Europe has an extensive rail network with some 202,313 kilometres of track connecting countries across the continent.

Its high-speed trains have become famous all over the world, with some able to reach top speeds of 199mph.

Passengers can travel in comfort between European capital cities in just a few hours.

Europe’s rail network is also known for its night trains, which are making a big comeback.

New routes are being drawn across Europe’s map, with connections between Brussels and Berlin, Munich and Genoa, Salzburg and Kraków, and Paris and Berlin.

One connection already in use is the SJ Euronight from Berlin to Stockholm, which started running last year from the end of March.

Originally the train connected Stockholm with Hamburg, but was extended to include Germany’s capital.

The train pulls out of Berlin’s Gesundbrunnen at 6.37pm, heading west out of the city and towards the countryside of Lower Saxony.

Overnight the train crosses the spectacular bridges that link the Danish archipelago, before it reaches Sweden and pulls into Malmö station at 3.59am.

At 5am it sets off again, traversing countryside dotted with farms, lake houses and woods, before arriving in Stockholm at a very reasonable 9.57am.

For those who like to travel in a little bit of luxury, there is a choice of two-berth compartment with a basin or a two-berth deluxe with toilet and shower.

The two berth compartments can be used as singles. Soap, towel and clean bedding are provided, as is a light breakfast with tea or coffee.

The beds fold away to reveal a 2-seat sofa in the standard compartments and 3 black leather armchairs in the deluxe compartments.

If you are travelling on a budget but still would like a bed, then the train has couchette cars with 6 berth compartments.

Alternatively, there are carriages with normal seats, which do not fold away into beds.

A bistro car is now attached to the train between Malmö and Stockholm in both directions, with a self-service food area and a sociable area with tables and seats.