It is clear when SJ sums up the summer. Both Kiruna and Narvik saw a positive travel trend of 14 and 20 percent respectively between the period June to August. According to SJ, total travel north increased by a full 12 percent compared to the summer of 2017, which in turn was a sharp increase compared to the year before.

– We notice that more and more people are choosing a more climate-smart way of traveling. The Kiruna – Narvik route is one of two routes that Swedes would most like to travel. An incredibly beautiful route lined with magnificent nature that travelers themselves have ranked as one of Europe's most beautiful train routes, says Camilla Bondareva, destination strategist at the Swedish Lapland Visitors Board.

The day train between Kiruna and Narvik has contributed to the fact that the Låktatjåkka station between Björkliden and Riksgränsen has seen a doubling in the number of train passengers. More and more travelers who previously chose the bus from Kiruna for their day hikes from the Låktatjåkka mountain station are now choosing the train instead. SJ points out that train travel is in line with the times and that the investment in the new day trips between Kiruna and Narvik has given travelers greater opportunities to explore both the mountains and nature along the Malmbanan.

– Together with SJ and other destinations in the region, we want to continue working to ensure that more people choose the train in the future, says Camilla Bondareva, destination strategist at the Swedish Lapland Visitors Board.