Travel by Train on Sweden’s Majestic West Coast

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Snälltåget has launched a new daytime train service connecting Malmö and Oslo, with stops in Gothenburg and Trollhättan, offering a scenic six-and-a-half-hour journey along Sweden’s west coast. This route is poised to become a key link in northern Europe’s sustainable rail network, integrating next year with the European Sleeper to provide travelers with a streamlined connection from London to Oslo.

Early on a crisp morning at Malmö Central Station, passengers embarked on a newly inaugurated rail route along Sweden’s west coast, operated by Snälltåget. The service connects Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, with Oslo, the capital of Norway, taking just over six and a half hours for the full journey.

Launched in late August, the route offers travelers the chance to experience key urban centers between the two capitals, with popular stopovers in Gothenburg and the lesser-known city of Trollhättan. The journey has been praised as an appealing option for slow travel enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the scenic coastline and cultural hubs of southern Scandinavia.

The train utilizes older rolling stock, previously employed on a 22-hour overnight route to Swedish Lapland. Passengers recall that the earlier service featured amenities such as a dining car and onboard cinema. While the refurbished trains maintain padded seating with recline functionality and ample legroom, some aspects, such as the seat adjustment mechanisms, show signs of wear. Each seat is equipped with power outlets and tray tables, and luggage storage includes overhead shelves and racks at carriage ends.

Despite operating in the summer months, the carriages maintained a notably quiet atmosphere. The train’s punctuality was facilitated by a coordinated connection with the Snälltåget Sleeper arriving from Berlin, whose passengers boarded the Malmö-Oslo train to continue their journey. This timed connection drew a mixed crowd of both backpackers and business travelers, resulting in approximately three-quarters full carriages on an off-peak Tuesday morning.

Passengers traveling during the day can access a dining car called Krogen, designed in a mid-20th century style with curved booths and pastel interiors. However, availability of this facility has varied due to operational constraints, with some departures running without a dining car.

Additionally, the train offers private sleeper compartments at a premium, despite the route running exclusively during daylight hours. These compartments provide simple bunk-bed accommodations but lack luxury features, casting some uncertainty on their practical value for daytime travel.

Looking ahead, the route is expected to integrate with the European Sleeper service launching next year between Amsterdam and Malmö, potentially enabling travelers to journey from London to Oslo with only two train changes. This development positions the Malmö-Oslo connection as a vital thread in expanding sustainable rail travel within northern Europe.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.