Hi, I'm spending a couple weeks in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Estonia later this month. I'm spending four nights in Copenhagen, including a day trip somewhere on Zealand. I was planning to take the train to Stockholm, but every train that day is either sold out (most of them) or extremely expensive (over $130) and very early in the morning. I could just fly to Stockholm for half the price of the train or take the train somewhere in between for a night somewhere different. I generally avoid one-night stopovers because it involves more travel days, but if it shortens my travel on each day I'd consider it. I love medieval history, architecture (modern and old), urban and rural biking opportunities, kayaking, and both urban and rural settings. Both Gothenburg and Kalmar seem to add a lot of travel time to get to Stockholm. Malmo doesn't, but I'm not sure if there's much to see there. Maybe Helsingborg? Do you have any suggestions for a one-night stop somewhere that gets me closer to Stockholm that night with some interesting sightseeing? Or should I just go with the flight and keep my plan to spend 4 nights in Stockholm?
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6970 posts
There are many great options for a stop somewhere inbetween Stockholm and Copenhagen. Both Kalmar and Gothenburg will add a bit of travel time but they are well worth it in my opinion. Malmö might be a bit too close to Copenhagen so maybe look just a little bit more north and stop in Lund instead. Or for another town on the direct rail line, Norrköping. A charming old industrial town, or maybe its sister city Linköping.
If you are looking for someplace smaller and are prepared to leave the main rail line, you might consider Eksjö. A small town in Småland with a well preserved old town centre made up of mostly wooden buildings. Take the high speed train to Nässjö and then a 10 minute trip on a local train and you are there. Gränna and Vadstena are both a bit further away but lovely places to spend a night on the way to Stockholm.
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon
34 posts
Thank you Badger!
I decided to go with Lund. Lots to see and direct on my rail journey to Stockholm.
I looked at some of the cities you mentioned further north and I couldn't find a train ticket that day. Must be a popular day to travel...
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6970 posts
What date are you looking at?
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon
34 posts
Sunday, May 22, though I already bought my tix for the alternative to Lund, which looks really great.
I was using the SJ website. Earlier in the week, the website said something about planned maintenance on the main train line that day. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6970 posts
Sundays can be a popular travel day, but a stop in Lund is a great option! Hope you have nice day.