Silverpilen
– The Ghost Train of Stockholm’s Metro

Stockholm’s metro is known as the world’s longest art gallery—but beneath its colorful stations lies a darker legend. The Silverpilen (“Silver Arrow”) is a ghostly metro train said to glide through the tunnels at night, appearing without warning and vanishing just as suddenly.

The legend and sightings

Stories of the Silverpilen vary, but they all echo a common theme—disappearing passengers and ghostly sightings. Some say that the train appears in the dead of night, stopping at stations that have been long abandoned or are yet to be built. People claim that once they board it, they never come back, disappearing into the murky depths of the metro system.

One of the most chilling tales recounts sightings of the Silverpilen at Kymlinge station, an unfinished and unused stop on the Blue Line. The station itself is shrouded in mystery, further fueling the narrative of the ghost train. Locals warn that “only the dead get off at Kymlinge,” a saying that has cemented the station’s reputation as a ghostly locale.

For decades, the city’s collective imagination has transformed stories about the Silverpilen into a ghostly figure. According to legend, the Silverpilen only appears late at night, stopping at deserted stations, or sometimes even passing through without stopping.

Passengers lucky—or perhaps unlucky—enough to board this spectral train are said to experience a journey that lasts much longer than expected, sometimes described as a ride to the “other side.”

Some tales even suggest that passengers traveling on the Silverpilen may never return, sparking eerie speculations of a portal to another dimension. These ghostly narratives have cemented the train’s place in Stockholm’s cultural mythology, making it a point of fascination for many curious visitors.

While no verified sightings have ever been confirmed, the persistence of the legend says as much about Stockholm’s imagination as it does about the train itself.

🚉The Ghostly Tales of Silverpilen

The birth of a legend

The Silverpilen was a unique metro train that stood apart from the rest of Stockholm’s green-painted fleet. Introduced in the mid-1960s as a car from the traditionally green C4 series of the time, its distinct silver color and slightly quieter engine made this train set very special, and only eight silver-colored cars were manufactured.

Due to its rarity—it was only used as a backup and never for regular service—it quickly became the subject of urban folklore. In reality, the Silverpilen was simply an unpainted aluminum train used occasionally as a backup. Its stark metallic appearance, combined with its rarity and quieter operation, made it stand out dramatically from the standard green trains—fueling the myths that followed.

Beyond the realm of ghost stories, the Silverpilen has influenced various forms of art and media. In Sweden, it has inspired writers, filmmakers, and artists, finding its way into novels, movies, and even video games. This artistic legacy adds another layer of mystique to the already intriguing legend, enticing creative minds to explore its narrative potential.

Seeking the Silverpilen in Stockholm’s Metro

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Silverpilen, a journey through Stockholm’s metro system, including stations like T-Centralen, is a must. While the train itself is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on. Tourists can explore the atmospheric, art-filled metro stations that have become symbolic of Stockholm’s commitment to public art. Key stations like Kungsträdgården and T-Centralen offer immersive experiences that fuse modern-day function with historical and artistic significance.

The legend of Silverpilen is closely tied to Stockholm’s wider metro system, including the mysterious Kymlinge ghost station and the city’s famous art-filled metro network. Together, they form a unique blend of infrastructure, art, and urban mythology.

Become part of the myth

Visiting Stockholm offers a rare opportunity to delve into a city where the contemporary meets the mythical. The story of the Silverpilen ghost train enhances this experience, inviting travelers to tap into Stockholm’s lesser-known narratives. Whether you believe in the legend or not, the allure of the Silverpilen is undeniable, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Sweden’s capital.

Ride the metro late at night, and you might understand why the legend persists—the tunnels grow quieter, the platforms emptier, and for a moment, it feels as if something unseen could pass through at any time.