Creative Hubs
Upon crossing the Öresund Bridge, Malmö provides an ideal first stop. At the coastal Ribersborg Bath House (known locally as Kallis), visitors experience a traditional Swedish wellness ritual: alternating between a hot sauna and a dip in the Öresund Strait. Afterwards, it's time for a well-earned fika and Malmö's thriving café scene provides plenty of excellent options. On 28 and 29 November, the former Mitt Möllan shopping centre hosts its annual Christmas market, featuring independent artisans, Scandinavian design, local artwork, and an international food hall. Boutique accommodation is available nearby at the bike-friendly Ohboy Hotel, or via a ten-minute train ride to Lund. More information: Malmö – A City of Diversity.
Lund: Historic Charm and Seasonal Traditions
Located ten minutes north of Malmö, Lund hosts Vinterlund, an annual winter festival bringing seasonal lighting and cultural events to the historic university town. On 27 November, the city’s main square, Stortorget, hosts its traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Regional Skåne food specialities are available at Lund Saluhall market hall, while accommodation in a converted locomotive workshop is offered at The More Hotel Lund. More information: Discover Lund.
Eslöv & Hässleholm: Countryside Castles and Local Heritage
The area surrounding Eslöv in Skåne features nine historic castles and the quiet village of Stockamöllan, designated as part of Skåne’s Map of Quietude for its tranquil acoustic environment. In town, the Eslöv Toy Museum displays nostalgic collections spanning LEGO, Playmobil, and vintage model railways. Further along the line in Hässleholm, the Hässleholmsgården Christmas Market offers regional ceramics, textiles, home-baked bread, and traditional festive sausages. The town also houses the Hässleholm Model Railway Museum, detailing the region's railway history in miniature. More information: Visit MittSkåne.
Alvesta & Nässjö: Småland Crafts and Cultural Landmarks
In the province of Småland, Alvesta offers public transport connections to the Kingdom of Crystal and the village of Kosta, which opens its winter market on 21 November, featuring seasonal light displays and glassmaking demonstrations. Overnights are available at the Kosta Boda Art Hotel. Near Nässjö, visitors can access Astrid Lindgren’s Näs in Vimmerby, which hosts an Advent market centered around the author’s childhood home. Alvesta also connects to the estate Christmas market at Huseby Bruk, while Nässjö provides access to the historic wooden town of Eksjö and its cobbled market square. More information: Christmas Markets in Småland.
Snowy Christmas market in The Old Town Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se (Download)
Linköping & Norrköping: Open-Air Museums and Advent Illumination
In Östergötland, Linköping’s open-air museum, Gamla Linköping , hosts traditional Christmas markets on 28–29 November and 5–6 December amid preserved wooden buildings. On-site accommodation is located at Hilma Winblad's Bed & Breakfast. Continuing east, Norrköping‘s, industrial landscape features four giant illuminated candles atop Värmekyrkan ("The Heat Church"), creating one of the world's largest symbolic Advent candlesticks. More information: Discover Östergötland.
Stockholm: Old Town Markets and Archipelago Dining
The main daytime rail route terminates at Stockholm Central Station. On Djurgården island, the Skansen open-air museum hosts its historic Christmas market, operating since 1903, every Friday through Sunday from 27 November to 20 December 2026. In Södermalm, classic meatballs are served at Meatballs for the People. From November onwards, traditional Julbord (Christmas buffet) depart into the Stockholm Archipelago, serving seasonal dishes including pickled herring, cured salmon, and spiced glögg. Near Central Station, Hotel C Stockholm houses the year-round ICEBAR, kept at a constant −5°C. More information: Christmas Markets in Sweden.
Snälltåget winter night train arriving at Åre ski village Train Station Photo: Snälltåget (Download)
Special November Aurora Service: Malmö to Narvik (Arctic Sweden)
In late November 2026, Snälltåget operates a unique overnight service running from Malmö through Stockholm and far beyond the Arctic Circle to Narvik. Crossing deep into Arctic Sweden, the journey serves prime Northern Lights locations including Kiruna, Abisko, Björkliden, and Riksgränsen. The outbound journey departs Malmö on 23 November 2026, with the return service leaving Narvik on 27 November 2026.
New Winter Ski Connection: Rail and Bus Route to Sälen
Starting in the 2026/27 winter season, Snälltåget introduces a new rail service connecting to Sälen, Sweden’s largest ski destination. The route combines comfortable train travel to Mora with a dedicated connecting bus to the mountain resorts. The service runs weekly on Saturdays from 19 December 2026 through 10 April 2027.
Timetable Overview - Snälltåget Daytime Rail Services
Please always confirm the most up-to-date times and routes on the Snälltåg website.
Snälltåget Daytime Rail Services
Route: Hamburg – Copenhagen – Malmö – Stockholm
- Hamburg Central Station (Hamburg Hbf): Depart 09:51
- Copenhagen South (København Syd): Depart 14:57
- Malmö Central Station: Arrive 15:35 / Depart 16:18
- Lund Central Station: 16:30
- Eslöv: 16:41
- Hässleholm Central Station: 17:05
- Alvesta: 17:45
- Nässjö Central Station: 18:25
- Linköping Central Station: 19:22
- Norrköping Central Station: 19:48
- Stockholm Central Station: Arrive 21:17
Snälltåget’s Night train services
Berlin – Hamburg - Malmö - Stockholm (not everyday)
- Dresden Central Station (Dresden Hbf)* – 18:40
- Berlin Central Station (Berlin Hbf) – 21:09
- Hamburg Central Station (Hamburg Hbf) – 23:59
- Copenhagen South (København Syd) – 06:03
- Malmö Central Station – 06:30
- Lund Central Station – 08:28
- Eslöv – 08:41
- Hässleholm Central Station – 09:05
- Alvesta – 09:45
- Nässjö Central Station – 10:25
- Linköping Central Station – 11:21
- Norrköping Central Station – 11:48
- Södertälje Syd – 12:56
- Stockholm Central Station – 13:17
The train departs from Dresden on Sundays until 6 December.
RDC additionally operates the overnight service previously run by SJ, offering a comfortable option for those who prefer to travel while they sleep.
Special Aurora Express (23–27 November 2026)
Route: Malmö – Stockholm – Arctic Circle – Narvik
- Malmö Central Station: Depart 13:15 (23 Nov)
- Stockholm Central Station: Depart 18:55
- Cross Arctic Circle: 09:58 (24 Nov)
- Kiruna: 13:00
- Abisko: 14:45
- Narvik: Arrive 16:34
(Return journey departs Narvik on 27 November)
NEW - Sälen Ski Connection (Saturdays, 19 Dec 2026 – 10 Apr 2027)
A new rail service: Direct train to Mora with connecting bus transfer to Sälen resorts.
Further Information on Train Connections
Snälltåget’s routes & destinations: https://www.snalltaget.se/en/routes
Snälltåget: https://www.snalltaget.se/en
Deutsche Bahn: https://int.bahn.de/nl
RDC Night Train: https://www.nachtexpress.de/en/destinations/stockholm/
Eurostar: London to Cologne before travelling onward to Hamburg with DB
Travel to Sweden by Train and Bus: https://visitsweden.nl/over-zweden/reizen-naar-zweden/met-de-trein-naar-zweden/
Sweden’s Most Popular Christmas Markets: https://visitsweden.nl/te-doen/cultuur-historie-kunst/zweedse-tradities/zweeds-kerstfeest-tradities/kerstmarkten-zweden/
Press Images: Sweden Image Bank: https://imagebank.sweden.se/my-selections/1dmunkeuag
Contact: Visit Sweden, Ebba Ekelund, PR Nordics and The Netherlands, ebba.ekelund@visitsweden.com
Website: www.visitsweden.nl
Newsroom: https://press.visitsweden.com/dutch
Image Bank Sweden: https://imagebank.sweden.se/
Over Visit Sweden: Visit Sweden is een marketingorganisatie die eigendom is van de Zweedse overheid. Het is een nationale toeristische organisatie die Zweden als reisbestemming promoot om de aantrekkelijkheid van het land te vergroten, wat bijdraagt aan het toerisme, de exportinkomsten en de werkgelegenheid. Visit Sweden werkt samen met de Zweedse toeristische sector om de meest interessante doelgroepen voor duurzaam toerisme op lange termijn effectief te bereiken. Visit Sweden is gevestigd in Stockholm en heeft lokale vertegenwoordigingen in verschillende buitenlandse markten. Bezoek visitsweden.nl voor meer informatie.