Starting in the Middle Ages and extending into the 1900s, there were coaching inns with relay stations along the major highways. During the 1700s and 1800s, they were located no more than two Swedish miles (12.43 british miles) apart.

The innkeeper and nearby farmers were obligated by the state to maintain horses and drivers.

Most people who used the coaching system had their own carriage. At each coaching inn, they would exchange horses and drivers. The new horse would pull the carriage to the next station, while the horse that had been relieved would return to its "home station" along with its driver.

Caption: Guesthouse in Halland, Fritz von Dardel 1863