het avontuurlijke leven van Antonette Spaan

Scandinavia trip planning

Scandinavia trip planning: which country should you go to?

If you have been to We12travel before, you may know that nordic destinations are my favorite places to travel. The definition of nordic destinations is of course quite broad, but with ‘nordic’ I mean the outer ends of this planet. In other words, Scandinavia, Canada and Alaska, but also Patagonia and New Zealand, which are not located in the north, but resemble northern destinations in nature. I’m not necessarily interested in the mountains (because you also have those in the Alps and Nepal, for example), but it’s more about the feeling that you get while there. The relaxed atmosphere, the wooden houses, the roughness of the landscape and the mostly cool temperatures. People who recognize it probably know what I mean.   Although the northern countries in Scandinavia may not be at the top of your bucket list, they are all definitely worth a visit. Each destination has its own charm and landscapes. In this article I list the countries of Scandinavia for you. If you are interested in going north, this article will certainly help you make your Scandinavia trip planning much easier and will hopefully tell which is the best Scandinavian country to visit for you!  

Table of Contents | Inhoudsopgave

What are the Scandinavian countries?

Scandinavië IJsland reis

Your first time in Scandinavia: what to expect

IJslands eten

Travel in Norway

Akrafjorden best scandinavian country to visit

Norway highlights:

Below you’ll find some of the highlights of Norway. Very personal and certainly not complete, but useful if you are interested in a Norway trip:   – Fjord Norway (in particular the Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord when there are no cruise ships) – The Hardangervidda plateau – City trip in Bergen (possibly with a visit to the fjords) – The northern islands of Lofoten, Vesterålen and possibly Senja Island – The glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park and Folgefonna National Park  

Why Norway?

Stunning nature, delicious food, freedom camping (to a certain extent), whales and Northern Lights. Disappointments in Norway are the North Cape (very busy, I have heard of it because never bothered to go there) and the often rainy weather. I also found the Hardangerfjord less beautiful than expected. In addition, Norway really is the worst when it comes to high prices and is therefore not exactly a destination for budget travelers.  

My Norwegian favorites:

– Salmon. Salmon. Salmon. And again salmon. – The thrillers by author Jo Nesbø – Het Every Man’s Right (with restrictions) – The fjords – The most beautiful glaciers in Europe accessible over land   Want to read more? These are my favorite Norway blogs: – A summer vacation in Åkrafjorden, Norway – Biking in Norway: an amazing ride from fjord to fjell – The most amazing viewpoints in Fjord Norway   Or read all my Norway blogs and articles here .  

Book your Norway trip

biking in Norway best scandinavian country to visit

Travel in Sweden

Östergötland

Sweden highlights

– Stockholm and Gothenburg – The Sånfjället and Fulufjället National Parks – Reindeer, moose and possibly bears – Arctic Sweden around Jokkmokk and Kvikkjokk – The islands off the coast near Stockholm and Gothenburg  

Why Sweden?

Sweden is super relaxed. It certainly does not have as many tourists as Norway and Iceland. It’s less busy, there’s fewer rules and less densely populated areas. Whereas in Norway you’ll always see a (holiday) cottage on almost every square kilometer, you can really drive for miles in Sweden without encountering anything. In addition, Sweden is easily accessible by car, via the bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. The places that disappointed me in Sweden were Skåne (too many meadows), Kiruna and the busy spots in Stockholm in recent years.  

My Swedish favorites

– Swedish tv crime series (especially The Killing, Midnight Sun and Arne Dahl) – Swedish thrillers (especially Camilla Läckberg, Lars Kepler, Henning Mankell) – Daim chocolate – Cinnamon buns and fika (coffee with something tasty) – The Every Man’s Right – Drive on the E45 – the road to the north – A winter holiday in Sweden – Hiking the Kungsleden (King’s Trail)   Want to read more? These are my favorite Sweden blogs: – Hiking the Kungsleden Trail: a true Nordic adventure – Hiking and camping in the Swedish wilderness – 5 Really cool outdoor things to do in Småland   Or read all my Sweden articles here .  

Book your Sweden trip

kungsleden hike

Travel in Finland

Huskies in winters Finland

Finland highlights

– Finnish Lappland in winter – Huskies, snowmobiling, Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) – Helsinki (and I liked Tampere too, by the way)  

Why Finland?

As I said, I would really only recommend Finland as a winter destination. In the summer, for example, Sweden and Norway have much more to offer in terms of natural beauty. However, if you are crazy about forests, lakes and mosquitoes then Finland in the summer is really something for. You can also see bears in the far north, but they are usually attracted with food. Since I am really opposed to that, I would never opt for such an experience myself. Wildlife just has to stay wild and should not be fed. Santa Clause Village near Rovaniemi is also really terribly touristy and you’d better skip it!  

My Finnish favorites

– Sauna’s – Helsinki – Huskies – Jari Litmanen (thinking back of my youth) – Finnish metal music – Sunset near one of the many lakes   Want to read more? Go here to read all my Finland articles.  

Book your Finland trip

linnansaari best nordic country to visit

Travel in Iceland

IJsland Fjallsarlon best nordic country to visit

Iceland highlights

– The Snæfellsnes peninsula – The interior (only accessible with a 4WD) – Jökülsárlón and Fjallsárlón iceberg lakes – The Golden Circle – Hiking between the hot springs  

Why Iceland?

You cannot compare Iceland to any other country. The quirky but very friendly Icelanders do everything to make you happy. You can see northern lights in the winter, whales all year round and cross the interior highlands with a 4WD in the summer. You can also make super amazing hikes, walk to an abandoned aircraft wreck and visit various volcanoes. The Blue Lagoon is a real tourist trap that is also super expensive. You better visit one of the (free) alternatives to the Blue Lagoon .  

My favorites

– The Westman Islands – Jökülsárlón – Landmannalaugar – A glacier hike on the Sólheimajökul – Puffins – Eating a burger at Hamborgarafabrikkan – The clothing of 66 North and Cintamani   Want to read more? These are my favorite Iceland blogs: – The best places to stay in Reykjavík for any budget – Fjallsárlón or Jökulsárlón: which glacier lagoon should you visit? – What to pack for Iceland in winter: a complete packing list – All you want to know about renting a car in Iceland   Or read all my Iceland articles here .  

Book your Iceland trip

sunny cars

Travel in Denmark

And last but not least there’s Denmark. To be honest, it is my least favorite country in Scandinavia. I have been there on a few occasions on holiday (in a house near Esbjerg) but I cannot remember that I found it very impressive as a nature lover. This does not change the fact that there is plenty to see and do, but a little less for nature lovers than the other Scandinavian countries. Because it has been years since I was on vacation, I don’t have any blogs about it.  

Denmark highlights

– A citytrip Copenhagen – The rocks near Møns Klint – Walking along the endless coast line  

Why Denmark?

I don’t have any children of my own, but I was told that Denmark is a great place to go with your family. There are numerous amusement parks, many holiday homes and everywhere there are good facilities for kids. In addition, it is not too far from the Netherlands. Copenhagen is perfect for a city trip, although it is a relatively expensive city compared to other Scandinavian cities.  

– The Bridge (series and to drive across) – Walking along the windy coast – Legoland  

Book your Denmark trip

The Bridge

Conclusion and disclaimer of Scandinavia trip planning

Hopefully you found this article about which Scandinavian country is the best to visit useful and will it help you make a choice for which country to choose when you first go north. Although I clearly have my favorite destinations, I have tried to stay as objective as possible. However, as a blogger, I see it as my job to also name less pleasant places / things (such as feeding bears and the Blue Lagoon) and to be honest about them when I know a destination less well.   In this article about the best nordic country to visit you will find affiliate links. If you make a reservation or make a purchase through such a link, I may receive a modest commission, without extra costs for you.  

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Sonfjället National Park

Thank you for these tips! I’m just planning my winter trip to Finland and this has me so excited 🙂 Lots of sauna and sleddogs!!

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Yaaay … have fun!

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All these places call to me! I would love to explore (and hike) in Scandinavia. So far we have only been to Iceland, but I am soooo keen to visit the rest, especially Norway and Sweden.

Hope you can make it there one day!

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Wandering our World

Your Journey Begins Here

  • by Wandering our World
  • Posted on October 17, 2023

Finland or Sweden: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

Last updated on October 17, 2023 by Wandering our World

The Nordic nations are famed around the world for their high quality of life, friendly people, and spectacular scenery. Unsurprisingly then, the likes of Finland and Sweden rank among the most popular vacation destinations in the whole of Europe, attracting families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers from far and wide.

But, if you only have time to visit one of Finland or Sweden, which should you choose? Well, that’s a dilemma that a lot of travelers have to contend with, each and every year. And there are lots of arguments on both sides. You’re sure to have a great time, no matter which one you pick, but you may find that one nation is better-suited to your tastes and personality than the other.

Finland, for example, is well-known for its relaxing saunas, distinctive culture, and wonderful natural scenery, with dense pine forests and tens of thousands of crystal clear lakes. Sweden, meanwhile, is the bigger and busier nation, with larger and more exciting cities, combined with a classic Scandinavian vibe.

There’s a lot to love about both of these countries, and they have quite a lot in common, especially in terms of their typical weather conditions and majestic natural expanses. But there are also a few key differences separating Finland and Sweden from one another. And, by digging into those differences, you may find it easier to pick your next destination.

And that’s what this guide is here for. In this Finland vs Sweden comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at both of these Nordic nations, comparing them in a range of key categories like attractions, cities, outdoor activities, nightlife, food, and affordability. By the end, you should have a much clearer idea of which one is right for you.

A Quick Overview Of Finland vs Sweden

Which has the best weather.

  • Which Is Best For Activities? 
  • Which Is Best For Cities?

Which Is Best For Nature And Outdoor Fun?

Which is better for shopping , which is better for nightlife , which is better for food , which is best for families , which is best for couples , which is best for backpackers .

  • Which Is Cheapest? 

Finland vs Sweden: Which Is Better?

An infographic presenting Finland and  Sweden showing some of the key differences that will be discovered later in the article.

Finland: A Quick Overview

Glistening lakes mirror the vibrant, endless daylight, while lush forests invite explorers to bask in Finland's summer tranquility, under a ceaseless, warming sun, serenity breathes through the gentle breeze.

Finland, or the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic Nation in Northern Europe. It has borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia, and extends across 130,559 square miles, with an estimated population of around 5.6 million people. Its capital and largest city is Helsinki, and its main language is Finnish, although around 5% of the population speak Swedish natively.

The history of Finland goes back thousands of years, and it has passed under the control of various people and countries over the years. It was part of Sweden for many years from the 13th century onwards, later becoming part of the Russian Empire, before gaining independence in 1917. As a result, it has a unique culture, with a mix of Russian and Nordic elements.

Like other Nordic nations, large parts of Finland are covered with pristine wilderness, with dense taiga forests and vast wetlands. Indeed, there are so many trees in Finland that it’s one of the biggest producers of wood in the world. The country is also famed for its lakes, with over 187,000 of them in total.

Finland is also a fantastic vacation destination, especially with those who are seeking a relaxing, indulgent escape, or adventures in nature. A peaceful, picturesque haven, this country is beloved by many for its soothing sauna culture, cozy coffee shops, quiet but friendly people, enormous national parks, and cute little towns.

Sweden: A Quick Overview

A picturesque scene unfolds in Smogen, Sweden, where a charming array of bright, colorful houses nestles harmoniously along the serene, glistening waterfront, embodying quintessential Swedish coziness and tranquility.

Sweden is one of the Scandinavian nations in Northern Europe, bordering Norway and Finland, with a bride-tunnel connection to Denmark, too. Extending across 172,752 square miles, Sweden is the biggest nation in the Nordic region and the fifth-largest in all of Europe. However, its population is just 10.5 million, giving it a very low population density. Its capital is Stockholm.

Just like Finland, Sweden has been host to various people over the years, most famously the Vikings, who controlled Swedish lands and waters from the 8th century to the 11th. Centuries later, the Swedish Empire formed, becoming a powerful force in Europe until the 18th century. In the modern era, Sweden is known for its growing diversity and high quality of life.

Geographically, Sweden has a range of diverse landscapes, with a very long coastline, towering mountains, and massive forests, with around two thirds of the landmass covered in trees. Valleys, lakes, rivers, and islands can also be found around the country, but Sweden also has some impressive big cities, like the buzzing capital of Stockholm and trendy Malmo.

Sweden is also the second most-visited Nordic nation, just behind Denmark in terms of the number of visitors each year. There are many reasons to visit this wonderful part of the world, from its charming, romantic cities to its delicious food, terrific shopping scene, and thrilling Viking history.

Funeral of scandinavian prosperous warrior from Lokrume settlement (the island of Gotland). Late 10th - Early 11th centuries. The apparel based on archaeological sites in Lokrume and graphic sources - Gotland's stones with men and valkyries.

The Nordic and Scandinavian countries are known for their frosty weather, and since they’re neighboring nations, Finland and Sweden have pretty similar climate conditions. In general, summers tend to be quite short and mild, with cooler temperatures soon rolling in and frosty temperatures extending across large parts of the year.

However, with Sweden being larger and extending further south, it has a slightly more diverse range of weather conditions. Visitors will notice that temperatures tend to be a little warmer in Sweden’s big cities, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo, compared to Helsinki and Turki in Finland. So, if you want a bit more warmth, pick Sweden.

Which Is Best For Activities?

Energetic husky dogs eagerly pull a sledge across Arctic Finland's pristine, snow-covered landscapes, offering a thrilling adventure amidst the tranquil, frosty wilderness under the pastel winter sky.

Sweden and Finland are both thrilling countries to explore, with lots of different attractions and ways to spend your time. They have several big similarities, and are both particularly appealing to nature lovers and outdoor adventures, but each one also has its own unique landmarks and activities you won’t find anywhere else.

Finland: The Activities

In Finland, a lot of the focus is on nature, and many visitors to this country particularly enjoy the snowy Lapland region. There, families and couples can have a truly magical experience, meeting Santa and his elves, going on husky or reindeer rides, visiting ice hotels, and exploring snow-capped forests on long, peaceful hikes.

There are lots of grand national parks elsewhere around Finland, too, like the wondrous Urho Kekkonen – a fairy tale-like location of cozy wooden huts, and one of the best places to see the aurora borealis – or Oulanka National Park, with its mixture of rough river rapids, pristine forests, and challenging hiking and climbing routes.

Gently kayaking through Finland's tranquil, crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by lush forests, under the gentle caress of the midnight sun, provides a picturesque, serene, and immersive Nordic experience.

With tens of thousands of lakes, Finland is also a terrific destination for kayaking and other water activities. And if you ever get a little tired from all those hikes and adventures, you can always soothe your tired muscles in one of Finland’s traditional saunas. Saunas are a huge part of Finnish culture, and you can find almost everywhere across the country. 

Of course, Finland also has some big cities and charming towns to explore, with Helsinki being the most obvious example – the Finnish capital has a great art and design scene, super food, and some great places to shop. For a more historic urban experience, head to Old Rauma, the Nordic Nations’ biggest wooden medieval old town.

Sweden: The Activities

The Malmö Castle stands majestically amidst a vibrant field of brilliant red poppies, creating a stunning, historical panorama that beautifully melds nature and Swedish architectural elegance.

While Finland is very nature-oriented, Sweden has a few more big, dynamic cities to enjoy. Most visitors will start their adventure in the beautiful, romantic capital of Stockholm. Easily one of the prettiest cities in Europe, Stockholm has lots of museums, historic buildings, and fascinating attractions, from its old town “Gamla Stan” area to its trendy Sodermalm neighborhood.

Other big cities worth checking out in Sweden include Gothenburg, a lively and vibrant port city, famed for its Amsterdam-style canals and charming streets, along with Malmo – this coastal city is just over the water from the Danish capital of Copenhagen and has its own 16th century castle, cute cobblestone streets, and a great craft shopping scene.

Along with the aforementioned Malmo Castle, there are many more grand palaces and historic homes to admire across Sweden, from the Royal Palace of Stockholm to Skokloster Castle and the awe-inspiring Bohus Fortress, just north of Gothenburg. Then, there are all the Viking museums and experiences, giving history fans so much to do.

Of course, Sweden is also a very beautiful country with lots of stunning wilderness, just like Finland. So, if you want to escape into nature, you’ll find no shortage of islands to hop across, lakes to swim and canoe in, trails to hike, canals to cruise, and routes to cycle. There are even some fantastic road trip routes to follow, perfect for those who love to explore.

Overall, the experiences in Sweden and Finland are both similar and different, all at once. Both countries offer breathtaking natural scenes and peerless outdoor adventure opportunities, but Finland has a quieter, calmer feel, even in its cities. Sweden, meanwhile, has more to offer in terms of urban activities, with more museums, live entertainment, palaces, and galleries.

Which Is Better For Cities? 

Stockholm, Sweden. Morning sceni with Gamla Stan, downtown. Stortorget square and the most famous houses in the city.

If the excitement of a big city is something you simply can’t do without on your trips and vacations, you’ll love Sweden. Stockholm is easily one of the best cities to visit in the entire Nordic region, offering some truly iconic attractions, like the Vasa Museum, with its grand old 17th century warship, or the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Swedish royals.

Then, there’s Gothenburg, the trendy west-coast city that some Swedes argue is even better than the capital. Feeling like a mixture between Amsterdam and Paris, with a dash of Scandi style, Gothenburg has great food and shopping scenes. There are also great historic towns across Sweden, like coastal Karlskrona and rural Linkoping.

The Helsinki Cathedral majestically overlooks the cityscape, its luminous white domes and neoclassical architecture contrasting beautifully with the vibrant, bustling life unfolding in the Finnish capital's square below.

Over in Finland, the capital, Helsinki, is by far the biggest city in the country. It’s a special place, showcasing some of Finland’s Russian influence and storied past in its distinctive architecture, with grand cathedrals and some intriguing museums to learn about Finnish history and lifestyles, like the National Museum.

Beyond Helsinki, most of Finland’s other urban areas have more of a small-town feel, but several are still worth visiting. There’s Turku, for example, which is a very historic location with lots of centuries-old landmarks, along with scenic Savonlinna, home of a medieval castle, surrounded by tranquil lakes and forests.

Overall, Sweden is the better destination for those seeking to spend time in big cities. It’s got the larger and more dynamic cities of the two countries, with more going on and a wider range of urban activities.

A vividly blue river rapidly courses through the heart of a lush Finnish forest, its vibrant, spring-green canopy reflecting gently upon the shimmering, undulating water below.

Sweden may take the win when it comes to cities, but in the nature stakes, Finland vs Sweden is much harder to call. Both countries have got vast expanses of picture-postcard forests, lakes, rivers, and more, and both of them rank among the very best places to visit in Europe for those who adore nature and spending time outside.

Sweden is the bigger of the two, with more diverse geography. You can travel from one end of this nation to the other and see all sorts of natural sights as you go. It’s also got more islands than any other country, with over 200,000 in total, providing an almost endless array of scenic coastal hikes and trails.

Over in Finland, meanwhile, you ‘ll find endless acres of dense pine forests and more lakes than you could visit in a lifetime. With so much water, this country is ideal for water sports, like kayaking and canoeing. There are also mountains to climb and lots of picturesque national parks to spend hours exploring.

Overall, it’s tough to call a winner in this category. Both countries are equally well-suited for nature lovers, and both are great for hiking and seeing the northern lights, or having up-close experiences with deer and moose.

Vibrant Christmas market in Stockholm during the day, offering an array of festive stalls, showcasing handmade crafts, traditional Swedish treats, under a crisp, azure winter sky.

If you want to spend a little time shopping for souvenirs before heading back home from your Nordic escape, you’ll find a lot to love in Sweden. This is, after all, the nation that gave the world the retail giants of IKEA and H&M, and it’s one of the best places to shop for all those stylish Scandi décor items, high-end fashion, and fabulous accessories.

In Stockholm, shopaholics and fashionistas can find everything from vast malls to open-air markets, cozy bookshops, extraordinary antique emporiums, and long lines of luxury boutiques. Other big cities, like Malmo and Gothenburg, are also great for shopping, and popular Swedish gifts include jewelry, Christmas ornaments, mittens, and traditional food.

Over in Finland, the best shopping can be found in Helsinki. There, you can find grand department stores selling clothes, accessories, and homeware of all shapes and sizes, as well as big shopping centers and even some fun flea markets. However, beyond some craft stores and souvenir shops, the other Finnish towns and cities don’t have the best shopping scenes.

Overall, Sweden is the better place to shop, with more stores and a wider range of places to pick up souvenirs and goodies galore.

Tourists enjoy sightseeing and shopping on one of the cobblestone streets in the colorful, medieval town of Porvoo, Finland.

In terms of nightlife, Sweden is, once again, a terrific place to be. Stockholm is particularly well-known for its dynamic, energetic evening scene, with lots of thumping clubs and fun pubs where you can while away the hours, deep into the night. Other cities, like Karlstad and Gothenburg, also boast some surprisingly lively nightclubs.

The general vibe across Finland is a little more laid-back and quiet, but Helsinki still has a solid nightlife scene, with popular clubs in the city center that draw in big crowds around the weekends. Live DJ performances can be found here, with music to keep you dancing all night. Or, for something more laid-back, Finland has plenty of cozy, traditional bars.

Overall, Sweden once more takes the crown, as it’s a busier and livelier place all around, but you can still find a few fun places to party in Helsinki.

Plentiful Swedish meatballs, glossed with rich, creamy gravy, partnered with lingonberry sauce and potatoes, encapsulating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet in a traditional, hearty dish.

When it comes to food, the battle between Finnish cuisine and Swedish cuisine is a tough one to call. In the end, it’ll ultimately come down to personal preference, and travelers will have to decide which country’s meals sound more appetizing.

When most people think of Swedish food, they think of meatballs. And it’s true that meatballs are beloved by Swedes, but there’s lots more to enjoy here, with everything from fermented fish and reindeer pate to rich seafood soups and meaty stews. The big cities, like Helsiniki, also have quite diverse dining scenes, with various Asian and European restaurants.

Over in Finland, there’s a lot of focus on breads, cheeses, and meat. This country makes some really tasty pasties, pies, and other baked goods, and lots of dishes involve big chunks of pork, beef, or reindeer. However, thanks to the many Finnish lakes, it’s also possible to find fantastic fish dishes in many parts of Finland.

Overall, the best country for cuisine will depend on your culinary tastes. Swedish food tends to be a little more appealing to most people, but there are lots of great dishes on the average Finnish restaurant menu, too.

Grona Lund attraction park in Stockholm at sunset, with bright lights, rollercoasters, merry-go-round and reflection on the sea.

Both Sweden and Finland can also be terrific destinations for a family vacation. Regardless of how old your children are and how many you’re traveling with, there’s lots to love about both of these nations.

Finland, of course, has Lapland. That’s where little children can have the magical experience of meeting Santa himself, or taking a reindeer ride through the snow. There are also several amusement parks in Finland, like Linnanmaki, as well as Moomin World, dedicated entirely to the cute cartoon characters created by Finnish illustrator, Tove Jansson.

Sweden, meanwhile, has various amusement parks of its own, like Liseberg in Gothenburg, which is the biggest theme park in all of Scandinavia. Kids can also enjoy the Viking-themed attractions of Sweden, along with the vast natural areas, wildlife parks, and museums dedicated to everything from science to naval history.

Overall, Sweden is a little better for most families, as it’s got larger cities with more attractions to keep everyone entertained. Finland is quieter and simpler, but may appeal to families who simply want to escape into nature.

A quintessential Finnish sauna experience: cozy, wooden interiors, gently illuminated, with glowing embers, creating a serene, steam-filled haven for tranquility and traditional, soulful relaxation amidst Finland's scenic nature.

Couples can have very memorable, magical experiences visiting Finland or Sweden. Both of these countries are so beautiful, perfect for creating a romantic ambiance, and the right one for you and your partner will depend on your tastes and expectations.

Finland is the more peaceful option, best-suited for couples who hope to spend most of their time exploring natural spaces. If you and your partner love hiking or kayaking, for example, you’ll have a fabulous time in this nation, and the Finnish saunas are fantastic places to relax with a special someone by your side.

Sweden is a better choice if you and your partner prefer more of a thrilling, activity-filled trip, visiting museums one day and hopping across the islands the next. It’s got a wider range of things to do, so should appeal to couples of varying ages and lifestyles, and its cities are bigger and more engaging.

Artistic marvel of Stockholm subway: vibrant murals adorning walls, intriguing sculptures, and a vivid play of lights transforming underground transit into a mesmerizing, immersive public art gallery in Sweden.

The last group we have to consider are the backpackers, the people who love to simply pack a bag and hit the road, fueled by the spirit of adventure.

Sweden can be a terrific place to backpack. Like other parts of Scandinavia, it’s pretty expensive, but if you’ve got the budget to get around, the people here are really friendly and the cities are filled with interesting attractions, landmarks, and cultural experiences. Plus, public transport is excellent in Sweden, helping you get wherever you need to go.

In Finland, getting around can be a little trickier, the prices are slightly higher, and the people tend to be a little more reserved, but you can still have a great time. Helsinki is the main place to be, perfect for diving into Finnish food and culture, and backpackers who like hiking and similar activities can head out into the national parks.

Overall, Sweden is the better place to backpack, thanks to its lower prices and broader selection of activities.

Which Is Cheaper? 

If you’re planning a trip to the Nordic nations, you’ll need a decent budget. Prices in this part of the world are pretty high compared to other parts of Europe, especially in the most touristic areas, like Stockholm in Sweden or Helsinki and Rovaniemi in Finland.

However, of the two countries, Sweden is the cheaper option. It generally has lower prices for everything from accommodation to food and activities, making it more appealing for the budget-conscious traveler. However, the difference isn’t too big, and it’s perfectly possible to have a budget-friendly stay in Finland if you book in advance and choose your hotels wisely.

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

Fishing village Fågelsundet: Tranquil harbor with traditional Swedish red and yellow wooden houses reflecting on the gentle water amidst verdant greenery, embodying serene, picturesque coastal life.

Budget: Lapland Hotels Bulevardi in Helsinki emanates an urban charm, nestling modern amenities with a rich Lappish style. Offering a tantalizing buffet breakfast and exquisite à la carte options at restaurant Kultá, guests are enveloped in authentic Lappish cuisine. Some rooms delight with private saunas, design baths, or terraces, while all provide a luxurious stay amid Helsinki’s lively boulevard, proximate to notable attractions. See photos and rates!

Luxury: Hotel Kämp in Helsinki, established in 1887, intertwines historical elegance with modern luxury, providing guests with sumptuous rooms overlooking striking city and park views. Guests can indulge in exquisite European dining at Brasserie Kämp, savor fine afternoon tea, and relax in the opulent spa featuring traditional Finnish sauna and a eucalyptus-scented steam bath, amidst other rejuvenating amenities. See photos and rates!

Budget: Hotel Frantz , exquisitely situated in Stockholm’s Södermalm district, envelops guests in a sublime embrace of elegance and convenience. The 4-star establishment treats guests to air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi and private bathrooms. Savor a sumptuous buffet breakfast, enjoy refined dining in the restaurant, and unwind in the stylish bar, all under one roof. Attentive staff ensure a seamless, enchanting stay amidst the stunning surroundings of Stockholm’s rich cultural landmarks. See photos and rates!

Luxury: Grand Hôtel Stockholm , an epitome of luxury, nestles against the serene waterfront, bestowing enchanting views of the Royal Palace and Old Town. This haven provides opulent dining, a sumptuous Nordic Spa & Fitness center, and indulgent spa treatments, ensuring a stay woven with elegance and tranquility. Enjoy chauffeur-driven limousine transfers and 24-hour room service amid the awe-inspiring Swedish backdrop. See photos and rates!

Waterfall in Sapokka Landscaping Park, Kotka, Finland: A captivating cascade spills gracefully over rugged rocks, surrounded by lush foliage, emanating an enchanting, peaceful ambiance within the serene park.

Overall, it’s easy to understand the allure of the Nordic nations, like Finland and Sweden. They’re some of the prettiest places in the world, with the kind of perfectly pristine natural spaces that many people dream of admiring and exploring. But, we have to pick a winner, so which country should you choose? 

Well, if we look back over this comparison, it’s clear to see that one country has a slight edge over the other. And it’s Sweden that takes the win. It’s a bigger and livelier place, with more cities to explore and a longer list of things to do. Whether you’re into history, live entertainment, shopping, nature, or family fun, Sweden has it all.

With that said, Finland is also worth considering. It’s a more relaxing and chilled-out destination than Sweden, making it an idyllic vacation destination when the hustle and bustle of everyday life is getting you down. It’s also exceptionally picturesque, with all those forests and lakes just waiting to welcome explorers of any age.

Wandering our World

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.

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Author: Wandering our World

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Finland Vs. Sweden Vs. Norway: Nordic Wonderland

Finland, Sweden, and Norway are three beautiful Nordic countries. They all have stunning nature, rich economies, and some of the happiest people on the planet. But is one country better than the others?

Probably not, but let’s compare them and see! In this detailed comparison of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, I’ll try to cover all the important things and help you decide which of these countries is the best fit for you. I’ll talk about the cost of living, culture, language, fabulous nature, and all the other things that make these three Nordic countries so irresistible to travelers!

Norway Has Fjords & Mountains

Norway is known as the land of fjords, mountains, and trolls. The landscape of this country is exceptionally beautiful even without colorful lights dancing in the night sky. But they certainly help enhance it.

Such a diverse landscape invites people to explore it, so Norway is known as the land of hikers and outdoor lovers. It’s also a reason why Scandinavian architecture boasts such large windows – the outdoors are just too pretty to look at.

Sweden Has Forests

Sweden is known as the land of endless forests. And IKEA! The country is 57% forest, so really is anyone surprised that they came up with IKEA? It’s also one of the richest economies in the world, and a lot of people perceive it as a modern utopia.

Swedes love to hike, build their own furniture, and take coffee breaks. They love their coffee breaks so much they have a special word for it – fika. So, if you ever get invited to one of those, don’t miss out!

Finland Has Lakes

Finland is known as the land of the thousand lakes, which is probably the biggest understatement in the world. There are about 188,000 lakes in Finland, so you see why that statement is not exactly appropriate. But so many lakes and so much forest makes for great hiking , that’s for sure!

It’s also one of the coldest countries in the world, so it’s no surprise that Finns are huge coffee drinkers. They’re number one in the world actually, with an average consumption of 10kg per capita. The cold is also the reason why they’re so into saunas – the country has more than 2 million saunas for its 5 million people!

Language/Culture

The Nordic languages all sound the same to outsiders, but there are many differences between them. There are two distinct groups of Nordic languages – North Germanic and Finno-Ugric. The North Germanic category includes Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Icelandic, while the Finno-Ugric category includes only the Finnish language.

In practice, this means that Swedes and Norwegians can understand a little bit of each other’s languages even if they don’t necessarily speak it, but they won’t understand a word of Finnish – that’s how different the language is.

In some companies in Sweden and Norway, the jobs require you to speak just one of the two languages, regardless of the country you’re in. English is also widely spoken throughout Nordic countries, with as many as 90% of the population speaking it in Sweden.

It’s estimated that around 70% and 80% of people speak English in Finland and Norway, respectively. And most of those are fluent speakers, so it’ll be very easy to make friends. On top of that, various dialects are also spoken throughout Sweden, Norway, and Finland, and they’re different from standardized languages.

When it comes to culture, these three countries share more similarities than differences. Sure, there are certain traditions and norms that are unique to each country, but they’re generally more similar to each other than to other European countries.

Norwegians have their brown cheese, Swedes have their fika (coffee break), and Finns have their saunas, which are just some of the things that are staple for each country.

Something that most Nordic people share is a love for the outdoors. Who can blame them – all three countries are so incredibly beautiful that it’s a shame to waste time indoors, even if it’s extremely cold outside.

Most people who live in Sweden, Norway, and Finland are good at winter sports, especially skiing. And that makes sense, considering that all three countries have parts that are covered with snow throughout the year.

And it’s not just skiing that Nordic people like to do in the winter. They’re a crazy bunch – they like to go surfing in the winter because that’s when they get the highest waves. This is especially common in Norway, so in case you’re also crazy and you want to surf in ice-cold water while it’s freezing outside, you will fit in perfectly!

The love Nordic people have for the outdoors results in a very high percentage of environmentally conscious people in all three countries. It’s ingrained in them from the start, and recycling, eco-friendliness, and sustainability are all extremely important in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

Another thing that is ever-present in all three countries is a great work/personal life balance. One could argue that is the exact reason why people are so happy to live there, and why the living standards are so high in all three countries.

And it’s not just the balance, it’s the entire work culture – there’s just much less stress and rush. It’s common for businesses to close down for the entire month of July because that’s when the weather is the nicest and it’s the best time for a vacation.

Finally, you should get used to boats. Sweden, Norway, and Finland are the top three countries (respectively) by the number of islands they have. Sweden has more than 267,000 islands, and a measly 984 of those are inhabited. Hundreds of islands are without road connections, so a lot of people just use boats to get around. Ferries are also common, especially in Norway.

Cost Of Living  

All three countries have very high living standards so they’re all expensive. It’s expensive to visit them, and unless you’re making serious money, you shouldn’t even consider moving to one of these countries permanently.

I mean you can consider it, but it’s unlikely you’ll actually get citizenship. Norway, Sweden, and Finland all accept a lot of asylum seekers, and they’ve had some trouble with immigrants in the past few years. It was difficult to get a work visa before, and it’s almost impossible now unless you already got a job or are making enough money to sustain yourself.

It’s worth noting that the exact cost of living heavily depends on the city/village you’re living in. Naturally, it costs a lot less money to live in a quaint seaside village than in the capital city, but you’ll have fewer things to do. Consider living in the big cities if you enjoy going out to bars and restaurants, walking around museums, and just being in the center of all action.

On the other hand, if you prefer to live in a more peaceful setting with as few neighbors as possible, you could benefit from staying in a small town or a village. Especially if you love being outdoors, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and everything else that comes with it.

Also, if you were to move to one of these countries, you would eventually need to get a car, preferably an all-terrain vehicle. They’re very common in Nordic countries because they’re pretty much the only way to get around when the winter comes.

Cost Of Travel 

What about the cost of travel? The Nordic countries are extremely expensive for tourists, but they’re worth every single penny. Norway is the most expensive for travelers with high accommodation prices and tourist experiences. Also, the country’s diverse landscape and rugged coast make it extremely difficult (and expensive) to get around the country.

It’s worth noting that AirBnBs are much more affordable than hotels, so consider staying in one if you’d rather not blow your entire budget on accommodation.

If you’re trying to travel north from Oslo, the cheapest option is to fly there. Trains aren’t that popular in Norway, buses can get you to some places but not to all, and driving is common but very expensive.

Norwegians have tolls for driving inside cities, they have toll roads and bridges, and gas prices are some of the highest in the world. Car rental is also expensive with outrageous fees if you want to pick up the car in one town and leave it in another.

Sweden and Finland are not as expensive as Norway, but they’re still very expensive. Naturally, the exact amount of money you need to visit one of these countries depends on what you want to do.

If you just want to rent an Airbnb in the mountains and spend your time exploring the outdoors, you’ll need a lot less money than if you want to stay in the center of Stockholm or Helsinki and go out every night. It’s generally cheaper to stay in places that are not as frequented by tourists, so small towns and villages.

It’s worth noting that Sweden (Stockholm in particular) has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. It’s fairly easy to get around the country, and even driving is easier than in Norway.

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Finland, especially for connections between smaller cities. Trains also run between major towns in the south, but the railway network in the northern parts of Finland is pretty much non-existent.

On the other hand, even some of the smaller towns can have extortionate prices if they’re close to popular tourist locations. If you’re considering renting an apartment outside of a big city and then traveling to that big city every day, don’t do it. You’ll spend so much money on transportation costs that you might as well pay for the expensive big city apartment.

It’s also worth noting that the prices depend on the season. The southern parts of all three countries see more tourists in the summer when the weather is warm enough that swimming in the sea is an option. As a result, the prices of accommodation and tourist packages are higher during this period, and even some transportation options see an increase in prices.

The northern parts of all three countries and Lapland in particular get more tourists in the winter. The places above the Arctic Circle are ideal for Northern Lights viewings, and hordes of people flock to Sweden, Finland, and Norway to chase the Aurora. Again, the increased influx of tourists results in higher prices of accommodation and tourist packages.

Exploring the Nordic countries on a budget means visiting in the off-season. Spend the summer in Tromso and see the Midnight Sun instead of the aurora, and head to Helsinki in the winter and learn to love the saunas.

The Nordic countries are generally perceived as cold, but that’s not entirely true. Sure, all three countries have very cold winters, but the exact temperatures and conditions depend a lot on your exact location. All three countries also have different climates in different regions, with the coldest climates in the north and warmest in the south.

Sweden reaches south the furthest – all the way to Denmark – and it’s the warmest out of these three Nordic countries. It also helps that Norway shields it from the Atlantic Ocean and its cold winds. 

Sweden can be divided into three regions with distinct climates. Central and southern Sweden is the first region, with cold but short winters and mild summers similar to those of southern England. The crucial difference is that Sweden gets a lot more hours of daylight, which actually makes those summers much more enjoyable.

Northeast Sweden has much colder winters, but the summers are still surprisingly mild. The far north of the country has the most extreme winters, with sub-zero temperatures in the double digits. Summers in this part of the country are short and the weather changes a lot, but temperatures often reach a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius.

Norway extends furthest to the north out of these three countries, and it’s actually home to the northernmost point in Europe that is accessible by car – the North Cape. The climate in Norway is very similar to the climate in Sweden, but there are a few differences to note. For one, Norway doesn’t extend as far south, so it’s going to have a slightly colder climate even in its southernmost parts.

Also, Norway has a much larger coast than Sweden, and these parts of the country generally enjoy a milder climate than the inland areas. I’m talking about the western coast – the far northern coast of Norway boasts a cold climate with extremely cold winters and barely existent summers.

Finland is the coldest of the three countries, with a predominantly subarctic climate. The southern coast has a mild continental climate with enjoyable summers and temperatures that are between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. However, in the north of the country, the night temperature frequently drops below 10 degrees Celsius even during the warmest months.

The Finnish Lapland is particularly cold, with temperatures that often drop below -20 degrees Celsius in the winter. The proximity to Russia is one of the reasons for such a cold climate since the weather in Finland is heavily influenced by cold air masses from Russia. Because of that, the northern and eastern parts of the country that border with Russia are the coldest areas of Finland.

Things To Do/Going Out

When it comes to the prices of meals, drinks, movie tickets, and more, all three of these countries are very expensive when compared to the rest of Europe. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will set you back 80-100 Euros, a glass of beer is anywhere from 6-10 Euros, and a cappuccino is between 3-5 Euros in most cafes.

It’s worth noting that these are the average prices in Oslo, Helsinki, and Stockholm – going out in smaller towns is certainly going to be cheaper. I’m sure you can find cheaper restaurants even in the capital cities, but I can’t speak to the quality of service you’ll get in those locales.

You can save hundreds, if not thousands of Euros a month if you just cook at home instead of eating out, no matter which of these countries we’re talking about. Finland and Sweden have similar prices of groceries, and Norway is about 20% more expensive than both.

Another thing worth mentioning here is that all three countries offer countless ways to entertain yourself that are entirely free of charge. I’m talking about hiking trails, mountain peaks, lakes, and all the other amazing nature waiting to be discovered.

You don’t have to spend a dime – just put on your best hiking boots and find the nearest trailhead. It’s a great way to explore more of the country you’re in, you get to enjoy some magnificent views, and you’re discovering new things as you go.

I haven’t even mentioned the most entertaining thing about all three countries, which would be the Aurora Borealis. It’s pricey to chase the aurora for visitors, but if you’re living in Scandinavia and you own a car, it costs nothing (except for gas) to go and chase the dancing lights on your own.

Millions of people visit these countries each winter just to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, just imagine how awesome it would be to live in a country where you can literally wake up to that sight.

Winter sports are also very popular in all three countries and you really should get some skiing lessons if you decide to move permanently.

Best Country To Visit?

You should visit all three countries if you can – they are all incredibly beautiful in their own way, and each has something special to offer to visitors. But if you can only visit one of them, it really should be Norway.

The fjords, the Northern Lights , and the spectacular mountains are just something you need to see with your eyes. Norway boasts a more diverse and attractive landscape than the other two countries, which is what makes it the perfect destination for people who enjoy spending time outdoors.

If you’re into camping, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and pretty much anything that takes place outside, you should go to Norway.

Also, Norway has some of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, so it’s easily the top option if that’s the type of trip you are planning. Tromso in particular is widely regarded as a great place to chase the Aurora thanks to its location above the Arctic Circle.

And they have their fair share of stunning architecture, interesting museums, and unique attractions. Visit an old Viking longhouse, spend the night in a hotel built out of ice, and go on a reindeer sleigh ride to see what it feels like to be Santa for an evening!

Best Country To Live In?

Finland is the best country to live in and for one crucial reason – it was rated as the happiest country in the world for four years in a row, which beats living expenses, scenic landscapes, and popular landmarks by a mile. If you’re going to pack your bags and move to a Nordic country where it’s always cold, you might as well live among happy people.

It’s worth noting that all the Nordic countries are in the top ten of the World Happiness Report 2021 . It’s related to the unique balance of work and private life that people have in these countries, which isn’t that present in the rest of Europe.

Great welfare, paid leave, and shorter workdays are just some of the reasons, but they’re obviously impactful enough to make people living in these countries some of the happiest in the world.

Sweden is a close second, and it should be the first choice for families and couples who want to have children. Their education system is amazing, both parents get up to 16 months of parental leave, and they have an excellent healthcare system that’s mostly funded by taxpayers.

Sweden is one of the best countries in the world for women because they take equal pay and gender equality in general seriously.

RELATED POST: OSLO VS STOCKHOLM

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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Travelling Without a Passport

A fishing village and mountains in the Lofoten Islands, Norway, at sunset

Your Perfect Scandinavia Itinerary (1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks)

norway sweden or finland to visit

As far as European travel destinations go, Scandinavia is easily one of the most captivating. This enchanting region is your gateway to out-of-this-world natural beauty, the northern lights , and an enviable lifestyle that’s considered to be one of the happiest and healthiest on the planet.

I could wax poetic about Scandinavia all day long, but don’t worry — I won’t waffle on. If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’ve already decided you want to explore this breathtakingly beautiful corner of Northern Europe and you’re looking for some itinerary inspiration. Mapping out a Scandinavia itinerary can be as frustrating as it is fun, so let’s dive right in! 

If you’re not sure what to do with your time in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, here are a few itinerary ideas that’ll give you a taste of the region’s greatest hits.

Travel to: Scandinavia

A boat and colourful houses along the harbour in Nyhavn, Copenhagen

One-week Scandinavia itinerary

  • Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo

Thinking of visiting Scandinavia and only have one week to spare? Not to worry! You can still get a feel for the region by visiting its effortlessly cool capital cities over the course of seven days. 

The perfect introduction to Denmark , Sweden , and Norway , this route is great if you’re after a mix of stellar historical attractions, bohemian charm, and a dose of hygge for good measure. Get ready to explore everything from opulent palaces to top-notch museums and world-renowned cuisine in these stylish capitals. 

Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are connected by frequent and reliable high-speed trains, so travelling between the cities is a breeze.

People walking on the roof of the Opera House in Oslo, Norway

Two-week Scandinavia itinerary

  • Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Bergen -> Flåm -> Sognefjord

With two weeks to spend in Scandinavia, you can travel through the contemporary capital cities and explore one of the most spectacular regions in this part of the world: the western coast of Norway .

Immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s superb cafe and culinary scene. Stroll through the cobbled, medieval streets of Stockholm’s Old Town. Learn about Viking history in Oslo. Take in the spectacular vistas on a train ride from Oslo to Bergen. And get ready to be blown away by the spellbinding scenery in Sognefjord. 

Pink skies at sunset over Stockholm, Sweden

See Also: 11 Best Things to do in Stockholm While Travelling Solo

Three-week Scandinavia itinerary

  • Route: Copenhagen -> Gothenburg -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Trondheim -> Bodø -> Lofoten Islands -> Tromsø

Planning to spend three weeks travelling around Scandinavia? Lucky you! This itinerary will take you through the region’s capital cities before heading to Northern Norway for a glimpse of the country’s wild, unspoiled wilderness and (hopefully!) the northern lights.

You could follow this itinerary any time of the year, but Northern Norway is especially magical during the winter months — and, of course, it’s also the best time to see the northern lights . 

Speaking of the northern lights, Tromsø — a small city located 350km north of the Arctic Circle — is renowned for being one of the best places in Europe to witness the remarkable phenomenon that is the aurora borealis. If you have your heart set on seeing those otherworldly celestial lights dancing in the night sky, plan to spend at least a few days here to increase your chances of spotting them.

Want more itinerary ideas? Explore our range of Scandinavia tours and trips to find your perfect adventure now.

The northern lights over water in Northern Norway

Can’t-miss sights and experiences in Scandinavia

Now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, it’s time to start planning the most exciting part of your Scandinavia sojourn: everything you’re going to see and do in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Fuel your wanderlust and get even more amped up about your trip with these can’t-miss attractions and experiences.

  • Sail Norway’s fjords. It’s no secret that Norway has some of the most astonishingly beautiful fjords on the planet. There are more than 1,000 fjords dotted around the country’s coastline, but Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord are two of the most famous.
  • Visit Copenhagen’s famous landmarks. The colourful facades at Nyhavn, the famous Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens are a few musts when you’re sightseeing in Denmark’s laid-back capital.
  • Go island-hopping around the Stockholm Archipelago. Made up of roughly 30,000 islands, this is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and go hiking, sea kayaking, or cycling alongside fields of wildflowers and sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.
  • Try an open-faced sandwich. Smörgås in Swedish, smørrebrød in Danish, smørbrød in Norwegian — the pronunciation of this traditional Scandinavian sandwich may change depending on which country you’re in, but one thing they all have in common? They’re delicious (and you have to try one while you’re in this part of the world).

A traditional red and yellow house on the water with mountains in the background in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

  • See the stunning landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. You’ve probably seen photos of the Lofoten Islands’ craggy mountains and idyllic fishing villages on Instagram, but nothing compares to seeing the rugged beauty of this remote archipelago in person.
  • Explore Denmark’s fairy tale castles. Frederiksborg Castle (which can be visited on an easy day trip from Copenhagen) is a highlight for any castle fanatic, but there are plenty of grand palaces scattered throughout the country.
  • Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden. Thinking of heading to Scandinavia in June? Try to plan your visit to coincide with Swedish Midsummer, an annual festival that celebrates the start of summer with traditional food, music, and a whole lot of pickled herring and schnapps.
  • See the northern lights . Head to Tromsø — Norway’s gateway to the Arctic — for the chance to cross this once-in-a-lifetime experience off your bucket list.

Traditional huts and houses on the Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden

Getting around Scandinavia 

Thanks to an extensive network of train, ferry, and bus services, travelling between Scandinavian countries is both easy and convenient.

Express trains are available between popular destinations (like Copenhagen and Stockholm, for example) and overnight trains are ideal for longer journeys. However, like almost everything else in Scandinavia, train tickets are expensive. Booking ahead and buying an Interrail or Eurail pass will help to keep costs down.

Buses are surprisingly comfortable in Scandinavia, and they offer a viable alternative to the region’s rail network. It’s also worth noting buses are the best transport method of choice when travelling to remote destinations or around the northern reaches of Sweden and Norway.

Mountains and a waterfall in Geirangerfjord, Norway

If you’re short on time — and if you’re planning to travel to the far north — hopping on a flight with a local carrier is your best bet.

Ferries are also an essential part of the Scandinavia travel experience, so don’t forget to pack your motion sickness remedies.

Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to get around the northern part of Sweden and Norway during the winter — especially if you’re planning to rent a car or travel by bus. It’s entirely possible to run into service disruptions or road closures due to inclement weather, so extra planning and preparation is necessary for a Scandinavian holiday in winter. 

What does your dream Scandinavian itinerary look like? Let us know in the comments!

norway sweden or finland to visit

Ashley Nitransky

Ashley is a Content Editor at TourRadar. When she’s not writing, travelling, or obsessively checking flight prices on Skyscanner, you can find her attempting to fine-tune her photography skills or watching a shark documentary.

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Check out the best seasons for the Nordic countries

Visit Rovaniemi / Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd

When to visit the Nordic countries

This guide gives you the best tips when visiting Scandinavia and the Nordic countries and the best places to see.

There's plenty to discover and explore in the Nordic countries, which are stunning year-round.

Experience unique Nordic nature, beautiful sandy beaches , Norwegian fjords and waterfalls, the Northern Lights , modern cities and much more.

Best time for the Nordic countries

Scandinavia and all Nordic countries have four seasons, where you can participate in many activities, tours, and attractions.  Outdoor activities are part of the Nordic lifestyle, and you find many different kinds of outdoor things in the Nordics.

  • Nordic popular outdoor activities
  • Scandinavia Travel Guide

Spring is lovely with blooming flowers, and Summer with long sunny days where you can swim and visit one of the many music festivals. Fall is also great for hiking trips, and in Winter, you can visit some of the many ski resorts,  enjoy indoor “hygge” by the fire, and visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen.

But the best time to visit depends on what you wish to see and do. In summer, the weather is warmer and more pleasant, and daylight lasts more than 16 hours.

Summer in the Nordic countries

Summer,   June, July and August are great times to visit the Nordic countries and the high season in the Nordics. You have long days; in summer, the Sun comes up around 4:00 and sets around 22:30 in most Scandinavia.

In the Arctic region, the sun is above the horizon in the summer months, and you can experience the Midnight Sun  where the sun never goes below the horizon.

For travellers, June, July, and August are the most popular months for visiting Nordic countries. Many tourists choose these months because of the pleasant temperatures and the sunny weather.

If you prefer milder weather and less crowded tourist attractions, May  or September's shoulder seasons present an appealing alternative. You can get lucky to have good weather for several days in those months.

In spring, summer and fall, you can enjoy activities such as:

  • City breaks in the main Nordic cities
  • Visit the many Nordic castles and palaces  
  • Discover the fantastic fjords in Norway
  • Visit one of the many Nordic attractions for kids
  • Swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in Denmark

See also: Weather in Scandinavia  

When to visit Denmark

You can visit  Denmark  in any four seasons, but many tourists visit the country in the spring and the summer.

Especially in May, when the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and there are lots of outdoor activities to do, and all you'll need is a light jacket. If June isn't an option, July, August and September are good alternatives because the weather is still good and not so rainy.

There are lots of outdoor events in Denmark during those months. However, the summer months of July and August are also the time of year in Denmark when you experience the most tourist crowds. The country is also perfect for a  biking holiday  because of the temperatures and the infrastructure. If you want to go to Denmark to avoid the high travel season, May and September can be viable alternatives when to go to Denmark, and the weather is still mild enough for outdoor activities. Before May and after September is the lower travel time of the year in Denmark, and prices of flights to Denmark and local hotels are lower.

  • Highlights in Denmark

When to Visit Sweden

Summer runs from June to August, and Spring from March to May.

Travelling to Sweden in June is an excellent idea to experience outdoor events like Midsummer's Eve and other activities. The weather is quite warm,  and you have long hours of daylight. In the northern part of the Nordic region, you find a unique natural phenomenon called the Midnight Sun, and here the sun is not going down under the horizon.

Also, May and July are great alternatives. It can be rainy in May and June, but July is warmer and drier. July and August can also be slightly more expensive than the earlier summer months, so June is still your best bet for when to go to Sweden.

It is highly recommended in late August and September if you're a budget traveller trying to decide when to go to Sweden. The flights to Sweden will be cheaper than during the high season, along with local hotel prices, and during that time, the weather in Sweden is still mild enough for outdoor attractions, although some sights begin to close during September.

Sweden is a great country to visit in the winter if you want to go skiing and discover the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland.   See more:

  • Top highlights in Sweden

When to visit Norway

Most travellers go to Norway in Spring and Summer, especially in June, July and August. That's the time of the Midnight Sun, so you'll get very long days in southern Norway or even sunshine around the clock in northern Norway , and there are many things to do and places to go in Norway. June and July are also the time for Norway's highest tourism levels, so while all sights and attractions will be open, you will see some tourist crowds. So when should you go to Norway to avoid the high travel season? May and September are lovely alternatives to go to Norway and get lower rates - and the weather in Norway will still be mild enough for outdoor activities and sightseeing. For travellers, the cheapest month in Norway is October. The summer is over, but the ski season hasn't started yet. October can be cold, and many outdoor attractions have begun to close.

Highlights in Norway

When to visit finland.

May through September offer the mildest weather and the highest travel volume. Especially early summer - May and June are pleasant in Finland . When you pick when to go to Finland, remember that the Finnish summer holidays are in July, which equals higher prices. After that, August and September have more annual rainfall. In June, the weather in Finland will be warm, outdoor activities and events are commonplace, and you can witness the Midnight Sun. At the other end of the spectrum are the winter travellers. Finland, in the winter months, offers many kinds of activities. If you want to see the Northern Lights, aim for December. It's a pricey time of year, but Christmas in Finland, with all the snow and the local events, is a great experience. Don't forget to visit Rovaniemi , the Santa Claus Village in Lapland . As a winter sports enthusiast, when to go to Finland is not an issue. You will find many flexible choices between January and March, Finland's coldest months.   See more

  • Highlights in Finland

  When to visit Iceland

The warmest months, June, July, and August, are the best to visit Iceland. 

The Spring has plenty of unpredictable weather, but spring can be a delightful time to visit Iceland. The country begins to bloom literally, and the emergence of the long winter and brighter, longer days puts locals in an upbeat mood.

Summer in Iceland is peak season. Use Reykjavík as the base for explorations or stay in one of many locations around the countryside. Summer is delightful; the sun barely sets, and enjoy the natural phenomenon of the Midnigh t Sun. You'll have the slightest chance of rain during June, and the weather in Iceland stays mild until late August. Come mid-September, though, almost all of the summer activities will be closed until May of the following year. The colder part of the year is also when flight prices to Iceland fall drastically, and suddenly, the local hotels cut their prices by more than half. Budget travellers wondering when to go to Iceland should aim for February or March. They have more daylight than in the earlier winter months. See more:

  • Highlights in Iceland

When to visit Greenland

Greenland falls within the Arctic Circle . In winter, in the Polar darkness, the people there don’t see the sun for three months. This necessarily means no light reaches there in the Arctic region in Greenland . No one enjoys as much sunlight during the summer as Greenland. Even though the summer is precisely hot, per se, it’s enough to give you a good tan on your face. Greenland shares its season cycle with the Arctic.

There are two weather cycles in Greenland, and summer and winter are so different that your experience will vary greatly, in combination with the season when you visit Greenland. The travel season is spread over the summer, winter, and spring. Another important thing is to consider the purposes of your visit. Do you go to Greenland to see the Northern Lights and want to try dog-sledging - October-March is the time to go there.

The high season is between May and September because that’s when the winter ice starts to melt, which gives many exciting options like skiing, boating rides, trips to see the glacier, and some extraordinary polar wildlife like whale watching and experiencing the midnight sun . The amazing Midnight Sun can be explored during the Arctic summertime. Being part of a 24-hour Midnight Sun experience here in the most beautiful natural surroundings in the world is unforgettable.

  • Highlights in Greenland

  

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Routes North - Nordic travel guide

Sweden vs Finland: which one should you visit?

If you’re planning a trip to the Nordic countries, Sweden and Finland are both great places to begin your adventure.

You might think that because these two countries are neighbors, they’d be pretty similar.

And while that’s true in some ways, Sweden and Finland are distinctly different places with their own cultures, histories and traditions.

Let’s run through the main differences – from the incredible things you can see in each country, to what you can expect to pay for things when you’re visiting.

Size and population Climate See and do Cities Nature Cost Safety Culture Language

Should you visit Sweden or Finland?

Which country is bigger?

Sweden is larger than Finland in both size and population: its land area is 528,448 square kilometers (that’s around 204,000 square miles).

Meanwhile, Finland’s total area is around 338,439 square kilometers (or 130,700 square miles).

The population of Sweden is around 10.3 million. Finland’s population is about half that, at 5.5 million people.

Perhaps understandably, when you consider that large areas of Finland and Sweden are covered by thick forest, most people in both countries live in urban areas.

In fact, more than 85% of Finns and Swedes live in towns and cities. This means that while most of the manmade tourist attractions are condensed into a few big cities, there’s a huge amount of unspoilt nature to enjoy.

Do Sweden and Finland have the same climate?

Both Sweden and Finland have very distinct seasons, and the temperature difference between summer and winter can be huge – so make sure you check the weather before you visit.

Generally speaking, both countries’ share a similar climate. Summers are mild and temperate with occasional showers. Winters, on the other hand, are typically very cold – and the further north you travel, the colder things get.

If you travel anywhere above the Arctic Circle – which you can in both Sweden and Finland – you’re likely to experience severe weather. Temperatures can and do drop below -30°C in winter, often accompanied by heavy snow!

Also bear in mind that because Sweden and Finland are located in the far north of Europe, they experience long summer days and short winter days.

The effect is more pronounced the further north you travel. So while Stockholm gets around 6 hours of daylight during December, up in the northernmost reaches of Lapland, the sun barely rises above the horizon.

Conversely, during midsummer, there is barely any darkness in Swedish and Finnish Lapland – and you can experience the strange sensation of skiing, skating or barbecuing under the midnight sun .

When you decide to visit really depends on what you’re hoping for. Summer is best for epic hikes and trips to the southern cities of Sweden and Finland, when you can enjoy boat tours to the islands around Stockholm and Helsinki.

In both Sweden and Finland, winter is a magical time for outdoor activities like snowmobile tours and watching the northern lights , or perhaps even visiting Father Christmas .

Things to see and do for visitors: Sweden vs Finland

Sweden and Finland are great options for anyone visiting the Nordic countries for the first time.

Both countries have an abundance of unspoilt national parks, and Sweden and Finland are both in the top three EU countries in terms of forest cover .

You can see the northern lights in Sweden or Finland

This means that there are loads of opportunities for outdoor activities, including camping and hiking, all year round.

Prefer big cities? Try Stockholm or Helsinki (the capital cities) or smaller, easy going cities like Gothenburg or Turku.

You’ll find that wherever you go, there’s a sense that Finns and Swedes get an awful lot right – whether that’s cheap, clean public transport, or an eye for clever design which seems to pop up in the most unlikely places.

Cities: Sweden vs Finland

The best starting point for a Swedish getaway is the capital, Stockholm .

In Stockholm you will find a plethora of world famous museums, the old district of Gamla Stan , and its many islands. Stockholm is built on 14 islands, each with a unique vibe – and there are thousands more to explore in the archipelago just offshore .

Sweden’s second-biggest city is Gothenburg . It’s known for its cool industrial vibe and epic seafood.

Take a walking tour to really see the city and grab a classic Swedish fika (coffee, cake and a chatter) at one of the cute cafés in the old working class district of Haga.

Finland’s biggest and most popular city to visit is Helsinki . There are a few notable things to see here such as the harbor, the nearby Sea Fortress, and the innovative art scene that is apparent throughout the city.

A great way to see Helsinki is by taking a boat tour around the archipelago. Not only will you see some incredible views, but it will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of this city.

Nature: Sweden vs Finland

Sweden’s landscapes range from flat farmlands in the southern region of Skåne to snowy mountains in the north and west. The country is very ‘long’ from north to south, which means that your experience will vary a lot depending on where you start.

Sweden also has the most islands of any country, and it is estimated that there are around 221,800 islands. It could take a lifetime to explore them all.

Finland boasts beautiful pine forests and over 188,000 lakes. Water sports are very popular during the summer in Finland so you should definitely consider taking a canoe adventure if you find yourself at one of these lakes!

Sweden is home to thousands of tiny islands

Both of these countries are also home to many wildlife species such as reindeer, moose, and even bears. In the north, it’s not uncommon to spot herds of reindeer or lonesome elks crossing the roads.

If you want to see a truly magical phenomenon, then head up north to get a glimpse of the northern lights . Sweden and Finland both have some of the best aurora-spotting opportunities in the world – see our recommended tours here .

And while Sweden pioneered high-end ‘experience’ hotels like the Icehotel and the Reindeer Lodge , Finland still dominates the Christmas vacation market and even has its own Santa-themed resort .

Which is more expensive: Sweden or Finland?

Unfortunately, a trip to the Nordics can be costly, no matter where you go.

Finland is marginally more expensive than Sweden for most travel-related expenses, including tours, accommodation and meals out.

As a general rule, big cities such as Stockholm and Helsinki will be the most expensive places to explore, but there are some exceptions.

In popular northern cities like Kiruna (Sweden) and Rovaniemi (Finland) prices can be higher due to the relatively high numbers of foreign visitors, who help push prices up.

For a decent double room in central Helsinki, expect to pay around 130 EUR per night. A similar hotel in Stockholm usually comes in a little cheaper at approximately 120 EUR per night.

Meanwhile a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Stockholm will cost around 130 SEK (that’s about 12 EUR) whereas in Helsinki it will cost a tiny bit more, at around 13 EUR per person.

The price differences aren’t huge, and you can easily save by shopping around and being flexible with your plans.

A smart way to save some money while traveling is to book your accommodation in advance. Booking.com is a helpful site to find affordable places to stay, whether it be a hotel, hostel, or a B&B.

What about safety?

Crime in Sweden has been increasing in recent years and the crime rate is significantly higher than in Finland.

Petty crimes are committed, just like anywhere, but in recent years it’s gang-related violence and shootings that have understandably attracted the most attention. According to Numbeo, the crime index for Sweden is 48.68 while Finland is 26.80.

That said, Sweden remains a very, very safe country by international standards, and the chances of being caught up in any trouble as a foreign visitor are extremely low.

Whichever country you choose, it’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and to take out adequate travel insurance – especially if you’re planning on doing any kind of outdoor activity or winter sports.

It’s not easy (or especially helpful) to make generalisations about Swedes and Finns.

But if you are looking for cultural differences between the two countries, then a couple of main things stand out.

Sweden is very much a Scandinavian country , with close cultural links to Norway and Denmark .

Finland doesn’t have those same cultural ties, and has also been influenced more from the east (not least by Russia, which annexed the country).

Many Swedes and Finns have an affinity with nature

Swedes tend to be slightly more outgoing and individualistic than Finns, and this is perhaps reflected in the fact that Sweden has produced a seemingly disproportionate number of globally successful musicians, entrepreneurs and social media personalities in recent years.

Finns meanwhile tend to be more risk averse, and are generally a more quietly reflective bunch.

There are some big similarities too: Swedes and Finns both like punctuality, egalitarian social structures and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Finland is almost always ranked top in lists of per-capita coffee consumption, with Sweden usually ranked in fifth or sixth place worldwide.

Languages in Sweden and Finland

The official language of Sweden is Swedish, and the official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.

That’s right: Finns in some parts of the country still learn Swedish from birth, and finlandssvenskar (Finns with Swedish as their mother tongue) are an important part of Finland’s cultural patchwork.

Both Sweden and Finland recognise the Sámi languages that are still spoken across the regions sometimes referred to as Lapland, but it’s unlikely you’ll hear these unless you’re visiting those regions and spending significant amounts of time with Sámi people.

Swedish and Finnish can both be tricky for English speakers to learn (Finnish much more so than Swedish!) but otherwise they have almost nothing in common.

Swedish is a North Germanic language (like Danish) while Finnish is a Uralic language, more closely related to Hungarian.

But there’s no need to panic if you’re planning to visit – most Swedes and Finns under the age of about 85 have very good spoken English skills.

Nevertheless, learning a few essential words and phrases from the country you’re planning to visit is always a good idea to impress the locals.

But overall, you can get by almost everywhere with only English, especially in the larger cities.

Should you visit Sweden or Finland?

Sweden and Finland are both incredible countries with so much to offer. Regardless of which one you decide to visit, you’re unlikely to regret it!

If time allows, the best thing to do would be to see a little bit of each country. After all, they are right next to each other, so why not visit both?

You can easily combine a trip to Sweden and Finland by taking the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki , for example!

See also: Sweden vs Norway Denmark vs Finland Scandinavian vs Nordic: what’s the difference?

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Here's How You Can Visit 3 European Countries in Just 3 Seconds

Get bragging rights forever.

norway sweden or finland to visit

Oliver Biallawons/Getty Images

If you're in a race to rack up as many countries on your "been there, done that" list, then we've got one very special place for you to visit that will allow you to technically be in three countries at once. 

Just outside of Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden , travelers can make their way to the small village of Kilpisjärvi. There, they can set out to hike to Treriksröset, the exact point where Sweden, Finland, and Norway intersect.

There, travelers can walk out on a small wooden walkway to a cement cairn, first placed in 1897 by both the Russians and Norwegians to mark the border. (At the time, the section of Finland was owned by Russia.) It was replaced with the current cement cairn in 1926. Once you're there, you can walk the pathway around the cairn in a matter of seconds and brag to all your friends about it forever. 

Though, getting to this point isn't exactly an easy feat. As Kiruna's tourism site explained , once travelers arrive in Kilpisjärvi, they can choose to hike 11 kilometers (about 6.8 miles) to the cairn. If they pick this slightly arduous path, they will at least be rewarded with walking through Malla , Finland's oldest national park. 

Kiruna's website also noted that travelers can take the easier route by hopping aboard the M/S Malla , a 45-minute tourist boat to Koltaluokta that's available from midsummer to the end of September. From there, travelers just need to hike the remaining 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) to the final stop.

As for the return trip, the boat stops and waits for about two hours, so you just need to hustle to the cairn and get back in time for your return ride. (ThoKiruna'sna's website suggests "to take the boat there and walk back.”) Missed the boat this year? The site is then only available via snowmobile or skis, which you can do via a guided tour .

Of course, this is far from the only place where three nations intersect at a single point, which is known as a tripoint. In fact, according to Earth Observatory , the United Nations registry lists an estimated 176 tripoints around the world, with China boasting the highest number of tripoints at 16. (Note: the number is estimated due to disputed territories.)

There are also some rather famous tripoints that are a bit more accessible, including the one intersecting Germany, France, and Switzerland, and even one place with a " quadripoint " — the intersection of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. And now that you know all this, maybe "collecting tripoints" can be the new collecting passport stamps" challenge.

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Freedom to Roam in Finnish Lakeland, Swedish Lapland, and the Norwegian Fjords

Go off the beaten track in finland, sweden, and norway to discover the best of northern europe’s wild nature in this adventurous, wide-ranging itinerary..

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Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa

Courtesy of GoSaimaa

Travel across the landscapes of Finnish Lakeland, Swedish Lapland, and the Norwegian fjords, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and Sami culture, and experience the power of Nordic nature. You’ll visit the Nordic cities of Helsinki, Bergen, Stavanger, and Kiruna and explore the landscape through engaging activities. It’s a trip filled with the joy of friluftsliv , the Nordic concept of life in the open air, and under-the-radar destinations in Northern Europe. And you can always turn to 50 Degrees North for tours and Nordic expertise.

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Trip Highlight

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The nordics.

Helsinki Cathedral<br/>

Helsinki Cathedral

Courtesy of Tern Bicycles/Visit Helsinki

Day 1 Exploring Helsinki

Kuru Resort

Courtesy of Julia Kivelä/Kuru Resort

Day 2 Helsinki to the Lake Saimaa Region

Day 3 adventures in linnansaari national park.

A Finnish sauna experience immersed in nature

A Finnish sauna experience immersed in nature

Photo by Harri Tarvainen/Visit Finland

Day 4 Rantasalmi to Joroinen

Steamboats in Mikkeli

Steamboats in Mikkeli

Courtesy of Visit Mikkeli

Day 5 Joroinen to Helsinki to Kiruna

An Ice Hotel suite

An Ice Hotel suite

Courtesy of Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se

Day 6 The Wilderness of Arctic Sweden

Sarek National Park

Sarek National Park

Photo by Anders Ekholm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Day 7 Sami Cultural Experiences and a Distinctive Spa

Bergen Bryggen

Bergen Bryggen

Photo by Giovanni Tagini/VisitNorway

Day 8 Norway’s Mountains and Fjords

Pulpit Rock with a view of Lysefjord

Pulpit Rock with a view of Lysefjord

Photo by Øyvind Heen

Day 9 Hardangervidda National Park

The cozy streets of old Stavanger

The cozy streets of old Stavanger

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen/VisitNorway

Day 10 Stavanger, Lysefjord, and Flørli 4444

Delicious cuisine, like that of a Swedish Fika, or coffee break, abounds throughout the Nordic countries.

Sweden vs Norway: which Scandinavian country beckons for you?

Kerry Walker

Jul 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Take in Norway's Arctic Circle or head to Sweden's West Coast in Bohuslän.

Go north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, or stick to the seaside in Sweden’s Bohuslän? © iStock

With their chic cities, dramatic landscapes and high quality of life, the countries of Scandinavia remain objects of worldwide fascination. Yet if you’re looking to dip your toe into Nordic waters, where do you begin?

To help you make up your mind, we asked two expert writers to expound on two of the region’s best-known countries, Sweden and Norway. Good luck as you consider your options up north.

Select sensational Sweden 

Paula Hotti’s first trip abroad was a family holiday to Stockholm in her early teens. Later, she road-tripped around the country and lived for a year in Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg – only to fall in love with the charms of Sweden’s west coast.

Norway might have its Arctic archipelagos, meandering mountain roads and cascading waterfalls, true. But in Sweden , you can let your soul drift in seaside paradises, on epic hikes or under the magic of the aurora borealis.  

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If you venture to Sweden for the first time, start in the capital,  Stockholm . Built on 14 islands, the city’s oldest quarter is Gamla Stan (Old Town), its centerpiece the Royal Palace . While the area dates back to the 13th century, and the majority of its buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, Gamla Stan isn’t covered with cobwebs: it’s a vibrant neighborhood whose cobbled streets brim with cafes and boutiques that beg to be explored. 

From Stockholm, it’s easy to jump onto a ferry and head to the archipelago that radiates from the capital. In 20 minutes, you’ll glide from trendy city streets to a calmer place, its pace of life set by the ripples of the Baltic Sea.

Although I adore Stockholm, my heart belongs to Bohuslän on the west coast . Bohuslän lies between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border, and its thousands of islands and cute coastal towns like Smögen and Fjällbacka make the area a summer haven – think hiking, biking and eating all fresh seafood you can manage. In winter, a light dusting of snow blankets the coastal cliffs. As the sea freezes, the summer idyll turns into a serene winter wonderland, with lighthouses and red huts dotting the white seascape. This is a place to stare out at the horizon and let your mind rest.

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For the adventurous, Swedish Lappland is unbeatable. Among an abundance of hiking treks to choose from, the Kungsleden, or King’s Path, reigns supreme. Running for about 450km (280 miles) from Hemavan to Abisko, the trail is easily divided into shorter stints. The most regal scenery and highest elevations are at the end and the beginning of the trail. Abisko is also reputedly the world’s finest spot to see the aurora borealis – and I believe it, as this is where I witnessed the celestial phenomenon for the first time in my life.

For cities, there’s no real competition between Sweden and Norway. Stockholm exudes unbeatable Scandi-cool vibes, and you cannot even speak of the second cities Gothenburg and Bergen in the same breath. (Unless you love rain, that is: Bergen gets an average of two to three times more rain than Gothenburg per month.)

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Designed by the Dutch in 1621, Gothenburg has canals, cuteness and character in spades. The city is also regularly hailed for its sustainability , only adding to its livable allure. In addition to its parks and leafy avenues, you will also find quaint neighborhoods tucked between Rosenlundskanalen (where a few restaurant boats moor) and the slow-flowing Göta River. Perhaps the most appealing is the formerly working-class suburb Haga , an epicenter of fabulous boutiques, restaurants and cafes, all in pastel-colored wooden houses.

Haga may be the best place in the country to enjoy fika , a dedicated time for coffee and cakes. There’s nothing cozier than snuggling up in one of Haga’s coffee shops, such as Café Husaren , which bakes Sweden’s arguably biggest cinnamon buns. 

To sum it up, a sojourn in Sweden soothes your spirits. Life just tastes sweeter here.

Norway: nature in overdrive 

A lover of cold, mountainous places, Lonely Planet author Kerry Walker was immediately smitten with Norway – and has made it her mission to travel the length and breadth of this ravishing country over the past decade.  

My first visit to  Norway threw me in at the Arctic deep end – and I’ve been obsessed with Scandinavia’s most gorgeous country ever since. What snow! What ethereal blues! What crazy witch hat–shaped mountains leaping out of jewel-like seas! Norway’s beauty is off the charts.

Sledding Husky Having Fun

On that trip, I used  Bodø as a springboard to explore the neverland of the high north. I crossed the Arctic Circle on foot in the frozen hush of night. I gazed up to the wizard-wand flashes of the northern lights. I heard the howl of huskies as I mushed over pearl-white slopes, feeling as if my sled would take flight any second. I hauled in skrei (Arctic cod) on an old clipper and cooked it over a campfire on a snowy beach. I huddled in a Sami lavvu tent, with reindeer gathered around outside. I bounced on a rigid inflatable boat past the whirlpools and rapids of Saltstraumen , the world’s most powerful maelstrom, as sea eagles screeched overhead. I will carry these memories with me forever. 

Sweden is pretty, no doubt – but it can never match Norway for mind-blowing wilderness, with glaciers, thundering falls and pointy mountains that look like the figment of a child’s imagination. (It’s no wonder Norway inspired Disney’s  Frozen .) This is an elfin fantasy land. A land touched by magic and sprinkled with fairy dust.

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In a country that prizes friluftsliv (outdoor living) over all else, culture nods to nature here, too. In  Oslo , you’ll be drawn to Edvard Munch’s paintings of swirling Nordic light and mysterious fjords (see his surreal work at the architecturally striking  Munchmuseet , plus the view that inspired The Scream at  Ekebergparken ). The sea-faring, battle-hungry Vikings left their mark on medieval stave churches, none lovelier than the Unesco World Heritage one in  Urnes on the shores of Lustrafjorden. And up in the Arctic, Alta wows with prehistoric rock art depicting hunter-gatherer life at the  Alta Museum and the aurora-framing  Northern Lights Cathedral .

But what about the food? Surely Sweden wins there? Nope. Norway is riding high on the culinary front, with chefs putting creative riffs on brilliantly fresh ingredients plucked from fjord, forest, field and mountain. The country now has restaurants right up there on the podium with Europe’s best, from two-Michelin-starred  Renaa in Stavanger, where the food sings joyously of the seasons and foraged finds, to the Valentine Warner–hosted Kitchen on the Edge of the World at Holmen on the thrillingly wild Lofoten Islands . And now everyone is raving about Michelin-starred  Under in Lindesnes, a restaurant dropped deep into the sea on Norway’s storm-smashed  south coast .

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But more than anything it’s the outdoors that pulls me back. Here, you can give civilization the slip hiking in  Jotunheimen  (“Home of the Giants”), a glacier-topped, mountain-rippled treat of a national park. Here, you can kayak and cruise in wonder across  fjords of turquoise and sapphire blue, gawping up at rainbow-kissed waterfalls nosediving over cliffs and great fang-like mountains. Here, you can go on a summer musk-ox safari in the bleakly beautiful highlands of  Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park and stomp past mainland Europe’s largest ice cap, the Jostedal Glacier, in  Jostedalsbreen National Park . Here, you can strike out from the fjord-side city of  Stavanger to literal rock stars like knife-edge  Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) and  Kjeragbolten , a mad boulder wedged between two heart-stoppingly sheer cliffs.

Wherever you go, there’s something exhilarating about knowing that no matter how many fjords you cruise, helter-skelter roads you drive and insanely steep mountains you climb, Norway has more to keep you coming back for a lifetime.

And you will, I promise you. 

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norway sweden or finland to visit

Wildlife & Nature

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Best Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days + Nordic (Norway Sweden Denmark Finland)

Read about detailed and day-wise Scandinavia itinerary 15 days + Nordic (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland Itinerary) with things to do, places to visit with distance and how to commute in-between places, overnight stay with hotel names, adventure activities, and boat tours.

ALSO READ : Best Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days (Norway, Sweden, Denmark Itinerary)

scandinavia itinerary 15 days

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Scandinavia is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, Northern lights, and high-quality lifestyle. Therefore read Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland itinerary for 15 days with things to do. 

Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark

7 days in Denmark - denmark itinerary 7 days

  • Arrive in Copenhagen and check into your hotel .
  • Explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Nyhavn Harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and Christiansborg Palace.
  • Visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with beautiful gardens and thrilling rides.
  • Enjoy Danish cuisine at local restaurants.

Day 2: Copenhagen

  • Take a canal tour to see the city from a different perspective.

scandinavia itinerary 15 days

  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro, known for its vibrant atmosphere and street art.
  • Experience the lively nightlife in the Vesterbro district.
  • Overnight in Copenhagen.

Day 3: Stockholm, Sweden

  • Travel to Stockholm by train or flight.

Sweden 7 days itinerary - sweden in 7 days

  • Visit the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) and explore its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.
  • ALSO READ : Best Sweden Itinerary 7 Days (Things To Do + Hotels + Vegan Food)
  • Explore the Vasa Museum , which houses a 17th-century warship that sank and was salvaged after 333 years.
  • Stroll along Djurgården Island and visit attractions like the Skansen open-air museum and Gröna Lund amusement park.
  • Overnight in Stockholm. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Hellsten.

Day 4: Stockholm

  • Explore the modern part of Stockholm, including the trendy district of Södermalm.
  • Visit the ABBA Museum and learn about the iconic Swedish band.

sweden itinerary 7 days - sweden in 7 days

  • Explore the art galleries and boutiques in the trendy neighborhood of Östermalm.
  • Overnight in Stockholm.

Day 5: Oslo, Norway

  • Travel to Oslo by train or flight.
  • Check into your hotel and start exploring the city.
  • Visit the Viking Ship Museum and see well-preserved Viking ships.

Scandinavia itinerary 10 days - 10 day scandinavia itinerary

  • Visit the Oslo Opera House and enjoy its stunning architecture.
  • Overnight in Oslo. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Thon Hotel Terminus.

Day 6: Oslo

  • Explore Oslo’s historical and cultural sites, such as the Royal Palace and the Akershus Fortress.
  • Visit the Nobel Peace Center and learn about the Nobel Prizes and laureates.
  • Stroll along Aker Brygge, a waterfront area with restaurants and shops.
  • Explore the museums on Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum.
  • Overnight in Oslo.

👉🏼Epic Croatia Itinerary 10 Days + Best Places To Visit, Daywise Things To Do, & Vegan Food

Day 7: Bergen, Norway

  • Travel to Bergen by train or flight.

scandinavia in 10 days scandinavia itinerary - 7 days in norway

  • Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen.
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, known for its colorful wooden buildings.
  • Visit the Bergenhus Fortress and the Hanseatic Museum to learn about Bergen’s history.
  • Overnight in Bergen. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Scandic Byparken.

Day 8: Bergen

scandinavia itinerary 15 days

  • Visit Troldhaugen, the former home of the renowned composer Edvard Grieg.
  • Explore the picturesque neighborhoods of Bergen, such as Nordnes and Sandviken.
  • Overnight in Bergen.

Day 9: Gothenburg, Sweden

  • Travel to Gothenburg by train or flight.

Sweden in 7 Days - sweden itinerary 7 days

  • Explore the Haga district, known for its charming wooden houses and cozy cafés.
  • Visit the Universeum, a science center with interactive exhibits.
  • Overnight in Gothenburg. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Flora.

Day 10: Gothenburg

  • Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago and take a boat tour to visit some islands.
  • Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art and admire its extensive Nordic and international art collections.
  • Walk along Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main boulevard, and visit the Trädgårdsföreningen Park.
  • Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.
  • Overnight in Gothenburg.

Day 11: Helsinki, Finland

  • Travel to Helsinki by ferry or flight.

scandinavia itinerary 15 days

  • Explore the Market Square and try local delicacies like Finnish pastries and smoked salmon.
  • Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved into solid rock.
  • Overnight in Helsinki. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Arthur.

Day 12: Helsinki

  • Explore the Design District and visit the Design Museum to learn about Finnish design.
  • Take a stroll along the Esplanade Park and enjoy the street performances.
  • Visit the Ateneum Art Museum and admire its Finnish and international art collections.
  • Explore the unique architecture of the Kamppi Chapel of Silence.
  • Overnight in Helsinki.

👉🏼Finland Northern Lights Best Itinerary + Best Places To See & Things To Do

Day 13: Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Return to Copenhagen by ferry or flight.

7 days in Denmark - denmark itinerary 7 days

  • Visit the National Gallery of Denmark and admire its collection of European art.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Latin Quarter.
  • Overnight in Copenhagen .

Day 14: Copenhagen

  • Visit the Carlsberg Brewery and learn about the history of the famous Danish beer.
  • Explore the Frederiksberg Gardens, a beautiful park with a palace and a zoo.
  • Take a bike tour around the city to explore further.
  • Enjoy a Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) for lunch.

Day 15: Departure

  • Check out of your hotel and depart from Copenhagen, marking the end of your Scandinavian adventure. 

15 Days Scandinavia Itinerary Useful Resources 

Scandinavia itinerary 10 days - 10 day scandinavia itinerary - sweden itinerary 7 days

Read some helpful information about the Scandinavia tour before planning the Scandinavia itinerary 15 days.

Distances between Cities – Scandinavia 15 days Itinerary

Approximate distances between the major cities in Scandinavia and the estimated travel times by train:

Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden :

  • Distance: Approximately 650 km (400 miles)
  • Travel Time: Around 5-6 hours by train

Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway:

  • Distance: Approximately 530 km (330 miles)
  • Travel Time: Around 6-7 hours by train

Scandinavia itinerary 10 days - 10 day scandinavia itinerary

Oslo, Norway to Bergen, Norway:

  • Distance: Approximately 400 km (250 miles)

Bergen, Norway to Gothenburg, Sweden:

  • Distance: Approximately 320 km (200 miles)
  • Travel Time: Around 3-4 hours by train

Gothenburg, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland:

  • Distance: Approximately 600 km (370 miles) by flight
  • Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by flight (direct flights available)

Helsinki, Finland to Copenhagen, Denmark:

  • Distance: Approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) by ferry
  • Travel Time: Around 16-18 hours by ferry (overnight trip)

How To Commute Internally – Norway Sweden Denmark Finland Itinerary Planning

norway itinerary 7 days

  • Train Operators:  The leading train operators in Scandinavia are DSB in Denmark, SJ in Sweden, and NSB in Norway. These operators offer regular train services connecting major cities and towns within each country.
  • Ticket Types:  Train tickets in Scandinavia come in different types, including single-use tickets, round-trip tickets, and flexible tickets. Single-use tickets are valid for a specific journey, while round-trip tickets cover a return journey between two destinations. Flexible tickets offer more flexibility in terms of travel dates and times.
  • Booking Tickets:  Train tickets in Scandinavia can be booked online in advance through the respective train operator’s website or third-party websites offering train ticket bookings. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred travel times and get the best fares.
  • Seat Reservations:  Some trains in Scandinavia require seat reservations, especially for long-distance and high-speed trains. Seat reservations ensure that you have a designated seat for your journey. When booking your train ticket, check if a seat reservation is included or needs to be purchased separately.
  • Train Passes:  If you plan to travel extensively by train in Scandinavia, consider purchasing a rail pass. The Interrail Pass and Eurail Pass are popular options that offer flexible travel within multiple countries. These passes allow unlimited train travel within a specified period, providing excellent value for frequent train journeys.
  • Boarding the Train:  Arrive at the train station early to locate your platform and boarding area. Trains in Scandinavia are generally punctual, so make sure to be on time. Look for the carriage number on your ticket and board the appropriate train carriage.
  • Onboard Facilities:  Trains in Scandinavia typically offer comfortable seating, luggage storage, and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and food and beverage services. Some trains also provide scenic views, especially when traveling through the countryside or along the coast.
  • Commuting Within Cities:  Trains are also a convenient mode of transportation for getting around cities. Each city has a local train or metro system, such as the Copenhagen S-train in Denmark, Stockholm Metro in Sweden, and Oslo Metro in Norway. These systems are efficient and connect various neighborhoods and attractions within the cities.

Vegetarian food options – Scandinavia 15 days itinerary

Uk 10 days itinerary - things to do in UK in 10 days

Copenhagen, Denmark:

  • Copenhagen offers a good variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Look out for places like Plant Power Food, which specializes in plant-based comfort food. The organic restaurant Souls serves a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Additionally, you can find vegetarian options in many international cuisines, such as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Italian.

Stockholm, Sweden:

  • Stockholm has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene. Check out Hermans, a vegetarian buffet restaurant with a stunning city view. Chutney offers delicious Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes. Other notable options include Veganbar and Veggie by Paul’s.

Oslo, Norway:

  • Oslo has a decent selection of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Mathallen Food Hall is a great place to explore various food stalls with vegetarian options. For vegetarian sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, try Happolati. Nordvegan is a popular vegan spot in the city, offering tasty plant-based dishes.

Bergen, Norway:

  • Bergen may have fewer vegetarian-focused restaurants, but you can still find suitable options. Legal Food is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that offers a variety of dishes. Pingvinen is a traditional pub with vegetarian options available. For vegan and vegetarian sandwiches and wraps, check out Fresko.

In addition to dedicated vegetarian restaurants, most places in Scandinavia will have vegetarian options on their menus. Look for terms like “vegetarian” (vegetarian) or “vegans” (vegan) when ordering vegetarian Food in your Scandinavian countries.

Must Do Tours in Scandinavia itinerary 15 Days 

Here’s a list of must-do tours in the mentioned cities:

  • Canal Tour: Take a boat tour along Copenhagen’s picturesque canals to see the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective.
  • Tivoli Gardens: Explore the historic amusement park, known for its beautiful gardens, thrilling rides, and live entertainment.
  • Christiansborg Palace: Join a guided tour of the palace, including the Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Stables, and the Royal Kitchen.
  • Food Tour: Embark on a food tour to sample Danish specialties like smørrebrød, Danish pastries, and craft beers.
  • 7 Days In Denmark (Best Denmark Itinerary + Hotels + Ultimate Things To Do)
  • Archipelago Boat Tour: Take a boat tour through Stockholm’s stunning archipelago, visiting some islands and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
  • Gamla Stan Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Gamla Stan (Old Town) to explore its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and historic sites.
  • ABBA Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of ABBA with a tour of this interactive museum featuring memorabilia, costumes, and music.
  • Royal Palace: Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace to see the opulent Royal Apartments, the Treasury, and the Royal Chapel.
  • Viking Ship Museum : Explore the museum and see the well-preserved ships, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing Viking history.
  • Oslo Fjord Cruise : Take a leisurely boat cruise along Oslo Fjord, passing scenic landscapes, islands, and iconic landmarks.
  • Holmenkollen Ski Jump : Visit the ski jump area and take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding area.
  • Oslo Opera House : Take a guided tour of the striking Oslo Opera House, known for its modern architecture and panoramic views from the rooftop.
  • Fløibanen Funicular: Ride up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords.
  • Bryggen Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about its history and architecture.
  • Fjord Cruise: Take a boat tour through the majestic Norwegian fjords, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty.
  • Troldhaugen: Visit the former home of composer Edvard Grieg and enjoy a guided tour of the museum, his cabin, and the beautiful gardens.

Gothenburg, Sweden:

  • Liseberg Amusement Park: Enjoy thrilling rides, live performances, and beautiful gardens at this renowned amusement park.
  • Gothenburg Archipelago Tour: Join a boat tour to explore the picturesque islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago, with opportunities for swimming and nature walks.
  • Universeum: Visit this interactive science center, featuring exhibits on everything from animals and space to the human body.
  • Haga Walking Tour: Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Haga, known for its cozy cafés, boutiques, and historic wooden houses.

Helsinki, Finland:

  • Suomenlinna Fortress Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed sea fortress on a guided tour, learning about its history and enjoying the scenic views.
  • Helsinki Design District Tour: Discover Finnish design with a guided tour of the Design District, including visits to boutiques, galleries, and design studios.
  • Market Square Food Tour: Sample Finnish delicacies at Helsinki’s lively Market Square, including fresh seafood, reindeer meat, and Finnish pastries.
  • Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: Visit this unique museum, featuring historic Finnish buildings and structures, and learn about traditional Finnish culture.

These tours offer a great way to experience each city’s highlights and unique attractions. Remember to check availability and book beforehand, especially during peak travel seasons.

Frequently asked questions Scandinavia itinerary 15 Days 

Scandinavia itinerary 10 days - kayaking

What is the best time to visit Scandinavia for a 10-day itinerary?

  • The summer months (June to August) are generally the best time to visit Scandinavia as the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy longer daylight hours. However, each season has its charm, and you can plan your visit based on your preferences.

Is English widely spoken in Scandinavia?

  • English is widely spoken in Scandinavia, especially in major cities and tourist areas. You’ll be fine communicating with locals and seeking assistance if needed.

What is the currency in Scandinavia?

  • Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), and Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Carrying some local currency for small expenses is advisable, although credit cards are widely accepted.

How do I get around Scandinavia between cities?

  • Scandinavia has an efficient transportation system. You can travel between cities by train, bus, or domestic flights. Trains are a popular choice, offering comfort, scenic views, and convenient connections. Buses are a cost-effective option, especially for shorter distances. Domestic flights can be faster for longer distances.

How do I book train tickets in Scandinavia?

  • Book Train tickets online through national railway websites, such as DSB for Denmark, SJ for Sweden, and Vy for Norway. Better to book in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your preferred schedule and seating.

Are there vegetarian food options available in Scandinavia?

  • Yes, vegetarian food options are widely available in Scandinavia. Most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian dishes, and you’ll find vegetarian-friendly options in major cities. It’s also helpful to inform the staff about your dietary preferences to ensure suitable meals.

What should I pack for my Scandinavia trip?

  • Pack layers of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions. Include a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Remember essentials like a power adapter, sunscreen, and any necessary medications.

Are there any cultural customs or etiquette I should be aware of?

  • Scandinavians value personal space and privacy, so respecting their boundaries is polite. Tipping is not mandatory when dining out, as the bill usually includes service charges. However, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.

Are there any safety concerns in Scandinavia?

  • Scandinavia is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it’s always advisable to take standard safety precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings, being aware of your surroundings, and following local guidelines or warnings.

Now you can plan the best Nordic countries with this 15 days Scandinavia itinerary. So enjoy your Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland trip with this detailed Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland itinerary (Scandinavia itinerary 15 days). 

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The Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

Are you thinking about planning a trip to Scandinavia ? Made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, this region is a top destination whether you’re looking to experience the northern lights or visit the grand capital cities. 

This useful guide will help you figure out the best times to visit and the best places to see in Scandinavia. Get ready for a bucket-list worthy trip to the land of the Vikings, steep mountains, long fjords and majestic waterfalls.

Best time to visit Scandinavia

With four distinct seasons, Scandinavia has plenty to offer all year long. When is best to visit for you is personal and may depend on your pre-booked holidays, what you want to see and experience, or your preferred season.

Read below for a short-and-sweet guide to the best time to visit Scandinavia.

  • During the summer months, you could take on a self-drive trip around Scandinavia or join a small guided tour  with a local guide
  • Throughout the year, travel around Scandinavia independently via scenic trains and cruises journeys

norway sweden or finland to visit

1. Best time to visit Scandinavia for weather

Summer in Scandinavia, the months of July and August , is a great time to visit. At this time of year, you’re more likely to have pleasant and stable weather. Nature comes alive and locals and visitors alike can enjoy the great outdoors.

Another bonus of summer is the extended daylight hours. Take advantage of long days with more sightseeing and excursions.

The summer is also a good time for a road trip. Take the wheel, enjoy the warmer weather, go off the beaten track, and find your own corner of paradise.

  • Browse these summer Scandinavia packages

2. Best time to visit Scandinavia for quieter travel

Scandinavia is very popular with travellers – for excellent reasons! But do you dream of a quiet holiday, to experience the natural wonders in peaceful reflection? Or to capture the perfect photos without too many distractions?

Travelling during in winter has many benefits that you may enjoy. One of which is experiencing the country at your own relaxed pace.

If you would like to take advantage of the fairer weather and quieter attractions, visit during the shoulder season in May or September .

3. Best time to visit Scandinavia to see the northern lights

While summer may be ideal to visit the Nordic countries , it is not the best time to see the northern lights.

To see the aurora borealis you need a clear, dark sky, which is difficult to find in the Arctic region. This includes Northern Norway, Svalbard, Finnish and Swedish Lapland where the sun doesn't fully set in summer.

For the best chances of dark skies and northern lights spotting, visit Scandinavia and especially its northern reaches between October and March.

  • Check out Scandinavian northern lights tours

norway sweden or finland to visit

Best places to visit in Scandinavia

Encompassing Denmark, Norway and Sweden, this northern region of Europe has so much to offer. While planning a trip around Scandinavia, the only challenge you’ll have is to narrow down the places you’ll want to see.

Here are some suggestions to add to your Scandinavian itinerary: 

1. Oslo, Norway

Norway's capital, Oslo , is a must-see city blending nature with modern, urban vibes. Chances are you will fly into Oslo to visit Norway, making it a perfect first stop on your itinerary!

Head outdoors to admire the green hills and surrounding mountains of Oslo. Or enjoy the vibrant cultural life, visiting world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Munch Museum or the Kon-Tiki Museum .

  • Book one of these Norway holiday packages

norway sweden or finland to visit

2. Bergen, Norway

Bergen , Norway’s second largest city, is a great place to experience rich cultural and historical attractions, as well as seeing majestic natural wonders.

Nicknamed the "Gateway to the Fjords", you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Norway’s’ longest fjord, Sognefjord , and the beautiful Hardangerfjord.

You can also spend hours walking around the streets of this vibrant city, exploring museums and its old town, the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen .

  • Look up city breaks in Scandinavia to explore Bergen as well as the capital cities
  • Related: 7 Scandinavian cities you need to visit

norway sweden or finland to visit

3. Lofoten islands, Norway

Discover Norwegian natural beauty at its finest in the Lofoten islands .

As an archipelago within the Arctic Circle, this region boasts plenty of dramatic scenery with mighty mountains, craggy coastal lines, pristine waterways and quaint fishing villages. Svolvær, the main community of Lofoten, is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

This is an excellent place to visit for keen bird watchers in summer, and for those chasing the northern lights  in winter.

  • Explore tours to the Lofoten islands

norway sweden or finland to visit

4. Flåm, Norway

The small town of Flåm is an ideal stop to relax during a bustling trip around Norway or Scandinavia.

Nestled at the heart of the western fjords, you’ll find a wealth of natural attractions a stone’s throw from this tiny village. Admire the mighty mountains, stunning fjords, and powerful waterfalls.

From here, you could hop on a fjord cruise, or aboard the famous Flåm Railway , known as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world!

  • Experience the comfort of train travel and see the sights from your window with one of these Scandinavian tours by rail

norway sweden or finland to visit

5. Preikestolen, Norway

Conquer your fear of heights at the gravity-defying Preikestolen . Its name means "Pulpit Rock", given because of its odd shape resembling a preacher’s pulpit.

You could admire it from a boat tour along the fjords, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could hike up Pulpit Rock . It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to make this 8-kilometre (5-mile) round trip.

At the top, enjoy the views over the Lysefjord from the 604-metre (nearly 2,000-feet) high cliff!

  • Visit Scandinavia in the summer months, June , July or August , to go hiking, kayaking and more

norway sweden or finland to visit

6. Sognefjord, Norway

Prepare to be amazed by Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Also known as the "King of the Fjords", it's a breathtaking site with towering mountain peaks and tranquil waters.

If you take part in the legendary Norway in a Nutshell© tour , you will pass through Aurlandsfjord , an arm of the Sognefjord. This will allow you to really take in its vastness. Sognefjord itself also extends inland to Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks.

norway sweden or finland to visit

7. Geirangerfjord & Nærøyfjord, Norway

Escape to an area of renowned natural beauty. The UNESCO World Heritage-protected Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are often referred to as the "world’s most stunning fjords" and you're in for a treat.

Spend a day cruising along their peaceful waters, looking up at the steep mountainsides, and spotting wildlife. You could also admire views of powerful waterfalls, such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil .

  • Sail along fjords, rugged coastlines and across the Baltic Sea on a cruise of Scandinavia

norway sweden or finland to visit

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Discover Stockholm, the enchanting capital of Sweden. Here you can spend your days discovering Swedish culture and history.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of the 13th-century old town (Gamla Stan). This area is dotted with interesting attractions such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace.

You could also head out to Djurgården to visit the Vasa Museum, the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Or take a boat trip around the stunning Stockholm archipelago .

  • Explore these Sweden holiday packages

norway sweden or finland to visit

9. Gothenburg, Sweden

While making your way through Sweden, don’t forget the western city of Gothenburg. With its chilled-out and trendy vibes, the country's second largest city is one of the best vacation spots in Sweden .

Here, you’ll discover neoclassical architecture along quaint streets and grand canals. You could dine at romantic gastropubs in Haga, ride rollercoasters at the 1920s Liseberg amusement park, and take a cruise along the Gothenburg archipelago.

  • Check out these tours of Sweden to explore the country in more depth
  • Related: Best group tours in Europe for solo travellers

norway sweden or finland to visit

10. Icehotel, Sweden

Sleep on ice at the legendary ICEHOTEL in Sweden – a quintessential Nordic experience!

During the day, you can try your hand at fun winter activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. By night, keep warm on a reindeer-skin-covered ice bed. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the dancing northern lights in the sky above. 

  • Head north to have a  winter getaway in Lapland

norway sweden or finland to visit

11. Copenhagen, Denmark

Travel to the fairytale city of Copenhagen, where you’ll discover royal palaces, nods to writer Hans Christian Andersen, and canals lined with colourful houses.

You could easily fill several days visiting all of Copenhagen’s cultural and historical attractions. But make sure to visit the extravagant Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal family, and Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park.

  • Visit Copenhagen as part of a  Scandinavian triangle tour that also includes Stockholm and Oslo

norway sweden or finland to visit

12. Helsinki, Finland

While not technically part of Scandinavia, don’t forget Finland when travelling through the Nordic countries.

Cross the Baltic Sea to Helsinki and experience Finnish culture at its finest. Here, you’ll find modern buildings alongside ornamental, Art Nouveau architecture, which makes exploring the city a real treat.

We recommend checking out the Design District, Temppeliaukion (an incredible rock-carved church), and Market Square.

  • Take an  independent tour of Scandinavia including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway

norway sweden or finland to visit

13. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Relive childhood fantasies by visiting the official hometown of Santa Claus in the capital of Finnish Lapland.

After you’ve met the jolly old fellow, make sure to visit the Arktikum museum. Or head into the great outdoors to experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

Rovaniemi is also a good spot to chase the northern lights during the winter months.

  • Visit in  December , January , February or March to enjoy the winter wonderland

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Planning your trip to Scandinavia

Booking a trip to Scandinavia couldn't be easier with Nordic Visitor. You can take your pick from the large selection of self-drive itineraries , train and cruise packages , and guided group tours .

Choose your favourite itinerary and we'll do the rest for you. We'll book your accommodation, in-country transportation and transfers, and activities. So all you have to do is fly here and enjoy your holiday! 

When you’re ready to start planning your Scandinavian getaway, get in touch with our travel consultants who can arrange it all for you. They can even customise your itinerary should you have any particular needs and interests.  We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Scandinavia!

camila blog profile

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF SCANDINAVIA & FINLAND CRUISE

Best of scandinavia classic, related posts, 7 scandinavian cities you need to visit.

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Scandinavia in Winter: What to Do & Where to Go

7 amazing scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors, why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel.

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  • Finland , Norway

Finland vs. Norway

Finland vs. Norway

Table of Contents

Delving deeper, it’s not just about natural beauty. These two Northern European nations offer a richness of history and culture that can leave any visitor in awe. So, are you ready to explore what lies beneath the surface?

History & Culture

When it comes to history and culture, both Finland and Norway offer a mosaic of experiences that tells tales of the past, while shaping their present-day identities.

Finland, known as the ‘land of a thousand lakes’, boasts a culture deeply rooted in its ancient folklore. The Finnish people have a powerful connection with nature, which you can see reflected in their customs, art, and music. Their history, shaped by periods of Swedish and Russian rule, has made the country a dynamic blend of eastern and western influences.

The Finnish language and the unique concept of ‘sisu’ – a term describing the national character of resilience and grit – are testaments to the country’s intriguing history.

On the other hand, Norway, known as the ‘land of the midnight sun’, takes pride in its Viking heritage. This seafaring culture from a thousand years ago has greatly influenced Norway’s contemporary identity. The nation’s history was marked by maritime prowess, tales of exploration, and a deep reverence for nature and the gods.

Today, Norwegian culture continues to celebrate these ancient ties, with an emphasis on egalitarian values, outdoor living, and a deep-seated love for dramatic landscapes.

Yet, the countries aren’t frozen in their pasts. They’ve adapted and grown, embracing modernity while keeping their historical roots intact.

Finland’s famed design culture merges functionality with aesthetics, evident in its architecture and everyday objects. Norway, in turn, embraces its history of exploration and adventure in its innovative approaches to technology and sustainability.

In conclusion, both Finland and Norway boast rich histories and vibrant cultures. The Finnish have a unique relationship with their surroundings, reflecting a blend of eastern and western influences, while Norwegians hold their Viking heritage and natural landscapes close to their hearts. Whichever country you choose to visit, you’re bound to immerse yourself in a captivating cultural journey. So, are you ready to take a step toward these intriguing histories and cultures?

Attractions & Activities

When it comes to attractions and activities, both Finland and Norway hold a plethora of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.

In Finland, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through its diverse landscapes. In the winter, the snowy Lapland region offers prime spots for viewing the Northern Lights, creating an enchanting spectacle that should be on your bucket list. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a thrilling dog sled ride or snowmobile tour in this arctic wonderland.

Meanwhile, the capital city, Helsinki, is a hub of art and design, home to the remarkable Sibelius Monument and the modernist masterpiece, Temppeliaukio Church, carved from natural bedrock.

Over in Norway, the majesty of nature is front and center. The country’s renowned fjords, such as the awe-inspiring Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, provide breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. The historic city of Bergen, with its colorful wooden houses, offers a gateway to these natural wonders.

For a dose of adventure, you could head to Trolltunga, an iconic rock formation hanging 700 meters (about 2296 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, promising panoramic views to those who conquer the challenging hike.

Though steeped in nature, both countries also offer vibrant urban experiences.

Helsinki’s Design District, a hub for creativity, has boutiques, galleries, and design studios showcasing Finnish innovation. In contrast, Oslo, Norway’s capital, offers a balance of modern architecture and green spaces. Highlights include the modern opera house and the Vigeland Sculpture Park, one of the world’s largest sculpture parks made by a single artist.

In summary, both Finland and Norway offer an array of activities and attractions, each with its unique charm. Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, marveling at Norway’s fjords, exploring Helsinki’s design scene, or immersing yourself in Oslo’s fusion of green spaces and modern architecture, both nations promise a memorable adventure.

Eating, Drinking & Nightlife

The culinary scenes, drinking cultures, and nightlife in Finland and Norway each have distinctive flavors and vibes waiting to be explored.

For food lovers, Finland offers a menu steeped in tradition with a modern twist. From hearty Karelian pies and reindeer dishes to the deliciously sweet pulla bread, Finnish cuisine offers a diverse palate of tastes. It’s also a paradise for lovers of fresh fish, with salmon and herring taking center stage in many dishes.

In contrast, Norway’s culinary tradition is heavily influenced by its long coastline and love for the outdoors. It’s known for its superb quality seafood, especially its salmon, cod, and king crab. Norway’s traditional dish, Rakfisk – fermented trout, is also a must-try for the adventurous.

When it comes to drinks, both countries share a love for coffee. However, Finland takes it to the next level, holding the record for the highest coffee consumption per capita in the world. For those seeking stronger beverages, Finland’s unique cloudberry liquor is worth a taste.

Norway, on the other hand, is renowned for its craft beer and aquavit, a spirit distilled from potatoes. Wine enthusiasts can also explore the country’s increasing selection of locally produced fruit wines.

As for nightlife, Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is known for its vibrant scene with a mix of trendy bars, nightclubs, and music venues. In contrast, Norway’s nightlife, especially in cities like Oslo and Bergen, is more laid-back but equally diverse, with a focus on cozy pubs, live music, and waterfront hangouts.

In summary, whether it’s feasting on traditional cuisine, savoring unique drinks, or experiencing the nightlife, both Finland and Norway offer an intriguing mix. Each country provides a unique blend of tastes and experiences that are sure to satisfy your culinary curiosity and desire for adventure.

When it comes to retail therapy, both Finland and Norway offer unique shopping experiences that capture their cultural heritage and modern sensibilities.

In Finland, design and craftsmanship take the spotlight. Helsinki’s Design District is a treasure trove of Finnish design, featuring over 200 shops, boutiques, galleries, and museums. Here, you can find everything from iconic Iittala glassware to Marimekko’s bold prints and fabrics.

Norway, on the other hand, offers a blend of tradition and trend. Oslo’s Aker Brygge neighborhood is known for its chic boutiques and upscale brands, while the Grünerløkka district offers a hip vibe with its eclectic mix of vintage shops, indie boutiques, and local artisan stores. Norwegian wool sweaters and Viking-inspired jewelry are popular take-home items.

In conclusion, the shopping experiences in Finland and Norway are unique reflections of their respective cultures. Whether it’s the design-centric boutiques of Helsinki or the trendy districts of Oslo, both countries offer a diverse range of products and experiences that can cater to different shopping preferences. So, ready to explore and take a piece of the North home with you?

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodations, both Finland and Norway offer a range of options, each with its unique charm.

In Finland, you’ll find everything from chic city hotels to rustic cabins in the wilderness. Helsinki’s upscale hotels blend Finnish design with luxury, while in Lapland, glass igloos provide an enchanting way to experience the Northern Lights right from your bed. Meanwhile, cozy lakeside cottages offer a more laid-back stay, immersing you in Finland’s beautiful natural scenery.

Norway also offers a diverse range of lodgings. In cities like Oslo and Bergen, you’ll find modern hotels with all the amenities, while the fjord regions offer cabins and lodges with breathtaking views.

For an unusual stay, consider the underwater cabin at Lofoten’s Manshausen Island Resort or the “birdbox” cabins in Fauske, providing a unique and immersive nature experience.

In conclusion, whether you prefer the comforts of city hotels, the uniqueness of design accommodations, or the tranquility of nature retreats, both Finland and Norway have something to offer. So, where will you rest after a day of Nordic exploration?

Family-Friendliness & Children’s Activities

When it comes to family-friendly destinations, both Finland and Norway roll out a welcoming carpet for the young and the young-at-heart.

Finland offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities. In Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village provides a magical experience with its year-round Christmas spirit. Over in Helsinki, the Sea Life Aquarium and Linnanmäki Amusement Park offer fun-filled days for families.

Norway, with its abundant nature and adventurous spirit, is equally delightful for children. In Oslo, the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology provide engaging learning experiences. For outdoor fun, the Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock hikes, though challenging, offer rewarding family adventures.

In conclusion, whether it’s meeting Santa in Finland, exploring the Viking history in Norway, or simply enjoying the great outdoors in both countries, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities. So, are you ready to make some unforgettable family memories in the Nordic region?

Getting There & Getting Around

Traveling to and around Finland and Norway is quite straightforward, with various options available depending on your preference and budget.

Getting to Finland is often via Helsinki Airport, which is well-connected with direct flights from many major cities worldwide. For Norway, Oslo Airport serves as the main international gateway. Both airports are approximately 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles) from their city centers, making the journey quick and convenient.

Once you’re in, exploring both countries is made easy with their efficient public transport systems. Finland’s network of buses, trams, and trains make city-to-city travel a breeze. For Norway, ferries are a popular way to navigate its coastal cities and fjords, while trains and buses serve the inland areas.

Cycling is also a popular and eco-friendly way to get around in both Finland and Norway, especially in the cities. For longer distances, domestic flights are available, and they can save you a considerable amount of travel time.

In conclusion, whether you’re flying in from a distant land or navigating the scenic routes within the countries, Finland and Norway’s well-established transport systems make the journey enjoyable and stress-free. So, ready to start your Nordic adventure?

Finland and Norway, being Nordic countries, are known for their contrasting seasons, each offering unique experiences.

In Finland, winter usually starts in November and lasts until March, with temperatures ranging from -22°F to 32°F (-30°C to 0°C). During this period, expect snow-clad landscapes and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Summer, from June to August, offers the Finnish “Midnight Sun,” with temperatures around 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), perfect for outdoor activities.

On the other hand, Norway’s coastal regions experience milder winters due to the Gulf Stream, with temperatures from 23°F to 37.4°F (-5°C to 3°C). However, inland areas can get as cold as -4°F (-20°C). The summer, from June to August, brings in comfortable temperatures ranging from 64.4°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C) under the famous “Midnight Sun.”

In conclusion, both Finland and Norway promise a diverse climate. Whether it’s Finland’s snowy winter or Norway’s milder coastal climate, each season brings its own charm. So, when will you be packing your bags for this Nordic adventure?

When it comes to safety, both Finland and Norway rank high on the list of the world’s safest countries.

In Finland, crime rates are generally low, and it’s known for its transparent and reliable law enforcement. It’s safe to walk around, even at night. Similarly, Norway maintains a low crime rate, with a high level of security. As always, it’s advised to take standard precautions, especially in larger cities.

An important non-crime safety topic for both countries is nature safety. When hiking in Norway’s mountains or exploring Finland’s forests, it’s important to have suitable equipment, inform others of your plans, and respect the wildlife.

In summary, whether you choose Finland or Norway, you can expect a high level of safety, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation. But remember, no matter how safe a place is, it’s always wise to stay vigilant, right?

Budgeting for a trip to Finland or Norway requires understanding the cost of living in these Nordic countries.

In Finland, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant may cost around €11-15 ($13-18). Mid-range hotel accommodation might cost about €80-130 ($95-155) per night. For transportation, a monthly pass for public transit is roughly €55 ($65).

In Norway, dining out could be more expensive, with meals in an inexpensive restaurant costing about NOK 150-200 ($17-23). A night in a mid-range hotel is likely to cost around NOK 800-1200 ($90-135). As for transportation, a monthly public transit pass is approximately NOK 700-800 ($78-89).

In summary, Norway tends to be a bit pricier than Finland. However, both countries provide high-quality services, which balance out the costs. But remember, a well-planned budget is always a good travel companion, isn’t it?

Which Is Better – Finland or Norway?

Deciding between a holiday in Finland or Norway is no small task, as both Nordic countries present a vibrant tapestry of unique experiences.

Regarding history and culture, Finland and Norway have deep roots. The resilient Finnish spirit is reflected in its rich historical tales and unique customs, while Norway’s Viking legacy and indigenous Sami culture offer intriguing insights.

If history and culture are your key interests, you might lean towards Finland for its unique cultural offerings, while Norway entices with its ancient Viking history and Sami heritage.

In terms of attractions and activities, both countries are compelling. Norway’s fjords and Finland’s thousands of lakes offer breathtaking landscapes. Finland, with its magical Lapland, is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

If you’re an outdoorsy person, Norway’s stunning fjords and hiking trails might win your heart, while Finland’s snowy landscapes are a paradise for those who love winter sports.

When it comes to beaches, Finland’s numerous lake beaches and Norway’s fjord beaches each have their charm. Finland’s extensive coast and lakes make it ideal for those who prefer serene freshwater settings, while Norway’s unique fjord beaches may appeal more to adventure seekers.

In the sphere of eating, drinking, and nightlife, both countries have thriving scenes. Finnish cuisine, with its delicious pastries and hearty meals, coupled with vibrant nightlife, promises a unique experience.

Meanwhile, Norway provides a rich culinary journey through its seafood and unique craft beers. If you’re a foodie, Finland’s unique cuisine may be more appealing, while seafood lovers might find Norway’s offerings more enticing.

Shopping in these countries offers a different set of joys. Finland is known for its design items and handmade crafts, while Norway offers a range of outdoor gear and unique Sami handicrafts. If you’re a design enthusiast, you’d love shopping in Finland, but if you’re into outdoor gear and unique cultural artifacts, Norway could be your shopping paradise.

Finland offers a variety of accommodations, from city hotels to unique glass igloos and cabins in Lapland. Norway also offers a wide range, including hotels, guesthouses, and mountain cabins. Both countries are also highly family-friendly, with plenty of activities for children, making them excellent choices for family vacations.

Finally, considering the ease of travel, safety, weather, and costs, both countries are similar. They both have reliable transportation, are among the safest globally, offer diverse weather conditions, and, although not cheap, provide high-quality services that justify the costs. Your choice might hinge on your budget, safety preferences, and the kind of weather you enjoy.

In conclusion, your choice between Finland and Norway would depend on your preferences and interests. But one thing’s for sure, whether you choose Finland or Norway, you’re in for an unforgettable Nordic adventure!

Estonia vs. Finland

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Norway vs Sweden: Which Scandinavian country should you visit?

Golden hour at Aurlandsfjord in Norway

Dreaming of fjords and frolicking through forests?

When you want to go everywhere (*raises hand*), picking your next travel destination isn’t easy. Especially when it’s between Norway and Sweden . Both countries are ridiculously beautiful (like take-your-breath-away kinda beautiful) and are home to some of the world’s happiest people; this is even more impressive considering how long and dark Scandinavian winters are.

In an ideal world you’d jump on Intrepid’s Taste of Scandinavia trip to explore Norway, Sweden  and  Denmark. But if annual leave or budget allows for only one country, which will it be? We’ve broken down the top considerations to help you make the call. 

A cityscape of Oslo

Oslo is smaller and more compact than Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, but it packs a punch. It boasts a happening waterfront, loads of quirky modern buildings, an eclectic collection of museums, and a burgeoning coffee and temporary art scene — including Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park.  

Norwegians are all about friluftsliv   (outdoor living). The city is built on the end of the Oslo Fjord so you’re never too far from rugged islands, hiking trails, lakes and mountains. In fact, you’ll often see locals carrying their cross-country skis on the metro in winter. You’d probably prefer Oslo if you’re an outdoor lover at heart.

But Oslo is just the start. There’s also Bergen with its rich history (including one of Europe ’s oldest harbours), thriving restaurant scene and incredible views. Not to mention the gorgeous city of Alesund with its vibrant Art Nouveau architecture and quaint waterways set against a backdrop of sea and mountains.

Related: Check out some tips to do Norway on a budget

The colourful buildings of Gamla Stan (Old Town) in Stockholm

From the country that gave us ABBA and Spotify, it’s no surprise that its capital oozes cool kid energy. Stockholm is all about culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle, with restaurants, galleries, bars, shops and museums galore. Built on 14 islands (which are part of the vast Stockholm Archipelago), it’s a great city to walk or cycle around; it has even been dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’.

Stockholm has more rustic charm than Oslo, with a mix of sleek modern architecture and well-preserved historic buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. The most famous area is Gamla Stan (old town), an open-air museum where you can get lost in winding laneways, admire the colourful homes of the aristocracy and marvel at one of Europe’s largest palaces, AKA the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Oslo also has an old town, but Gamla Stan has more grandeur.

There’s also Gothenburg with its winding canals, flourishing art scene and lively waterfront. And we can’t forget about Malmo with its multicultural markets, fairytale-like castles and modern seaside promenade.

The term’ natural playground’ is thrown around a lot, but there’s no better way to describe Norway and Sweden. No, really, access to nature is a public right in Scandinavia, meaning you can hike, bike, pitch a tent or forage almost anywhere you want. And it’s just as well, because they’re frequently named among the most beautiful countries in the world.

Trollfjord in Norway

Norway’s landscapes are as wild and dramatic as it gets. It’s home to some of the world’s most impressive fjords, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Formed over millions of years by glaciers and ice sheets, these deep, narrow waterways give rise to soaring cliffs and provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and kayaking.

Norway’s mountainous interior is just as spectacular. Nestled between the peaks you’ll find vast plateaus and valleys where nature thrives. Norway also has 40 national parks and nature reserves, and arctic tundra in the far north.

Related: 15 photos so beautiful they’ll put Norway on your bucket list

The Stockholm Archipelago

Sweden’s landscapes are more enchanting than dramatic. The southeastern regions are primarily flat with rolling hills, forests, farmland and lakes (all 97,000 of them!). The northwest is more rugged with the Scandinavian Mountains stretching from the north to the south, as well as some of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Europe.

Sweden also has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and one of the world’s largest archipelagos (the Stockholm Archipelago), which comprises over 30,000 islands and islets. There are endless opportunities to explore.

Both countries have a lot to offer. Norway is the place to be if you’re into mountains, glaciers, and fjords. If forests, lakes and islands are more your jam, you may prefer Sweden.

Related: Why consider solo travel in Scandinavia

As neighbouring countries with strong historical ties, there are many similarities between Swedish and Norwegian cuisine. There’s a focus on hearty dishes made with root vegetables, oily fish and meat. They also share a tradition of preserving food using smoking, pickling and fermenting techniques; this was historically a way to ensure families had enough food to survive the harsh winters.

Norwegian sour cream porridge

Norwegian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s abundant fjords and coastlines, so it’s more fish-focused. Must-try dishes include gravlax (cured salmon), sursild (pickled herring), torrfisk (dried cod) and Norwegian fish gratin. Other famous dishes include farikal (the national dish of mutton and cabbage), sour cream porridge with cured meat or cinnamon, and brunonst (brown cheese) eaten on a slice of bread or with waffles and jam. You could also try smalahove (sheep’s head) if you’re feeling adventurous.

A bowl of Swedish meatballs

Swedish cuisine includes more pork, beef and game. It’s famous for meatballs (which you’ll know if you’ve ever been to IKEA), which are typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber.

Fish is also popular, particularly salmon, herring and crayfish. In fact, the Swedes even host summer crayfish parties complete with crayfish-themed table decor and hats. Other fish dishes include surstromming (fermented herring) which is known for its pungent smell, and raksmorgas (Swedish shrimp sandwich).

However, one of the best things about Swedish cuisine — and culture — is fika. Fika translates to “a coffee and cake break”, but it’s so much more than that. Fika can be a mini break from work, a way to catch up with a friend, a networking activity… in other words, it’s a social institution.

Some companies even add a clause in employment contracts to entitle staff to fika. A traditional fika spread comprises seven types of cake, cookies and pastries. Needless to say, Sweden’s patisserie game is strong; some would even argue it gives the French a run for their money.

When to visit

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably not looking for guaranteed sun. Spoiler alert: you won’t get that in Scandinavia! Norway and Sweden share a similar climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

Unless you’re into winter sports, summertime (June to August) or the shoulder months of May and September are when these countries shine. The weather is warm, nature comes alive and there are extended daylight hours to explore. If you head north above the Arctic Circle between May and July, you may even experience a phenomenon known as the midnight sun, when the sun remains visible throughout the night.

Three women wearing traditional flower crowns for Swedish Midsummer celebrations

Summer in Scandinavia is a big deal. In fact, there’s a whole festival called Midsummer dedicated to it; it takes place on the solstice in June. But Sweden has one up on Norway here. Midsummer in Sweden is a national holiday and the celebrations are big. Locals gather to eat lunch in the garden, dance around maypoles wearing flower crowns, and sing folk songs over a glass (or two) of snaps. (Where do I sign up?)

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, you’ll be glad to know you can see them in both countries. They can be seen all over Norway and Sweden, but the further north you go (ideally above the Arctic Circle ), the better your chance. September to March is the best time to see this natural wonder when the night skies are very dark.

The verdict

Norway might be the better choice if you’re looking for epic landscapes and outdoor activities. But if you want a mix of city life and outdoor adventures, Sweden could be the way to go.

Keen for a Scandinavian adventure? Check out Intrepid’s range of trips in Sweden and Norway .

Feeling inspired?

norway sweden or finland to visit

Cliona Elliott

Originally from Jersey (the tiny island in the English Channel), Cliona now lives in Melbourne, Australia. When she's not writing about all things travel for Intrepid, you'll find her chasing flavours, getting lost in local markets or waking up at a ridiculous time to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain.

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Seek Scandinavia

Norway vs Sweden: Which Should You Visit (or Move To)?

Scandinavia is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for a quick city break or considering a permanent move, both Sweden and Norway offer a unique set of experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. 

But how do you choose between these two stunning destinations? Both countries are steeped in rich history, boast gorgeous landscapes, and offer endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. 

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of visiting or even moving to Sweden vs Norway, so you can make an informed decision about which is the best choice for you. 

From bustling cities to breathtaking fjords, from culinary delights to outdoor activities, I’ll cover everything you need to know to help you make your decision with confidence.

flags of Norway and Sweden

Table of Contents

Norway vs Sweden: Geography and Population

Norway and Sweden are two long countries, each with its own unique charm and breathtaking landscapes. With a population of just over 5 million, Norway is a little smaller than Sweden, which has a population of over 10 million, but both offer an abundance of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Driving from the south to the north of either country can take anywhere from 21 to 38 hours, depending on the route, so it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your trip. This also means that both countries have a lot to offer, with substantial geographic variety and a diverse range of regions to explore.

From Norway’s wild west coast to Sweden’s long eastern coastline facing the Gulf of Bothnia, each country has its own distinct coastal charm. Norway’s frost and fjords provide a stunning backdrop for your next adventure, while life in Sweden is great if you love to explore the great outdoors.

people walking in the street of Sweden

So, rather than just visiting “Norway” or “Sweden,” think about exploring specific regions within each country. This way, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the unique beauty and culture of each location. 

Whether you’re a nature lover or a culture enthusiast, both Norway and Sweden offer an experience you’ll never forget.

Related: 11 Most Beautiful Norwegian Islands For You To Explore

The capital cities of Norway and Sweden

Both Norway and Sweden are home to some of the biggest cities in Scandinavia, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a global city with a Scandinavian twist. Here, you can explore the gorgeous old town, Gamla stan, and visit world-class museums like the Vasa museum and ABBA museum. With its 14 islands, Stockholm, which is easily one of the best places to live in Sweden , is never far from the water and is the perfect place to experience the natural beauty of Scandinavia.

On the other hand, Oslo, the rapidly growing capital of Norway, is another must-see city. With its easy access to the forests and islands of the Oslofjord and the fascinating sculpture parks, Oslo is a city that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

a beautiful view of houses in Oslofjord Norway

It’s got a lively waterfront, contemporary architecture, and a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, making Oslo the perfect destination for those looking for a more relaxed city vibe.

Both Stockholm and Oslo are fantastic cities to visit, but I have to say that if you’re looking for sheer city beauty, Stockholm takes the prize. Known as one of the most attractive cities in Europe, Stockholm is perfect for a visit in both summer and winter, with an Insta-worthy view on almost every street corner. 

You may also be interested in: Stockholm vs Copenhagen: Which Is Better to Visit?

What to see in Sweden and Norway

Norway and Sweden both offer an array of breathtaking experiences that will leave you in awe. While Norway is famous for its dramatic landscapes, Sweden is known for its lush greenery and cultural attractions.

In Norway, you can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the fjords, glaciers, and mountains. Some of the must-visit places include the Lofoten Islands, Tromso, and the Sognefjord area. 

The Lofoten Islands are a great place to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, while Tromso is known as the “capital of the Arctic.” Sognefjord is a fjord area that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. 

Other popular tourist attractions include the Viking Ships Museum in Oslo, Bygdoy Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf in Bergen, and the Atlantic Ocean Road.

Lofoten Island in Norway

While Norway may be all about jaw dropping nature, Sweden, on the other hand, will let you immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the country. The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is the country’s most popular museum, displaying the best-preserved 17th-century ship in the world. 

The old town of Stockholm, known as Gamla Stan, is a must-visit destination that offers a glimpse into the medieval history of the city. The Drottingholm Palace is another historic landmark located just a short distance from Stockholm. 

Additionally, the country is home to innovative designers who are focused on sustainability, and you can sample some delicious local food, like the smorgasbord, and seafood. As I’ll go through below, the food scene in Stockholm is second to none.

And if you’re looking for a unique experience outside of the capital, make sure to visit the Liseberg Theme Park in Gothenburg and Lund Cathedral. The country is also home to the Oresund Bridge in Malmo, which connects Sweden and Denmark and offers a chance for a day trip.

Norway vs Sweden corner restaurant in Stockholm

Norway doesn’t get to have all the natural fun though, as Sweden is known for its beautiful landscapes, with over 90,000 lakes and a thriving forest that’s teeming with wildlife. You’ll be able to explore the lush greenery and check out waterfalls and lakes that look like they belong in a fairy tale. 

On the other hand, Norway is really one of the best destinations in the world for those looking for an adventure. With its challenging terrains, like those you’ll find surrounding fjordside towns like Undredal Norway is a great place for hikers and those looking for a new experience.

You can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Geirangerfjord and witness amazing waterfalls. Norway is also a great place for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, and you might even be able to see whales in some areas. 

While it can get a little colder in Norway, it’s worth noting that the country is known for being one of the happiest places in the world, with the longest road tunnel in the world and a cheerful population.

Ultimately, both Norway and Sweden offer unique experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you’re looking for a cultural escape or an outdoor adventure, these countries have it all and are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

waterfall in Norway

Costs in Norway vs Sweden

Clearly, Norway and Sweden are two countries with a lot of similarities, but the cost of living can vary greatly between them. While Norway may offer more opportunities for career advancement, the cost of food and restaurants can be up to 35% higher than in Sweden. 

Similarly, rent in Norway can also be a staggering 32% higher than Sweden on average, let alone how much houses cost in Norway to buy.

Perhaps unsurprisingly based on this, Sweden has a slight edge in purchasing power, making it a more budget-friendly option for tourists. From cabin stays to outdoor activities, there are many ways to save money while exploring the beautiful country. 

In comparison, Norway may have the edge when it comes to natural beauty, wildlife tours, and extreme sports, but be prepared to spend more money on your adventure.

street in Gamla Stan Sweden

Don’t get the impression that Sweden is cheap – it definitely isn’t, especially when compared with other European destinations. But it is slightly cheaper than Norway overall.

No matter whether you choose to visit Norway or Sweden, just make sure to do your research and budget accordingly. 

Food in Sweden and Norway

Forget the stereotypes of Scandinavian cuisine being limited to pickled herrings, salmon, and meatballs – Nordic cuisine is a treasure trove of diverse and rich flavors waiting to be discovered. 

And when it comes to Sweden, the centerpiece of its gastronomic offerings is the famous smorgasbord. Translated as “bread and butter table”, it features a spread of delicious homemade food that ranges from beef, meatballs, and smoked fish.

On the other hand, Norway’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its abundant seafood, with its extensive coastlines and fjords providing an abundance of salmon, mackerel, cod, and of course, the famous Norwegian herring. 

While both countries have delicious food, my not-so-inner foodie loves the added variety that Sweden has to offer. 

Related: Blueberry Season in Norway: The Ultimate Guide (2022)

Bar and restaurant scene in Norway vs Sweden

While Copenhagen may be better known internationally as the capital of Nordic cuisine, the other Scandinavian countries aren’t far behind. 

For instance, in Stockholm, you’ll find a thriving bar and restaurant scene, especially on the last Friday of the month when the entire country is paid. From Gastrologik to Meatballs for the People (just in case you want Swedish meatballs that are both stylish and delicious!), you’ll never run out of options. 

Don’t miss the street food scene in Stockholm either, for a quick smak (basically a snack) while you sip on your drink while taking in breathtaking views across the city’s 14 islands. 

tourist walking on the street of Sweden

Of course, some of the best things to do in Oslo include some of its amazing restaurants. Check out Arakataka for a great glass of red wine on a chilly night or go for something with more of a modern Scandi twist at Kontrast.

One thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to dance the entire night away in either Norway or Sweden. In particular, you can find bars open until 5am in Sweden’s largest cities and until 3 am in Norway on a weekend night. That might be more than enough for you – it certainly is for me these days! – but it’s at least good to be aware of this.

Great outdoors of Sweden vs Norway

Here’s the main reason both countries are on anyone’s list of places to visit: the breathtaking landscapes of Norway and Sweden. 

Start with the UNESCO-recognized west Norwegian fjords, where you can witness the magnificent merging of nature and culture. If you have the time (and the budget), consider taking a cruise along the stunning coastline and explore the charming fishing villages and towns. 

And don’t miss the Lofoten islands in Northern Norway, famous for their dramatic scenery and stunning photography opportunities.

yatch in the town of Fjord Norway

For the more adventurous visitors to Norway, challenge yourself with extreme sports like paragliding, glacier skiing, white-river rafting, and ice-climbing. Climb to the top of the Preikestolen cliff, rising 604 meters above the Lysefjorden, or to Trolltunga rock for a panoramic view of the region. 

For those who prefer a gentler pace, go for a hike in the mountains and take in the beauty of Gaustatoppen, considered one of the most beautiful in Norway.

Sweden isn’t to be outdone when it comes to nature and hiking. With almost 100,000 lakes, Sweden is a paradise for outdoor sports and relaxation. 

Enjoy a cozy cabin life by a lake, or take a long-distance hike on the Kungsleden, also known as the King’s Path. Stretching over 400 km through diverse Arctic landscapes, from alpine terrain to low-lying mountain birch forests, this summer hike is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

You should also leave some time to discover the fantastic stretches of coastline in Sweden, including the archipelagos around Stockholm and Gothenburg. 

a beautiful view of Gothenburg Sweden

With excellent infrastructure for both short trips and multi-day tours, both Norway and Sweden have something to offer for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to immerse yourself in nature. 

Is Norway or Sweden a better place to live?

Are you considering a long-term move to Scandinavia? Choosing between Sweden or Norway can definitely be a tough decision, especially both countries have quite a few similarities. 

Starting with the money, both Sweden and Norway have some of the highest average salaries in the world. Norwegians tend to earn a little more, with an average of around $51,500 a year, while Swedes earn around $50,500. 

However, it’s important to note that both countries also have a high cost of living, including very high taxes. At the same time, you get a lot for what you pay, including free healthcare, education (including university) and more.

colorful wooden houses in Norway

In fact, when it comes to health, both countries rank in the top 20 for life expectancy. Norway comes in at 14th place, with an average life expectancy of 82.3 years, while Sweden takes the 11th spot with an average of 82.7 years.

One of the main draws to these Scandinavian countries is their incredible quality of life. Both Norway and Sweden are known for their excellent work-life balance, cultural happiness, and sense of community. 

While you’ll find that both Norwegian and Swedish people speak English at an incredibly high level, it can be a good idea to brush up on your language skills if you decide to live in either country. 

If you live in Stockholm or Oslo, you won’t necessarily need to learn Swedish or Norwegian for daily life, but this may become more of a necessity in smaller towns – and it’s also a great thing to do if you plan to stay there for some time!

Find out more: 34 Beautiful Swedish Words and Sayings (You Need to Learn)

On the bright side, the reasons for moving to Sweden or Norway are all excellent given the many perks, such as excellent healthcare coverage, fantastic education opportunities, and a strong commitment to environmental protection. In fact, Norway is the world’s leading country for environmental friendliness and Sweden ranks near the top as well.

a view of a church in Stockholm Sweden

Both countries are also low on crime and welcoming to new residents, so you won’t have to worry about fitting in. And when it comes to exploring the great outdoors, both Norway and Sweden offer the freedom to roam, with the Right of Public Access. 

What this means is that, in Sweden, you can camp and walk anywhere you like, while in Norway you can walk around freely, with restrictions on camping and one-day stays.

While there are a few differences between the two countries, both also share many similarities, such as their folklore of trolls and magical creatures. 

So, whether you choose Sweden or Norway, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of nature and the Scandinavian way of life.

a lake in Norway

Is Norway better than Sweden?

Making the choice between Norway vs Sweden, whether it’s for a visit or a longer stay, is a tricky decision to make given that both have a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, culture, and cuisine.

First, let’s take a look at Sweden. This country boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for tourists who want to soak up the local culture. Whether you prefer a more low-key experience, like taking a leisurely walk through the forest, or a more fast-paced adventure, like visiting museums and shopping districts, Sweden has something for everyone. 

And let’s not forget about the food! With delicious fish-based meals, buffet-style foods, and refreshing drinks, your taste buds will be in heaven.

Now, let’s turn our attention to Norway. This country is known for its breathtaking scenery, particularly the unforgettable fjords. 

houses near the lake in Norway

In fact, in Norway, you’ll find a more dramatic selection of experiences and scenery, but keep in mind that it may take more time and money to fully explore all that this country has to offer. 

Despite the challenge of traveling to all the best attractions, Norway is home to friendly locals and a delicious selection of food and drinks that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ultimately, the choice between Sweden and Norway depends on what you’re looking for in a holiday. If you’re searching for a quick city break with plenty of things to do in a short amount of time, Sweden is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime adventure with stunning natural landscapes, Norway is the destination for you. 

Regardless of your choice, both countries are sure to leave a lasting impression and provide unforgettable memories.

Her Finland

Norway & Finland Trip: 7 Stops to Add to Your Lapland Itinerary

*Please note that this post has affiliate links. If you buy through my links, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission, which helps the upkeep of this blog.

Excited to do a combined Norway Finland trip? I was too. Hubby and I enjoyed this scenic arctic itinerary in autumn. 

The red beach of Pallas, gentle fells of Kilpisjärvi, views of Muotkatakka, the roaming Rovjok waterfall, the lively city of Tromso, the fishing village of Sommaroy, and the glacier of Blåvatnet. 

If you’re an outdoor enthusiastic like us, you’re going to love this scenic arctic itinerary that features both Finland and Norway. 

This itinerary makes a wonderful summer or autumn trip. It will give you incredible scenery, attractions and plenty of exercises too. 

You’ll need to be in good physical health to do some of the activities in this itinerary. You’ll definitely need good hiking boots and hiking poles will be very helpful too. 

This itinerary is perfect to do with a friend, spouse, or as a small group. I wouldn’t recommend it to small children. So, jump in your rental car, fill up the tank, get ready for the destination of a lifetime, and add the places below to your vacation guide. 

Table of Contents

Norway & Finland trip: Tips & basic information

Rovaniemi in finland, the red beach and arctic fells of pallas, beautiful views from kilpisjärvi, the roaming rovjok waterfall, lively tromso in norway , sommaroy in norway, glacier of blåvatnet.

  • You will be crossing the border between Norway and Finland so make sure to have all needed traveling documents to travel in both countries.
  • Renting a car is usually cheaper in Finland. I recommend having some kind of navigation app or system in use. 
  • If you take a ferry in Norway, the staff will take a picture of your license plate and send the invoice to you later. Our invoice arrived after 8 months and it was less than 15 euros. 

7 Scenic places to visit in northern Norway and Finland 

If you plan on heading towards the Arctic region this summer season and are an outdoor fan, here is a list of things everyone should add to their itineraries. 

The starting point of your journey might be driving or taking the train to Lapland or arriving by plane to Rovaniemi. 

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Rovaniemi is about at the Arctic circle and is one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations, with awe-inspiring landmarks you have to see, the most important being the Santa Claus Village where you can visit Santa Claus every day.  

Not in the Christmas spirit? That’s okay; you can also enjoy some time on the water, white water rafting on the Arctic river, or go Canoeing under the midnight sun. I have a complete Rovaniemi guide for you but here are some of my favorite accommodation options when in town:  

Places to stay in Rovaniemi:

  • Arctic Light Hotel
  • Sokos Hotel Rovaniemi

You head north and after driving for three hours, you’ll get to our next stop in Pallas. Just a short stroll from the dirt road you’ll find the Red Beach of Pallas .

On the red beach, you’ll have lovely views to the fells. There’s also a camping place with a hut over campers, a fireplace, and an outhouse. These huts are something you’ll see across Finland in most national parks. They are a wonderful and free accommodation system for avid hikers. Very simple, but effective. 

Red sand beach at Pallas Finnish Lapland

You can either stay the night in a tent on the Red Beach, continue the road trip, or then spend the night in Lapland hotel Pallas . If you stay there, don’t miss the highest peak of the National park, Taivaskero, quite nearby. It’s the place where they lit the Olympic Flame for the Helsinki Olympic Games in 1952 and you’ll find a marking about this at the top. The climb requires that you are in good physical condition. 

Drive further until you reach Kilpisjärvi. This road is very beautiful and my favorite time of the day is to drive it when the sun is setting and the waters on the left are shimmering in the evening light. 

Our next destination is just next to the road: Muotkatakka

Before Kilpisjärvi, Muotkatakka is a great spot to stop and admire the views. It’s perfect if you are not into hiking because in Muotkatakka the ascend is quite small and the views are still wonderful. If you cannot do the arduous hike of Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi, this is definitely a must. You can find the exact location via this map link .

norway sweden or finland to visit

Kilpisjärvi is a village in the municipality of Enontekiö near the Norweigan border. Kilpisjarvi is the only alpine village in Finland and is famous for its lake and fells, which tourists seek out to hike and explore.

In Kilpisjärvi, you can take a boat cruise with the boat Malla to the world’s northernmost spot for three national boundaries. Take a stroll around the yellow cairn and you have been in Finland, Sweden, and Norway in seconds. 

norway sweden or finland to visit

My favorite place to stay in Kilpisjärvi is Arctic Land Adventure where you can get up close and personal with reindeer at this Sami reindeer ranch. There are also wonderful chalets in the village center. 

This is an amazing hidden gem just next to the road after you drive a short distance from the Finland-Norway border. There are clear brown signs to it. Definitely a must! If you want to go all the way down be prepared to do some proper climbing. There are no steps or no extra help for you.   

norway sweden or finland to visit

Tromsø is the 12th most populous municipality in Norway, where it is home to many islands and mountains with amazing views and natural beauty to explore, including Tromos Fjords, which are natural, steep inlets carved by glaciers.

norway sweden or finland to visit

If you are looking for a little adventure, take the Fjellheisen cable car 421 meters above sea level to a panorama, where dinner is served using all local ingredients, or take advantage of the city life here by stopping by local art galleries, the local Museums, and the Historical Sites. 

Sommaroy (aka Summer Island) is an island in Norway where that doesn’t set for 69 days during the summer, giving the area plenty of time to enjoy the land and water around them. 

norway sweden or finland to visit

Sommaroy is an old fishing village with white beaches, plenty of herring fishing, and beautiful scenery everywhere you look. Once you get to this little island, you can take a Sommaroy cruise, and do a little ice fishing. We had lovely time at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel which I warmly recommend. 

norway sweden or finland to visit

A car drive and ferry away, you can see an actual glacier. This is definitely a full-day hiking day. Come packed with snacks and water. Also swimming suit if you want to take a dip in the incredibly blue lake under the glacier.

norway sweden or finland to visit

There’s my list of seven wonderful arctic places to visit in Finland and Norway. 

All of these places offer amazing scenery you will never forget and make the perfect sporty vacation spot whether you’re going on a romantic getaway, a fun vacation, or flying solo to experience the adventure of a lifetime.  

Would you want to visit both Finland and Norway in one trip? Let me know in the comments below.

More travel guides about Finland? Here are some of my favorite places in Finland:

  • Detailed Travel Guide to Ruka-Kuusamo
  • 25 Fun Activities to Do in Tampere
  • 100 Ideas to Do in Helsinki
  • 11 Things to Do in Turku
  • How to Travel Sustainably in Finland

norway sweden or finland to visit

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Monday 1st of May 2023

Hei. I enjoy your blog! If you only do the drive - how many days should you allow? We are traveling with old folks :-)

Sunday 4th of December 2022

Please send me an itinerary for Finland and norway

Friday 9th of December 2022

Hei Salim, thanks for your comment! Based on our experiences, I think this 7 stop route is a great option to use as the base of your trip. Have the best time!

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Wander With Alex

Wander With Alex

Wonders of the Far North: Incredible Arctic Destinations

Posted: November 14, 2023 | Last updated: February 5, 2024

<p><span>The Arctic Circle is located at the top of the Earth and is an impressive place to adventure if you love scenic landscapes and winter activities. If you cherish exploring untouched wilderness landscapes, the Arctic is full of icy terrain, massive glaciers, and wide open spaces.</span></p><p><span>Around mid-June, there is approximately one day or more when the sun remains continuously above the horizon, and there’s a time around mid-December when the sun does not rise for a day or more.</span></p><p><span>The average temperatures in the Arctic Circle vary depending on the location and the time of year. However, average temperatures are usually around -30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in winter. Summer temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.</span></p><p><span>The Arctic Circle is the most northern circle of latitude on Earth. It’s located at about 66 degrees 30 feet north. Countries included in the Arctic Circle include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (parts of Alaska), Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), and Iceland.</span></p>

The Arctic Circle is located at the top of the Earth and is an impressive place to adventure if you love scenic landscapes and winter activities. If you cherish exploring untouched wilderness landscapes, the Arctic is full of icy terrain, massive glaciers, and wide open spaces.

Around mid-June, there is approximately one day or more when the sun remains continuously above the horizon, and there’s a time around mid-December when the sun does not rise for a day or more.

The average temperatures in the Arctic Circle vary depending on the location and the time of year. However, average temperatures are usually around -30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in winter. Summer temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Arctic Circle is the most northern circle of latitude on Earth. It’s located at about 66 degrees 30 feet north. Countries included in the Arctic Circle include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (parts of Alaska), Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), and Iceland.

<p><span>Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is a small village about 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Jukkasjärvi is known for its stunning display of the Aurora Borealis, its rich Sami cultural heritage, and its breathtaking Arctic wilderness that offers a range of outdoor activities.</span></p><p><span>Visitors often come to experience the breathtaking Northern Lights and partake in winter activities such as dog sledding and snowmobiling through the pristine wilderness. Summer offers the midnight sun, river rafting on the Torne River, and a chance to learn about the indigenous Sami culture. </span><span>Jukkasjärvi is also famous for its </span><span>ICEHOTEL</span><span>, which is sculpted from ice blocks </span><span>each winter. </span></p><p>December offers a classic winter experience featuring temperatures ranging from 8 to 18°F. For those who want to avoid the deepest cold but still enjoy the unique offerings of Jukkasjärvi, the shoulder seasons of mid-April to May and September to mid-October might be ideal.</p>

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is a small village about 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Jukkasjärvi is known for its stunning display of the Aurora Borealis, its rich Sami cultural heritage, and its breathtaking Arctic wilderness that offers a range of outdoor activities.

Visitors often come to experience the breathtaking Northern Lights and partake in winter activities such as dog sledding and snowmobiling through the pristine wilderness. Summer offers the midnight sun, river rafting on the Torne River, and a chance to learn about the indigenous Sami culture. Jukkasjärvi is also famous for its ICEHOTEL , which is sculpted from ice blocks each winter. 

December offers a classic winter experience featuring temperatures ranging from 8 to 18°F. For those who want to avoid the deepest cold but still enjoy the unique offerings of Jukkasjärvi, the shoulder seasons of mid-April to May and September to mid-October might be ideal.

<p><span>Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø, Norway, is the perfect destination for explorers looking to start their Arctic adventures and is about 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Many people venture to Tromsø for hunting, fishing, and seeing the Northern Lights.</span></p><p><span>Whether you prefer taking in scenic views from Mount Storsteinen via cable car or exploring the stunning Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø offers a wealth of attractions during the winter months, including Northern Lights, dog sledding through snowy landscapes, and whale watching in the fjords.</span></p><p><span>One of the best times to visit Tromsø is during the autumn months of September and October. This is a great time to catch the Northern Lights without the extremely negative temperatures that come in the dead of winter. The temperature usually ranges from the mid-30s to low 50s °F, but be sure to pack your rain jacket as there is considerable rainfall during this period.</span></p>

Tromsø, Norway

Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø, Norway, is the perfect destination for explorers looking to start their Arctic adventures and is about 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Many people venture to Tromsø for hunting, fishing, and seeing the Northern Lights.

Whether you prefer taking in scenic views from Mount Storsteinen via cable car or exploring the stunning Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø offers a wealth of attractions during the winter months, including Northern Lights, dog sledding through snowy landscapes, and whale watching in the fjords.

One of the best times to visit Tromsø is during the autumn months of September and October. This is a great time to catch the Northern Lights without the extremely negative temperatures that come in the dead of winter. The temperature usually ranges from the mid-30s to low 50s °F, but be sure to pack your rain jacket as there is considerable rainfall during this period.

<p><span>Arguably, one of the most famous Arctic Circle destinations is the capital city of Reykjavík, Iceland, which is situated about 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It has risen in popularity over the years mainly because of its beautiful Northern Lights, abundance of museums, and lively nightlife.</span></p><p><span>Some of the best winter activities to try while visiting Reykjavík include skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and glacier hiking. </span><span>After you have finished a morning of adventures, there is no better way to relax and take in the extraordinary scenery than by relaxing in the nearby geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. </span></p><p><span>If you are looking for the best time to visit Iceland during the winter months to enjoy winter sports and activities, February is a great time to explore Reykjavík. It offers excellent opportunities to witness the enchanting Northern Lights, and the Winter Festival of Lights typically occurs during this month. Anticipate temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to the upper 30s °F during this period.</span></p>

Reykjavík, Iceland

Arguably, one of the most famous Arctic Circle destinations is the capital city of Reykjavík, Iceland, which is situated about 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It has risen in popularity over the years mainly because of its beautiful Northern Lights, abundance of museums, and lively nightlife.

Some of the best winter activities to try while visiting Reykjavík include skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and glacier hiking.  After you have finished a morning of adventures, there is no better way to relax and take in the extraordinary scenery than by relaxing in the nearby geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. 

If you are looking for the best time to visit Iceland during the winter months to enjoy winter sports and activities, February is a great time to explore Reykjavík. It offers excellent opportunities to witness the enchanting Northern Lights, and the Winter Festival of Lights typically occurs during this month. Anticipate temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to the upper 30s °F during this period.

<p><span>Rovaniemi, Finland, the official home of Santa Claus, is a remarkable city located about 5 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It is famous for its Santa Claus Village, where visitors can visit Santa every day of the year. This festive village is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and activities for everyone to enjoy. </span><span>Experience the most popular adventures, such as dog sledding and reindeer rides. For a more exhilarating option, consider opting for a snowmobile tour.</span></p><p><span>The ideal time for a Rovaniemi visit is in December, with its iconic Santa Claus village and the opportunity to meet Santa himself during the prime Christmas season. </span><span>Despite being the busiest time to visit, the magical atmosphere makes it worthwhile. Make sure to dress warmly; with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°F, you will want to stay toasty while exploring this picturesque holiday town.</span></p>

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, Finland, the official home of Santa Claus, is a remarkable city located about 5 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It is famous for its Santa Claus Village, where visitors can visit Santa every day of the year. This festive village is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Experience the most popular adventures, such as dog sledding and reindeer rides. For a more exhilarating option, consider opting for a snowmobile tour.

The ideal time for a Rovaniemi visit is in December, with its iconic Santa Claus village and the opportunity to meet Santa himself during the prime Christmas season. Despite being the busiest time to visit, the magical atmosphere makes it worthwhile. Make sure to dress warmly; with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°F, you will want to stay toasty while exploring this picturesque holiday town.

<p><span>Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, is known for its stunning Northern Lights displays. The city is a captivating destination for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty within the United States and is about 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.</span></p><p><span>Known as the Golden Heart of Alaska, Fairbanks has a deep history tied to the gold rush and has an immense Native American culture. It’s an excellent choice for U.S. citizens looking to see the Northern Lights without traveling to another country. It is also a gateway for visitors who journey to Denali National Park.</span></p><p><span>In the winter, indulge in dog sledding, Aurora viewing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. </span><span>If you would like to learn more about the Native American culture, check out the </span><span>Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center</span><span>, where you can discover more about Alaska’s cultural roots.</span></p><p><span>The prime time to visit is during November for great views of the Northern Lights and to catch some good fish while ice fishing. The weather typically ranges from -5 to 10°F, so pack plenty of warm layers.</span></p>

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, is known for its stunning Northern Lights displays. The city is a captivating destination for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty within the United States and is about 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Known as the Golden Heart of Alaska, Fairbanks has a deep history tied to the gold rush and has an immense Native American culture. It’s an excellent choice for U.S. citizens looking to see the Northern Lights without traveling to another country. It is also a gateway for visitors who journey to Denali National Park.

In the winter, indulge in dog sledding, Aurora viewing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.  If you would like to learn more about the Native American culture, check out the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center , where you can discover more about Alaska’s cultural roots.

The prime time to visit is during November for great views of the Northern Lights and to catch some good fish while ice fishing. The weather typically ranges from -5 to 10°F, so pack plenty of warm layers.

<p><span>Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories and is located about 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle. This old mining city is popular for its Northern Lights and indigenous culture. During the winter, there are a handful of winter activities to embark on besides viewing the vibrant Northern Lights, including ice fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snow tubing. Visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is a must for those interested in indigenous culture. </span></p><p><span>The optimal time to explore Yellowknife for winter activities is in November, offering the opportunity to witness the beautiful Northern Lights and experience relatively mild weather, with temperatures usually between 5 and 20°F. </span></p>

Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories and is located about 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle. This old mining city is popular for its Northern Lights and indigenous culture. During the winter, there are a handful of winter activities to embark on besides viewing the vibrant Northern Lights, including ice fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snow tubing. Visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is a must for those interested in indigenous culture. 

The optimal time to explore Yellowknife for winter activities is in November, offering the opportunity to witness the beautiful Northern Lights and experience relatively mild weather, with temperatures usually between 5 and 20°F. 

<p><span>Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and is famous for its brightly painted houses on the waterfront. It’s situated about 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle. </span><span>This small city is known for its beautiful waterfalls, Inuit culture, icebergs, and outdoor adventure. Some of the best winter activities to embark on include snowshoeing, viewing the Northern Lights, and glacier hiking. </span></p><p><span>The best time to visit for winter activities and aurora sightings are late September and November. Within this period, the temperatures generally range from the upper 20s to the mid-40s°F.  </span></p>

Nuuk, Greenland

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and is famous for its brightly painted houses on the waterfront. It’s situated about 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle.  This small city is known for its beautiful waterfalls, Inuit culture, icebergs, and outdoor adventure. Some of the best winter activities to embark on include snowshoeing, viewing the Northern Lights, and glacier hiking. 

The best time to visit for winter activities and aurora sightings are late September and November. Within this period, the temperatures generally range from the upper 20s to the mid-40s°F.  

<p><span>The large city of Murmansk is famous for being a starting point for many Arctic adventures, with numerous fishing journeys setting sail from here. </span><span>This city is 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is popular for its gorgeous Northern Lights displays, and January is one of the best months to witness them. </span></p><p><span>January is a fantastic time to visit Murmansk, not only because of the Northern Lights but also because of the Snegoled Festival. This incredible celebration is centered around massive and intricate ice sculptures and is a must-see event when visiting during the winter season. During this timeframe, you can expect temperatures to range between 10 and 20°F. </span></p><p><span>Beyond experiencing the Northern Lights and the ice sculpture festival, visitors can participate in snow tubing and skiing activities. Another popular attraction to check out while visiting the area is the Lenin Icebreaker.</span></p>

Murmansk, Russia

The large city of Murmansk is famous for being a starting point for many Arctic adventures, with numerous fishing journeys setting sail from here. This city is 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is popular for its gorgeous Northern Lights displays, and January is one of the best months to witness them. 

January is a fantastic time to visit Murmansk, not only because of the Northern Lights but also because of the Snegoled Festival. This incredible celebration is centered around massive and intricate ice sculptures and is a must-see event when visiting during the winter season. During this timeframe, you can expect temperatures to range between 10 and 20°F. 

Beyond experiencing the Northern Lights and the ice sculpture festival, visitors can participate in snow tubing and skiing activities. Another popular attraction to check out while visiting the area is the Lenin Icebreaker.

<p>Vacationing in or near the Arctic Circle offers an escape into a world of stark, haunting beauty where the sun barely rises in the deep winter. It's a place where the aurora borealis dances across star-filled skies, and the landscape is a sprawling canvas of ice, snow, and rugged mountains. The Arctic Circle is not just a destination; it's an adventure into some of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, a test of the human spirit against the elements, and an unforgettable journey into the wild.</p>

Your Arctic Vacation Awaits

Vacationing in or near the Arctic Circle offers an escape into a world of stark, haunting beauty where the sun barely rises in the deep winter. It's a place where the aurora borealis dances across star-filled skies, and the landscape is a sprawling canvas of ice, snow, and rugged mountains. The Arctic Circle is not just a destination; it's an adventure into some of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, a test of the human spirit against the elements, and an unforgettable journey into the wild.

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Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary

Photo of author

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Planning a trip to Nordic countries? We’d be happy to help you craft a perfect Nordic itinerary or, Scandinavia itinerary (as some may call it), or Northern Europe itinerary.

Itinerary for Scandinavian Countries: An Introduction

First off, let me tell you that a trip to Scandinavia is going to be the best trip of your life. Why? Well, Nordic countries are consistently being listed as the top happiest countries, consistently. Plus, they are stunningly gorgeous!

Nordic Countries or Nordics or Norden consists of five beautiful Northern European countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland along with their associated territories of Svalbard, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

Why am I telling you this?

Because…

The terms Scandinavia (Scandia) and Nordics are used interchangeably by foreigners (I’ve been a culprit too before I explored the Nordic region) but they aren’t.

Finns and Icelanders are always quick to correct travelers who call them Scandinavians .

What’s the Difference between Scandinavian Countries and Nordic Countries?

The term ‘Scandinavia’ is commonly used ONLY for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway while the term ‘Nordic countries’ is used for Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

However, the associated territories of Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago) and Greenland are technically neither Scandinavia nor Nordics.

The Scandinavian Peninsula (not to be confused with the Scandinavian Region ) geographically comprises Norway and Sweden only.

To sum up, Northern Europe consists of the Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) and the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Some definitions of Northern Europe also include the United Kingdom and Ireland .

I guess, this topic makes for another blog post. Let’s now move to Nordics itinerary, the sole reason you’re here 🙂

I’ll be using Scandinavia and Nordics, both terms in my post for the ease of getting found by people randomly searching the terms Scandinavia and Nordic Countries.

The Nordic region is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly regions in Europe. Also, it’s one of the most expensive regions in Europe. Believe you me, exploring the region is worth every penny.

Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are part of Europe’s Schengen Region. Read everything you need to know to score a Schengen visa for your Nordics trip.

Scandinavia Itinerary: Summer in Scandinavia

We spent 3 weeks in Scandinavia during the summer. The summer is magical here. It’s the time of the year when the sun refuses to go down and shines through the entire day and night. Seriously.

Summer and winter are, in fact, two extremes in Nordic countries.

If winter in Nordics brings sub-zero temperatures, dark days, snow-covered landscapes, and Northern Lights ; summer brings endless days, nightless nights, vibrant landscapes, and Midnight Sun.

The desire to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky is such a mad rush among travelers all around the world that they overlook the region’s beauty during summer.

Witnessing the Midnight Sun in summer is as magical as the Northern Lights in winter.

admiring midnight sun rovaniemi lapland finland nordic countries

Having said that, the Nordics region deserves two essential trips – one in summer and one in winter and some more to drink in its ethereal beauty.

It’s time to plan your Scandinavia travel !

Scandinavia Itinerary 21 Days: An Overview

Our itinerary lets you explore four epic Nordic countries in 3 weeks.

♥ Denmark ♥ Sweden ♥ Finland ♥ Norway

This is what a brief Scandinavia itinerary 3 weeks looks like –

C openhagen (6 nights) – Ystad ( 2 nights) – Molle ( 1 night) – Helsinki ( 3 nights) – Rovaniemi ( 2 nights) – Oslo (2 nights) – Bergen ( 2 nights) – Hardanger (1 night) – Flam ( 1 night) – Oslo ( 1 night)

Day 1: Fly into Copenhagen Day 2: Explore Copenhagen Day 3: Explore Copenhagen Day 4: Explore more of Copenhagen Day 5: Day Trip to Dragor Day 6: Day Trip to Helsingor Day 7: Road Trip to Malmo (Sweden) via Orseund Bridge Day 8: Explore Ystad Day 9: Explore Skane County. Drive to Kullaberg (Molle) Day 10: Kullaberg to Kastrup, Copenhagen. Fly to Helsinki. Day 11: Explore Helsinki Day 12: Day Trip to Porvoo Day 13: Fly to Rovaniemi Day 14: Explore Rovaniemi Day 15: Fly to Oslo Day 16: Explore Oslo Day 17: Oslo to Bergen train Day 18: Explore Bergen Day 19: Hardangerfjord Day 20: Flam Day 21: Flam to Oslo Day 22: Fly back home

Before we elaborate on our Scandinavia itinerary let’s first discuss the basics of a trip to Scandinavia.

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: Things to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit scandinavia.

It all depends upon your choices. If you’d love to witness the white nights and want to soak in the Midnight Sun, plan during the months of June , July , and August .

If you dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights , September to March is the best time to go.

The months of May and September see fewer crowds and thus, are less expensive in terms of accommodations.

nyhavn boat tour sightseeing copenhagen denmark

How much does a Trip to Scandinavia cost?

Scandinavia is infamous for being the most expensive region in the world. To some extent, it’s true. Scandinavia can be exorbitant if you’re not watchful about how you spend your money.

There are ways to cut your costs in Scandinavia –

  • A little planning goes a long way. You save money when you plan and book well in advance.
  • Prefer apartments over hotels.
  • Shop at local grocery stores and cook your own food. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can go for pre-made meals from supermarkets. Aldi, Lidl, Kiwi, Rema 1000, Netto, and ICA are some of the budget-friendly supermarkets in Scandinavia. K-Market in Finland and Coop Prix in Norway are good discount stores.
  • Food Market Halls like Kauppahallit in Helsinki or Torvehallerne in Copenhagen are another great option to cut costs on food. They are way cheaper than restaurants yet a great local food experience.
  • Take Self-guided city tours and look for free attractions. Almost, all major cities in Scandinavia have tons of free and budget things to do and see.
  • Buy City Tourist Cards like Copenhagen Card or Oslo Card that save money on attractions and transport. They work wonders when it comes to saving time, money, and hassle. You can buy them online and collect them at the airport.
  • Bring an eco-friendly reusable water bottle. It saves money plus the environment. A water bottle in Scandinavia costs about $5.
  • The Everyman’s Right (Right to Roam) in Nordic countries except Denmark makes it easy to camp in the wild. You can save a lot of money on accommodation if you’re traveling to Nordic countries during the summer.
  • We found Norway the costlier of all other Nordic countries. You can maybe cut your time in Norway and spend more time in other Nordic countries to save some money.

We roughly spent about $2500 per person for 22 days in Scandinavia.

Getting to and from Scandinavia

From Asia , the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and the UK, the most convenient way of getting to and from Scandinavia is to fly. If you’re in Europe, you have the option to travel by train, bus, car, or ferry.

From India, only two airlines fly directly to the Scandinavian capitals. Air India flies into Copenhagen directly from New Delhi while Finnair flies into Helsinki directly from New Delhi. There are no direct flights to Oslo and Stockholm from New Delhi.

There are a few airlines that fly directly to the Nordic capitals from North America . Norwegian Air flies into Oslo, Finnair flies into Helsinki, and SAS flies into Stockholm, and Copenhagen, direct from New York.

We use and recommend Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

Getting Around Scandinavia

With a flexible range of transport options, Scandinavia is easy to navigate.

We used a rental car for most of our time in Scandinavia though we tried other modes of transportation like flights, trains, buses, and ferries to make our trip more varied and interesting.

Renting a car in Europe has its own set of rules. You can read our detailed guide to renting a car in Europe which will help you get started .

We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our car rental needs wherever we travel in the world.

We traveled by train from Oslo to Bergen which is considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys (you gotta experience it), took a ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, and boarded flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Rovaniemi to Oslo.

I’d recommend taking a night train ( Santa Claus Express ) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi if you’ve more time on hand. Also, Norway in a Nutshell package is a great way to explore the dramatic fjords of Norway .

Make sure to book all your intercountry transportation tickets in advance.

It’s recommended to buy a Scandinavia Pass to get around Scandinavia on a budget .

A Detailed Scandinavia Itinerary: Explore Nordic Countries in 3 weeks

As always, our itinerary is packed with activities and leaves less time to just sit and do nothing. We love to explore and mini-me too loves to be on the move. She’s that restless.

This itinerary is made in a way that’ll fit all kinds of travelers, be they family travelers, or solo travelers, or couple travelers.

You can make slight changes and modify the itinerary as per your needs like it misses the famous hiking attractions in Norway (Trolltunga and Preikestolen) that can be added if hiking is what appeals to you.

First Destination: Denmark

Days to spend: 6 days.

You’ll start your Scandinavia exploration with the world’s most bike-friendly city and capital of Denmark, Copenhagen.

How to Get to Denmark

There are regular airline connections from the rest of the world to Copenhagen, Denmark. If you have got a direct flight, that’s awesome else book a flight with the least layover time.

You’ll fly into Kastrup International Airport in Copenhagen which is just about 15 minutes away from the city center.

You can rent a car at the airport or else you can take a train or bus to Kobenhavn H (Central Train Station) from where you can take a subway, bus, or taxi to reach your hotel or apartment in Copenhagen.

If you’re not renting a car, it’s best to book a hotel in and around the city center for ease of access.

Discover the Best Places to Stay in and around Copenhagen City Center, Denmark

Where to Stay in Denmark

Travelers usually keep Copenhagen as the base and prime destination in Denmark. Other cities worth visiting and spending a night or two in Denmark include Aarhus, Aalborg, Skagen, Ribe, and Odense. Dragor, Helsingor, and Roskilde can be visited on a day trip from Copenhagen .

Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Danish cities:

  • Hotel in Copenhagen: citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
  • Hotel in Aarhus: Villa Provence
  • Hotel in Aalborg: Aalborg Hotel Apartments
  • Hotel in Skagen: Skagenhus ved Kirken
  • Hotel in Ribe: Den Gamle Købmandsgaard Bed & Breakfast
  • Hotel in Odense: Hotel Odeon
  • Hotel in Dragor: Dragør Hotel & Apartments
  • Hotel in Helsingor: Charming and cozy annex
  • Hotel in Roskilde: Ann’s cottage

Related Read: 10 Days in Denmark Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Copenhagen

Today, you’ll arrive at the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The day is at leisure.

You can explore the streets of Copenhagen and get familiar with the city depending upon the time you get here or can head to your hotel to relax after a tiring flight journey.

Where to dine in Copenhagen on day 1?

Laundromat Cafe is quite a nice place to have a quick bite. Kids will love it.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen : We recommend CopenhagenApartment and citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen .

Read our detailed guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen .

Day 2 – Explore Copenhagen

Start early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.

The attractions you’ll be visiting today include:

  • Frederik’s Church
  • Amalienborg Palace
  • Rosenborg Castle
  • Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
  • Round Tower
  • Christiansborg Palace

nyhavn copenhagen denmark nordic countries

Where to dine and drink in Copenhagen on day 2?

  • Breakfast: Bowl Market Copenhagen
  • Lunch: Torvehallerne or Restaurant Amalie
  • Coffee and Snacks: Original Coffee ILLUM Rooftop
  • Taste the traditional Danish pastry at Conditori La Glace, one of the historic cafes in Europe .
  • Dinner: Riz Raz

Special Recommendation: A scoop or two of organic ice cream at Hansens Is .

frederik's kirke marble church copenhagen denmark

You can visit all the Day 2 attractions on foot. The day-wise itinerary is crafted in a way that needs minimal walking.

Transportation and many attractions are free with the  Copenhagen Card . It’s such a time and money saver!

Day 3 – Explore Copenhagen

This day is reserved for kid-friendly attractions. I mean, today you’ll explore the best things to do with kids and kids-at-heart 🙂

  • Copenhagen Zoo
  • Frederiksberg Palace
  • Assistens Cemetery
  • Jægersborggade
  • Superkilen Park
  • Experimentium

superkilen park norrebro copenhagen denamrk

Recommended dining in Copenhagen for day 3:

  • Coffee and Cakes: Hart Bageri
  • Lunch: The Sixteen Twelve
  • Dinner: The South Indian Frederiksberg

Day 4 – Explore more of Copenhagen or Take a Day-Trip to Roskilde

If you’re done with Copenhagen (which I doubt), you can take a trip to Roskilde .

Or you can explore:

  • Freetown Christiana
  • Gefion Fountain
  • The Worker’s Museum
  • The Copenhagen Lakes
  • Tivoli Gardens

tivoli garden copenhagen denmark

Food recommendations in Copenhagen for the 3rd day:

  • Breakfast at Reffen
  • Lunch: Restaurant Kastellet
  • Coffee and Snacks: Mad & Kaffe
  • Dinner: Tivoli Food Hall

Read our detailed 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary

Day 5: Day Trip to Dragør from Copenhagen

Head to Dragor , a cute little fishing town on Amager Island in Denmark.

The visit to this beautiful historic village gives you enough time to relax and take a break from the helter-skelter of sightseeing.

Make sure to take your kids to Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium Denmark), the largest aquarium in northern Europe. It’s on the way to Dragor.

dragor denmark day trip from copenhagen

If you plan to spend a night in this quaint village, we suggest booking the classic and beautiful Dragør Fort Hotel .

Where to eat in Dragor? Harborfront Dragør Strandhotel , and Restaurant Beghuset . Don’t forget to taste ice cream at Nam Nam Is .

Read our complete guide to Dragør, Denmark

Day 6 – Day Trip to Helsingor from Copenhagen

How can you visit Denmark and not visit Helsingor aka Elsinore , the home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?

Encircled by Orseund, the Sound, and the expanse of water between Sweden and Denmark, Helsingor is a colorful town with cobbled streets and a rich history.

Kronborg Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsingor has been a perfect setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The castle hosts Shakespeare’s Festival every summer where international stars portray Prince Hamlet.

You can also visit the Maritime Museum of Denmark, the Culture Yard by AART , and the Danish Museum of Science and Technology .

elsinor helsingor denmark day trip from copenhagen

Where to eat in Helsingør? Værftets Madmarked and Elsinore Street Food .

Note: You can add Aarhus to your Denmark Itinerary if you have an extra day or two. You’d love its Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Infinite Bridge.

How to Get Around Copenhagen? For the most part, Copenhagen is very well accessible by foot and public transportation. A rental car is good for day trips but not suggested for city excursions of course for obvious reasons. Guided tours are also a pretty good option to explore the city without any tension.

We love and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

Second Destination: Sweden

Days to spend: 3 days.

On the sixth day of your Scandinavia adventure, you’ll say goodbye to Denmark as Sweden welcomes you with a friendly and warm smile.

How to Get to Sweden

Our itinerary needs you to have a rental car as you’ll be exploring the Swedish countryside which is otherwise inaccessible by public transportation.

It’s quite easy to get from Denmark to Sweden by air, bus, or train. There are buses and trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, Malmo, and Stockholm.

If you are planning to explore the far north of Swedish Lapland like Kiruna and Abisko, there are regular flights by Norwegian Air and SAS from Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Sweden

There are umpteen good stay options all across Sweden. Stockholm, being the capital and major city of Sweden offers a variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels for all budgets. Gothenburg, Gotland(Visby), Kiruna, and Skane (Ystad, Malmo, Molle, and Helsingborg) are other popular destinations in Sweden.

Malmo can be easily visited on a day trip from Copenhagen.

Here are the hotel recommendations for popular cities in Sweden:

  • Hotel in Stockholm: NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection
  • Hotel in Gothenburg: Hotel Vanilla
  • Hotel in Visby: Hotel Villa Borgen
  • Hotel in Kiruna: True Nature
  • Hotel in Ystad: Charming Townhouse
  • Hotel in Mölle: Pensionat Strandgården
  • Hotel in Helsingborg: The Vault Hotel

Day 7 – Drive from Copenhagen to Malmo | Explore Malmo | Drive from Malmo to Ystad.

Take a beautiful drive to Malmo from Copenhagen via Öresund Bridge .

Check with your car hire company if your rental agreement allows you to cross international borders. Our car hire company gave us a paper that we showed at the border check.

If you don’t have a rental car , you can take a train (ACP Rail) or a bus (Flixbus, Netbuss, or Gråhundbus) from København H (Copenhagen Central Station).

Whichever mode of transport you choose, it usually takes about 40 minutes to reach Malmo from Copenhagen.

malmo sweden nordic countries

Great coffee with cakes and croissants at Noir Kaffekultur , that’ll be all you need for a great head start.

You’d love to check Turning Torso, Malmo Castle, and St. Peter’s Church before you have lunch at Sajvva , a great place in Malmo for vegans and vegetarians like me.

Once done with lunch, fasten your seat belt for another beautiful drive from Malmo to Ystad.

It’s a real delight to drive the awe-inspiring Sweden countryside.

We stayed at a lovely holiday cottage in Löderups Strandbad.

That’s all we needed – I mean a secluded cottage in the middle of the lush forest with a beach nearby, a perfect summer holiday.

holiday home or airbnb cottage in Löderups strandbad Osterlen Ystad s Sweden

Spend the day taking long walks through the forest and soaking in the warmth of the Midnight Sun while sitting at the beach with a glass of wine while kids cycle, run around, and play with the sand.

Sandhammarens strand beach Loderup strandbad Österlen Ystad S Sweden

It’s always good to add such destinations to your otherwise action-packed itinerary. Isn’t it?

Here, you need to visit the nearest supermarket as you’ll have to cook your own dinner at your cottage.

If the idea of cooking on a vacation scares you, check out the best hotels to stay in Ystad, Sweden.

Day 8 – Explore Ystad

Ystad, a gorgeous town located in Skane county on the southern coast of Sweden with its cobbled streets lined with medieval, pastel-colored half-timbered houses, white-sand beaches, centuries-old historical sights, and ravishing rolling countryside all around is well worth a visit.

I instantly fell in love with its beauty.

Kurt Wallander’s crime series by Henning Mankell was set in Ystad. If you’re a Scandi-noir and Wallander fan, you can take one of the Wallander guided tours to see all the locations where the scenes were shot.

ystad sweden nordic countries

Don’t forget to visit the largest film studio in Scandinavia, Ystad Studios .

Where to eat in Ystad? Villa Strandvagen , Maltes Mackor , and Glassmakeriet .

Where to stay in Ystad? We recommend Hotell Bäckagården and Charming Townhouse .

Day 9 – Explore More of Skane County | Drive to Kullaberg

There are a whole lot of things to do in and around Skåne County (Scania) but we chose a few of those as we only had a day to explore Skåne.

kaseberga skane sweden nordic countries

We started our day with Ales Staner , a ship-shaped henge. It’s located in the tiny and beautiful village of Kåseberga . Legend has it that the ancient stone ship stands on the grave of a mythic king, King Ale.

Forget about history, the site where the stones are erected in the shape of a ship is utterly impressive. As soon as you hike the hill, you can’t help but admire the views overlooking the Baltic Ocean.

ales stenar kaseberga sweden nordic countries

Our next stop was Skånes Djurpark in Höör Municipality, Skåne – a must-visit with kids. The zoo has more than a thousand wild as well as tame Nordic animals – elks, foxes, wolves, lynxes, bears, seals, and many more.

Kids had unlimited fun getting up close with animals, trying horse riding, enjoying the Shaun the Sheep theme park, and climbing the wooden bridges in the trees. Definitely, the best family fun in Skåne.

skanes dzurpark jularp hoor skane county sweden

It was time for us to head to Kullaberg in Mölle, Sweden. It took us a little over an hour to reach Kullaberg Nature Reserve , a haven for outdoor lovers.

You can take scenic hikes, experience Porpoise Safari , check out the mysterious caves and coves, go fishing, admire the views from vantage points, paddle, swim, and so much more.

We enjoyed the Porpoise Safari in a RIB boat. The tour lasts for about an hour and costs Kr 450 per adult and Kr 300 per child.

We stayed at Pensionat Strandgården in Mölle. Wowzers it is! Highly recommended.

Where to eat near Kullaberg Nature Reserve? There aren’t many places to eat near the nature reserve. We tried Molle Krukmakeri and Ransvik Havsveranda and found them decent.

PS: And you can’t leave Sweden before you experience fika, one of the most beautiful coffee traditions around the world .

We wanted to extend the time in Sweden and explore Gothenburg and Stockholm and then take a ferry to Turku, Finland, or a flight from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland but we came back to Copenhagen to catch our flight to Helsinki because car rental companies charge exorbitantly high if you pick your rental from one country and drop it in another. Check out 10 unusual things to do in Stockholm if you’re planning to add Stockholm to your Scandinavian itinerary.

Our car rental charges for 8 days (pick up and drop at Copenhagen Airport) were 8,000 INR ($ 100) and if we returned the car in Gothenburg, we’d had to pay 65,000 ($ 900).

Third Destination: Finland

Days to spend: 5 days.

You’d fall for this little country wrapped cozily into the far up north. Day 9 of the Scandinavia itinerary takes you to Finland.

How to Get to Finland

There are quite a good number of regular flights (Sichuan Airlines, Norwegian, SAS, and Finnair) from Copenhagen, Denmark to Helsinki, Finland. The journey takes a little less than 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Finland

Finland has awesome and unique stay options. For travelers, Helsinki remains the prime or first location in Finland. Summer or winter, you gotta plan a stay in Finnish Lapland to experience the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights.

Here are our recommendations for Hotels in Finnish cities:

  • Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel F6
  • Hotel in Turku: Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
  • Hotel in Porvoo: Small historic wooden house in Porvoo old town
  • Hotels in Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Holiday Village ; Glass Resor t
  • Hotel in Saariselka: Villa Karhunpesä ; Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets

Day 10 – Fly from Copenhagen to Helsinki | Explore Helsinki

Today, you have to drive back to Kastrup Airport (a 2-hour drive) and leave your car at the car rental drop to catch a flight to Helsinki .

Take a taxi, train, or bus to your hotel in Helsinki to drop off your bags and spend your day exploring the Finnish capital, Helsinki.

Take a self-guided or guided walking tour starting from Helsinki Central Station to explore the beautiful churches, charming streets, and markets of Helsinki.

helsinki central station

Where to dine and drink in Helsinki on day 1?

  • Lunch at Zucchini
  • Coffee and Snacks at Karl Fazer Cafe
  • Dinner at Kauppatori Market Square

Day 11 – Explore Helsinki

On your second day in Helsinki, you can go on island-hopping. Take a ferry from Market Square that takes you to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Vallisaari, and Lonna .

Once you’re done with the island-hopping, have a cup of coffee and snacks at Cafe Regatta .

senate square helsinki cathedral

If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Linnanmaki Amusement Park, or else you can try the famous Finnish Sauna at Löyly , one of the most popular activities in Helsinki .

Where to eat in Helsinki on day 2?

  • Lunch at Juuri  
  • Coffee and Snacks at Cafe Regatta
  • Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Recommended Reading: Best things to do in Helsinki, Finland A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland

Day 12 – Day Trip to Porvoo from Helsinki

Want a break from city sightseeing? Hop on a bus and head to the little fairytale town of Porvoo. Less than an hour away from Helsinki, Porvoo makes for a perfect day trip.

What’s so special about it? Well, you’ll know once you’re there 🙂

It’s so pretty that you’d want to just pack it in your bag and take it back home 😉

porvoo finland day trip from helsinki nordic countries itinerary

Stroll the cobbled streets adorned with pretty rows of pastel houses, museums, and cafes, and make sure to taste Runeberg’s Torte and Brunberg’s truffle .

If you’ve time, you can take a bus from Porvoo to visit Klovharun , fondly known as Moomin Island.

Where to eat in Porvoo? Ani’s Cafe , Zum Beispiel ,  Sinne , and SicaPelle are some of the best places to dine and drink in Porvoo.

If you plan to stay in Porvoo, please, please book this Small historic wooden house in Porvoo’s old town .

Here’s the ultimate guide to the charming town of Porvoo in Finland

Day 13 – Fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi | Explore Rovaniemi

This day is solely for kids – the most awaited experience for kids. You are off to Rovaniemi – the official hometown of the kid’s beloved Santa Claus.

Norwegian Air and Finnair have regular flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by air.

Santa Express Train is another good option provided you’ve enough time on your hands.

Pick up your rental car from Rovaniemi Airport and spend your day exploring Santa Claus Village – Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus himself, feed the reindeer, and visit Husky Park.

santa claus village rovaniemi finland

Take that mandatory pic with the jolly man in the red!

kids met santa claus in santa claus village in rovaniemi finnish lapland

Relax at your hotel and apartment before you start your hike to Ounsvara to witness the most unique and iconic natural phenomenon, the Midnight Sun .

midnight sun at ounasvaara rovaniemi finnish lapland

Rovaniemi is one of the best places in northernmost Finland where you can experience full Midnight Sun when the sun stays above the horizon for about 70 days.

You can spot the magical phenomenon from May to August with June and July being the best months.

Where to eat in Rovaniemi on day 1?

  • Lunch at Kotahovi Lapland Restaurant
  • Coffee and Snacks at Coffee House
  • Dinner at Restaurant Valdemari’s

Where to stay in Rovaniemi? Ukonloma Cottages , Kyyhkynen , Arctic Light Hotel , and Hostel Cafe Koti .

Day 14 – Explore Rovaniemi

Today, you’ll take a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park , home to about 200 Arctic animals like polar bears, foxes, and lynxes.

Where to eat near Ranua Wildlife Park? We found the Wild Arctic restaurant good.

Try Rosso for Dinner and don’t forget to try Nordic’s pure ice cream by Arctic Ice Cream Factory . There are many outlets in Rovaniemi.

Read to know how a trip to Finnish Lapland in summer looks and feels like

Fourth Destination: Norway

Days to spend: 7 days.

Think Norway, think fjords. Majestic Norwegian fjords – there’s no match to them. There are 1000s of them dotting Norway’s coastline. It’s time to explore the sheer and unmatched natural beauty of Norway .

How to Get to Norway

Rovaniemi, Finland to Oslo, Norway is about 4 hours away by flight with a stopover in Helsinki. There’s no direct flight from Rovaniemi. You can come back to Helsinki and spend a day maybe before catching a flight to Oslo.

Where to Stay in Norway

Norway’s capital, Oslo has amazing accommodation options. Other cities of interest in Norway include Bergen, Flåm, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, the Lofoten Islands, Kristiansund, and Ålesund.

Here are the hotel recommendations for major Norwegian cities:

  • Hotels in Olso: Thon Hotel Storo ; Camillas Hus
  • Hotel in Bergen: Scandic Flesland Airport
  • Hotel in Flåm: Flåm Ferdaminne
  • Hotel in Stavanger: Historical apartments in the heart of the old town
  • Hotel in Tromsø: Water-View Home
  • Hotel in Trondheim: Affordable three-bedroom apartment
  • Hotel in Lofoten: Sennesvik Apartments
  • Hotel in Kristiansund: Blåbærdalen 20 Luksusvilla
  • Hotel in Lyngstad: Ola Bua Near The Atlantic Road
  • Hotel in Ålesund: Hotel Brosundet

Day 15 – Fly from Rovaniemi to Oslo | Explore Oslo

Your Norway itinerary starts in the capital city of Oslo.

From Rovaniemi, it’s about a 4-hour flight to Oslo including a short stopover at Helsinki. Take a shuttle train (Flytoget) to the city center and maybe a taxi from there to your hotel, drop off your luggage and freshen up before you start the sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to book a hotel in the city center to save time and money on transportation.

oslo norway nordic countries

On your first day in Oslo, you’ll explore:

  • Oslo Opera House
  • Frogner Park
  • Slottsplassen
  • Karl Johans Gate
  • Nobel Peace Center
  • Oslo City Hall

oslo opera house norway nordic countries

Where to eat in Oslo on day 1?

  • Lunch at Tunco
  • Coffee and snacks at Funky Fresh Foods – DogA
  • Dinner at Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar Tjuvholmen

There are many awesome places to dine in Oslo but are expensive. I’ve suggested the ones we found cheap yet best – the absolute value of money.

Where to stay in Oslo? Mad Architect’s Shared Apt – Sørenga – Homestay, Thon Hotel Storo , and Camillas Hus .

Day 16 – Explore Oslo, Norway

The second day in Oslo starts with an Oslofjord cruise and then a ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula . The peninsula is brimming with famous Norwegian museums like the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

You can’t visit Oslo with kids and not visit one of its amazing museums.

oslofjord cruise oslo

Make sure to grab an Oslo Pass to save money on museums and other major attractions in Oslo.

We recommend visiting the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norwegian Folk Museum), Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum.

Dining recommendations for your 2nd day in Oslo: Mamma Pizza Osteria , Haralds Vaffel , Habits Coffee , and Oslo Street Food .

Try Statholdergaarden if you want to splurge on food.

Read our guide to the best things to do in Oslo, Norway

Day 17 – Oslo to Bergen on Bergen Railway | Explore Bergen

Day 16 of your Nordic Countries tour is beautiful. Today, you’ll ride one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) from Oslo to Bergen .

This train journey is a part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour but that needs you to get down at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway ( Flåmsbana ), another popular scenic train ride from Myrdal to Flam.

We didn’t take the package so traveled to Bergen.

The journey is exhilarating and the best introduction you can have to the Norwegian landscape.

Read all about the scenic train journey from Oslo to Bergen

oslo to bergen train norway nordic countries

If you book Norway in a Nutshell Tour , your transportation is managed by them but if you’re exploring Bergen (Gateway to the fjords) and Norwegian fjords on your own like us, the best way is to rent a car.

The car rental services aren’t available at the Bergen Railway Station which means you’ll have to catch a bus (Flybussen) to reach the Bergen Airport and rent a car.

Once you’ve rented a car, check in your hotel, relax, and spend the evening strolling the colorful lanes and pretty harbor of Bryggen and check out the Bergen fish market.

bryggen bergen norway

Where to dine in Bergen?

  • Coffee and snacks at Lovetann Kaffebar
  • Dinner at Trekroneren

Where to stay in Bergen? Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen , YM40 , Bjørnestrand Fjordside View , Scandic Flesland Airport

Day 18 – Explore Bergen

The entire day is dedicated to exploring Bergen . Ride the Fløibanen funicular and/or the Ulriken cable car to get 360-degree panoramic views over the city.

View from Mount Fløyen Bergen Norway

Visit the KODE Art Museums , especially KODE 4 which has Kunstlab where kids can learn the art while playing.

bergen norway nordic countries scandinavia itinerary

Next, you can visit Bergen Science Center Vilvite (kid-friendly) or Bergenhus Fortress depending upon the time and interest.

You can take the cruise along the Osterfjord if you’ve time and energy. The cruise leaves from the fish market pier. The last cruise leaves at 6 pm during the summer season and 2 pm otherwise.

Dining suggestions for 2nd day in Bergen:

  • Lunch at Bare Restaurant
  • Coffee and snacks at Godt Brod
  • Dinner at the Horn of Africa

With more time, you can take one of many beautiful day trips from Bergen .

PS: We loved Bergen so much that the plan for the second visit is already on my mind. We explored Bergen in the summer and now are keen to witness the magic of Bergen in winter.

Day 19 – Drive to Hardangerfjord from Bergen | Explore Hardanger

The day finally is here when you’ll witness the majestic Norwegian fjord up close. A beautiful drive from Bergen to Hardangerfjord takes less than 2 hours.

The third-longest fjord in the world and second-longest in Norway, Hardangerfjord is wild and stunning.

There are many ways you can revel in the beauty of the fjord – hiking, walking, cruising, kayaking, and many more.

hardangerfjord hordaland norway

Where to eat in Hardanger? Hardangerviddahallen Restaurant & Cafe, Restaurant Fjell & Fjord, and Mabodalen Camping and Hyttesenter.

Where to stay in Hardanger? Hardangerfjord Hotel , Mo Gardsferie , Apartment in Herand , Vik Pensjonat Og Hytter , and Jaunsen Gjestegjevarstad .

Day 20 – Drive to Flam | Explore Flam

Today, drive the beautiful stretch from Eidfjord to Flam. There are many beautiful stops on the way to Flam like Voss, Gudvangen, and Stalheimskleiva .

Don’t rush but try to soak in the experiences.

You can opt for a Norled express boat from Bergen to Flam along the Sognefjord if you’ve enough time. The round-trip takes the entire day and the single journey takes over 5.5 hours. The boat leaves at 8:00 and makes brief stops at fjord villages on the way before it reaches Flam. The return trip starts at around 15:00 in the afternoon.

Once you reach Flam, take a fjord cruise or fjord safari through UNESCO Nærøyfjord , the most dramatic and wildest arm of the Sognefjord.

beauty of naerofjord flam gudvangen nærøydalselvi river norway

The three-hour tour passes through endless waterfalls, mountainside farms, little fjord villages, and colossal mountains.

flam naeroyfjord norway nordic countries

One of the tours ( Heritage Taste Fjord Safari ) lets you get down to the beautiful village of Undredal , famous for its authentic goat cheese.

You can taste different varieties of cheese and jams at Eldhuset.

Once you’re done with the fjord cruise, board the Flamsbana for the most enchanting train journey from Flam to Myrdal and back.

flam railway flamsbana flam to myrdal norway

Where to eat in Flam? Fretheim Hotel Restaurant, Flam Marina and Appartement Cafe, Green Norway Flam, and Bakkastova .

Where to stay in Flam? Flåm Marina , Flåm Ferdaminne , and Visit Undredal .

Related Read: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

Day 21 – Road Trip from Flam to Oslo

Day 21. Sigh! We are almost done with our Nordic Countries exploration. Wait! The best is yet to come 🙂

Today, you’ll drive one of the loveliest road trips you’ve ever driven in your life. Believe you me.

The road trip from Bergen via Flam to Oslo passes through exciting tunnels, medieval churches, cute towns, mountain passes, national parks, dramatic fjords, and whatnot.

bergen to oslo road trip a lovely turf roof house near geilo norway

The entire road journey (300+ km) takes around 5 to 6 hours including the time spent at stopovers.

Here’s a detailed post about the road trip from Bergen to Oslo

You can retire to your hotel or check out the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower in the evening. Climb the observation deck on top of the jump tower to enjoy the panoramic views over Oslo. The evenings are special as they bring beautiful sunsets over Oslofjord .

Day 22 – Fly Back Home

Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the Nordics. I don’t like the endings especially when it comes to beautiful trips but as they say, “All good things must come to an end.”

You’ll fly out from Oslo to head home, wherever in the world it is. If you have a flight late afternoon or evening, you can spend some time exploring more of Oslo or maybe shopping for souvenirs. We recommend Way Nor for souvenirs.

oslo to delhi flight nordic countries scandinavia itinerary

Phew! This is an exhaustive guide to Scandinavia and we hope it helps travelers across the world to travel to this beautiful region in Northern Europe.

So, it’s basically a Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland itinerary! You can add Iceland to this itinerary to explore the entire Nordic region. I purposely left Iceland as we have planned to visit it sometime soon during the Northern Lights season 🙂

Suggested Scandinavia Itineraries

For all those who don’t have 3 weeks to devote to the trip but still want to explore Scandinavia. Don’t worry, we have got you covered!

Here are suggested itineraries for Scandinavia for 15 days, 14 days, 12 days, 10 days, and 7 days:

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 2: Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Take a Day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Day 4: Fly from Copenhagen to Stavanger, Norway | Explore Stavanger

Day 5: Hike Pulpit Rock

Day 6: Fly from Stavanger to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Hike Trolltunga

Day 8: Take a Day Trip to Flåm to experience Norwegian Fjord Cruise (Nærøyfjord) and Flåm Railway

Day 9: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo

Day 10: Explore Oslo

Day 11: Fly from Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 12: Explore Stockholm

Day 13: Fly from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 14: Explore Helsinki

Day 15: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 14 Days (Bonus: Vibrant Estonian Capital of Tallinn)

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 2: Explore Helsinki

Day 3: Take a Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia | Explore Tallinn

Day 4: Explore Tallinn | Overnight Cruise from Tallinn to Stockholm, Sweden

Day 5: Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Fly from Stockholm to Copenhagen | Explore Copenhagen

Day 7: Explore Copenhagen

Day 8: Fly from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 9: Explore Oslo

Day 10: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Oslo to Bergen

Day 11: Explore Bergen

Day 12: Explore Flåm and the Norwegian Fjords

Day 13: Drive or Fly from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 14: Fly Back Home

PS: Alternatively, you can join Norway in a Nutshell Tour on Day 10 that starts in Oslo and covers the beautiful Flåmsbana train ride and fjord cruise, and ends in Bergen. In that case, you can trade the day dedicated to Flam for the Trolltunga hike.

Scandinavia Itinerary for 12 Days: An Exciting Scandinavia Road Trip Itinerary

Day 3: Drive to Gothenburg, Sweden | Explore Gothenburg

Day 4: Drive from Gothenburg to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Drive from Stockholm to Oslo

Day 7: Explore Oslo

Day 8: Drive from Oslo to Bergen

Day 9: Explore Bergen

Day 10: Explore Flam and Norwegian Fjords

Day 11: Drive from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 12: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days

Day 3: Fly from Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 4: Explore Stockholm

Day 5: Fly from Stockholm to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 6: Fly from Oslo to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Take a Day trip from Bergen to Flåm | Cruise Nærøyfjord | Ride Flåmsbana

Day 8: Fly from Bergen to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 9: Explore Helsinki

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 2: Fly or Board a Train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Explore Copenhagen | Overnight Cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway

Day 4: Explore Oslo

Day 5: Fly or Board a Train from Oslo to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Explore Stockholm

Day 7: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: FAQs

What are the Scandinavian countries?

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are Scandinavian countries, geographically. However, Finland, and Iceland, along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland are also considered Scandinavian countries, traditionally. Ideally, they all together are called – Nordic countries.

How many days do you need to visit Scandinavia?

You need at least 10 days to explore the best of Scandinavia. 10 days in Scandinavia allows you to tick off the highlights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, however, it’d be a bit rushed trip. 2 weeks in Scandinavia are perfect to discover Scandinavia in a relaxed manner while 3 weeks in the region lets you discover the hidden gems or add some of the lesser known places.

What are the best months to travel in Scandinavia?

If you go by book, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best months to visit Scandinavia. It’s when the weather is just perfect, the days are endless, and the magic of the midnight sun adds to the experience. However, I feel winter in Scandinavia is extra special too because it brings the otherworldly northern lights and hygge , mysa , and koselig !

Is it expensive in Scandinavia?

Yes, Scandinavia is costly! Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland rank on the top among the most expensive countries to travel to and live in the world. Yet, there are many ways you can visit Scandinavia on a budget if you choose rental vacation homes over hotels, cook your own food over eating out, visit free attractions, use discount passes, and plan well in advance. Also, planning to go during the low season also helps.

Which Scandinavian country to visit first?

It doesn’t matter which Scandinavian country you visit first. You can start in Sweden or Denmark or Norway or Finland depending on where there are a good number of direct as well as cheap flights to and from your home country available. Your Scandinavian itinerary mostly starts and ends in different countries.

Which country is better in Scandinavia?

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland; each Scandinavian country is different and more beautiful than the next. Denmark has world-class design and architecture, Norway has unearthly fjords and wilderness, Sweden has lush woodlands, pristine lakes, and islands, and Finland has stunning lakes, and traditional sauna culture, and it is home to the Santa Clause.

Is it easy to travel between Scandinavian countries?

Yes, traveling between Scandinavian countries is quite easy and comfortable. With extensive road, rail, air, and sea networks, getting around Scandinavia is a breeze. Express trains, overnight cruises, short ferry rides, long-distance coaches, low-cost flights – options abound. And, not to mention, a road trip around Scandinavia is the way to go if you have time.

What’s Scandinavia known for?

Scandinavia is famous for its Viking heritage, stunning landscape, endless forest cover, pristine lakes, magical fjords, gushing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, remarkable design, and architecture, royal palaces, pretty churches, unique culture, mouth-watering cuisine, charming towns, northern lights, midnight sun, and happy vibe. It’s one hell of a region!

So, when are you planning your trip to Scandinavia? If you need any further assistance as you plan to travel to Scandinavia, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to help!

Recommended Reading:

  • Renting a Car in Europe
  • Schengen Visa for Europe
  • How to Plan a Trip to Europe
  • Cheap and Free Things to do in Copenhagen
  • 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
  • 13+ Incredible Day Trips from Copenhagen
  • 8 Beautiful Airbnb in Copenhagen for Families
  • Best Hotels in Copenhagen for Families
  • Dragør in Denmark
  • Best Places to Visit in Denmark
  • Cool Danish Words
  • Trip to Finnish Lapland in Summer
  • Best Things to do in Helsinki
  • A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki
  • Porvoo in Finland
  • Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
  • Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids
  • Oslo with Kids
  • Where to Stay in Oslo
  • Undredal in Norway
  • The Train from Oslo to Bergen
  • A Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo
  • 7 Days in Norway Itinerary
  • 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary
  • Beautiful Norwegian Words
  • Cool Swedish Words

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Anjali Chawla

7 thoughts on “Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary”

Hello Anjali! What a nice web travel spot you ve created. I am heading to Denmark, Sweden and Finland for 10 days with 3 kids ( 13 to 20 yrs.), mid january. I am from Argentina and that´s our summer holidays. Do you think it still would be an acceptable idea ( short days, cold cold cold ).

Hey Fernando!

I and Neha love it when our readers find our content helpful because that’s our ultimate goal 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words.

Fernando, the plus points of visiting the Nordic countries in winter are – fewer crowds, lower costs, loads of winter activities, and a chance to witness Aurora Borealis while the downsides include chilly and windy weather, shorter days (translates to less exploration time), and closed roads (matters if road tripping is on your list). Also, many sights and activities remain closed or open on a limited schedule during winter.

Having said that, I’d say winter is a good time to go if your travel goal is to catch the northern lights and indulge in winter sports.

If you can postpone your plan then I’d recommend visiting from late May to early June when the weather is just perfect, days are long, crowds are limited, and all the sights and activities are open.

If you can’t put off your plan then make sure to pack well for your winter adventure as you’ve kids traveling with you. As they say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” You gotta exercise caution while packing for your trip so you and your kids can feel comfortable during wintertime and enjoy snowy activities.

Be ready to layer up or bundle up. You must pack insulated, well-ventilated, and weather resistant jackets, waterproof lower, fleece leggings, long-sleeved tops, thermal underwear, warm sweaters to layer on tops, waterproof boots with a good grip, warm cap, war, and waterproof gloves, warm scarves, and thick socks. Make sure that the material of clothes is lightweight and quick dry.

Hope that helps. If you’ve any further questions or concerns, please let me know. I’m here to help!

Happy Travels!

Glad you liked the article and found it helpful. Hope it helps you plan your Scandinavia trip

The best information I read and don’t know even what is Nordic. It’s nice to know and learn other countries and one day we can visit this places.

So beautiful even looking only on the photos. Just saving money for the next holiday. Bon Voyage!

This sounds amazing! Thank your for your hard work in putting it together. I I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go, but it sounds like a dream vacation.

Excellent info – thank you! If I have 4 weeks to travel around these gorgeous countries, is there anywhere you’d add to the above itinerary?

If you have 4 weeks in Scandinavia, I’d suggest you to add 2 or 3 more days in Denmark to explore the charming cities of Aarhus and Odense and 2 to 3 days in Norway for Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hike, or maybe a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park. You can also refer to the itineraries for Denmark and Norway on my blog for more ideas.

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Sweden and Finland Face First NATO Test

NATO is launching a new major military exercise on Monday to practice defense of its northern theater, the first such drill since the confirmation of the alliance's expansion to include Finland and Sweden.

Nordic Response 2024 will see more than 20,000 troops from 13 nations involved in a practice defensive operation across northern parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The exercise will run from March 3 to March 14.

The accessions of Finland and Sweden to NATO have transformed the security environment in northern Europe and the Arctic Circle. Though long cooperating with NATO, Stockholm and Helsinki had maintained official foreign policy neutrality for decades through the Cold War and its aftermath. Both nations had sought to avoid confrontation with Russia, but Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 precipitated a rapid shift in public and political opinion.

NATO nations will drill on land, at sea, and in the air. More than 50 submarines, frigates, corvettes, aircraft carriers, and amphibious vessels will be involved, per a NATO press release. So too will more than 100 fighter jets, transport aircraft, maritime surveillance aircraft, and helicopters.

Ground troops will use equipment including artillery systems, tanks, and tracked vehicles. The NATO nations taking part are Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S.

Swedish troops during military drills February 2024

Norway will co-host the exercises along with Sweden and NATO. "We all need to know the terrain and conditions we operate in," Brigadier Tron Strand—the commander of the Norwegian Air Operations Centre—said in a statement.

This month's drills are an evolved version of the biannual Exercise Cold Response. "Thanks to the NATO accession of Finland—and eventually Sweden —we are now expanding the exercise to a Nordic Response with wider participation from other allies," Strand said.

Stockholm said around 4,500 of its personnel would be involved in Nordic Response. More than 4,000 Finns will take part—the largest Finnish contingent ever involved in NATO exercises.

"For the first time, Finland will participate as a NATO member nation in exercising collective defense of the alliance's regions," the Finnish Defense Forces said in a statement.

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Their additions of Sweden and Finland to NATO bolsters the alliance in the Baltic Sea—onto which key Russian ports in Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg open—and in the so-called High North area.

"The High North represents an important and strategically located area for NATO," the alliance said on its website. "The exercise increases Nordic preparedness and the capability to conduct large-scale joint operations in challenging weather and climate."

Sweden is now in the final stages of joining the bloc, the Hungarian parliament having ratified its bid in February. Stockholm's accession has long been delayed by Turkish and Hungarian opposition .

Neil Melvin—the director of international security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank in London—told Newsweek : "Sweden notably brings to NATO a well-equipped army, over a hundred advanced [jet] fighters, a modern navy including five submarines, as well as a technologically advanced defense industrial base."

The extension of the alliance's Article 5 collective defense commitment across Scandinavia "is part of a transformation of northern Europe into a NATO bastion," Melvin said.

Newsweek has contacted the Russian Foreign Ministry by email to request comment.

Russia has protested Nordic Response. "Our country will not leave the bolstering of NATO's military potential near its borders without a response, it will take relevant defense measures in order to curtail threats to its national security," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in February.

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About the writer

David Brennan is Newsweek's Diplomatic Correspondent covering world politics and conflicts from London with a focus on NATO, the European Union, and the Russia-Ukraine War. David joined Newsweek in 2018 and has since reported from key locations and summits across Europe and the South Caucasus. This includes extensive reporting from the Baltic, Nordic, and Central European regions, plus Georgia and Ukraine. Originally from London, David graduated from the University of Cambridge having specialized in the history of empires and revolutions. You can contact David at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @DavidBrennan100.

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

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  1. Map Norway Sweden Finland

    norway sweden or finland to visit

  2. Scandinavian tours to enjoy in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark

    norway sweden or finland to visit

  3. Your Attractions Guide to Finland, Denmark and Sweden

    norway sweden or finland to visit

  4. Highlights of Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway & Denmark

    norway sweden or finland to visit

  5. Map Norway Sweden Finland

    norway sweden or finland to visit

  6. Northern Lights tour, Sweden, Finland & Norway

    norway sweden or finland to visit

VIDEO

  1. What Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland have to offer. #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. Nordic Countries: Which One Should You Visit?

    Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark are the five principal countries of the Nordic region. getty. The Nordic countries are known around the world for their unique history and culture.

  2. Scandinavia trip planning: which country should you go to?

    Norway, together with Iceland, is probably the country that appeals most to those who wish to travel to Scandinavia. Fjords, waterfalls, trolls and vikings are typical Norwegian things you will encounter on your trip. From a landscape point of view, Norway is one of the most diverse countries I have ever been to.

  3. Finland or Sweden: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

    Finland, or the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic Nation in Northern Europe. It has borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia, and extends across 130,559 square miles, with an estimated population of around 5.6 million people. Its capital and largest city is Helsinki, and its main language is Finnish, although around 5% of the population speak ...

  4. Finland Vs. Sweden Vs. Norway: Nordic Wonderland

    Sweden, Norway, and Finland are the top three countries (respectively) by the number of islands they have. Sweden has more than 267,000 islands, and a measly 984 of those are inhabited. Hundreds of islands are without road connections, so a lot of people just use boats to get around. Ferries are also common, especially in Norway.

  5. Your Perfect Scandinavia Itinerary (1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks)

    Two-week Scandinavia itinerary. Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Bergen -> Flåm -> Sognefjord. With two weeks to spend in Scandinavia, you can travel through the contemporary capital cities and explore one of the most spectacular regions in this part of the world: the western coast of Norway. Immerse yourself in Copenhagen's superb ...

  6. When to visit the Nordic countries

    Summer in the Nordic countries. Summer, June, July and August are great times to visit the Nordic countries and the high season in the Nordics. You have long days; in summer, the Sun comes up around 4:00 and sets around 22:30 in most Scandinavia. In the Arctic region, the sun is above the horizon in the summer months, and you can experience the ...

  7. How to Plan a Trip to Scandinavia

    The key is to plan out your itinerary with a balance of planned activities and free time to explore. 9. Itinerary Suggestion - Sweden, Denmark and Norway in 13 days / 12 nights. Here is a brief overview, itinerary suggestion, for a pretty standard trip of the 3 Scandinavian capitals, including fjord Norway.

  8. Sweden vs Norway, which one should you visit?

    nextvoyage (CC). In the north of both countries, Sami is spoken by the indigenous people that live in Lapland. Some 25,000-30,000 native Sami speak the language across the north of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, though they will all speak their national language too - and probably some English as well.

  9. Sweden vs Finland: which one should you visit?

    Sweden is larger than Finland in both size and population: its land area is 528,448 square kilometers (that's around 204,000 square miles). Meanwhile, Finland's total area is around 338,439 square kilometers (or 130,700 square miles). The population of Sweden is around 10.3 million. Finland's population is about half that, at 5.5 million ...

  10. The Nordic Countries: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

    The Nordic countries consist of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Take a look at a map and you'll see all these nations form part of Northern Europe. The island territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland also fall under the Nordic region. Browse top tours of Northern Europe.

  11. How to Visit the Tripoint Between Sweden, Finland, and Norway

    There, they can set out to hike to Treriksröset, the exact point where Sweden, Finland, and Norway intersect. There, travelers can walk out on a small wooden walkway to a cement cairn, first ...

  12. 10-Day Travel Itinerary in Finland, Sweden, and Norway

    Go off the beaten track in Finland, Sweden, and Norway to discover the best of northern Europe's wild nature in this adventurous, wide-ranging itinerary. Travel across the landscapes of Finnish Lakeland, Swedish Lapland, and the Norwegian fjords, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and Sami culture, and experience the power of Nordic nature.

  13. Should you visit Sweden or Norway?

    Norway might have its Arctic archipelagos, meandering mountain roads and cascading waterfalls, true. But in Sweden, you can let your soul drift in seaside paradises, on epic hikes or under the magic of the aurora borealis. If you venture to Sweden for the first time, start in the capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands, the city's oldest ...

  14. Best Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days + Nordic (Norway Sweden Denmark Finland)

    Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark. Arrive in Copenhagen and check into your hotel. Explore the city's iconic landmarks like the Nyhavn Harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and Christiansborg Palace. Visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with beautiful gardens and thrilling rides. Enjoy Danish cuisine at local restaurants.

  15. 10 Day Scandinavia Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers!

    Here is how to enjoy the best of Scandinavia in just 10 days: Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark, tour Copenhagen. Day 2: See more of Copenhagen; fly to Stavanger, Norway. Day 3: Tour Stavanger and hike Pulpit Rock. Day 4: Travel to Bergen; tour Bergen. Day 5: Tour Norway fjords; ride the Flåm Railway. Day 6: Travel to Oslo; tour Oslo.

  16. Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

    At the top, enjoy the views over the Lysefjord from the 604-metre (nearly 2,000-feet) high cliff! Visit Scandinavia in the summer months, June, July or August, to go hiking, kayaking and more. 6. Sognefjord, Norway. Prepare to be amazed by Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord.

  17. Finland vs. Norway for Vacation

    A night in a mid-range hotel is likely to cost around NOK 800-1200 ($90-135). As for transportation, a monthly public transit pass is approximately NOK 700-800 ($78-89). In summary, Norway tends to be a bit pricier than Finland. However, both countries provide high-quality services, which balance out the costs.

  18. Scandinavia Itinerary: Where to Go in Scandinavia by Rick Steves

    8 days, add: Norway in a Nutshell fjord trip, Bergen; 10 days, add: Overnight cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki; 14 days, add: Ærø, Odense, Roskilde, Frederiksborg (all in Denmark) 17 days, add: Aarhus (Denmark), Kalmar (Sweden) 21 days, add: Tallinn and more time in capitals; 24 days, add: More Norwegian countryside or Stockholm's archipelago

  19. Norway vs Sweden: Which Scandinavian country should you visit?

    Sweden also has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and one of the world's largest archipelagos (the Stockholm Archipelago), which comprises over 30,000 islands and islets. There are endless opportunities to explore. Both countries have a lot to offer. Norway is the place to be if you're into mountains, glaciers, and fjords.

  20. Best Time to Go to Scandinavia by Rick Steves

    When to Go to Scandinavia. Long and sunny days make summer the best time to visit Copenhagen. (photo: Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli) By Rick Steves. Summer is a great time to go. Scandinavia bustles and glistens under the July and August sun; it's the height of the tourist season, when all the sightseeing attractions are open and in full swing.

  21. Norway vs Sweden: Which Should You Visit (or Move To)?

    In fact, when it comes to health, both countries rank in the top 20 for life expectancy. Norway comes in at 14th place, with an average life expectancy of 82.3 years, while Sweden takes the 11th spot with an average of 82.7 years. One of the main draws to these Scandinavian countries is their incredible quality of life.

  22. Norway & Finland Trip: 7 Lapland Itinerary Stops

    7 Scenic places to visit in northern Norway and Finland . ... Take a stroll around the yellow cairn and you have been in Finland, Sweden, and Norway in seconds. My favorite place to stay in Kilpisjärvi is Arctic Land Adventure where you can get up close and personal with reindeer at this Sami reindeer ranch. There are also wonderful chalets in ...

  23. Wonders of the Far North: Incredible Arctic Destinations

    Countries included in the Arctic Circle include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (parts of Alaska), Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), and Iceland. ... The prime time to visit is ...

  24. Expanded NATO launching Nordic exercises

    A newly expanded NATO is launching major exercises with Nordic nations Finland, Sweden and Norway as the western security alliance seeks to demonstrate forces are prepared to defend its borders.

  25. Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks

    Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland rank on the top among the most expensive countries to travel to and live in the world. Yet, there are many ways you can visit Scandinavia on a budget if you choose rental vacation homes over hotels, cook your own food over eating out, visit free attractions, use discount passes, and plan well in advance.

  26. This Stunning Destination in Norway Is All Over Instagram. But What's

    Thanks to social media, the Lofoten Islands attract major summer crowds. Our writer embarks on an offseason road trip to experience the reality behind the oversaturated images.

  27. Sweden and Finland Face First NATO Test

    Nordic Response 2024 will see more than 20,000 troops from 13 nations involved in a practice defensive operation across northern parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The exercise will run from ...

  28. Allied Air Command

    NATOs Allied Air Command delivers Air and Space Power for the Alliance. It is in charge of all Air and Space matters from northern Norway to southern Italy and from the Azores to eastern Turkey. All missions support NATO's strategic concepts of Collective Defence, Crisis Management and Cooperative Security.