Background: Palliative care is based on a holistic approach and the ultimate goal is an enhanced quality of life, and a good and worthy death. Aim: the aim of this study was to illuminate the caring relationship between the nurse and the patient in palliative care. Method: A qualitative approach was used for this literature based study. Two databases were used, Cinahl and Pubmed, to search for scientific articles. Eleven articles were found, and were analyzed using Friberg’s five step method. Results: The result was presented in; the main theme – the caring relationship journey towards end of life - describe the common journey the nurse and the patient do together. The first subtheme, family from a holistic perspective, describes how the caring relationship in palliative care develops. The second subtheme, to connect in the difficult conversation, describes the difficult conversation in palliative care. The third subtheme, to lead with care, describes how the nurse has a guiding role through the relationship. The last sub theme, the fight against time, describes the importance of time. Conclusion: A conclusion that can be drawn from the study result is that building a trustful caring relationship in palliative care is difficult and requires a lot from the nurse. It is also important that the nurse is a good listener, is responsive and shows respect to both the patient and his or her family. The nurse needs a good sense of self awareness, a strong self-confidence and being confident in her/his professional role.