A groundbreaking direct train service now links Malmö with Oslo, transforming travel between the southern Swedish city and the capital of Norway. Launched this summer by the Swedish rail company Snälltåget, the route significantly cuts travel time to approximately six and a half hours. Previously, travel between the two cities required lengthy bus journeys and multiple train connections. Tickets for this new service start at a budget-friendly £11 each way, reflecting its increasing popularity with over 25,000 passengers so far.
Scenic Stops En Route
Train travellers have the option of stopping in the coastal town of Varberg or the bustling city of Gothenburg. Varberg, often likened to a British coastal market town, offers a charming atmosphere with its cobbled streets and local markets. The town is well-known for its Kallbadhuset, a Moorish-inspired cold bath house overlooking the sea, where visitors can enjoy both saunas and invigorating dips for around £8.
In Varberg, the unique Lenin bathhouse replica within the Hotell Gästis adds an intriguing layer of history and quirkiness to the visit. Built by the eccentric hotel owner as a tribute to Vladimir Lenin, the spa is adorned with 75,000 cobalt tiles and features dimly lit busts of communist figures. These are part of the numerous left-leaning monuments found throughout Varberg, largely due to the hotelier’s political passions.
Gothenburg’s Creative Flavour
A short 39-minute journey on the fast train takes you to Gothenburg, where the cultural and artistic vibrancy is palpable. This city showcases a blend of vintage and craft stores along its popular shopping street, Kungsgatan. Among the many attractions is the inviting Da Matteo café, set in a converted barn, offering freshly baked goods and house-roasted coffee.
The city’s appeal is complemented by the verdant expanse of Slottsskogen park, home to diverse wildlife and a favourite spot for peaceful strolls. Gothenburg’s blend of urban and natural beauty evokes a charming yet laid-back aura, drawing repeated visits from those who experience it.
Breathtaking Final Stretch to Oslo
The final leg from Gothenburg to Oslo presents a breathtaking transition through lush landscapes, featuring expansive lakes and dramatic granite formations that capture the imagination. Upon arrival in Oslo, outdoors enthusiasts often head to Sognsvann, a serene lake and recreation area offering trails that lead to the panoramic views at Vettakollen.
The simplicity and connectivity of this direct rail service not only offer vast travel opportunities but also bridge urban centres and natural wonders, highlighting Scandinavia’s seamless integration of modernity and the outdoors.
Tickets for the Malmö to Oslo train start from 149 Swedish kronor (£11). Accommodation options range from the distinctive Hotell Gästis in Varberg (£90 for a double room) to the stylish Hotel Pigalle in Gothenburg (£85 for a double room) and the minimalist Citybox Oslo (£68 for a single room).
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.