Escapism Getaways from Stockholm

Stockholm is a great city to explore, but it is also the perfect starting point for short train trips across Sweden. Rail travel makes it simple to see new places without the stress of airports or long drives. The train system in Sweden is fast, comfortable and friendly to the environment. It connects smaller cities and towns with a mix of history, nature and modern Swedish life. For travelers who want authentic experiences, these trips are a way to step out of the capital and enjoy new scenery while still staying close to Stockholm.

Each destination has its own personality. Uppsala has old university charm and riverside cafés. Örebro is home to a fairytale castle in the middle of the city. Norrköping mixes industrial history with creative street life. Sundsvall sits further north, surrounded by hills and sea views, and has a grand city center built in stone. All four places are easy to reach by train in just a few hours. The journeys are part of the adventure too, with views of forests, lakes and open countryside along the way. These trips are perfect for travelers who want to see more of Sweden in a relaxed and sustainable way.

Uppsala

Uppsala - benedek

Uppsala is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and is famous for its university, which has been running since the 1400s. The cathedral, Uppsala Domkyrka, is the tallest in Scandinavia and can be seen from almost anywhere in town. The city is built along the Fyris River, which makes it lively with walking paths, bridges and cafés right by the water. Uppsala feels young and full of life because of the student culture, but it also holds deep history through its old buildings, gardens and museums.

The train ride from Stockholm to Uppsala takes only about 40 minutes. Trains leave several times each hour, making it easy to plan a day trip. The seats are comfortable, and the ride is smooth. The route shows open farmland, forests and small villages before rolling into Uppsala Central Station, which is just a short walk from the city center.

A special stop in Uppsala is the botanical garden, created in the 1600s by Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish scientist who changed the way plants are named worldwide. It is a peaceful place to wander, with greenhouses and seasonal flowers. Another unique spot is Gamla Uppsala, a historic site just outside the city where Viking burial mounds rise from the fields. Visiting here connects travelers to Sweden’s ancient past in a way that is easy to see and feel.

Örebro

Örebro - olrat

Örebro is a mid-sized city in central Sweden with a mix of old charm and modern city life. The most famous landmark is Örebro Castle, which stands right in the middle of town on a small island in the river. The castle has thick stone walls, round towers and a look that seems taken from a fairytale. Around the castle are shopping streets, small squares and a lively mix of cafés. Outside the center, there are green parks and even a large lake called Hjälmaren, which is one of Sweden’s biggest lakes.

Trains from Stockholm to Örebro take about two hours. They run regularly through the day, and the route is pleasant with forests and rolling countryside along the way. Arriving at Örebro Central Station puts visitors close to the heart of the city. It is easy to walk from the station to the castle and main streets.

Something unique in Örebro is Wadköping, an open-air museum that recreates an old Swedish town. Historic wooden houses line small streets, showing what life was like in past centuries. Craftspeople still work here, and visitors can see traditional skills in action. The area feels different from the modern city around it and gives a chance to experience Swedish culture in a very hands-on way.

Norrköping

Norrköping - Roland Magnusson

Norrköping is known as Sweden’s Manchester because of its industrial past. Old textile factories once filled the city, and today many of those buildings are part of the city’s cultural life. The old industrial area has been turned into museums, galleries and concert spaces, with canals and waterfalls running between the brick buildings. Walking through it feels like stepping into a mix of history and creativity. The city also has a strong student vibe because of the Linköping University campus located here.

The train from Stockholm to Norrköping takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is a direct and comfortable trip, with trains leaving several times a day. The ride goes through farmland and small towns, showing a softer side of Sweden before arriving at Norrköping Central, which is close to the city center.

A highlight for visitors is the Visualization Center, an interactive science museum with one of the most advanced 3D domes in Europe. It mixes education with fun, making it an engaging stop for travelers of any age. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the riverside promenades and parks offer space to enjoy the water views and the creative street art scattered across the city. Norrköping’s unique mix of industry, art and leisure makes it stand out among Swedish cities.

Sundsvall

Sundsvall - Matthias_swede_photobes

Sundsvall sits further north and is often called Stenstaden, or the Stone City, because of its grand stone buildings in the city center. After a fire in the 1800s, the city was rebuilt in stone rather than wood, giving it a proud and elegant style that feels almost European continental. The city lies between two hills and stretches out to the Gulf of Bothnia, where sea views mix with forested landscapes. This mix of nature and architecture makes Sundsvall a special place to explore.

The train from Stockholm to Sundsvall takes about 3.5 hours. It is a longer ride than the other destinations but worth it for the changing scenery. The train crosses wide forests, sparkling lakes and quiet towns before reaching Sundsvall Central Station, which is only a short walk to the heart of the stone city. Trains are comfortable with space to relax, making the longer journey enjoyable.

What makes Sundsvall unique for visitors is the access to both city and nature in one place. The Norra Berget, or North Mountain, is a cultural park on a hill above the city, with wooden farmhouses, animals and hiking paths. From the top, there are wide views over the city and the sea. In the city center, the stone architecture is unlike any other in Sweden, giving Sundsvall a grand look that mixes with the northern landscape. This combination creates a balanced travel experience of culture and nature in one stop.

Happy traivelling! 🚆🫶

19.08.2025