From my bed in the train cabin, I observed my wife as she got up and made her way to the toilet. The dim light seeped through the blind, guiding her to the door. Little did we know that our packed bags inadvertently triggered a shower above the toilet, drenching her and our belongings as she entered.
Her cries of surprise snapped me out of my drowsy state, dispelling any romantic notions I had about the Caledonian Sleeper night train. While the train journey from London to Scotland offers breathtaking views of mountains and lakes at a reasonable cost, the reality of sharing space with a standard rail toilet and facing early morning commuters at Euston station was far from glamorous.
A couple of years later, my wife and I embarked on the SJ night train from Stockholm to Narvik, one of Europe’s longest train routes spanning over 1,500 kilometers. Passing through Sweden’s varied landscapes of forests, flatlands, and swamps, the journey offers historical insights into Narvik’s role during World War II and the significance of iron ore mining in the region.
During a recent trip on the sleeper train to Kiruna, just two hours short of the Arctic Circle, I was impressed by the comfortable second-class cabin. Unlike the cramped layout of the Caledonian Sleeper, the SJ train provided versatile bunks that could be folded into the wall, creating a more spacious environment.
The train journey through Sweden showcased diverse scenery, from vast blue lakes to dense forests and majestic mountain ranges. Despite the vintage feel of the train, it exuded a sense of nostalgia and solidity compared to modern trains. The absence of an en-suite bathroom in the cabins was compensated by a well-equipped shower facility at the end of the carriage.
After a restful night’s sleep, a visit to the buffet car offered a chance to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Arctic landscape passing by. With ticket prices starting at 1,125 SEK for a couchette and 1,695 SEK for a second-class sleep carriage, the SJ night train provides a comfortable and affordable travel option for exploring Sweden’s scenic beauty.
For bookings and more information, visit www.sj.se/en.
