A new direct train service now links the far south of Sweden with the Norwegian capital, offering a relaxed six-and-a-half-hour journey along the country's picturesque western coastline. Operated by Snälltåget, the red-shelled train has already carried more than 25,000 passengers since its summer launch, drawn by fares starting at just £11 each way. The route passes through the lively city of Gothenburg and the seaside town of Varberg, known for its saunas and coastal views.
Onboard, the dining carriage has become an attraction in itself. A sign on the door warns passengers that the carriage is due for modernisation and invites them to experience '90s Germany style'. The pink-and-turquoise interior, reminiscent of a hospital canteen, is filled with the aroma of cinnamon buns and strong filter coffee. Couples take endless selfies against the clinical backdrop, turning a simple meal into a social media moment.
A Scandi rail success
| District | Post town | Region | Avg elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN77 | Waltham Cross | 0m | |
| GY1 | 0m | ||
| GY2 | 0m | ||
| GY3 | 0m | ||
| GY4 | 0m | ||
| GY5 | 0m | ||
| GY6 | 0m | ||
| GY7 | 0m | ||
| GY8 | 0m | ||
| GY9 | 0m |
Before this direct connection, travelling between Malmö and Oslo meant long bus rides or multiple train changes. The new service simplifies the journey and makes the western Swedish coast more accessible. Varberg, in particular, invites a stopover with its cold-bath houses and rocky shoreline, offering a distinctly Nordic seaside experience. Gothenburg adds urban charm with its canals and vibrant food scene.
Elevation and the coast
Coastal railways often track land that sits barely above the waterline, and Sweden's western edge is no exception. That flatness is something we know well at Postcodes UK, where our elevation data reveals some remarkably low-lying postcode districts. While the Scanian coast may feel a world away, one British example stands out: EN77, covering Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire.
This postcode district records an average elevation of just 0m above sea level, with its highest point also reaching only 0m. It is the lowest-lying district in our records, a surprising fact given its inland location north of London. The flat terrain here is a legacy of the Lea Valley's floodplain, a stark contrast to the rocky outcrops and archipelagos that the Malmö-Oslo train passes. Where the Swedish route offers sea views and sauna stops, EN77's pancake-flat landscape tells a different story of water and land, one shaped by rivers rather than the open sea. Yet both places remind us how elevation, or the lack of it, defines a region's character and its connection to the water.
The data behind this
The details of the new Malmö-Oslo rail service come from a report in The Guardian. Elevation figures for postcode district EN77 are sourced from Postcodes UK's own topographic database, which draws on Ordnance Survey digital terrain models. We only highlight one example district here; the data does not describe the whole town or region.
In response to reporting by Guardian Travel. Analysis and figures by Postcodes UK.